μικρή
Wordform Details
Translation: smallshortlittle
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
femininesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μικρός
Translation: small; little; tiny; minor; young; short (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós), which has been in use since Homeric times. The word has cognates in other Indo-European languages. English words with the prefix 'micro-' (like microscope, microchip) derive from this Greek root, all conveying the sense of smallness.
Example Usage
Έχω ένα μικρό σπίτι.
I have a small house.
Το μικρό παιδί παίζει στον κήπο.
The little child is playing in the garden.
Είναι ένα μικρό πρόβλημα.
It's a minor problem.
Ο μικρός μου αδερφός πηγαίνει στο δημοτικό.
My young brother goes to elementary school.
Ο μικρός αδερφός μου είναι πέντε χρονών.
My little brother is five years old.
Περίμενε μια μικρή στιγμή.
Wait a little moment.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'micro' in English (microscope, microchip) to remember μικρός means 'small'
- The word sounds a bit like 'meek' in English, which can suggest someone small or humble
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'μικρός' is often used affectionately for children or younger people. It can also be used in phrases like 'μικρό μου' (my little one) as a term of endearment. The diminutive is very common in Greek expressions of affection.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μικρός' means 'small' or 'little', 'μακρύς' means 'long'. They sound somewhat similar but have opposite meanings in terms of dimension.
This word:
Το τραπέζι είναι μικρό.
The table is small.
Confused word:
Ο δρόμος είναι μακρύς.
The road is long.
Notes: These words are often encountered together when describing dimensions of objects.
Mnemonic: Think: 'μικρός' starts with 'μι' like 'mini', while 'μακρύς' starts with 'μα' like 'maximum length'.
Explanation: 'Μικρός' means 'small', while 'μικρόφωνο' means 'microphone'. The latter is a compound word containing 'μικρός' (small) and 'φωνή' (voice).
This word:
Το κουτί είναι μικρό.
The box is small.
Confused word:
Χρειάζομαι ένα μικρόφωνο για την παρουσίαση.
I need a microphone for the presentation.
Notes: The connection is that a microphone makes small sounds bigger, hence the etymology from 'μικρός'.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'μικρόφωνο' is longer and means 'microphone', which amplifies small sounds.