έκτακτος
extraordinary or emergency
έκτακτος in 30 Sekunden
- Used for breaking news and emergencies.
- Commonly means 'wonderful' or 'extraordinary' in casual Greek.
- Describes temporary or non-permanent professional roles.
- Essential for understanding Greek media and social compliments.
The Greek adjective έκτακτος is a versatile word that primarily functions in two distinct semantic spheres: the administrative/functional sphere of emergencies and the colloquial sphere of high praise. Derived from the prefix 'εκ-' (out of) and the root of 'τάσσω' (to arrange or put in order), its literal meaning is 'out of the regular order.' In a formal context, it refers to anything that happens outside of the scheduled program, such as an emergency meeting or a special news bulletin. However, in everyday conversation, Greeks often use it to describe something or someone as 'extraordinary' or 'wonderful.' Understanding the shift between these two meanings is crucial for achieving fluency at the B1 level and beyond.
- Emergency/Unplanned
- This describes situations that require immediate attention or occur without prior scheduling. For example, 'έκτακτη ανάγκη' (emergency) or 'έκτακτα μέτρα' (extraordinary measures).
- Extraordinary/Wonderful
- Used informally to praise quality. If you say 'Το φαγητό ήταν έκτακτο!', you mean the food was superb or out of this world.
- Temporary/Ad-hoc
- Often used in professional settings to denote temporary staff or non-permanent positions, such as 'έκτακτο προσωπικό' (temporary personnel).
Η κυβέρνηση ανακοίνωσε έκτακτα οικονομικά μέτρα για την αντιμετώπιση της κρίσης.
In a sociological sense, the word 'έκτακτος' captures the Greek experience of dealing with the unexpected. Whether it is a sudden change in plans or a spontaneous celebration, the word fits perfectly. It is also used in legal and bureaucratic terminology to describe 'extraordinary sessions' (έκτακτη συνεδρίαση) of a parliament or a board of directors. In these cases, it implies that the regular schedule was not sufficient to handle the gravity of the current situation. For a student of Greek, mastering this word means being able to navigate both the serious world of news and the lighthearted world of social compliments. It is one of those words that changes its 'vibe' entirely based on the noun it modifies.
Είναι ένας έκτακτος άνθρωπος με πολλές αρετές.
Historically, the word has maintained its core meaning of being 'outside the rank' (τάξις). In ancient military terms, someone 'έκτακτος' might have been outside the standard formation. Today, that 'outsider' status translates to being either an emergency outlier or an exceptionally talented individual. When you hear a Greek grandmother say 'Είσαι έκτακτο παιδί!', she isn't saying you are an emergency child; she is saying you are a wonderful, exceptional child. This duality makes the word a favorite in both sensationalist journalism and heartfelt conversations. It is essential to listen to the tone of voice: a serious, rapid tone usually implies a crisis, while a warm, melodic tone implies admiration.
Το πλοίο έκανε έκτακτη στάση στο λιμάνι λόγω κακοκαιρίας.
Using 'έκτακτος' correctly requires attention to gender, number, and case, as it is a standard three-termination adjective (-ος, -η, -ο). Because it often modifies nouns related to news, events, and measures, you will frequently see it in the feminine form 'έκτακτη' (modifying 'είδηση', 'ανάγκη', 'συνεδρίαση') or the neuter plural 'έκτακτα' (modifying 'μέτρα').
- Attributive Position
- When it comes before the noun to define it: 'Η έκτακτη εισφορά' (The special contribution/tax).
- Predicative Position
- When it follows a linking verb: 'Η παράσταση ήταν έκτακτη' (The performance was extraordinary).
Χρειάζεται έκτακτη χρηματοδότηση για το έργο.
In professional Greek, 'έκτακτος' is often used to describe non-permanent roles. If you are an 'έκτακτος υπάλληλος', you are a temporary employee or a substitute. This is a very common term in the Greek public sector. Conversely, in the world of arts, an 'έκτακτη συμμετοχή' refers to a guest appearance or a special cameo by a famous actor. Notice how the word implies something that is not part of the 'regular' cast or crew. This 'non-regular' aspect is the common thread across all its uses.
Ο καθηγητής έκανε ένα έκτακτο μάθημα το Σάββατο.
When using the word to mean 'wonderful,' it is almost always used as a predicate adjective or an exclamation. 'Έκτακτα!' can be used as an adverbial exclamation meaning 'Great!' or 'Excellent!'. For example, if someone suggests a good idea, you can reply 'Έκτακτα, ας το κάνουμε έτσι!' (Excellent, let's do it that way!). In this sense, it is synonymous with 'υπέροχα' or 'θαυμάσια'. However, be careful not to use it in very formal academic writing to mean 'wonderful'; keep it for emergencies or temporary states in formal documents.
Περάσαμε έκτακτα στις διακοπές μας.
The most common place to encounter 'έκτακτος' is on Greek television and radio. The phrase 'έκτακτο δελτίο' (special bulletin) is the standard way to announce breaking news, often accompanied by dramatic music. If there is a sudden change in the weather, the National Meteorological Service will issue an 'έκτακτο δελτίο επιδείνωσης καιρού' (extraordinary bulletin of weather worsening). This makes the word synonymous with urgency and the 'now'.
- News Media
- Breaking news alerts and special reports regarding politics, disasters, or major events.
- Public Transportation
- Announcements about 'έκτακτα δρομολόγια' (extra/unscheduled routes) during strikes or holidays.
- Social Gatherings
- Friends complimenting a host: 'Η φιλοξενία σου ήταν έκτακτη!' (Your hospitality was extraordinary!).
Προσοχή! Ακολουθεί έκτακτο δελτίο ειδήσεων.
In the workplace, you might hear a manager call for an 'έκτακτη σύσκεψη' (emergency meeting). This usually implies that something unexpected has happened that requires immediate discussion. Similarly, in the medical field, an 'έκτακτο περιστατικό' is an emergency case or an urgent patient. In these environments, the word carries a weight of seriousness and priority. It signals to everyone that the 'regular' flow of work is being suspended to deal with a specific, pressing issue.
Το νοσοκομείο δέχεται μόνο έκτακτα περιστατικά σήμερα λόγω της απεργίας.
On the flip side, in the vibrant social life of Greece, 'έκτακτος' is a warm word. You might hear it at a dinner table or a theater lobby. It describes a 'stand-out' performance or a 'stand-out' person. 'Είναι έκτακτος τύπος' (He's a great guy) is a high compliment, suggesting the person is not just good, but exceptional and pleasant to be around. This dual usage—one high-stress and one high-praise—is a fascinating glimpse into the Greek linguistic psyche, where the 'unusual' is either a crisis to be managed or a beauty to be celebrated.
Έγινε μια έκτακτη τροποποίηση στο πρόγραμμα των εξετάσεων.
The most common mistake learners make is confusing 'έκτακτος' with 'εξαιρετικός' (excellent) or 'επείγων' (urgent). While 'έκτακτος' can mean excellent, 'εξαιρετικός' is more formal and strictly positive. Similarly, while an 'έκτακτη ανάγκη' is urgent, the word 'επείγων' specifically focuses on the time pressure, whereas 'έκτακτος' focuses on the fact that it is outside the normal schedule.
- Confusing with 'Εξαιρετικός'
- Use 'εξαιρετικός' for high quality in formal writing. Use 'έκτακτος' for 'wonderful' in casual speech or to mean 'extraordinary/emergency' in formal contexts.
- Confusing with 'Επείγων'
- 'Επείγων' means it must happen NOW. 'Έκτακτος' means it wasn't planned. An 'έκτακτη' meeting might be 'επείγουσα' (urgent), but they aren't the same word.
Λάθος: Είναι μια έκτακτη περίπτωση (when you mean urgent). Σωστό: Είναι μια επείγουσα περίπτωση.
Another mistake involves gender agreement. Because the word ends in '-ος', some learners forget that the feminine is '-η' and the neuter is '-ο'. For example, 'είδηση' (news) is feminine, so it must be 'έκτακτη είδηση', not 'έκτακτο είδηση'. This is a basic error but common when students are focused on the meaning of the word rather than its grammatical function. Additionally, avoid using 'έκτακτος' to mean 'sudden' (ξαφνικός). While an emergency is often sudden, the word 'έκτακτος' describes the nature of the event (unplanned/special), not the speed at which it happened.
Λάθος: Το έκτακτο κρύο (Sudden cold). Σωστό: Το ξαφνικό κρύο.
Lastly, be careful with the adverbial form 'έκτακτα'. While it usually means 'wonderfully,' in some contexts it can mean 'on an emergency basis.' Context is everything. If you say 'Πληρώθηκε έκτακτα,' it means they were paid via a special/one-off payment, not that they were paid 'wonderfully.' Always look at the verb and the broader situation to determine which of the two primary meanings is being utilized. This nuance is what distinguishes a B1 learner from a B2 or C1 speaker who can handle ambiguity with ease.
Χρησιμοποίησε την έκτακτη έξοδο κινδύνου.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a semantic field with 'έκτακτος'. Depending on whether you want to emphasize the 'emergency' aspect or the 'extraordinary' aspect, you have several choices. For emergencies, 'επείγων' and 'απρόβλεπτος' are your best bets. For high quality, 'εξαιρετικός', 'φανταστικός', or 'θαυμάσιος' are common alternatives.
- Επείγων (Urgent)
- Focuses on the need for immediate action. 'Επείγουσα ανάγκη' vs. 'Έκτακτη ανάγκη'.
- Εξαιρετικός (Exceptional/Excellent)
- Used for high quality. 'Ένας εξαιρετικός μαθητής' is a top-tier student.
- Προσωρινός (Temporary)
- If the 'έκτακτος' aspect refers to a job, 'προσωρινός' is a more direct word for temporary.
Αντί για έκτακτος, μπορείς να πεις 'μοναδικός' αν κάτι είναι πραγματικά σπάνιο.
Another interesting alternative is 'ασυνήθιστος' (unusual). While 'έκτακτος' implies a deviation from a schedule or a high level of quality, 'ασυνήθιστος' simply means something doesn't happen often. If a storm is just weird, it's 'ασυνήθιστη'. αν it requires the government to act, it involves 'έκτακτα μέτρα'. Furthermore, 'ειδικός' (special) can sometimes overlap with 'έκτακτος', especially in the context of 'special sessions' or 'special editions' of a book. However, 'ειδικός' usually implies a specific purpose, whereas 'έκτακτος' implies a specific, unplanned timing.
Η έκτακτη έκδοση της εφημερίδας εξαντλήθηκε αμέσως.
When praising someone, you can use 'καταπληκτικός' (amazing) or 'φοβερός' (awesome - though literally 'fearful'). 'Έκτακτος' feels slightly more old-fashioned or polite in this context, often used by older generations to describe a well-behaved or impressive young person. In modern slang, young people might prefer 'τέλειος' (perfect). Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for your target audience. If you want to sound sophisticated and versatile, 'έκτακτος' is a fantastic addition to your Greek lexicon, bridgeing the gap between the administrative and the emotional.
Αυτή η έκτακτη εξέλιξη άλλαξε τα σχέδιά μας.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Ο παππούς μου είναι έκτακτος άνθρωπος.
My grandfather is a wonderful person.
Masculine singular nominative.
Έκτακτα! Το έκανες πολύ καλά.
Great! You did it very well.
Adverbial use as an exclamation.
Το φαγητό είναι έκτακτο σήμερα.
The food is extraordinary today.
Neuter singular nominative.
Είσαι μια έκτακτη φίλη.
You are a wonderful friend.
Feminine singular nominative.
Περάσαμε έκτακτα στο πάρτι.
We had a wonderful time at the party.
Adverbial use meaning 'excellently'.
Αυτό το γλυκό είναι έκτακτο!
This sweet is extraordinary!
Neuter singular nominative.
Είναι ένας έκτακτος δάσκαλος.
He is a wonderful teacher.
Masculine singular nominative.
Έκτακτη ιδέα!
Extraordinary idea!
Feminine singular nominative.
Υπάρχουν έκτακτα δρομολόγια για το Πάσχα.
There are extra routes for Easter.
Neuter plural nominative.
Πού είναι η έκτακτη έξοδος;
Where is the emergency exit?
Feminine singular nominative.
Έχω ένα έκτακτο ραντεβού στον γιατρό.
I have an emergency appointment at the doctor.
Neuter singular nominative.
Το λεωφορείο έκανε μια έκτακτη στάση.
The bus made an unscheduled stop.
Feminine singular accusative.
Χρειαζόμαστε έκτακτο προσωπικό για το καλοκαίρι.
We need temporary staff for the summer.
Neuter singular accusative.
Έγινε μια έκτακτη αλλαγή στο πρόγραμμα.
An emergency change was made to the schedule.
Feminine singular nominative.
Το σχολείο είναι κλειστό για έκτακτο λόγο.
The school is closed for an extraordinary reason.
Masculine singular accusative.
Πήραμε μια έκτακτη βοήθεια από τον δήμο.
We received emergency aid from the municipality.
Feminine singular accusative.
Ακούσατε την έκτακτη είδηση στην τηλεόραση;
Did you hear the breaking news on TV?
Feminine singular accusative.
Η κυβέρνηση πήρε έκτακτα μέτρα για την οικονομία.
The government took extraordinary measures for the economy.
Neuter plural accusative.
Σε περίπτωση έκτακτης ανάγκης, καλέστε το 100.
In case of emergency, call 100.
Feminine singular genitive.
Ο διευθυντής κάλεσε σε έκτακτη σύσκεψη.
The manager called an emergency meeting.
Feminine singular accusative.
Πληρώσαμε μια έκτακτη εισφορά φέτος.
We paid a special tax contribution this year.
Feminine singular accusative.
Ο ηθοποιός κάνει μια έκτακτη εμφάνιση στη σειρά.
The actor is making a guest appearance in the series.
Feminine singular accusative.
Το πλοίο ζήτησε έκτακτη βοήθεια μέσω ασυρμάτου.
The ship requested emergency help via radio.
Feminine singular accusative.
Έγινε μια έκτακτη συνεδρίαση του συμβουλίου.
An extraordinary meeting of the council took place.
Feminine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη επικαιρότητα μονοπωλεί το ενδιαφέρον.
The breaking news is monopolizing everyone's interest.
Feminine singular nominative.
Απαιτείται έκτακτη χρηματοδότηση για την ολοκλήρωση του έργου.
Extraordinary funding is required to complete the project.
Feminine singular nominative.
Το δικαστήριο συνεδρίασε εκτάκτως για το θέμα.
The court convened extraordinarily for the matter.
Adverbial form 'εκτάκτως'.
Είναι ένας έκτακτος επιστήμονας με διεθνή αναγνώριση.
He is an extraordinary scientist with international recognition.
Masculine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη τροπολογία ψηφίστηκε χθες στη Βουλή.
The emergency amendment was voted on yesterday in Parliament.
Feminine singular nominative.
Υπάρχει έκτακτο ενδιαφέρον για τις νέες τεχνολογίες.
There is extraordinary interest in new technologies.
Neuter singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη κατάσταση απαιτεί ψυχραιμία.
The emergency situation requires calmness.
Feminine singular nominative.
Έλαβε ένα έκτακτο επίδομα λόγω των καταστροφών.
He received an emergency allowance due to the disasters.
Neuter singular accusative.
Η έκτακτη εισφορά κοινωνικής αλληλεγγύης επιβλήθηκε σε όλους.
The extraordinary social solidarity contribution was imposed on everyone.
Feminine singular nominative.
Ο οργανισμός βρίσκεται σε κατάσταση έκτακτης ανάγκης.
The organization is in a state of emergency.
Feminine singular genitive.
Πρόκειται για μια έκτακτη περίπτωση που χρήζει ιδιαίτερης προσοχής.
It is an extraordinary case that needs special attention.
Feminine singular accusative.
Η έκτακτη σύνοδος κορυφής δεν κατέληξε σε συμφωνία.
The extraordinary summit did not lead to an agreement.
Feminine singular nominative.
Το έργο του χαρακτηρίζεται από έκτακτη πρωτοτυπία.
His work is characterized by extraordinary originality.
Feminine singular accusative.
Έγινε έκτακτη πρόσκληση ενδιαφέροντος για τη θέση.
An extraordinary call for interest was made for the position.
Feminine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη δικαιοδοσία του δικαστηρίου αμφισβητήθηκε.
The extraordinary jurisdiction of the court was challenged.
Feminine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη επιχορήγηση βοήθησε στην αποκατάσταση των ζημιών.
The extraordinary grant helped in the restoration of damages.
Feminine singular nominative.
Η επίκληση της έκτακτης ανάγκης χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την περιστολή των ελευθεριών.
The invocation of emergency was used to curtail liberties.
Feminine singular genitive.
Ο έκτακτος χαρακτήρας των μέτρων υπογραμμίστηκε από τον Πρωθυπουργό.
The extraordinary nature of the measures was emphasized by the Prime Minister.
Masculine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη γενική συνέλευση των μετόχων αποφάσισε τη συγχώνευση.
The extraordinary general assembly of shareholders decided on the merger.
Feminine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη αυτή εξέλιξη ανατρέπει τα γεωπολιτικά δεδομένα.
This extraordinary development overturns the geopolitical facts.
Feminine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη εισφορά που επιβλήθηκε κρίθηκε αντισυνταγματική.
The extraordinary contribution imposed was deemed unconstitutional.
Feminine singular nominative.
Το βιβλίο προσφέρει μια έκτακτη ανάλυση της οικονομικής κρίσης.
The book offers an extraordinary analysis of the financial crisis.
Feminine singular accusative.
Ο έκτακτος αυτός νόμος θα ισχύει για περιορισμένο χρονικό διάστημα.
This extraordinary law will be in effect for a limited period.
Masculine singular nominative.
Η έκτακτη κινητοποίηση των δυνάμεων απέτρεψε την καταστροφή.
The extraordinary mobilization of forces prevented the disaster.
Feminine singular nominative.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Κατάσταση έκτακτης ανάγκης
Έκτακτο παράρτημα
Έκτακτος καθηγητής
Έκτακτα έξοδα
Έκτακτη διανομή
Summary
The word 'έκτακτος' is a dual-purpose adjective: it signals urgency in formal contexts (like 'έκτακτη είδηση' - breaking news) and high praise in informal contexts (like 'έκτακτος άνθρωπος' - a wonderful person).
- Used for breaking news and emergencies.
- Commonly means 'wonderful' or 'extraordinary' in casual Greek.
- Describes temporary or non-permanent professional roles.
- Essential for understanding Greek media and social compliments.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr general Wörter
άλλωστε
A2besides, after all
άμεσα
B2Wir müssen άμεσα (sofort) handeln.
άμεσος
B1without intervening factors or delay
άνθρωπος
A1Ein Mensch oder eine Person.
άποψη
B1a view or judgment formed about something
άρνηση
B2Die Weigerung, etwas zu akzeptieren oder zu glauben. 'Seine Weigerung, die Wahrheit zu sehen, ist traurig.'
άσπρος
A1white
άσχημος
A2ugly
έγκαιρος
B1timely, on time
έκταση
B1extent, area, range