Bedeutung
Describing something unbelievable.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Greeks use hyperbole as a form of social bonding. Saying 'It's crazy' shows you are emotionally invested in the conversation. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Εν πελλόν' (En pellon) in the local dialect, which is the equivalent of 'Είναι τρελό'. Greek-Americans often mix the two, saying 'That's trelo!' as a form of 'Gringlish'. On Greek TikTok and Instagram, 'Είναι τρελό' is often used in captions for travel vlogs or food reviews.
The 'O' Rule
Always use the 'o' ending for a general reaction. It's the safest bet for learners.
Tone Matters
If you say it too flatly, it might sound sarcastic. Use a rising intonation for genuine surprise.
Bedeutung
Describing something unbelievable.
The 'O' Rule
Always use the 'o' ending for a general reaction. It's the safest bet for learners.
Tone Matters
If you say it too flatly, it might sound sarcastic. Use a rising intonation for genuine surprise.
Hand Gestures
Pair this with a slight tilt of the head and raised eyebrows for maximum Greek effect.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form to react to a shocking news story.
Ο φίλος σου λέει: 'Κέρδισα 1.000.000 ευρώ!' Τι λες;
You are reacting to the situation (winning money), so you use the neuter form 'τρελό'.
Fill in the past tense of 'to be' to describe a crazy party from last night.
Το πάρτι χθες ____ τρελό!
'Ήταν' is the past tense (was), appropriate for 'yesterday' (χθες).
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You are stuck in traffic for 4 hours.
Traffic is a frustrating, unbelievable situation where 'Είναι τρελό' is the natural reaction.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural reaction.
Α: 'Είδες τις τιμές στα ξενοδοχεία;' Β: 'Ναι, ____.'
High hotel prices are a common reason to use this expression.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to use 'Είναι τρελό'
Surprise
- • Winning money
- • Unexpected guest
- • Wild news
Frustration
- • Traffic
- • High taxes
- • Long queues
Awe
- • Great view
- • Amazing food
- • Fast cars
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΟ φίλος σου λέει: 'Κέρδισα 1.000.000 ευρώ!' Τι λες;
You are reacting to the situation (winning money), so you use the neuter form 'τρελό'.
Το πάρτι χθες ____ τρελό!
'Ήταν' is the past tense (was), appropriate for 'yesterday' (χθες).
Context: You are stuck in traffic for 4 hours.
Traffic is a frustrating, unbelievable situation where 'Είναι τρελό' is the natural reaction.
Α: 'Είδες τις τιμές στα ξενοδοχεία;' Β: 'Ναι, ____.'
High hotel prices are a common reason to use this expression.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenNo, it is a very common and friendly expression. However, calling a *person* 'τρελός' can be offensive depending on the tone.
Yes! It's very common to use it for amazing food, great music, or good news.
'Τρελό' is more common and versatile. 'Παλαβό' is slightly more informal and can mean 'wacky' or 'silly'.
You can say 'Είναι τόσο τρελό!'
Better not. Use 'Είναι αξιοσημείωτο' (It is noteworthy) or 'Είναι εντυπωσιακό' (It is impressive).
It's used by all ages, but young people might use 'Δεν υπάρχει' more frequently as a slang alternative.
If you are reacting to a situation, keep it singular. If you are describing 'crazy prices', it becomes 'τρελές τιμές'.
Usually 'Άστα!' (Leave it/Tell me about it!) or 'Πραγματικά!' (Truly!).
No, for that you would say 'Είμαι τρελός για σένα'.
Yes, often Greeks will slightly shake their hand as if they just burnt it, or just open their palms.
You can say 'Δεν είναι και τόσο τρελό'.
Very much so! It covers the same 'unbelievable' spectrum.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Είναι απίστευτο
synonymIt is unbelievable
Δεν υπάρχει
similarIt doesn't exist
Τρελαίνομαι
builds onI am going crazy
Είναι παράλογο
specialized formIt is irrational
Τι λες τώρα
similarWhat are you saying now
