Significado
To do what one promised.
Contexto cultural
In Greece, a person's word is often considered more binding than a written contract in social settings. This is tied to 'Philotimo'. Cypriots use the same phrase, but with the local dialect, it might sound like 'κρατώ τον λόον μου'. The cultural weight of integrity is equally high. In Greek business, while contracts are signed, the 'word' of the CEO or manager is what truly builds the long-term partnership. The concept of 'Logos' in Ancient Greece meant that speech was a reflection of one's reason. Breaking one's word was seen as acting against reason itself.
The 'Possessive' Rule
Always double-check your possessive pronoun. If 'we' are the subject, use 'μας'. If 'they' are the subject, use 'τους'.
Don't use 'Λέξη'
Even though 'word' is 'λέξη', never use it in this phrase. It's always 'λόγος'.
Significado
To do what one promised.
The 'Possessive' Rule
Always double-check your possessive pronoun. If 'we' are the subject, use 'μας'. If 'they' are the subject, use 'τους'.
Don't use 'Λέξη'
Even though 'word' is 'λέξη', never use it in this phrase. It's always 'λόγος'.
Use the Past Tense
You will most often use this in the past tense ('κράτησα') to prove you were reliable, or in the future ('θα κρατήσω') to make a solemn promise.
Philotimo Connection
If you want to impress a Greek person, use this phrase when you finish a task. It shows you understand their values.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κρατάω' and the correct possessive pronoun.
Εγώ πάντα _______ τον λόγο _______.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be 'κρατάω' and the pronoun 'μου'.
Which sentence is correct?
Someone who is very reliable...
Reliable people *always* keep their word. 'Λέξη' and 'παίρνει' are incorrect in this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θα με βοηθήσεις αύριο; Β: Ναι, στο υποσχέθηκα. Εγώ ________________.
Speaker B is talking about themselves, so they use the first person.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You promised to call your mom at 6 PM and you did it.
Keeping a promise is 'κρατάω τον λόγο μου'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Word vs. Promise
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΕγώ πάντα _______ τον λόγο _______.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be 'κρατάω' and the pronoun 'μου'.
Someone who is very reliable...
Reliable people *always* keep their word. 'Λέξη' and 'παίρνει' are incorrect in this idiom.
Α: Θα με βοηθήσεις αύριο; Β: Ναι, στο υποσχέθηκα. Εγώ ________________.
Speaker B is talking about themselves, so they use the first person.
You promised to call your mom at 6 PM and you did it.
Keeping a promise is 'κρατάω τον λόγο μου'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, 'κρατώ' is slightly more formal and very common in written Greek.
The opposite is 'αθετώ τον λόγο μου' (to break my word).
Yes, if you promised not to tell, you can say 'κρατάω τον λόγο μου'.
Almost. 'Τηρώ την υπόσχεσή μου' is 'I keep my promise' and is slightly more formal.
'Λόγο' (singular) refers to your word as a concept of honor. 'Λόγια' (plural) usually refers to 'talk' or 'chatter'.
Yes, the article is mandatory in this idiom.
No, it sounds incomplete. You must specify whose word is being kept.
Extremely often. It is a key phrase for building professional trust.
'Δεν κράτησε τον λόγο του.'
Frases relacionadas
λόγος τιμής
similarword of honor
αθετώ τον λόγο μου
contrastto break my word
άνθρωπος του λόγου
builds ona man of his word
δίνω τον λόγο μου
similarto give my word
ο λόγος μου είναι συμβόλαιο
specialized formmy word is a contract
