Significado
I do not know at all.
Contexto cultural
In Greece, admitting you don't know something can be a sign of honesty, but it's often followed by a helpful suggestion like 'Ρώτα εκεί' (Ask over there). Cypriot Greek speakers use the same phrase, but the pronunciation of 'έχω' might sound more like 'έσιω' in heavy dialect. In Greek-American communities, this is one of the most resilient phrases, often used as 'Gringlish' mixed with English grammar. Like many Mediterranean cultures, Greeks use heavy hand gestures. A palm-up shrug is the universal non-verbal equivalent of 'Δεν έχω ιδέα'.
Add a Shrug
To sound truly Greek, shrug your shoulders slightly when saying it.
Don't say 'Δεν έχω μια ιδέα'
Avoid the word 'μια' (a) unless you are talking about a specific creative idea.
Significado
I do not know at all.
Add a Shrug
To sound truly Greek, shrug your shoulders slightly when saying it.
Don't say 'Δεν έχω μια ιδέα'
Avoid the word 'μια' (a) unless you are talking about a specific creative idea.
Use 'Δεν είχα ιδέα' for surprises
It's the best way to react to a surprise party or unexpected news.
Polite Deflection
Use it to avoid answering awkward personal questions.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Δεν ____ ιδέα πού είναι τα κλειδιά μου.
The idiom always uses the verb 'έχω' (to have).
Which sentence means 'I had no idea'?
Select the correct past tense form.
'Είχα' is the past tense of 'έχω'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks you: 'Πώς λένε τον νέο γείτονα;' (What is the new neighbor's name?)
This is the natural way to express you haven't met him and don't know his name.
Complete the dialogue with the most emphatic form.
Α: Ξέρεις τι ώρα φεύγει το πλοίο; Β: Όχι, δεν έχω ____ ιδέα.
'Την παραμικρή' (the slightest) is the standard way to add emphasis to this idiom.
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Ayudas visuales
Δεν ξέρω vs Δεν έχω ιδέα
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΔεν ____ ιδέα πού είναι τα κλειδιά μου.
The idiom always uses the verb 'έχω' (to have).
Select the correct past tense form.
'Είχα' is the past tense of 'έχω'.
Someone asks you: 'Πώς λένε τον νέο γείτονα;' (What is the new neighbor's name?)
This is the natural way to express you haven't met him and don't know his name.
Α: Ξέρεις τι ώρα φεύγει το πλοίο; Β: Όχι, δεν έχω ____ ιδέα.
'Την παραμικρή' (the slightest) is the standard way to add emphasis to this idiom.
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Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasNo, it's neutral. However, your tone and body language matter. A friendly shrug makes it polite.
It's better to use 'Δεν γνωρίζω' or 'Δεν είμαι σίγουρος' to sound more professional.
'Δεν ξέρω' is 'I don't know'. 'Δεν έχω ιδέα' is 'I have no idea' (stronger).
Use 'από': 'Δεν έχω ιδέα από πολιτική'.
Yes, 'Έχω μαύρα μεσάνυχτα' is a very common slang alternative.
Yes, but in this idiom, it functions more as 'clue' or 'knowledge'.
Yes, 'καμία' (no/none) adds emphasis, similar to 'I have no idea at all'.
The 'ν' stays because 'έχω' starts with a vowel.
Δεν έχεις ιδέα.
Yes, it's universal across all Greek-speaking regions.
Yes, 'Δεν έχω ιδέα ποιος είναι' (I have no idea who he is).
Translating literally from English and saying 'Δεν έχω μια ιδέα'.
Absolutely! It's one of the first idioms you should learn.
It's ee-THE-ah, with the 'th' as in 'the'.
Frases relacionadas
Δεν ξέρω
similarI don't know
Έχω μαύρα μεσάνυχτα
synonymI am in total darkness
Δεν έχω την παραμικρή ιδέα
builds onI don't have the slightest idea
Πού να ξέρω;
similarHow should I know?
Δεν μου λέει τίποτα
similarIt doesn't ring a bell
