Bedeutung
Switching off the electric light.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Greece, the 'ΔΕΗ' (Public Power Corporation) is a household name. Turning off the light is often associated with avoiding a high 'έναντι' (estimated) bill. Similar to Greece, but with an even higher emphasis on energy saving due to the island's high electricity costs. Greek parents in the US or Australia often keep this phrase as one of the few Greek commands their children learn. In Greek theater, 'κλείνουν τα φώτα' is the literal and metaphorical signal for the start of a performance.
The 'Open/Close' Rule
In Greek, you 'open' and 'close' almost everything with a switch: lights, TV, radio, air conditioning, and even your phone!
Don't say 'Turn Off'
Avoid trying to translate 'off' as a separate word. The verb 'κλείνω' does all the work.
Bedeutung
Switching off the electric light.
The 'Open/Close' Rule
In Greek, you 'open' and 'close' almost everything with a switch: lights, TV, radio, air conditioning, and even your phone!
Don't say 'Turn Off'
Avoid trying to translate 'off' as a separate word. The verb 'κλείνω' does all the work.
Use the plural
If you are leaving a whole house, say 'Κλείνω τα φώτα' (plural) to sound more natural.
The Bill Factor
If you want to sound like a real Greek parent, add 'Η ΔΕΗ!' after telling someone to turn off the light.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct verb to turn off the light.
Παρακαλώ, _______ το φως.
'Κλείσε' is the imperative form of 'to close/turn off'.
Fill in the missing word.
Πριν κοιμηθώ, κλείνω το _______.
While you can close all these things, 'φως' is the most logical context for bedtime.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Είναι πολύ φωτεινά εδώ. Β: ___________
If it's too bright (φωτεινά), the logical response is to turn off the light.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are leaving the house and want to save money.
Turning off lights is the primary way to save electricity when leaving.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Κλείνω vs. Σβήνω
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΠαρακαλώ, _______ το φως.
'Κλείσε' is the imperative form of 'to close/turn off'.
Πριν κοιμηθώ, κλείνω το _______.
While you can close all these things, 'φως' is the most logical context for bedtime.
Α: Είναι πολύ φωτεινά εδώ. Β: ___________
If it's too bright (φωτεινά), the logical response is to turn off the light.
Situation: You are leaving the house and want to save money.
Turning off lights is the primary way to save electricity when leaving.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenIt's better to use 'σβήνω' for candles, as they are extinguished rather than switched off.
No, it's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The opposite is 'Ανοίγω το φως' (I open the light).
Indirectly, yes. It's a common way to tell children it's time for bed.
It comes from the idea of closing a circuit or a valve to stop a flow.
They are about equal, but 'κλείνω' is slightly more common for electrical switches.
You say 'Κλείσε τα φώτα'.
Yes, 'Κλείνω τον υπολογιστή' is the standard way to say 'I am turning off the computer'.
You say 'Το φως είναι κλειστό'.
No, it also means 'to close' (a door) or 'to book' (a room).
Not really, but 'Ρίξε το φως' is a very casual, rare alternative.
No, for a car engine, you usually say 'Σβήνω τη μηχανή'.
It is 'το φως'. 'Φωτός' is the genitive case (of the light).
Yes, 'Κλείσε φως' sounds incomplete and unnatural.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ανοίγω το φως
contrastTo turn on the light
Σβήνω το φως
synonymTo extinguish the light
Χαμηλώνω το φως
specialized formTo dim the light
Κλείνω την τηλεόραση
builds onTo turn off the TV
Κλείνω το μάτι
similarTo wink
