Bedeutung
Pretending to know more than one does.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'Xerolas' (Know-it-all) is a staple character in Greek social life. Greeks often use humor and sarcasm to 'cut down' anyone who acts superior. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but the local dialect might use 'κάμνει τον έξυπνο' more frequently in daily speech. Among Greek-Americans or Greek-Australians, this phrase is often one of the few idioms preserved, used to describe 'arrogant' relatives from the old country. Even in universities, students use this phrase to mock peers who use overly complex language just to sound sophisticated.
Careful with Gender
Always remember to change 'έξυπνος' to 'έξυπνη' if you are talking to or about a woman. Using the masculine for a woman sounds very unnatural.
The Sarcastic Tone
This phrase is 90% about the tone of voice. Use a slightly high-pitched or rolling-eyes tone to make it truly idiomatic.
Bedeutung
Pretending to know more than one does.
Careful with Gender
Always remember to change 'έξυπνος' to 'έξυπνη' if you are talking to or about a woman. Using the masculine for a woman sounds very unnatural.
The Sarcastic Tone
This phrase is 90% about the tone of voice. Use a slightly high-pitched or rolling-eyes tone to make it truly idiomatic.
The 'Xerolas' Connection
If you want to sound even more native, follow up with the word 'ξερόλας' (know-it-all). Example: 'Το παίζει έξυπνος, ο ξερόλας!'
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'έξυπνος'.
Η Ελένη πάντα το παίζει _______ στις συναντήσεις.
Since the subject is 'Η Ελένη' (feminine singular), the adjective must be 'έξυπνη'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to call out a know-it-all friend?
Someone is giving you unwanted advice. What do you say?
This is the standard idiomatic way to tell someone to stop acting like a know-it-all.
Complete the dialogue with the correct verb form.
Α: Γιατί ο Νίκος και ο Κώστας _______ έξυπνοι; Β: Γιατί θέλουν να μας εντυπωσιάσουν.
The subject is 'ο Νίκος και ο Κώστας' (plural), so the verb must be 'το παίζουν'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Το παίζει έξυπνος' with the correct context.
The idiom specifically refers to someone pretending to have more knowledge than they actually do.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
To Paizo vs. Kano Ton
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΗ Ελένη πάντα το παίζει _______ στις συναντήσεις.
Since the subject is 'Η Ελένη' (feminine singular), the adjective must be 'έξυπνη'.
Someone is giving you unwanted advice. What do you say?
This is the standard idiomatic way to tell someone to stop acting like a know-it-all.
Α: Γιατί ο Νίκος και ο Κώστας _______ έξυπνοι; Β: Γιατί θέλουν να μας εντυπωσιάσουν.
The subject is 'ο Νίκος και ο Κώστας' (plural), so the verb must be 'το παίζουν'.
Match 'Το παίζει έξυπνος' with the correct context.
The idiom specifically refers to someone pretending to have more knowledge than they actually do.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but usually sarcastically. For example, 'Το έπαιξα έξυπνος και τελικά έκανα λάθος' (I tried to act smart and ended up making a mistake).
It's informal and critical. It's not a swear word, but it's definitely an insult to someone's character.
'Το παίζω' is more informal and implies a 'performance'. 'Κάνω τον' is slightly more descriptive.
No, in this specific idiom, 'το' is fixed. It never becomes 'τον' or 'την'.
Absolutely! You can say 'το παίζω πλούσιος' (acting rich) or 'το παίζω τρελός' (acting crazy/playing dumb).
Yes, you could say 'προσποιείται τον παντογνώστη' (he pretends to be all-knowing).
Use the indirect object 'μου': 'Μην μου το παίζεις έξυπνος!'
Mainly in modern literature and dialogue. You won't find it in formal academic texts.
It's considered B2 because it requires understanding of social nuance and specific grammar rules.
Yes: 'Το παίζουν έξυπνοι' (They are acting smart).
Verwandte Redewendungen
κάνω τον έξυπνο
synonymTo act smart
πουλάω πνεύμα
similarTo show off one's wit
το παίζω ιστορία
builds onTo act like a big deal
κουνάω το δάχτυλο
similarTo wag the finger
το παίζω κινέζος
contrastTo pretend to be ignorant
