Significado
Surprising connections between people
Contexto cultural
Because millions of Greeks live abroad (Australia, USA, Germany), this phrase is a staple of the 'Greek experience'. Meeting another Greek in a remote place and finding a common village is a rite of passage. In Greece, your 'village' (το χωριό) is a key part of your identity. People often use this phrase when they realize their families come from neighboring villages. Greeks are very active on Facebook and Instagram. The phrase is frequently used in comments when people see mutual friends in photos. Finding a connection through this phrase often leads to immediate hospitality. If 'the world is small' and we are connected, you are no longer a stranger.
Use 'Τελικά'
Adding 'Τελικά' (Finally/In the end) at the beginning makes you sound like a native speaker who has just processed the coincidence.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'μικρό' or 'μικρή'. The world (κόσμος) is always a 'he' in Greek!
Significado
Surprising connections between people
Use 'Τελικά'
Adding 'Τελικά' (Finally/In the end) at the beginning makes you sound like a native speaker who has just processed the coincidence.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'μικρό' or 'μικρή'. The world (κόσμος) is always a 'he' in Greek!
The 'Village' Question
If you use this phrase, be prepared for the follow-up: 'From which village?' Greeks love to trace the connection.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Δεν το πιστεύω ότι είσαι εδώ! Τελικά είναι ο ______ μικρός.
The standard proverb uses 'κόσμος'.
In which situation would you say 'Είναι ο κόσμος μικρός'?
You find out your new boss went to the same school as you.
This is a classic 'small world' coincidence.
Which is the most emphatic way to say the phrase?
Choose the best option:
The 'Τι... που' structure adds the most emotional emphasis.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Ξέρεις την Μαρία; Είναι η ξαδέρφη μου! Β: ________________!
Discovering a mutual relative is a perfect time for this phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΔεν το πιστεύω ότι είσαι εδώ! Τελικά είναι ο ______ μικρός.
The standard proverb uses 'κόσμος'.
You find out your new boss went to the same school as you.
This is a classic 'small world' coincidence.
Choose the best option:
The 'Τι... που' structure adds the most emotional emphasis.
Α: Ξέρεις την Μαρία; Είναι η ξαδέρφη μου! Β: ________________!
Discovering a mutual relative is a perfect time for this phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with anyone, from a close friend to a business associate.
Yes, but it's more common for pleasant or neutral ones. If you meet an enemy, you might say it with a bit of irony.
The second one is more emphatic and emotional. It's like the difference between 'The world is small' and 'How small the world is!'
Yes, it is a timeless proverb that hasn't gone out of style, even with the rise of slang.
Not really. It sounds like a literal 'small world' (like a miniature model). Stick to the full phrase.
Frases relacionadas
τι σύμπτωση
similarwhat a coincidence
ο κόσμος είναι μια σταλιά
synonymthe world is a tiny drop
γνωστός του γνωστού
builds ona friend of a friend
η γη είναι στρογγυλή
similarthe earth is round
