χρυσά
Wordform Details
Translation: goldengold
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: χρυσός
Translation: gold; golden (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek χρυσός (khrusós, 'gold'). The word has Indo-European roots and is related to Sanskrit हिरण्य (hiraṇya) meaning 'gold'. The English word 'chrysalis' (the gold-colored pupa of a butterfly) and elements like 'chrys-' in words such as 'chrysanthemum' (gold flower) derive from the same Greek root.
Example Usage
Φοράει ένα χρυσό δαχτυλίδι.
She is wearing a gold ring.
Έχει χρυσή καρδιά.
She has a heart of gold.
Αυτό το δαχτυλίδι είναι φτιαγμένο από χρυσό.
This ring is made of gold.
Κέρδισε το χρυσό μετάλλιο στους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες.
He won the gold medal at the Olympic Games.
Η χρυσή εποχή του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου.
The golden age of Greek cinema.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chrysanthemum' (a golden flower) to remember 'χρυσός' means gold.
- The 'χρυσ-' sound is similar to 'Chris' with a softer 'h' - imagine someone named Chris who loves gold.
Cultural Context
Gold has significant cultural importance in Greek society, particularly in jewelry and religious artifacts. Gold jewelry is traditionally given as gifts for important life events like baptisms and weddings. The phrase 'χρυσή μετριότητα' (golden mean/moderation) reflects the ancient Greek philosophical concept of balance and moderation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'χρυσός' means 'gold', 'χρήση' means 'use' or 'usage'. They look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Η χρήση του κινητού απαγορεύεται κατά τη διάρκεια του μαθήματος.
The use of mobile phones is prohibited during class.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: χρυΣΌΣ vs ΧΡΉση.
Mnemonic: Remember: χρυσός has 'ρυσ' like 'rust' (ironically, gold doesn't rust), while χρήση has 'ρήσ' which sounds like 'wrist' (something you use).
Explanation: 'χρυσός' means 'gold' while 'χρώμα' means 'color'. They both start with 'χρ' but refer to different concepts.
Notes: χρυσός can also be used as an adjective meaning 'golden', while χρώμα is always a noun.
Mnemonic: Think of 'chrome' (which relates to color and shine) for χρώμα, and 'Chrysler' (imagine a gold-colored car) for χρυσός.