10 Hilarious Greek Expressions and What They Mean😜🇬🇷

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. 

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Best, 

Dimitris

 

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