Bedeutung
An important time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
During the 2010-2018 financial crisis, this phrase was used almost daily in news broadcasts to describe the negotiations with the 'Troika'. It became a symbol of the country's precarious position. Greek news is known for being quite dramatic and expressive. Journalists use this phrase to keep viewers engaged and to emphasize the 'breaking' nature of news. The concept of 'Kairos' (the right moment) was personified as a god with a tuft of hair on his forehead but bald on the back—meaning you can only catch him as he approaches, not after he passes. This phrase captures that 'catch it now' energy. In Greek families, major decisions (marriage, buying property) are often communal. A 'critical moment' for one member involves the whole family council.
Use for Emphasis
Use this phrase at the beginning of a sentence to grab attention in a presentation or speech.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'στιγμή' is feminine. Using 'κρίσιμο' (neuter) is a very common mistake for English speakers.
Bedeutung
An important time.
Use for Emphasis
Use this phrase at the beginning of a sentence to grab attention in a presentation or speech.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'στιγμή' is feminine. Using 'κρίσιμο' (neuter) is a very common mistake for English speakers.
News Vocabulary
If you watch Greek news, listen for this phrase. It's used to introduce the most important story of the day.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'κρίσιμος'.
Η απόφαση του δικαστηρίου είναι μια _______ στιγμή για τον κατηγορούμενο.
The noun 'στιγμή' is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'κρίσιμη'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'είναι μια κρίσιμη στιγμή'?
Choose the correct context:
The phrase is used for high-stakes, important events.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Πέτρος: Πώς πάει η εταιρεία; Μαρία: Δυστυχώς, έχουμε πολλά χρέη. ________.
Financial debt creates a 'critical moment' for a company.
Match the Greek phrase to its English equivalent context.
Match 'Ήταν μια κρίσιμη στιγμή για την καριέρα μου' to:
Direct translation of the past tense form.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Urgency Levels
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΗ απόφαση του δικαστηρίου είναι μια _______ στιγμή για τον κατηγορούμενο.
The noun 'στιγμή' is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'κρίσιμη'.
Choose the correct context:
The phrase is used for high-stakes, important events.
Πέτρος: Πώς πάει η εταιρεία; Μαρία: Δυστυχώς, έχουμε πολλά χρέη. ________.
Financial debt creates a 'critical moment' for a company.
Match 'Ήταν μια κρίσιμη στιγμή για την καριέρα μου' to:
Direct translation of the past tense form.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! A 'critical moment' can be the moment you win the lottery or get a dream job offer. It just means the stakes are high.
'Σημαντική' just means important. 'Κρίσιμη' adds a layer of urgency and potential crisis. Use 'κρίσιμη' for higher drama.
Use the past tense of 'είναι': 'Ήταν μια κρίσιμη στιγμή'.
Yes, it is standard across all Greek-speaking regions and used identically in Cypriot Greek.
Yes, you can replace 'στιγμή' (moment) with 'μέρα' (day), 'εβδομάδα' (week), or 'χρονιά' (year).
In this context, yes. However, 'κρίσιμος' can also mean 'judgmental' in very specific literary contexts, though that is rare.
You could say 'μια ασήμαντη στιγμή' (an insignificant moment) or 'μια συνηθισμένη στιγμή' (an ordinary moment).
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with friends for serious topics, but it's also perfect for a business report.
Because we are saying 'It is A critical moment' (indefinite), not 'It is THE critical moment' (definite).
Yes, especially if you are highlighting a deadline or a pivotal point in a project.
Verwandte Redewendungen
κρίσιμη καμπή
similarCritical turning point
αποφασιστική στιγμή
synonymDecisive moment
ώρα μηδέν
specialized formHour zero
σημείο καμπής
similarTurning point
δύσκολη ώρα
contrastDifficult hour/time
