Olive tree in Greek
ελιά
elia — olive tree
Hear ελιά
Ελιά (elia) does double duty: it is the olive you eat and the tree it grew on. Greek only separates them when it needs to, with ελαιόδεντρο for the tree specifically, and that word turns up in botany and property listings rather than conversation. Stress the last syllable, e-LIA.
Myth explains why the tree matters. Athena and Poseidon competed for the patronage of the city; Poseidon struck the rock and produced a spring of salt water, Athena produced an olive tree, and the Athenians judged the tree the more useful gift. The city took her name. A tree still grows on the Acropolis at the spot the story points to.
The oil is λάδι, and ελαιόλαδο specifically for olive oil. Greeks use λάδι so freely for both that asking for ελαιόλαδο by name in a taverna will get you a slightly puzzled look — of course it is olive oil.
Example sentences
Η ελιά είναι πολύ παλιά.
I elia einai poli palia.
The olive tree is very old.
Θέλω ελιές στη σαλάτα.
Thelo elies sti salata.
I want olives in the salad.
Related forms
- ελαιόδεντρο (elaiodentro) — olive tree, the botanical term
- ελαιόλαδο (elaiolado) — olive oil
- λάδι (ladi) — oil — usually olive oil by default
Common questions
- Why is the olive tree a symbol of Athens?
- In myth, Athena and Poseidon competed for the city. Poseidon offered a salt-water spring, Athena an olive tree, and the Athenians chose the tree. The city took her name in return.
- Is ελιά the olive or the tree?
- Both. Context separates them, and ελαιόδεντρο exists for the tree when the distinction matters.
Quick check
Pick the Greek word that matches.
How do you say "olive tree" in Greek?
Related words
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