Significado
To avoid getting involved with someone or something
Contexto cultural
In Greek cities, 'keeping distance' is a way to signal that you are not part of the traditional neighborhood gossip culture. Hierarchy is important in Greece, and managers often 'keep distance' to maintain authority, though this is changing in startups. News anchors often use this phrase to appear objective when discussing controversial political scandals. Because Greek families are very close-knit, saying you are 'keeping distance' from a relative is a very strong statement of conflict.
Use it for Neutrality
If you don't want to take sides in an argument, this is your safest phrase. It makes you sound wise, not rude.
Don't use Singular
Saying 'κρατάω απόσταση' sounds like you are talking about a specific physical gap (like in a race). Use plural for social contexts.
Significado
To avoid getting involved with someone or something
Use it for Neutrality
If you don't want to take sides in an argument, this is your safest phrase. It makes you sound wise, not rude.
Don't use Singular
Saying 'κρατάω απόσταση' sounds like you are talking about a specific physical gap (like in a race). Use plural for social contexts.
Add 'ασφαλείας'
Say 'κρατάω αποστάσεις ασφαλείας' (keeping safety distances) to add a humorous or very firm touch to your boundary-setting.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κρατάω' and the noun 'αποστάσεις'.
Εγώ πάντα _______ _______ από τους τοξικούς ανθρώπους.
The first person singular 'κρατάω' matches 'Εγώ', and the plural 'αποστάσεις' completes the idiom.
Which preposition is correct?
Κρατάω αποστάσεις ____ την Κατερίνα.
The idiom 'κρατάω αποστάσεις' always takes the preposition 'από' (from).
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Ο δημοσιογράφος πρέπει να κρατάει αποστάσεις από την πολιτική.'
The sentence refers to a journalist's need for objectivity, which is a matter of professional ethics.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί δεν ήρθες στην παρέα μας χθες; Β: ________________________________.
Option 'a' provides a logical social reason for avoiding a group.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΕγώ πάντα _______ _______ από τους τοξικούς ανθρώπους.
The first person singular 'κρατάω' matches 'Εγώ', and the plural 'αποστάσεις' completes the idiom.
Κρατάω αποστάσεις ____ την Κατερίνα.
The idiom 'κρατάω αποστάσεις' always takes the preposition 'από' (from).
Sentence: 'Ο δημοσιογράφος πρέπει να κρατάει αποστάσεις από την πολιτική.'
The sentence refers to a journalist's need for objectivity, which is a matter of professional ethics.
Α: Γιατί δεν ήρθες στην παρέα μας χθες; Β: ________________________________.
Option 'a' provides a logical social reason for avoiding a group.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasNo, it is generally considered a polite and mature way to express that you are setting boundaries.
Yes, but mostly in the context of safety (e.g., driving or fire). For general location, use 'είναι μακριά'.
'Κρατάω' is everyday Greek. 'Τηρώ' is formal and used in news or legal contexts.
Κρατάω αποστάσεις από αυτήν.
Yes, very often to describe taking things slow or avoiding a 'red flag' person.
Frases relacionadas
μένω μακριά
similarTo stay away
παίρνω το χρόνο μου
builds onTo take one's time
βάζω όρια
similarTo set boundaries
γίνομαι ένα
contrastTo become one (with someone)
