Bedeutung
Don't waste time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Athens, the phrase is taken very seriously in the private sector, reflecting a fast-paced urban lifestyle that differs from the islands. On islands like Ikaria, this phrase might be used ironically, as the local culture values longevity and a slow pace over financial efficiency. The business culture in Cyprus is very strong, and this phrase is commonly used in the financial and shipping sectors of Limassol. Greek-Americans or Greek-Australians often use this phrase to bridge their Greek heritage with the competitive work ethic of their home countries.
Use the article!
Never forget the 'Ο' at the beginning. It's what makes the sentence sound like a proper Greek proverb.
Don't be too pushy
In Greece, using this phrase too often can make you seem stressed or overly focused on money. Use it sparingly.
Bedeutung
Don't waste time.
Use the article!
Never forget the 'Ο' at the beginning. It's what makes the sentence sound like a proper Greek proverb.
Don't be too pushy
In Greece, using this phrase too often can make you seem stressed or overly focused on money. Use it sparingly.
The 'Gold' alternative
If you want to sound more poetic, use 'Ο χρόνος είναι χρυσός' (Time is gold). It's very common in literature.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Ο ______ είναι χρήμα.
'Χρόνος' means time, which is the subject of this proverb.
Which is the correct form of the proverb?
Choose the standard version:
The standard proverb requires the article 'Ο' and the singular 'χρήμα'.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Ο χρόνος είναι χρήμα'?
Match the situation:
The phrase is about efficiency and productivity, making it perfect for work.
Complete the dialogue.
Πέτρος: Γιατί τρέχεις; Μαρία: Γιατί έχω μια συνάντηση και ________________.
Maria is in a rush, so she uses the proverb to justify her speed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΟ ______ είναι χρήμα.
'Χρόνος' means time, which is the subject of this proverb.
Choose the standard version:
The standard proverb requires the article 'Ο' and the singular 'χρήμα'.
Match the situation:
The phrase is about efficiency and productivity, making it perfect for work.
Πέτρος: Γιατί τρέχεις; Μαρία: Γιατί έχω μια συνάντηση και ________________.
Maria is in a rush, so she uses the proverb to justify her speed.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYou will be understood, but it's not the standard proverb. It sounds like a literal translation from English rather than the established Greek idiom.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends, as long as the context is about being busy or efficient.
In proverbs, Greek often uses the singular form of a noun to represent the general concept. Here, 'χρήμα' represents the concept of wealth.
It is very common in real life, especially in cities like Athens and in business environments.
A common opposite sentiment is 'Σιγά-σιγά' (slowly-slowly), which emphasizes taking one's time and enjoying the process.
Yes, you can use it as an apology or an explanation: 'Συγγνώμη, έπρεπε να τελειώσω μια δουλειά, ο χρόνος είναι χρήμα'.
It can be. It's better to say 'Παρακαλώ, βιάζομαι' (Please, I'm in a hurry) instead of using a proverb that might sound demanding.
No, it is a purely secular, economic proverb.
Ο ΧΡΟΝΟΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΡΗΜΑ. (Note that in all-caps, Greek accents are usually omitted).
Yes, several Greek songs use this phrase, particularly in the hip-hop and pop genres to discuss the hustle of life.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ο χρόνος είναι χρυσός
similarTime is gold.
Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ
contrastBetter late than never.
Μην αναβάλλεις για αύριο αυτό που μπορείς να κάνεις σήμερα
builds onDon't put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
Ο χρόνος γιατρεύει τα πάντα
similarTime heals everything.
