χάλκινο
Wordform Details
Translation: bronzecoppermade of copper
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neutersingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: χάλκινος
Translation: bronze; copper; brass; made of copper; bronze-colored (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek χάλκινος (khálkinos), derived from χαλκός (khalkós) meaning 'copper' or 'bronze'. The root χαλκός is related to the name of the island of Cyprus (Κύπρος/Kýpros), which was famous in antiquity for its copper mines. The English word 'chalcolithic' (copper age) shares the same Greek root.
Example Usage
Κέρδισε το χάλκινο μετάλλιο.
He won the bronze medal.
Βρήκαν ένα αρχαίο χάλκινο άγαλμα.
They found an ancient bronze statue.
Φορούσε ένα χάλκινο βραχιόλι.
She was wearing a bronze bracelet.
Το άγαλμα είναι φτιαγμένο από χάλκινο υλικό.
The statue is made of bronze material.
Κέρδισε το χάλκινο μετάλλιο στους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες.
He won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games.
Η πόρτα έχει χάλκινα διακοσμητικά.
The door has copper decorations.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chalk' + 'keen' to remember 'χάλκινος' (though they're not etymologically related).
- Associate with 'chalcolithic' (copper age) which shares the same Greek root.
- Remember the color of a penny to recall the meaning 'copper/bronze'.
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Bronze and copper have significant cultural importance in Greek history, from ancient metallurgy to modern art. Bronze medals (χάλκινα μετάλλια) in sports competitions represent third place. The term is also commonly used when referring to archaeological artifacts and historical objects.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'χάλκινος' is the adjective meaning 'made of bronze/copper', 'χαλκός' is the noun referring to the metal itself (copper).
Notes: The adjective 'χάλκινος' describes objects made of the material, while the noun 'χαλκός' refers to the raw material itself.
Mnemonic: Remember: '-ινος' ending makes it an adjective (like golden, wooden).
Explanation: Both mean 'bronze', but 'μπρούτζινος' is a more modern term derived from Italian 'bronzo', while 'χάλκινος' has ancient Greek origins.
Confused word:
Έχει μια μπρούτζινη διακόσμηση στο σπίτι του.
He has a bronze decoration in his house.
Notes: 'Χάλκινος' is often preferred in formal or historical contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'χάλκινος' for archaeological contexts and 'μπρούτζινος' for modern objects.