Significado
Stopping work briefly to rest.
Contexto cultural
The 'kafedaki' (little coffee) is the soul of the Greek break. It's not just caffeine; it's a social contract. Similar to Greece, but the 'frappé' or 'Cypriot coffee' break might last longer in the heat of the afternoon. Even in high-pressure tech jobs in Athens, the 'smoking break' (διάλειμμα για τσιγάρο) remains a common social gathering point. The 'koulouri' (sesame bread ring) is the traditional snack eaten during the school 'διάλειμμα'.
Use the Diminutive
Use 'διαλειμματάκι' (dialimmataki) to sound more friendly and less formal when asking for a break.
Avoid 'Take'
Even though you 'take' a break in English, try to burn 'κάνω' (make) into your brain for Greek.
Significado
Stopping work briefly to rest.
Use the Diminutive
Use 'διαλειμματάκι' (dialimmataki) to sound more friendly and less formal when asking for a break.
Avoid 'Take'
Even though you 'take' a break in English, try to burn 'κάνω' (make) into your brain for Greek.
The 'Coffee' Connection
If you say 'Κάνω διάλειμμα', people will often assume you are going for a coffee. It's the default activity.
Socializing
Don't take your break alone! In Greece, a break is a time to talk to others.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κάνω'.
Χθες, η Μαρία _______ διάλειμμα για δύο ώρες.
'Χθες' (yesterday) requires the past tense (Aorist) for the third person singular.
Which sentence is the most natural for a coffee break?
Πώς λέμε 'I am taking a coffee break' στα ελληνικά;
'Κάνω διάλειμμα' is the standard collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Είμαι πολύ κουρασμένος. Β: ________________________.
The imperative 'Κάνε' is used to give advice or a suggestion.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Κάνουμε ένα διάλειμμα στη σχέση μας' to the correct context.
This specific usage refers to a temporary separation in a relationship.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Break vs. Vacation
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΧθες, η Μαρία _______ διάλειμμα για δύο ώρες.
'Χθες' (yesterday) requires the past tense (Aorist) for the third person singular.
Πώς λέμε 'I am taking a coffee break' στα ελληνικά;
'Κάνω διάλειμμα' is the standard collocation.
Α: Είμαι πολύ κουρασμένος. Β: ________________________.
The imperative 'Κάνε' is used to give advice or a suggestion.
Match 'Κάνουμε ένα διάλειμμα στη σχέση μας' to the correct context.
This specific usage refers to a temporary separation in a relationship.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasYou will be understood, but it sounds like a translation from English. 'Κάνω' is much more natural.
'Διάλειμμα' is everyday and common. 'Ανάπαυλα' is more literary and formal, often used for a 'respite' in a difficult situation.
You say 'διάλειμμα για μεσημεριανό'.
Yes, for the interval between halves (ημίχρονο) or a general pause, though 'τάιμ-άουτ' is used for the coach's call.
No, for a gap year we usually say 'κενό έτος' or 'διάλειμμα από τις σπουδές' (if it's a break from studies).
It is neuter: 'το διάλειμμα'.
You say 'Είμαι σε διάλειμμα'.
It means the couple is taking time apart to decide if they want to stay together.
Yes, 'τα διαλείμματα'. Example: 'Κάνω πολλά διαλείμματα'.
Yes, 'διαφημιστικό διάλειμμα'.
In Greek schools, it's the main 15-20 minute recess around 10:00 or 11:00 AM.
Say: 'Μπορώ να κάνω ένα σύντομο διάλειμμα;'
No, that's 'λιποθυμία'. Don't confuse them!
Yes, it's very common in casual, modern Greek, especially among young people.
Frases relacionadas
Παίρνω μια ανάσα
similarTo take a breath/breather
Κάνω διακοπές
contrastTo go on vacation
Σταματάω
builds onTo stop
Ξεκουράζομαι
synonymTo rest
