Bedeutung
It is a surprise.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Greeks often use this phrase to show humility when praised. If someone says 'You did a great job,' replying 'Δεν το περιμένω' (I didn't expect such a result) makes you seem modest. There is a belief that if you expect something too much, you might 'jinx' it. Using 'δεν το περιμένω' can be a psychological shield against disappointment. Unexpected visits are common in Greek villages. A host saying 'Δεν το περιμένω' is a sign of excitement, usually followed by 'Περάστε μέσα!' (Come in!). In Greek soap operas and talk shows, this phrase is a staple for dramatic reveals. It's the 'bread and butter' of reality TV reactions.
Use the Past Tense
If the surprise just happened, use 'Δεν το περίμενα' (Aorist). It sounds 100% more native.
The 'το' is Mandatory
If you forget the 'το', Greeks will think you are literally waiting for something physical.
Bedeutung
It is a surprise.
Use the Past Tense
If the surprise just happened, use 'Δεν το περίμενα' (Aorist). It sounds 100% more native.
The 'το' is Mandatory
If you forget the 'το', Greeks will think you are literally waiting for something physical.
Body Language
Open your eyes wide and tilt your head when saying it to show you are truly surprised.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing clitic pronoun to make the phrase idiomatic.
Είναι πολύ νωρίς, δεν ___ περιμένω να ανοίξει το μαγαζί.
We use 'το' as a general pronoun for the situation.
Which sentence expresses surprise at a friend's behavior?
Choose the correct option:
The combination of 'το' and 'από' is the standard way to express surprise at someone's actions.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You receive a 50% discount you didn't know about.
This expresses surprise at the unexpected discount.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Κοίτα! Ο Γιώργος ήρθε με κοστούμι! Β: _________
The speaker is surprised by George's unusual choice of clothing.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΕίναι πολύ νωρίς, δεν ___ περιμένω να ανοίξει το μαγαζί.
We use 'το' as a general pronoun for the situation.
Choose the correct option:
The combination of 'το' and 'από' is the standard way to express surprise at someone's actions.
Situation: You receive a 50% discount you didn't know about.
This expresses surprise at the unexpected discount.
Α: Κοίτα! Ο Γιώργος ήρθε με κοστούμι! Β: _________
The speaker is surprised by George's unusual choice of clothing.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, if you receive an unexpected offer or question, it's a polite way to show surprise.
No, as long as your tone is respectful. It shows honesty about your expectations.
'Δεν το περιμένω' means you didn't anticipate it. 'Δεν το πιστεύω' means you are in shock and find it hard to accept as reality.
Because 'το' refers to the *fact* or the *situation* of the person doing something, not the person themselves.
Yes, but that means 'I am not waiting for you.' It loses the 'surprise' meaning.
Yes, 'έπαθα πλάκα' is a very common slang alternative for being surprised.
No, it can be used for bad surprises too, like an unexpected bill or a rude comment.
Add 'ποτέ': 'Δεν το περιμένω ποτέ αυτό.'
Conceptually yes, they both cover 'wait' and 'expect,' but they come from different Latin/Greek roots.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common ways to talk about unexpected rain or heatwaves.
Verwandte Redewendungen
δεν το περίμενα
similarI didn't expect it (Past Tense)
δεν το πιστεύω
synonymI don't believe it
μου ήρθε ξαφνικό
similarIt came to me suddenly
έπεσα από τα σύννεφα
idiomI fell from the clouds
