γεγονός في 30 ثانية
- Γεγονός means both 'event' and 'fact' in Greek, covering everything from news to objective truths.
- It is a neuter noun (το γεγονός) with the common plural form 'τα γεγονότα' used for 'the news.'
- The word is derived from the verb 'γίνομαι,' meaning something that has 'come to be.'
- It is often used in the phrase 'το γεγονός ότι' to mean 'the fact that' in complex sentences.
The Greek word γεγονός (ye-go-NOS) is a cornerstone of the Greek language, functioning as a neuter noun that bridges the gap between a physical occurrence and an abstract truth. At its core, it translates to both 'event' and 'fact.' This dual meaning is essential for English speakers to grasp because, in English, we often separate the things that happen (events) from the things that are undeniably true (facts). In Greek, the word stems from the ancient verb γίνομαι (to become or to happen), implying that a 'fact' is simply something that has 'come to be' or has 'happened.'
- The Event Aspect
- When used to describe an 'event,' it usually refers to something of significance. While a small daily occurrence might be called a συμβάν, a major historical or social milestone is almost always a γεγονός. For example, the Olympic Games or a revolution are described using this term.
- The Fact Aspect
- As a 'fact,' it represents an objective reality. When someone says 'Είναι γεγονός' (It is a fact), they are asserting that a statement is beyond dispute. It is frequently used in debates, news reporting, and scientific contexts to distinguish between opinion and reality.
Η πτώση του τείχους ήταν ένα ιστορικό γεγονός που άλλαξε τον κόσμο.
In everyday conversation, you will hear it used to emphasize the truth of a situation. If you are surprised by a piece of news, you might ask, 'Είναι όντως γεγονός;' (Is it actually a fact?). It carries a weight of authority. Because it is a neuter noun ending in -ος (a common feature for ancient third-declension nouns that have moved into modern usage), its plural form is γεγονότα. This plural form is most famously associated with the news; 'Τα Γεγονότα' is a traditional title for news broadcasts in Greece, much like 'The News' or 'Current Events' in English.
Δεν μπορούμε να αγνοήσουμε το γεγονός ότι η τιμή του ρεύματος αυξήθηκε.
- Social Context
- In a social setting, if someone describes a party or a wedding as 'το γεγονός της χρονιάς' (the event of the year), they are highlighting its massive importance and the fact that everyone is talking about it.
Understanding this word requires recognizing its gravity. While 'πράγμα' (thing) is casual and vague, 'γεγονός' is specific and concrete. It demands attention. Whether you are reading a history book, watching the 8 o'clock news, or arguing with a friend about what really happened last night, this word will be your primary tool for referencing established reality and significant happenings. It is one of the most versatile nouns for moving from basic A2 Greek into more complex, B1-level discussions about society and history.
Using γεγονός correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a neuter noun and its syntactic role in complex sentences. In Greek, 'γεγονός' often acts as a 'head noun' that introduces a clause, typically followed by the conjunction ότι (that). This is the equivalent of the English phrase 'the fact that...' and is a vital structure for advanced communication.
- The 'The Fact That' Construction
- To say 'The fact that he left is sad,' you would say: 'Το γεγονός ότι έφυγε είναι λυπηρό.' Notice how 'γεγονός' takes the definite article 'το' and anchors the entire thought.
Το γεγονός ότι δεν απάντησε με ανησυχεί ιδιαίτερα.
When 'γεγονός' means 'event,' it is frequently paired with adjectives to describe the nature of the occurrence. Common pairings include ιστορικό γεγονός (historical event), ευχάριστο γεγονός (pleasant event/news), and θλιβερό γεγονός (sad event). Because it is neuter, any adjective modifying it must also be in the neuter form, ending in -ο or -ες.
Πρέπει να εξετάσουμε τη σειρά των γεγονότων προσεκτικά.
- As a Predicate
- You can use it after the verb 'to be' to confirm reality. 'Είναι πλέον γεγονός' (It is now a fact/It has now happened). This is common when an expected event finally takes place, like a law being passed or a wedding date being set.
In more formal or academic writing, 'γεγονός' is used to present evidence. Phrases like 'παρά το γεγονός ότι' (despite the fact that) allow for nuanced argumentation. For English speakers, this mirrors the formal register of English perfectly. It is also used in the expression 'κατόπιν εορτής,' but when referring to things that happened, we say 'μετά το γεγονός' (after the event), though 'εκ των υστέρων' is more common for 'in hindsight.'
Παρά το γεγονός ότι έβρεχε, η συναυλία έγινε κανονικά.
Finally, consider the word in the context of 'news.' If you are describing a series of occurrences, you might say 'τα τελευταία γεγονότα' (the latest events). This is the standard way to refer to current affairs. Whether you are summarizing a story or reporting a crime, 'γεγονός' provides the structural backbone for describing what happened and why it is undeniably true.
If you turn on a television in Greece at 8:00 PM, you will almost certainly see the word γεγονός or its plural γεγονότα within seconds. It is the definitive word for 'The News.' Major channels like Mega, ANT1, or ERT use it to frame their reporting of daily life, politics, and international affairs. It carries a sense of objectivity and seriousness that other words like 'νέα' (news/new things) lack.
- In the Media
- Journalists use 'γεγονός' to anchor their reports. You'll hear: 'Τα γεγονότα της ημέρας' (The events of the day). It suggests a chronological and factual account of what has transpired in the last 24 hours.
Παρακολουθούμε τις εξελίξεις στα γεγονότα της Μέσης Ανατολής.
Beyond the news, you will hear this word in educational settings. History teachers constantly refer to 'ιστορικά γεγονότα' (historical events). In a classroom, 'γεγονός' is the building block of history. Students are taught to distinguish between an 'opinion' (άποψη) and a 'fact' (γεγονός). If a student makes an unsubstantiated claim, a teacher might challenge them with: 'Είναι αυτό γεγονός ή απλώς η γνώμη σου;' (Is this a fact or just your opinion?).
Τα γεγονότα του 1940 άλλαξαν την πορεία της Ελλάδας.
- In Legal and Formal Settings
- In a courtroom or a police station, 'γεγονός' is used to describe the details of a case. A lawyer might say 'Τα γεγονότα μιλούν από μόνα τους' (The facts speak for themselves). It is the language of evidence and proof.
In casual conversation, the word appears when people want to sound certain. If someone is gossiping and you want to know if it's true, you ask 'Είναι γεγονός;'. It’s also used in the phrase 'τετελεσμένο γεγονός' (fait accompli), meaning something that has already happened and cannot be changed. You might hear a frustrated friend say, 'Μας παρουσίασαν την απόφαση ως τετελεσμένο γεγονός' (They presented the decision to us as a done deal/accomplished fact). From the high-stakes world of politics to the everyday discussions of truth, 'γεγονός' is the word Greeks use to pin down reality.
For English speakers, the most common mistake with γεγονός is confusing it with other words for 'thing' or 'occurrence.' Because 'γεγονός' can mean 'fact,' learners often use it where they should use 'πράγμα' (thing), or vice versa. 'Πράγμα' is for physical objects or vague situations, whereas 'γεγονός' is for specific occurrences or truths.
- Confusion with 'Συμβάν'
- Learners often use 'γεγονός' for minor incidents like a car scratch or a small argument. While not strictly wrong, 'συμβάν' or 'περιστατικό' (incident) is more natural for minor, isolated happenings. 'Γεγονός' implies more significance.
Λάθος: Το γεγονός με το κλειδί μου. (The fact/event with my key.) Σωστό: Το πρόβλημα με το κλειδί μου.
Another frequent error is the gender and declension. 'Γεγονός' is a neuter noun that follows an older pattern. Many learners mistakenly treat it as a masculine noun because it ends in -ος. Remember: it is το γεγονός, not ο γεγονός. Consequently, the plural is τα γεγονότα, not οι γεγονόσοι or οι γεγονότες. Using the wrong article or plural ending is a dead giveaway of a beginner level.
Η σημασία του γεγονότος είναι μεγάλη. (The importance of the event is great.)
- Overusing 'Το γεγονός ότι'
- While 'the fact that' is common in English, in Greek, you can often just use 'που' or 'ότι' without 'το γεγονός.' For example, instead of 'Το γεγονός ότι πεινάω είναι αλήθεια,' you can just say 'Είναι αλήθεια ότι πεινάω.' Overusing the full phrase can make your Greek sound unnaturally stiff or translated from English.
Finally, don't confuse 'γεγονός' with 'πραγματικότητα' (reality). 'Γεγονός' is an individual fact or event; 'πραγματικότητα' is the state of things as they exist. You wouldn't say 'In this fact, life is hard'; you would say 'In this reality (πραγματικότητα), life is hard.' Keeping these distinctions clear will help you sound much more like a native speaker.
Greek has several words that overlap with γεγονός, each with a specific nuance. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to be more precise in your descriptions of reality and occurrences.
- Συμβάν (Sym-van)
- This means 'incident' or 'occurrence.' It is usually used for something unexpected or minor, like a traffic incident (τροχαίο συμβάν). Unlike 'γεγονός,' it doesn't usually mean 'fact.'
- Περιστατικό (Pe-ri-sta-ti-KO)
- Similar to 'συμβάν,' this translates to 'episode' or 'incident.' It is very common in medical contexts (medical incident) or when telling a specific story about something that happened once.
- Δεδομένο (De-do-ME-no)
- This means 'datum' or 'given.' In the plural, δεδομένα means 'data.' While 'γεγονός' is a fact that happened, 'δεδομένο' is a piece of information used as a basis for reasoning.
Είναι δεδομένο ότι θα έρθει, αλλά το γεγονός της καθυστέρησης μας ανησυχεί.
When you want to talk about a 'phenomenon,' you use φαινόμενο. This is used for natural events or social trends (e.g., 'the phenomenon of social media'). If you are talking about an 'action' or 'deed,' especially in a moral sense, the word is πράξη. For example, 'a heroic deed' is 'μια ηρωική πράξη,' not 'γεγονός.'
Η αλήθεια (truth) είναι ευρύτερη από ένα απλό γεγονός.
Lastly, consider εκδήλωση (ek-di-lo-si). This word is used specifically for 'events' like festivals, presentations, or parties—organized social gatherings. If you say you are going to an 'event' tonight, use 'εκδήλωση.' If you use 'γεγονός,' it sounds like you are going to a major historical turning point! Use 'γεγονός' for facts and major milestones, 'συμβάν' for minor occurrences, and 'εκδήλωση' for organized social events.
حقيقة ممتعة
The word is essentially a fossilized verb form. It's like saying 'the happened' to mean 'the event.'
دليل النطق
- Stressing the first syllable (YE-go-nos).
- Pronouncing the 'g' like a hard English 'g' (as in 'goat'). It should be a soft Greek gamma.
- Treating it as a masculine noun and ending it like 'gegonos' with a hard 's' instead of a clear 's'.
- Mispronouncing the plural 'gegonota' as 'gegonotas'.
- Failing to pronounce the 'o' vowels clearly (they should be like 'o' in 'hot' but shorter).
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Είναι γεγονός.
It is a fact.
Simple subject-verb sentence.
Το γεγονός είναι απλό.
The fact is simple.
Neuter article 'το' used with 'γεγονός'.
Αυτό είναι το γεγονός.
This is the fact.
Demonstrative pronoun 'αυτό'.
Είναι γεγονός ότι πεινάω.
It is a fact that I am hungry.
Introduction of 'ότι' clause.
Ποιο είναι το γεγονός;
What is the fact?
Interrogative pronoun 'ποιο' matches neuter 'γεγονός'.
Το γεγονός είναι αλήθεια.
The fact is truth.
Predicate adjective 'αλήθεια' (here used as a noun).
Δεν είναι γεγονός.
It is not a fact.
Negative particle 'δεν'.
Είναι ένα μεγάλο γεγονός.
It is a big event.
Indefinite article 'ένα' and adjective 'μεγάλο'.
Το γεγονός ότι ήρθες με χαροποιεί.
The fact that you came makes me happy.
Complex sentence with 'το γεγονός ότι' as subject.
Είδα τα γεγονότα στις ειδήσεις.
I saw the events on the news.
Plural form 'γεγονότα' in the accusative.
Ήταν ένα ευχάριστο γεγονός.
It was a pleasant event.
Adjective 'ευχάριστο' modifying 'γεγονός'.
Ξέρεις τα γεγονότα της ημέρας;
Do you know the events of the day?
Genitive 'της ημέρας' modifying 'γεγονότα'.
Το γεγονός έγινε το βράδυ.
The event happened in the evening.
Verb 'έγινε' (happened) used with 'γεγονός'.
Διάβασα για το ιστορικό γεγονός.
I read about the historical event.
Preposition 'για' followed by the accusative.
Αυτό το γεγονός άλλαξε τη ζωή μου.
This event changed my life.
Verb 'άλλαξε' in the past tense.
Πολλά γεγονότα συνέβησαν πέρυσι.
Many events happened last year.
Quantifier 'πολλά' with plural 'γεγονότα'.
Πρέπει να δεχτούμε το γεγονός.
We must accept the fact.
Modal verb 'πρέπει' with infinitive-like structure.
Η σημασία του γεγονότος είναι τεράστια.
The importance of the event is huge.
Genitive singular 'του γεγονότος'.
Αυτό είναι ένα τετελεσμένο γεγονός.
This is a fait accompli (done deal).
Idiomatic use of 'τετελεσμένο'.
Παρά το γεγονός ότι προσπάθησε, απέτυχε.
Despite the fact that he tried, he failed.
Concessive phrase 'παρά το γεγονός ότι'.
Περιέγραψε τα γεγονότα με λεπτομέρεια.
He described the events in detail.
Prepositional phrase 'με λεπτομέρεια'.
Το γεγονός αυτό προκάλεσε αντιδράσεις.
This event caused reactions.
Verb 'προκάλεσε' (caused).
Είναι αδιαμφισβήτητο γεγονός.
It is an indisputable fact.
High-level adjective 'αδιαμφισβήτητο'.
Τα γεγονότα μιλούν από μόνα τους.
The facts speak for themselves.
Personification of 'γεγονότα'.
Η ανάλυση των γεγονότων ήταν ελλιπής.
The analysis of the events was incomplete.
Genitive plural 'των γεγονότων'.
Λόγω του γεγονότος ότι έλειπα, δεν το ήξερα.
Due to the fact that I was away, I didn't know it.
Causal phrase 'λόγω του γεγονότος ότι'.
Πρόκειται για ένα θλιβερό γεγονός.
It concerns a sad event.
The verb 'πρόκειται για' (it is about/concerns).
Το γεγονός της χρονιάς ήταν η συναυλία.
The event of the year was the concert.
Genitive of time 'της χρονιάς'.
Εστιάζουμε στα πραγματικά γεγονότα.
We are focusing on the actual facts.
Verb 'εστιάζω' with the preposition 'σε'.
Το γεγονός παραμένει ότι χρειαζόμαστε βοήθεια.
The fact remains that we need help.
The verb 'παραμένει' (remains).
Συνέβη ένα πρωτοφανές γεγονός.
An unprecedented event happened.
Adjective 'πρωτοφανές' (unprecedented).
Αγνοείς το γεγονός ότι είναι επικίνδυνο.
You are ignoring the fact that it is dangerous.
Verb 'αγνοώ' (ignore).
Η διαστρέβλωση των γεγονότων είναι επικίνδυνη.
The distortion of facts is dangerous.
Noun 'διαστρέβλωση' (distortion).
Βασιζόμαστε στο γεγονός ότι υπάρχει συναίνεση.
We are basing [our plan] on the fact that there is consensus.
Verb 'βασίζομαι' (to base oneself/rely).
Το γεγονός αυτό αποτελεί ορόσημο για την ιστορία.
This event constitutes a milestone for history.
Verb 'αποτελεί' (constitutes).
Δεν μπορούμε να παραβλέψουμε το γεγονός αυτό.
We cannot overlook this fact.
Verb 'παραβλέπω' (overlook).
Το γεγονός της ύπαρξης είναι από μόνο του θαύμα.
The fact of existence is a miracle in itself.
Abstract usage of 'γεγονός'.
Η εξιστόρηση των γεγονότων ήταν αντικειμενική.
The narration of events was objective.
Noun 'εξιστόρηση' (narration/recounting).
Υπό το φως των νέων γεγονότων, θα αλλάξουμε πλάνο.
In light of new events, we will change plans.
Idiomatic phrase 'υπό το φως'.
Το γεγονός προσλαμβάνει νέες διαστάσεις.
The event is taking on new dimensions.
Metaphorical use of 'διαστάσεις'.
Η οντολογική υπόσταση του γεγονότος αμφισβητείται.
The ontological status of the fact is questioned.
Highly academic vocabulary.
Είναι ένα αδιαμφισβήτητο ιστορικό γεγονός.
It is an indisputable historical fact.
Double adjective modification.
Το γεγονός ότι η γλώσσα εξελίσσεται είναι αναπόφευκτο.
The fact that language evolves is inevitable.
Abstract linguistic observation.
Η ερμηνεία των γεγονότων υπόκειται σε υποκειμενισμό.
The interpretation of events is subject to subjectivity.
Philosophical terminology.
Το τυχαίο γεγονός καθόρισε τη μοίρα του έθνους.
The chance event determined the fate of the nation.
Concept of 'random event'.
Αντιπαραβάλλουμε τα γεγονότα με τις μαρτυρίες.
We are contrasting the facts with the testimonies.
Verb 'αντιπαραβάλλω' (contrast/compare).
Το γεγονός αυτό αντηχεί ακόμα στις μέρες μας.
This event still echoes in our days.
Metaphorical verb 'αντηχεί'.
Η αλληλουχία των γεγονότων οδηγεί σε ένα συμπέρασμα.
The sequence of events leads to one conclusion.
Noun 'αλληλουχία' (sequence/succession).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Είναι γεγονός ότι...
Παρά το γεγονός ότι...
Λόγω του γεγονότος ότι...
Μετά το γεγονός
Προ του γεγονότος
Το γεγονός παραμένει
Ένα γεγονός είναι σίγουρο
Από το γεγονός και μόνο
Σημαντικό γεγονός
Τα γεγονότα μιλούν
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"Τετελεσμένο γεγονός"
A fait accompli; something that has happened and cannot be reversed.
Η απόλυση ήταν τετελεσμένο γεγονός.
neutral"Το γεγονός της χρονιάς"
The event of the year; the most talked-about occurrence.
Ο γάμος τους ήταν το γεγονός της χρονιάς.
informal"Κατόπιν εορτής"
Too late (literally: after the feast); related to reacting after a γεγονός has passed.
Ήρθες κατόπιν εορτής.
informal"Βάζω τα γεγονότα κάτω"
To look at the facts objectively/to lay the facts out.
Ας βάλουμε τα γεγονότα κάτω για να δούμε τι θα κάνουμε.
informal"Τα γεγονότα τρέχουν"
Events are unfolding rapidly.
Πρέπει να βιαστούμε, τα γεγονότα τρέχουν.
neutral"Εκ των γεγονότων"
By the events themselves / By the facts.
Αποδείχθηκε εκ των γεγονότων ότι είχε δίκιο.
formal"Συνταρακτικό γεγονός"
A world-shaking or shocking event.
Ήταν ένα συνταρακτικό γεγονός για την κοινωνία.
neutral"Ιστορικό γεγονός"
An event that makes history.
Η υπογραφή της συνθήκης ήταν ιστορικό γεγονός.
neutral"Αδιαμφισβήτητο γεγονός"
An indisputable fact.
Είναι αδιαμφισβήτητο γεγονός ότι η κλιματική αλλαγή υπάρχει.
formal"Το γεγονός παραμένει"
The fact remains (stubbornly).
Ό,τι και να πεις, το γεγονός παραμένει.
neutralعائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'γεγονός' (ye-go-NOS). When something is a fact, you say 'YES' (ye-) and it 'GOes' (go-) into the 'NEWS' (-nos).
ربط بصري
Imagine a newspaper with the headline 'YE-GO-NOS' and a big checkmark next to it, signifying a fact.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to find three 'γεγονότα' (facts) about your day and write them down using 'Είναι γεγονός ότι...'.
أصل الكلمة
Derived from the Ancient Greek perfect participle 'γεγονός' of the verb 'γίγνομαι' (to become, to happen). The perfect tense in Ancient Greek often implied a completed action with lasting results.
المعنى الأصلي: That which has happened and remains true.
Indo-European -> Hellenic -> Greekالسياق الثقافي
No specific sensitivities, but be careful when using it to describe tragic 'events' (θλιβερά γεγονότα) as it sounds very formal.
English speakers often distinguish between 'fact' and 'event.' In Greek, this single word covers both, which can feel broader to an English mind.
Summary
The word 'γεγονός' is the primary Greek term for significant events and objective facts. For example: 'Είναι γεγονός ότι η Ελλάδα είναι όμορφη' (It is a fact that Greece is beautiful). Use it to sound more certain and formal.
- Γεγονός means both 'event' and 'fact' in Greek, covering everything from news to objective truths.
- It is a neuter noun (το γεγονός) with the common plural form 'τα γεγονότα' used for 'the news.'
- The word is derived from the verb 'γίνομαι,' meaning something that has 'come to be.'
- It is often used in the phrase 'το γεγονός ότι' to mean 'the fact that' in complex sentences.
محتوى ذو صلة
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات academic
άρτιος
B2complete or in perfect condition
ένδειξη
B1إشارة أو دلالة. كانت صمته مؤشراً على حزنه العميق.
έννοια
B1concept, meaning, worry
έρευνα
B1Systematic investigation into a subject
αδιαμφισβήτητος
C1indisputable or impossible to doubt
αδικαιολόγητος
B2unjustifiable or without a good reason
αιτία
B1cause or reason
αιτιολογία
B2the cause or explanation for something
αιτιολόγηση
B2the action of providing a reason for something
ακρίβεια
B1the quality of being exact