As you delve deeper into Greek, you’ll encounter words that might seem similar but have distinct meanings and uses. Two such verbs that are very commonly confused are “παίρνω” and “περνάω“. Understanding the main differences between these two commonly used verbs will help you communicate more effectively and confidently in Greek. Let’s explore these verbs in detail to help you master their usage.
παίρνω (παίρνω, θα πάρω, πήρα)
Primary meaning
The verb “παίρνω” primarily means “to take.” You might use it when you want to express that you’re taking something physically or using a means of transport.
Examples:
- Παίρνω το βιβλίο από το τραπέζι. (I take the book from the table.)
- Παίρνω το λεωφορείο. (I take the bus.)
Extended meanings
1. “To get” or “to receive”
“Παίρνω” can also mean “to get” or “to receive.” This usage is common in everyday situations.
Examples:
- Παίρνω δώρα στα γενέθλιά μου. (Ι get gifts on my birthday.)
- Θα πάρω έναν καφέ. (I will get a coffee.)
2. “To buy”
“Παίρνω” can also mean “to buy”, “to take something by giving money”.
Examples:
- Παίρνω ψωμί από το φούρνο. (I buy bread from the bakery.)
- Παίρνω καινούρια ρούχα. (I buy new clothes.)
3. “To need time”
“Παίρνω” followed by a time phrase indicates that a specific amount of time is required.
Examples:
- Μου παίρνει μία ώρα να καθαρίσω το σπίτι . (Ιt takes me one hour to clean the house.)
- Mου πήρε 5 χρόνια να τελειώσω το διδακτορικό μου. (It took me 5 years to finish my PhD.)
4. Useful phrase: “Παίρνω τηλέφωνο”
A very practical phrase is “παίρνω τηλέφωνο” which means “to make a phone call” or “to call.”
Examples:
- Παίρνω τηλέφωνο τη φίλη μου κάθε μέρα. (I call my friend every day.)
- Παίρνω τηλέφωνο τον γιατρό για ραντεβού. (I call the doctor for an appointment.
περνάω, θα περάσω, πέρασα
Primary meaning
The verb “περνάω” primarily means “to pass” in the sense of:
1. relocating to the opposite side of someone or something.
2. meeting the necessary criteria to pass an exam.
Εxamples:
- Περνάω τον δρόμο. (I pass the street.)
- Πέρασα τις εξετάσεις. (Ι passed the exams)
Extended meanings
1. “to pass by”
“Περνάω” can also mean “to pass by” something or someone. In this case it is followed by the preposition “από”.
Examples:
- Περνάω από το σπίτι σου κάθε μέρα. (I pass by your house every day.)
- Περνάω από το γραφείο το πρωί. (I pass by the office in the morning.)
2. “to spend (time)”
Another common use of “περνάω” is to talk about spending time.
Examples:
- Περνάω το Σαββατοκύριακο με την οικογένεια. (I spend the weekend with my family.)
- Περνάω την ώρα μου διαβάζοντας. (I spend my time reading.)
⚠ By adding a word or phrase such as “καλά”, “πολύ καλά”, “ωραία”, “πολύ ωραία”, “μια χαρά”, “χάλια” we show how we spent our time.
Examples:
- Περνάω πολύ ωραία. (I have a very nice time.)
- Περνάω χάλια. (I have a bad time)
3. “to come to an end”
“Περνάω” can also mean “to come to end”.
Examples:
- To καλοκαίρι πέρασε. (Τhe summer passed.)
- Αυτή η κατάσταση θα περάσει. (This situation/phase will pass.)
Understanding the contexts in which “παίρνω” and “περνάω” are used will greatly enhance your fluency in Greek. Remember, “παίρνω” is about taking, getting, or buying something, and is used in phrases like “παίρνω τηλέφωνο.” On the other hand, “περνάω” is about passing by, passing time, or spending time.
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Σ’ευχαριστώ! Αυτό μου βοηθάει πολύ!
Χαίρομαι πολύ! 🙂
πολύ χρήσιμο, ευχαρστώ
I always look forward to your posts, Lydia. They contain broader contextual information without being too technical to understand.
Thank you…from Australia
Ευχαριστούμε πολύ, αγαπημένη μας Λόρελ!