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Understanding colloquial Greek Posted by on Sep 26, 2018 in Vocabulary

Γεια σας! It’s been a while since we did some informal language examples. In this post, we will see some of the most common expressions that native speakers use everyday. If you speak with Greeks, you are very likely to hear these phrases. If you have any question, feel free to post it on the comments.

 

Να τσιμπήσουμε τίποτα;

#1.καλέ: it is an interjection we use when we address someone. It is colloquial. It is not translated.
Example:
Τι κάνεις, καλέ; / How are you?

It can be also used to express doubt, question or irony.

Έλα, καλέ, δεν έγιναν έτσι τα πράγματα! / Come on, this is not how things happened!
Θέλει να της κάνω τη μετάφραση με διακόσια ευρώ μόνο; Τι λες, καλέ! / She wants me to do the translation for only 200 euros ? Right…

 

#2.κοντεύω:we use this verb for an action which will be accomplished very soon.
Examples:
A: Είσαι έτοιμη; Να σε περιμένω; / Are you ready? Should I wait for you?
Β: Κοντεύω. Βάζω παπούτσια και φύγαμε. / I’m almost ready. I’ll put my shoes on and off we go.

A: Πότε θα φτάσουμε; Θέλω να πάω τουαλέτα./ How long until we get there? I want to go to the restroom.
Β: Κοντεύουμε./ We will be there very soon.

 

#3.κιόλας: already or soon. It is used for an action that is accomplished sooner than expected.
Example:
A: Έρχεσαι; Το ταξί είναι εδώ./ Are you coming? The taxi is here.
Β: Κιόλας; / So soon?

 

#4.βαριέμαι: I am bored, I am fed up, I am not in the mood.
Examples:
Α: Πάμε σινεμά; / Do you want to go to the movies?
Β: Βαριέμαι. / I am not in the mood.

Σε βαρέθηκα κι εσένα και τους φίλους σου! / I am fed up with you and your friends!

Βαριέμαι τη γραμματική. / Grammar bores me.

ivanovgood via Pixabay

 

#5.τσιμπάω: to pinch, to peck.
Example:
Με τσίμπησε ο παπαγάλος σου. / Your parrot pecked me.

It can be also used to mean “to snack”.
Example:
Παιδιά, δε θέλετε να τσιμπήσετε κάτι πριν φύγετε;
Guys, don’t you want to eat a snack before you go?

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About the Author: Ourania

Ourania lives in Athens. She holds a degree in French Literature and a Master’s degree in Special Education for Children. Since 2008, she has been teaching Greek to foreigners.


Comments:

  1. Carla:

    Very useful, thank you.

  2. Alexandra:

    Υπέροχα, ευχαριστώ πολύ!