المعنى
Quality is better than quantity.
خلفية ثقافية
In Greek tavernas, the 'meze' culture is the embodiment of this phrase. It's about small plates of high-quality, seasonal food shared among friends. The 'Parea' (group of friends) is usually small. Greeks value deep, lifelong loyalty over having many superficial acquaintances. The concept of 'Metron' (measure/moderation) is a core Greek value since antiquity, influencing this proverb. In modern urban Greece, this phrase is used to push back against the 'fast fashion' and consumerist trends of the West.
The 'And' Variation
If you want to sound more natural and rhythmic, add 'και' (and) in the middle: 'Τα λίγα και καλά'.
The Shrug
Greeks often say this phrase while giving a slight shrug and a smile, indicating a sense of satisfaction with their choice.
المعنى
Quality is better than quantity.
The 'And' Variation
If you want to sound more natural and rhythmic, add 'και' (and) in the middle: 'Τα λίγα και καλά'.
The Shrug
Greeks often say this phrase while giving a slight shrug and a smile, indicating a sense of satisfaction with their choice.
Don't over-pluralize
Keep it in the neuter plural ('τα λίγα'). Changing it to masculine or feminine makes it a specific description rather than the proverb.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Προτιμώ να έχω δύο φίλους παρά εκατό γνωστούς. Τα ______, ______.
The proverb is 'τα λίγα, καλά'.
In which situation would you most likely say 'Τα λίγα, καλά'?
You are at a store and you decide to buy one expensive, high-quality leather bag instead of three cheap plastic ones.
This is the classic use case for the phrase.
Which of these is a common variation of the phrase?
How else can you say 'Τα λίγα, καλά'?
Adding 'και' (and) is the most common variation.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί πήρες μόνο τρία μήλα; Β: Γιατί είναι βιολογικά και πολύ νόστιμα. ________.
The speaker is justifying a small quantity with high quality.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Quantity vs. Quality
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينΠροτιμώ να έχω δύο φίλους παρά εκατό γνωστούς. Τα ______, ______.
The proverb is 'τα λίγα, καλά'.
You are at a store and you decide to buy one expensive, high-quality leather bag instead of three cheap plastic ones.
This is the classic use case for the phrase.
How else can you say 'Τα λίγα, καλά'?
Adding 'και' (and) is the most common variation.
Α: Γιατί πήρες μόνο τρία μήλα; Β: Γιατί είναι βιολογικά και πολύ νόστιμα. ________.
The speaker is justifying a small quantity with high quality.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, it is very common to use it for friends or a small team at work.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, you can just say 'Λίγα και καλά', but 'τα' makes it sound more like the official proverb.
Very similar, but 'Less is more' is often about design, while 'Τα λίγα, καλά' is about the quality of the items themselves.
Usually not. People generally want 'πολλά' (much) money, even if it's not 'good'!
The opposite would be 'Όσο πιο πολλά, τόσο πιο καλά' (The more, the better).
Yes, to describe a boutique strategy or a high-end service.
It's a soft sound, like you're gargling slightly without water. Don't make it a hard 'g'.
Yes, if you mean you have a little free time but you spend it well.
Yes: 'Λίγα και καλά, για να έχεις τη χαρά!'
عبارات ذات صلة
Ουκ εν τω πολλώ το ευ
specialized formThe good is not in the much.
Κάλιο αργά παρά ποτέ
similarBetter late than never.
Όσο πιο πολλοί, τόσο πιο καλά
contrastThe more, the merrier.
Μέτρον άριστον
builds onModeration is best.
