Hey all, Dimitris here :)
Here are some of my favorite Greek expressions that make no sense in English 😜
I have included the literal translation, the actual meaning of them as well as an example so you can understand how they are used in day to day conversastions😄
Καλά κρασιά! (Kala krasia!)
- Literal Translation: Good wines!
- Meaning: Used sarcastically to mean "Yeah, right!" or "As if!"
- Example: "You think you can finish this project in one day? Καλά κρασιά!"
Έχω χάσει τ'αυγά και τα πασχάλια! (Eho hasei t'avga ke ta paskhalia!)
- Literal Translation: I've lost the eggs and Easter!
- Meaning: I'm totally confused.
- Example: After trying to understand Greek grammar for hours, you might say, "Έχω χάσει τ'αυγά και τα πασχάλια!"
Τα έκανα θάλασσα! (Ta ekana thalassa!)
- Literal Translation: I made it sea!
- Meaning: I messed it up.
- Example: "I tried to fix my computer, but now it’s worse. Τα έκανα θάλασσα!"
Δεν είναι στα καλά του! (Den einai sta kala tou!)
- Literal Translation: He’s not in his good self!
- Meaning: He’s out of his mind!
- Example: "He started dancing on the table. Δεν είναι στα καλά του!"
Άλλα λόγια να αγαπιόμαστε! (Alla logia na agapiomaste!)
- Literal Translation: Different words so we can love each other!
- Meaning: Changing the subject.
- Example: When someone brings up a boring topic, just say, "Άλλα λόγια να αγαπιόμαστε!"
Τρέχει και δεν φτάνει! (Trehei ke den ftanei!)
- Literal Translation: He runs and doesn’t reach!
- Meaning: He's very busy.
- Example: "Ever since he got that new job, τρέχει και δεν φτάνει!"
Μπήκε το νερό στ’αυλάκι! (Bike to nero st'avlaki!)
- Literal Translation: The water entered the furrow!
- Meaning: Things are finally getting on track.
- Example: "After weeks of planning, μπήκε το νερό στ’αυλάκι!"
Πετάει τη σκούφια του! (Petai ti skoufia tou!)
- Literal Translation: He throws his cap!
- Meaning: He’s very excited!
- Example: "When he heard about the concert, πετάει τη σκούφια του!"
Φάγαμε τα μουστάκια μας! (Fagame ta moustakia mas!)
- Literal Translation: We ate our mustaches!
- Meaning: We had a big fight.
- Example: "They disagreed on politics and φάγαμε τα μουστάκια μας!"
Χτύπα ξύλο! (Htypa xylo!)
- Literal Translation: Knock on wood!
- Meaning: Used to avoid bad luck.
- Example: "I hope I don’t get sick before my vacation. Χτύπα ξύλο!"
So, there you have it – ten Greek expressions that are sure to make you chuckle and help you understand the Greek language and culture a bit better.
If you want to learn more Greek for free, make sure to subscribe to my weekly Free Greek Newsletter because it will soon become for subscribers only. 🇬🇷
Best,
Dimitris