Bedeutung
To be remembered for a long time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'Golden Age' of Greek cinema (1950-1970) is the most common context for this phrase. Actors like Aliki Vougiouklaki are described as having 'left an era' because they defined Greek pop culture for decades. Major sporting triumphs, like the 2004 Euro win or the 1987 Eurobasket win, are always described with this phrase. These events are seen as national milestones. Greeks value grand gestures and hospitality. A host who throws an exceptionally generous party is said to have 'left an era,' reinforcing their social status. Politicians use this phrase to describe their reforms or to criticize opponents' scandals, framing them as 'historic' (for better or worse).
Use it for Hyperbole
Don't be afraid to use this phrase for small things among friends (like a great meal) to sound more native and enthusiastic.
Avoid the Article
Remember: it's 'αφήνω εποχή', not 'αφήνω την εποχή'. Adding the article makes it literal and ruins the idiom.
Bedeutung
To be remembered for a long time.
Use it for Hyperbole
Don't be afraid to use this phrase for small things among friends (like a great meal) to sound more native and enthusiastic.
Avoid the Article
Remember: it's 'αφήνω εποχή', not 'αφήνω την εποχή'. Adding the article makes it literal and ruins the idiom.
Cinema Context
If you want to impress a Greek, use this phrase when talking about old black-and-white Greek movies.
Tense Matters
Usually used in the Aorist (άφησε) because we are looking back at the impact.
Teste dich selbst
Συμπληρώστε το κενό με τη σωστή μορφή της έκφρασης.
Η νίκη της Ελλάδας στο Euro 2004 ________ εποχή.
The correct verb for this idiom is 'αφήνω'. In the past tense, it becomes 'άφησε'.
Σε ποια από τις παρακάτω περιπτώσεις είναι πιο κατάλληλη η έκφραση 'αφήνω εποχή';
Περιπτώσεις:
The phrase is used for significant, legendary achievements.
Συμπληρώστε τον διάλογο.
Α: Είδες την τελευταία ταινία του Λάνθιμου; Β: Ναι, ήταν καταπληκτική! Πιστεύω ότι θα ________ εποχή.
We use the future tense 'θα αφήσει' to express a prediction about the movie's legacy.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Legacy Idioms Comparison
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenΗ νίκη της Ελλάδας στο Euro 2004 ________ εποχή.
The correct verb for this idiom is 'αφήνω'. In the past tense, it becomes 'άφησε'.
Περιπτώσεις:
The phrase is used for significant, legendary achievements.
Α: Είδες την τελευταία ταινία του Λάνθιμου; Β: Ναι, ήταν καταπληκτική! Πιστεύω ότι θα ________ εποχή.
We use the future tense 'θα αφήσει' to express a prediction about the movie's legacy.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenYes, but it's less common. A massive scandal can 'leave an era' of shame, but usually, it implies greatness or iconic status.
It's neutral. You can use it in a newspaper or with your best friend.
'Γράφω ιστορία' is more about the fact of the achievement, while 'αφήνω εποχή' is more about the lasting 'vibe' and memory of that period.
Yes, a person can leave an era through their actions or their presence.
Very often! Legendary games or players 'leave an era'.
It's grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. The idiom is fixed without the article.
No, you can say 'θα αφήσει εποχή' for something you predict will be legendary.
Yes, 'εποχή' is the Greek word for 'epoch'.
Absolutely. 'Η μίνι φούστα άφησε εποχή' (The mini skirt left an era).
Yes, it's one of the most common ways to describe something iconic in Greek.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'πέρασε απαρατήρητο' (it passed unnoticed).
Yes, to show ambition: 'Θέλω να αφήσω εποχή σε αυτή την εταιρεία'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
γράφω ιστορία
synonymTo make history
μένω στην ιστορία
similarTo go down in history
αφήνω το στίγμα μου
similarTo leave my mark
σφραγίζω μια εποχή
specialized formTo seal/define an era
περνάω στην αθανασία
builds onTo become immortal
