Significado
Waiting in line.
Contexto cultural
In Greece, queuing is often less formal than in Northern Europe. People might cluster rather than form a straight line. The phrase 'Ποιος είναι τελευταίος;' (Who is last?) is the social glue that maintains order. Similar to Greece, but in formal settings like banks, digital numbering systems (taking a ticket) are now very common, making the physical 'ουρά' less frequent but the concept remains. Greek speakers abroad often use the English word 'line' but translated literally, sometimes saying 'είμαι στη γραμμή' (I am in the line), which sounds slightly 'off' to a native speaker from Greece. The 'ουρά' at public services (like the post office or tax office) is a common trope in Greek comedy and social commentary, symbolizing bureaucracy.
The 'Last Person' Rule
In Greece, always ask 'Ποιος είναι τελευταίος;' if the line looks messy. It's the most polite way to join.
Don't say 'γραμμή'
English speakers often say 'είμαι στη γραμμή' (I'm in the line). While understood, it sounds like you're talking about a phone line or a geometric line.
Significado
Waiting in line.
The 'Last Person' Rule
In Greece, always ask 'Ποιος είναι τελευταίος;' if the line looks messy. It's the most polite way to join.
Don't say 'γραμμή'
English speakers often say 'είμαι στη γραμμή' (I'm in the line). While understood, it sounds like you're talking about a phone line or a geometric line.
Patience is Key
Greeks might complain while 'στην ουρά,' but it's often just a way to pass the time. Join in the conversation!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'είμαι' and the prepositional phrase.
Εγώ ________ ________ ________ για το εισιτήριο.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be 'είμαι'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I was in line'?
Πώς λέμε 'I was in line' στα ελληνικά;
'Ήμουν' is the past tense of 'είμαι'.
Complete the dialogue at the bank.
Πελάτης Α: Συγγνώμη, ποιος είναι τελευταίος; Πελάτης Β: Εγώ ________. ________ ________ ________.
The speaker is identifying themselves as the last person in line.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on a website waiting to buy tickets. What do you say?
'Είμαι στην ουρά' is used for digital waiting lines too.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Ουρά vs. Σειρά
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΕγώ ________ ________ ________ για το εισιτήριο.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be 'είμαι'.
Πώς λέμε 'I was in line' στα ελληνικά;
'Ήμουν' is the past tense of 'είμαι'.
Πελάτης Α: Συγγνώμη, ποιος είναι τελευταίος; Πελάτης Β: Εγώ ________. ________ ________ ________.
The speaker is identifying themselves as the last person in line.
You are on a website waiting to buy tickets. What do you say?
'Είμαι στην ουρά' is used for digital waiting lines too.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasYes! It is very common to say 'Είμαι στην ουρά' when waiting on a website or for a call center.
Not at all. It is the standard, neutral word for a queue in Greek.
'Ουρά' is the physical line of people. 'Σειρά' is your turn or the abstract order.
You would say 'Προσπερνώ στην ουρά,' but be careful—it's very unpopular!
Yes, when you are in a specific line, you say 'στην ουρά' (in THE line).
Yes, if they are in a single file, like at a toll booth.
Yes, 'ουρές.' For example: 'Υπάρχουν μεγάλες ουρές στα καταστήματα.'
You still ask 'Ποιος είναι τελευταίος;' to establish a virtual 'ουρά.'
No, it's just more descriptive of the action of taking a position.
Η ουρά προχωράει γρήγορα.
No, for text use 'γραμμή.'
Usually 'ουρά προτεραιότητας' (priority line).
Yes, exactly the same way.
Είμαι στην ουρά εδώ και μία ώρα.
Frases relacionadas
περιμένω τη σειρά μου
similarWaiting for my turn
στήνομαι στην ουρά
builds onTo take one's place in line
πιάνω σειρά
similarTo get a spot in line
προσπερνώ στην ουρά
contrastTo cut in line
ουρά αναμονής
specialized formWaiting queue
