Significado
Playing hard to get.
Contexto cultural
In Greece, the 'chase' is a vital part of romance. It is culturally expected for both parties to engage in some level of 'κάνω τον δύσκολο' to maintain mystery and value. Negotiations in Greece are often personal and theatrical. 'Making the difficult' is a standard tactic to build rapport and test the other party's commitment. When offered a treat at a Greek home, it is polite to initially decline ('making the difficult') before eventually accepting. This shows you are not greedy. The term is used heavily in 'seen' culture. If someone leaves you on 'read' (διαβάστηκε), they are accused of 'making the difficult.'
Match the Gender!
Always remember: 'τον δύσκολο' for men, 'τη δύσκολη' for women. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this to someone's face, it can sound a bit teasing or even slightly annoying. Use it mostly when talking *about* someone else.
Significado
Playing hard to get.
Match the Gender!
Always remember: 'τον δύσκολο' for men, 'τη δύσκολη' for women. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this to someone's face, it can sound a bit teasing or even slightly annoying. Use it mostly when talking *about* someone else.
The 'Nazia' Connection
If you want to sound more native, use 'κάνω νάζια' for romantic flirting and 'κάνω τον δύσκολο' for more general or business reluctance.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'δύσκολος' or 'δύσκολη'.
Η Ελένη δεν απαντάει στο τηλέφωνο. Κάνει τη ________.
Eleni is female, so we use the feminine accusative singular 'δύσκολη'.
Which sentence is correct?
You want to tell your male friend to stop playing hard to get.
For a male, we use the masculine article 'τον' and the masculine adjective 'δύσκολο'.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί ο Κώστας δεν έρχεται μαζί μας; Β: ________ για να τον παρακαλέσουμε.
He is acting difficult so that they will beg him.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A company is waiting for a better offer before signing.
In Greek, 'εταιρεία' (company) is feminine, so we use 'τη δύσκολη'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΗ Ελένη δεν απαντάει στο τηλέφωνο. Κάνει τη ________.
Eleni is female, so we use the feminine accusative singular 'δύσκολη'.
You want to tell your male friend to stop playing hard to get.
For a male, we use the masculine article 'τον' and the masculine adjective 'δύσκολο'.
Α: Γιατί ο Κώστας δεν έρχεται μαζί μας; Β: ________ για να τον παρακαλέσουμε.
He is acting difficult so that they will beg him.
A company is waiting for a better offer before signing.
In Greek, 'εταιρεία' (company) is feminine, so we use 'τη δύσκολη'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes! Use the plural: 'Κάνουν τους δύσκολους' (masculine/mixed) or 'Κάνουν τις δύσκολες' (feminine).
It depends on the tone. Between friends, it's playful teasing. To a stranger, it might sound accusatory.
The opposite is 'είμαι εύκολος' (I am easy) or 'τα δίνω όλα αμέσως' (I give everything immediately).
Yes: 'Έκανε τον δύσκολο' (He was playing hard to get).
No, it's very common in business negotiations and social invitations too.
Yes, it's a very common synonym, slightly more informal.
Say: 'Σταμάτα να κάνεις τον δύσκολο' (to a man) or 'Σταμάτα να κάνεις τη δύσκολη' (to a woman).
Yes, since 'εταιρεία' is feminine, you would say 'Η εταιρεία κάνει τη δύσκολη'.
Very often! Greek pop and folk music are full of lyrics about people playing hard to get.
It literally means 'difficult' or 'hard'.
Frases relacionadas
Κάνω νάζια
similarTo be coquettish or playful.
Το παίζω δύσκολος
synonymTo play it difficult.
Πουλάω ακριβά το τομάρι μου
specialized formTo sell my skin dearly.
Είμαι εύκολος
contrastTo be easy/easy-going.
