This page lists 99 Greek words that start with M, from “Mama” to “Mnimosyno.” The list covers family terms, everyday adjectives, food and drink, and common verbs. It is useful for learners building vocabulary, travelers reading menus and signs, and anyone curious about the language.
Greek words are the vocabulary of one of the oldest written languages in the world, spoken for more than 3,000 years. Many English words trace back to Greek M-words, including “music,” “myth,” and “mathematics.”
Below you’ll find the table with the word, English translation, part of speech, example usage, and description for each entry.
Word: The Greek word written in Latin letters, so you can read it and say it aloud without knowing the Greek alphabet.
English translation: The closest English meaning, so you can quickly understand each word and see which ones are worth learning first.
Part of speech: Shows whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, or another type, so you know how to use it in a sentence.
Example usage: A short Greek phrase with its English meaning in brackets, showing you how people use the word in real conversation.
Description: A brief note on the word’s meaning, tone, and background, including cultural context and links to English words you may already know.
Greek words
| Word | English translation | Part of speech | Example usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mama | Mom | noun | I mama mou ine kali (My mom is kind) |
| Mou | My, mine | pronoun | To spiti mou (my house) |
| Mazi | Together | adverb | Pame mazi (let’s go together) |
| Mati | Eye | noun | Exeis oraia matia (you have beautiful eyes) |
| Matia | Eyes | noun | Matia mou (my eyes, a term of endearment) |
| Mavro | Black | adjective | Mavro kafe (black coffee) |
| Mavros | Black (masculine) | adjective | O mavros gatos (the black cat) |
| Mavri | Black (feminine) | adjective | I mavri thalassa (the Black Sea) |
| Megalos | Big, great | adjective | Megalos dromos (a big road) |
| Megali | Big (feminine) | adjective | Megali poli (a big city) |
| Mikros | Small | adjective | O mikros mou adelfos (my little brother) |
| Mikri | Small (feminine) | adjective | Mikri kopela (little girl) |
| Mono | Only, just | adverb | Mono ena (only one) |
| Monos | Alone | adjective | Ime monos mou (I am by myself) |
| Mera | Day | noun | Kali mera (good morning, literally good day) |
| Meres | Days | noun | Poles meres (many days) |
| Mina | Month | noun | Ton mina pou ertchetai (next month) |
| Menei | Stays, lives | verb | Pou menei? (where does he live?) |
| Meno | I stay, I remain | verb | Meno stin Athina (I live in Athens) |
| Metro | Metro, subway | noun | Pame me to metro (let’s take the metro) |
| Mesa | Inside | adverb | Ela mesa (come in) |
| Mesi | Middle, center | noun | Stin mesi tis plateias (in the middle of the square) |
| Mesogeios | Mediterranean | noun | I Mesogeios thalassa (the Mediterranean Sea) |
| Mesimeri | Noon, midday | noun | Stin mesimeri fame (we eat at noon) |
| Mesanychta | Midnight | noun | Stis mesanychta (at midnight) |
| Melissa | Bee | noun | I melissa dinei meli (the bee gives honey) |
| Meli | Honey | noun | Meli kai yaourti (honey and yogurt) |
| Melitzana | Eggplant | noun | Melitzanes imam (stuffed eggplants) |
| Melitzanosalata | Eggplant dip | noun | Ena pinaki melitzanosalata (a plate of eggplant dip) |
| Marouli | Lettuce | noun | Marouli salata (lettuce salad) |
| Mantili | Handkerchief, scarf | noun | Ena mantili sto kefali (a scarf on the head) |
| Mantinada | Rhyming couplet | noun | Tragoudaei mantinades (he sings rhyming couplets) |
| Manti | Mantis, prophecy | noun | I manti (the fortune teller) |
| Manavis | Greengrocer | noun | Ston manavi gia frouta (at the greengrocer for fruit) |
| Makaria | Greek funeral meal | noun | Ta makaria meta tin kidia (the funeral meal after the burial) |
| Makaronia | Pasta, macaroni | noun | Makaronia me kima (pasta with meat sauce) |
| Makaronada | Pasta dish | noun | Ti fame? Makaronada! (what are we eating? Pasta!) |
| Makria | Far, far away | adverb | Makria apo to spiti (far from home) |
| Makris | Long | adjective | Makris dromos (a long road) |
| Malaka | Jerk, idiot (also friendly slang) | noun | Ti kaneis, re malaka? (how are you, mate?) |
| Malakia | Nonsense | noun | Ti malakies les? (what nonsense are you saying?) |
| Malista | Of course, indeed | adverb | Malista, kyrie! (of course, sir!) |
| Mallon | Rather, more likely | adverb | Mallon tha vrexei (it will probably rain) |
| Mallia | Hair | noun | Omorfa mallia (beautiful hair) |
| Mastiha | Mastic | noun | Mastiha apo tin Chio (mastic from Chios) |
| Mastoras | Master craftsman | noun | Ena mastoras xtisti (a master builder) |
| Mathima | Lesson, class | noun | Echo mathima stis okto (I have class at eight) |
| Mathitis | Student, pupil | noun | O mathitis diavazei (the student reads) |
| Matheno | I learn | verb | Matheno ellinika (I am learning Greek) |
| Mathematika | Mathematics | noun | Ta mathimatika einai diskola (math is hard) |
| Mpalkoni | Balcony | noun | Kathomaste sto mpalkoni (we sit on the balcony) |
| Mpira | Beer | noun | Mia mpira, parakalo (one beer, please) |
| Mpoukia | Bite, mouthful | noun | Ena mpoukia psomi (a bite of bread) |
| Mpanio | Bathroom | noun | Pou einai to mpanio? (where is the bathroom?) |
| Mpravo | Bravo, well done | interjection | Mpravo sou! (well done you!) |
| Moro | Baby | noun | To moro kleei (the baby is crying) |
| Moussaka | Moussaka | noun | Moussaka me bechamel (moussaka with béchamel) |
| Mousaka | Moussaka (alt. spelling) | noun | Tha fame mousaka (we will eat moussaka) |
| Mousiki | Music | noun | Agapo tin mousiki (I love music) |
| Mousio | Museum | noun | To Mousio tis Akropolis (the Acropolis Museum) |
| Mousa | Muse | noun | I Mousa tou poiiti (the poet’s muse) |
| Mythos | Myth, story | noun | O mythos tou Thisea (the myth of Theseus) |
| Mythologia | Mythology | noun | I elliniki mythologia (Greek mythology) |
| Moira | Fate, destiny | noun | I moira mas sindese (fate brought us together) |
| Monastiri | Monastery | noun | To monastiri sta Meteora (the monastery at Meteora) |
| Monopati | Footpath, trail | noun | Perpatame sto monopati (we walk on the trail) |
| Mporo | I can, I am able to | verb | Mporo na boithiso? (can I help?) |
| Mpainw | I enter | verb | Mpaino sto spiti (I go into the house) |
| Mpravo | Well done | interjection | Mpravo, paidia! (well done, kids!) |
| Mporeis | You can | verb | Mporeis na kathiseis (you can sit) |
| Mpaklavas | Baklava | noun | Ena kommati mpaklava (a piece of baklava) |
| Mpougatsa | Bougatsa | noun | Mpougatsa me krema (bougatsa with custard) |
| Mpiftekia | Bifteki patties | noun | Mpiftekia me patates (patties with potatoes) |
| Mpyrouna | Beer (slang) | noun | Pame gia mpyrouna (let’s go for a beer) |
| Mpakaliaros | Cod | noun | Mpakaliaros skordalia (cod with garlic dip) |
| Meze | Small plate, appetizer | noun | Pame gia meze (let’s go for small plates) |
| Mezes | Appetizer | noun | Enas mezes me tyri (an appetizer with cheese) |
| Mastelo | Mastelo cheese | noun | Mastelo sti schara (grilled mastelo) |
| Metaxa | Metaxa brandy | noun | Ena potiri Metaxa (a glass of Metaxa) |
| Moni | Alone, monastery | noun | I moni (the monastery) |
| Monaxia | Loneliness | noun | Aisthanomai monaxia (I feel lonely) |
| Misos | Half | adjective | Misos kilo (half a kilo) |
| Misi | Half (feminine) | adjective | Mia mishi ora (half an hour) |
| Mikro | Small (neuter) | adjective | Ena mikro spiti (a small house) |
| Mia | One (feminine) | numeral | Mia fora (one time) |
| Mazi sou | With you | phrase | Eimai mazi sou (I am with you) |
| Matakia mou | My little eyes | phrase | Ela, matakia mou (come, my darling) |
| Moro mou | My baby | phrase | Ela, moro mou (come, my baby) |
| Mou aresei | I like it | phrase | Mou aresei i Ellada (I like Greece) |
| Mpampas | Dad | noun | O mpampas mou erchetai (my dad is coming) |
| Mpaba | Dad (informal) | noun | Mpaba, elate! (dad, come on!) |
| Mikrofono | Microphone | noun | To mikrofono den doulevei (the mic is not working) |
| Metafrasi | Translation | noun | I metafrasi einai kali (the translation is good) |
| Metaforika | Transport | noun | Ta metaforika mesa (public transport) |
| Metamorfosi | Transformation | noun | I metamorfosi tou Christou (the Transfiguration) |
| Matia sou | Your eyes | phrase | Se agapo gia ta matia sou (I love you for your eyes) |
| Mnimeio | Monument, memorial | noun | To mnimeio tou agnostou stratioti (the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) |
| Mnimi | Memory | noun | Eimai me kali mnimi (I have a good memory) |
| Mnimosyno | Memorial service | noun | Tha ginei mnimosyno (a memorial service will be held) |
Descriptions
Mama
The everyday Greek word for mother. Children and adults alike use it, often alongside the more formal “mitera.”
Mou
A short possessive pronoun placed after the noun. It is among the first words learners pick up.
Mazi
Used for doing something with other people. It also appears in the common phrase “mazi sou” (with you).
Mati
The Greek word for eye. It is also the name of the blue “evil eye” charm sold across Greece to ward off envy.
Matia
The plural of “mati.” Greeks often use it as a pet name for someone they love.
Mavro
The neuter form of the Greek word for black. It is also used for dark things such as black olives, “mavres elies.”
Mavros
The masculine form of “black.” It also turns up as a common surname and nickname.
Mavri
The feminine form of “black.” The Black Sea is called “Mavri Thalassa” in Greek.
Megalos
A common adjective for size or importance. It is the root of English words like “mega” and “megaphone.”
Megali
The feminine form of “big.” It appears in names like “Megali Idea” and “Megali Ekklisia.”
Mikros
The standard word for small or young. It is the root of the English prefix “micro-.”
Mikri
The feminine form of “small.” Greeks also use it to mean “short” for things like a short walk.
Mono
Used to limit or single something out. It is the origin of the English prefix “mono-.”
Monos
Describes a person who is alone. It is also the root of “monologue” and “monopoly.”
Mera
The Greek word for day. It shows up in the standard morning greeting and in “kathe mera,” meaning every day.
Meres
The plural of “mera.” It is used for counting or describing spans of time.
Mina
The word for a calendar month. It sounds like the common girl’s name Mina.
Menei
The third-person form of “meno,” to stay or remain. Greeks use it to ask where someone lives.
Meno
The first-person form of the verb for staying. It is the usual way to say where you live.
Metro
The Greek word for the underground railway. The Athens Metro displays ancient finds from its construction.
Mesa
Used for being within a place. It is a handy word when welcoming guests into a home.
Mesi
Refers to the centre of something. It is related to “meso,” meaning middle or medium.
Mesogeios
Literally “in the middle of the land.” The name comes from “meso” (middle) and “gaia” (earth).
Mesimeri
The time around twelve o’clock. Greek lunch is often late, so “mesimeri” can stretch into the afternoon.
Mesanychta
Combines “meso” (middle) and “nychta” (night). It is the time of the Greek Easter midnight service.
Melissa
The Greek word for bee. It is also a popular female first name.
Meli
Greek honey, especially thyme honey, is famous worldwide. Honey and yogurt is a classic Greek dessert.
Melitzana
The vegetable at the heart of dishes like moussaka and melitzanosalata. The English word “aubergine” is not related.
Melitzanosalata
A smoky meze made from roasted eggplant, garlic, and olive oil. It is common at Greek tavernas.
Marouli
The Greek word for lettuce. It is used in spring dishes such as avgolemono with lettuce.
Mantili
A small piece of cloth. In Greek folk dancing, a “mantili” is held between two dancers.
Mantinada
A fifteen-syllable rhyming couplet from Crete. Mantinades are improvised at weddings and festivals.
Manti
Related to “mantis,” a seer or prophet. It gives English the word “mantis” for the praying insect.
Manavis
A shopkeeper who sells fruit and vegetables. Neighborhood “manavika” are still common in Greek towns.
Makaria
A meal served after a funeral, traditionally with fish and brandy. The word comes from “makarios,” blessed.
Makaronia
Pasta in Greek. “Makaronada” is a popular household meal of spaghetti with grated cheese.
Makaronada
A simple Greek pasta dish, often with tomato sauce and cheese. It is a staple of home cooking.
Makria
Describes distance. It is the root of the prefix “macro-” in English.
Makris
The masculine form of “long.” Related to English words like “macrobiotic.”
Malaka
A vulgar word that Greek friends use affectionately. Use it only with people you know well, as it can also be a serious insult.
Malakia
Slang for rubbish or foolish talk. Informal and best avoided in polite company.
Malista
A polite way of saying yes. It carries a slightly formal tone.
Mallon
Used to express probability or preference. It is common in written Greek.
Mallia
The plural word for the hair on a head. Greeks have many sayings involving “mallia,” such as “ta mallia mou ginan aspra.”
Mastiha
A resin harvested from trees on the island of Chios. It flavors sweets, liqueurs, and chewing gum.
Mastoras
A skilled tradesman or expert. It is also used as a respectful form of address.
Mathima
A school lesson or course. The root is the same as in “mathematics.”
Mathitis
A schoolchild. It also means follower, as in a disciple.
Matheno
The verb for learning. It is the base of English words like “mathematics.”
Mathematika
The school subject of mathematics. The English word comes directly from this Greek one.
Mpalkoni
Greek speakers use this loanword for a balcony. It is spelled with “mp” for the B sound.
Mpira
A loanword for beer. Greeks may also say “zythos,” which is the older Greek word.
Mpoukia
Means a small portion of food. It is common in the phrase “ena mpoukia” for a quick snack.
Mpanio
A handy phrase for travelers. It can mean both bath and bathroom.
Mpravo
Borrowed from Italian and used to praise someone. Greeks often shout it at celebrations.
Moro
A common word for a baby or small child. It is also used affectionately for adults.
Moussaka
The famous Greek baked dish of eggplant, minced meat, and creamy béchamel. It is served all over the country.
Mousaka
A common alternative spelling of the same dish. It is one of the best-known Greek foods.
Mousiki
The Greek word for music. It is the root of the English word through the Muses.
Mousio
The Greek word for museum. It originally meant “seat of the Muses.”
Mousa
A goddess of the arts in Greek myth. The word gives English “music,” “museum,” and “amuse.”
Mythos
A traditional tale about gods and heroes. The English word “myth” comes directly from it.
Mythologia
The body of myths belonging to a culture. Greek mythology covers gods such as Zeus and Athena.
Moira
A central idea in Greek thought. In myth, the Moirai were three goddesses who controlled life’s thread.
Monastiri
A religious house for monks or nuns. Greece has famous examples at Mount Athos and Meteora.
Monopati
A narrow walking path. Many are popular with hikers on the Greek islands.
Mporo
A very useful verb for asking permission or ability. It is one of the most frequent verbs in everyday Greek.
Mpainw
The verb for going in. It is also used when getting onto a bus or train.
Mpravo
A cheerful exclamation of praise. It is understood across many languages.
Mporeis
The second-person form of “mporo.” It is common when inviting someone to do something.
Mpaklavas
A sweet pastry of layered phyllo, nuts, and honey syrup. It is a favorite across Greece and the Middle East.
Mpougatsa
A breakfast pastry filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat. It is especially popular in Thessaloniki.
Mpiftekia
Grilled minced-meat patties, often stuffed with cheese. They are common at tavernas.
Mpyrouna
Informal Greek slang for beer or drinks. It is used among friends in casual settings.
Mpakaliaros
The traditional fish served on Greek Independence Day, March 25. It is usually fried and served with skordalia.
Meze
A selection of small dishes shared at the table. It is often enjoyed with ouzo or tsipouro.
Mezes
A variant form of “meze.” It refers to a bite eaten while drinking.
Mastelo
A firm white cheese from Chios, often grilled. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Metaxa
A Greek brandy blend with muscat wine and botanicals. It was created in 1888 by Spyros Metaxas.
Moni
Feminine form that can mean alone or a monastery, depending on context. It is also the root of “monk.”
Monaxia
The state of being alone. It comes from “monos.”
Misos
Means one half of something. It is used in shopping and cooking.
Misi
The feminine form of “half.” It is used for time and quantity.
Mikro
The neuter form of “mikros.” It is used for small objects and children.
Mia
The feminine form of the number one. It is also used as the indefinite article “a.”
Mazi sou
A warm phrase expressing support. Greeks use it in songs and daily speech.
Matakia mou
A Greek term of endearment, said to children and partners. It is used with great affection.
Moro mou
An affectionate phrase said to children. Parents and grandparents use it daily.
Mou aresei
A common way to say you like something. It literally means “it pleases me.”
Mpampas
The informal word for father. Greeks also say “baba.”
Mpaba
Used by children. It is related to the Turkish “baba.”
Mikrofono
The device that picks up sound. The English word is built from Greek “mikros” and “phone.”
Metafrasi
The act of converting text from one language to another. It is the root of “metaphrase.”
Metaforika
Refers to moving people or goods. The root is the same as in “metaphor.”
Metamorfosi
A complete change in form. It gives English “metamorphosis.”
Matia sou
A classic romantic phrase. It often appears in Greek love songs.
Mnimeio
A structure honoring a person or event. Greece has thousands of ancient and modern ones.
Mnimi
The ability to remember. It is the root of “mnemonic.”
Mnimosyno
A church service held in memory of the dead. It is common 40 days after a death.