ποτήρι
Wordform Details
Translation: glasscup
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ποτήρι
Translation: glass; cup; tumbler; drinking vessel (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ποτήριον (potḗrion), a diminutive of ποτήρ (potḗr, 'drinking cup'). The root comes from the verb πίνω (píno, 'to drink'). The English word 'potable' (meaning drinkable) shares the same Indo-European root *peh₃- (to drink).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'potable' (drinkable) to remember ποτήρι is for drinking.
- The 'pot' in ποτήρι can remind you of a pot that holds liquid, though a glass is what it actually means.
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, glasses are often used for serving water, wine, ouzo (with ice), and other beverages. The traditional toast 'Γεια μας' (to our health) is commonly said before drinking. Breaking a glass accidentally is sometimes considered good luck in Greek folk tradition.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While ποτήρι means 'glass' (the container), ποτό means 'drink' or 'beverage' (the liquid).
Confused word:
Προτιμώ ένα αλκοολούχο ποτό.
I prefer an alcoholic drink.
Notes: These words are etymologically related as they both connect to drinking.
Mnemonic: ποτήρι ends with -ρι (like 'receptacle') for the container, while ποτό is shorter and refers to what goes inside.
Explanation: ποτήρι is a glass for drinking, while πιάτο is a plate for eating.
Confused word:
Βάλε το φαγητό στο πιάτο.
Put the food on the plate.
Notes: Both are common tableware items but serve different purposes.
Mnemonic: ποτήρι starts with 'πο' like 'pour' (what you do with drinks), while πιάτο sounds a bit like 'plate'.