Significado
Describing a health issue.
Contexto cultural
The 'Mati' (Evil Eye) is often blamed for sudden headaches. It is common for people to ask if you need 'xematiasma' before offering medicine. Similar to Greece, but the dialect might use 'πονά μου η κεφαλή μου' more frequently in rural areas. In places like Astoria or Melbourne, 'Έχω πονοκέφαλο' remains one of the most preserved phrases even among third-generation speakers who have lost much of their Greek. Greeks use 'πονοκέφαλος' to describe the complex bureaucracy (γραφειοκρατία) they face daily.
Drop the article
While 'Έχω έναν πονοκέφαλο' is correct, most Greeks just say 'Έχω πονοκέφαλο' for general pain.
Don't use 'Είμαι'
Never say 'Είμαι πονοκέφαλο'. It's a classic beginner mistake.
Significado
Describing a health issue.
Drop the article
While 'Έχω έναν πονοκέφαλο' is correct, most Greeks just say 'Έχω πονοκέφαλο' for general pain.
Don't use 'Είμαι'
Never say 'Είμαι πονοκέφαλο'. It's a classic beginner mistake.
Use it as an excuse
If you are stuck in a long conversation, 'Έχω έναν πονοκέφαλο' is the most polite way to end it.
The 'Mati' connection
If someone offers to 'de-eye' you (ξεμάτιασμα) when you have a headache, say yes! it's a great cultural experience.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Εγώ _______ πονοκέφαλο.
The first person singular of 'έχω' is 'έχω'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I have a strong headache'?
'Πονοκέφαλος' is masculine, so the adjective 'δυνατός' must also be masculine accusative 'δυνατό'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to leave a boring meeting politely.
In Greek culture, a headache is a socially acceptable excuse to leave.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Τι έχεις; B: ___________.
'Τι έχεις;' asks 'What's wrong/What do you have?', so 'Έχω πονοκέφαλο' is a logical answer.
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Ayudas visuales
Ways to say it
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΕγώ _______ πονοκέφαλο.
The first person singular of 'έχω' is 'έχω'.
How do you say 'I have a strong headache'?
'Πονοκέφαλος' is masculine, so the adjective 'δυνατός' must also be masculine accusative 'δυνατό'.
You want to leave a boring meeting politely.
In Greek culture, a headache is a socially acceptable excuse to leave.
A: Τι έχεις; B: ___________.
'Τι έχεις;' asks 'What's wrong/What do you have?', so 'Έχω πονοκέφαλο' is a logical answer.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt is grammatically possible but very rare. 'Πονοκέφαλος' is the standard word.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
Because it is the object of the verb 'έχω', so it must be in the accusative case.
You say 'Έχω ημικρανία'.
The plural is 'πονοκέφαλοι' (nominative) or 'πονοκεφάλους' (accusative).
Many do, especially older generations, but even young people use it as a joke or a 'just in case' remedy.
Yes, but it's more common to say 'είμαι από χανγκόβερ'.
'Έχω πονοκέφαλο' is the name of the condition; 'με πονάει το κεφάλι' describes the active sensation.
You can say 'Είσαι ένας πονοκέφαλος', but it's quite rude!
No, Greek uses the 'verb + noun' construction.
Start with 'Γεια σας, έχω πονοκέφαλο. Τι μου προτείνετε;'
It is masculine (ο πονοκέφαλος).
Frases relacionadas
Με πονάει το κεφάλι μου
similarMy head hurts me
Έχω ημικρανία
specialized formI have a migraine
Ζαλίζομαι
similarI am dizzy
Πονόλαιμος
builds onSore throat
Πονόκοιλος
builds onStomach ache
