Bedeutung
Someone is easy to understand.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Greece, being an 'open book' is often linked to the concept of 'leventia' (nobility of soul) and honesty. It is a highly valued trait in friendships. Similar to mainland Greece, but the dialect might use 'φανερός' (obvious) more frequently in similar contexts. Many Mediterranean cultures share this idiom, reflecting a shared value of expressive, non-hidden emotions. In the era of 'oversharing' on social media, some younger Greeks use the phrase ironically to describe people who post too much personal information.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'βιβλίο' is neuter. Even if you talk about your sister, say 'Είναι ανοιχτό βιβλίο' (not ανοιχτή).
Don't overdo it
Calling someone an 'open book' too often might sound like you think they are predictable or simple.
Bedeutung
Someone is easy to understand.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'βιβλίο' is neuter. Even if you talk about your sister, say 'Είναι ανοιχτό βιβλίο' (not ανοιχτή).
Don't overdo it
Calling someone an 'open book' too often might sound like you think they are predictable or simple.
The 'Read' Verb
Use the verb 'διαβάζω' (to read) with this idiom to sound very native: 'Σε διαβάζω σαν ανοιχτό βιβλίο'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Η Μαρία δεν μπορεί να πει ψέματα, είναι ________ ________.
The idiom for someone who cannot lie or hide feelings is 'ανοιχτό βιβλίο'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct when describing two people?
Ο Γιάννης και ο Κώστας...
When the subject is plural, both the adjective and the noun must become plural (ανοιχτά βιβλία).
Match the situation to the correct use of the idiom.
Your friend is trying to hide that they are sad, but you can see it on their face.
'I read you like an open book' is the perfect response when you can see through someone's emotions.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί τον εμπιστεύεσαι τόσο πολύ; Β: Γιατί είναι ________ ________, δεν μου έχει κρύψει ποτέ τίποτα.
Trust is often linked to being an 'open book' (transparency).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΗ Μαρία δεν μπορεί να πει ψέματα, είναι ________ ________.
The idiom for someone who cannot lie or hide feelings is 'ανοιχτό βιβλίο'.
Ο Γιάννης και ο Κώστας...
When the subject is plural, both the adjective and the noun must become plural (ανοιχτά βιβλία).
Your friend is trying to hide that they are sad, but you can see it on their face.
'I read you like an open book' is the perfect response when you can see through someone's emotions.
Α: Γιατί τον εμπιστεύεσαι τόσο πολύ; Β: Γιατί είναι ________ ________, δεν μου έχει κρύψει ποτέ τίποτα.
Trust is often linked to being an 'open book' (transparency).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! The phrase 'ανοιχτό βιβλίο' stays in the neuter form regardless of the person's gender.
Usually, no. It's seen as a compliment for being honest. However, tone matters—if said sarcastically, it could mean they are predictable.
The opposite is 'κλειστό βιβλίο' (closed book) or 'κλειστός χαρακτήρας' (closed character).
It's a bit informal for a very formal email, but fine for a friendly professional relationship.
No, it has nothing to do with intelligence. it's only about emotional transparency.
Yes: 'Είναι ανοιχτά βιβλία'.
No, the idiom only works with 'βιβλίο'.
Σε διαβάζω σαν ανοιχτό βιβλίο.
Very! Many Greek songs use it to describe lovers who can't hide their feelings.
The words are A1, but the concept is idiomatic. It's great for beginners to learn early.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Δεν κρύβει τα λόγια του
similarHe doesn't mince his words
Έξω καρδιά
similarOutgoing/Heart on the outside
Κλειστός χαρακτήρας
contrastA closed character
Τα λέει όλα το πρόσωπό του
similarHis face says it all
