Bedeutung
Describing a kind and generous person.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is often linked to 'Philotimo', the complex Greek virtue of doing good for others as a matter of personal honor. In Cyprus, you might also hear 'Είναι μάλαμα' (He is gold/pure) to express the same sentiment with even more intensity. There is a shared cultural emphasis on 'warmth' and 'heart' across the Mediterranean, contrasting with more 'cool' or 'reserved' Northern European social norms. The 'pure heart' is a central theme in Greek Orthodox spirituality, influencing how people view kindness as a spiritual state.
Gender Rule
Always use 'καλή' (feminine) even for men. It's the most common mistake for learners!
Not for Health
Don't use this to tell a doctor your heart feels good. Use 'γερή' or 'υγιής' for medical contexts.
Bedeutung
Describing a kind and generous person.
Gender Rule
Always use 'καλή' (feminine) even for men. It's the most common mistake for learners!
Not for Health
Don't use this to tell a doctor your heart feels good. Use 'γερή' or 'υγιής' for medical contexts.
The 'No Worries' Trick
Use 'Καλή καρδιά!' when someone apologizes for a small mistake. It makes you sound very native and friendly.
Philotimo Connection
If you call someone 'καλή καρδιά', you are giving them one of the highest compliments in Greek culture.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'καλός'.
Ο πατέρας μου είναι ________ καρδιά.
Even though 'πατέρας' is masculine, the adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'καρδιά'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is kind-hearted?
How do you describe a kind person in Greek?
The heart (καρδιά) is the standard metaphor for kindness in Greek.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Α: Ο Πέτρος μου δάνεισε το αυτοκίνητό του. Β: Πραγματικά; ________________!
Lending a car is a kind act, so 'Είναι καλή καρδιά' is the logical response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You accidentally broke a glass at a friend's house and they say 'Καλή καρδιά!'. What do they mean?
In this context, 'Καλή καρδιά' is used to dismiss a small accident.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Is vs. Has
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΟ πατέρας μου είναι ________ καρδιά.
Even though 'πατέρας' is masculine, the adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'καρδιά'.
How do you describe a kind person in Greek?
The heart (καρδιά) is the standard metaphor for kindness in Greek.
Α: Ο Πέτρος μου δάνεισε το αυτοκίνητό του. Β: Πραγματικά; ________________!
Lending a car is a kind act, so 'Είναι καλή καρδιά' is the logical response.
You accidentally broke a glass at a friend's house and they say 'Καλή καρδιά!'. What do they mean?
In this context, 'Καλή καρδιά' is used to dismiss a small accident.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is used exactly the same way for all genders: 'Είναι καλή καρδιά'.
'Είναι' is more idiomatic for describing a person's nature, while 'έχει' is more like the English 'has a good heart'. Both are correct.
It is neutral to informal. It's perfect for friends and family, but maybe too casual for a legal document.
No, that is grammatically incorrect because 'καρδιά' is feminine.
You could say 'κακός άνθρωπος' (bad person) or 'έχει πέτρινη καρδιά' (has a heart of stone).
Yes, it's very common to describe a friendly dog or cat as 'καλή καρδιά'.
Sometimes it can imply that someone is so kind they might be easily tricked, but it is generally a positive term.
You say 'χρυσή καρδιά'. It is very similar to 'καλή καρδιά'.
'Ψυχούλα' is more affectionate and informal, like saying 'he's a sweetheart'.
It's better to use more professional terms like 'συνεργάσιμος' (cooperative) or 'ευγενικός' (polite).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Έχει χρυσή καρδιά
synonymTo have a heart of gold
Είναι ψυχούλα
similarHe/She is a sweet soul
Έχει πέτρινη καρδιά
contrastTo have a heart of stone
Καλή καρδιά!
specialized formNo worries! / Never mind!
