Significado
Experiencing a headache.
Contexto cultural
Headaches are often treated with 'tsai tou vounou' (mountain tea) or chamomile before resorting to pills. Many Greeks believe that a cold compress with vinegar on the forehead can also help. If a headache comes on suddenly after being in a crowd, Greeks may suspect 'mati'. A friend or relative might perform a ritual with oil and water to 'remove' the eye. Greeks are very sensitive to the 'Meltemi' or 'Livas' winds. It is common to hear people blame their headache on the specific wind blowing that day. In Greece, sharing that you have a headache is a way to build rapport or explain your mood. It is not seen as 'too much information' even with casual acquaintances.
Use 'Με'
Saying 'Με πονάει το κεφάλι' sounds slightly more natural and 'Greek' than 'Πονάει το κεφάλι μου'.
Don't forget the article
Always say 'ΤΟ κεφάλι'. Skipping 'το' makes you sound like a beginner.
Significado
Experiencing a headache.
Use 'Με'
Saying 'Με πονάει το κεφάλι' sounds slightly more natural and 'Greek' than 'Πονάει το κεφάλι μου'.
Don't forget the article
Always say 'ΤΟ κεφάλι'. Skipping 'το' makes you sound like a beginner.
The 'Depon' factor
If you say this phrase, expect someone to immediately offer you a 'Depon'. It's the universal Greek answer to a headache.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'πονάω'.
Σήμερα το πρωί ________ το κεφάλι μου πολύ.
The subject is 'το κεφάλι' (singular), so the verb must be in the 3rd person singular.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I have a headache'?
How do you say 'My head hurts' in Greek?
This is the standard collocation in Greek.
Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are all variations of expressing head pain or discomfort.
Complete the dialogue at the pharmacy.
Πελάτης: Γεια σας, ________ το κεφάλι μου. Φαρμακοποιός: Ορίστε ένα Depon.
The customer is describing their symptom.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Causes of Headaches in Greece
Weather
- • Ήλιος (Sun)
- • Ζέστη (Heat)
- • Νοτιάς (South wind)
Lifestyle
- • Κρασί (Wine)
- • Φασαρία (Noise)
- • Δουλειά (Work)
Culture
- • Μάτι (Evil Eye)
- • Άγχος (Stress)
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΣήμερα το πρωί ________ το κεφάλι μου πολύ.
The subject is 'το κεφάλι' (singular), so the verb must be in the 3rd person singular.
How do you say 'My head hurts' in Greek?
This is the standard collocation in Greek.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are all variations of expressing head pain or discomfort.
Πελάτης: Γεια σας, ________ το κεφάλι μου. Φαρμακοποιός: Ορίστε ένα Depon.
The customer is describing their symptom.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is perfectly correct and very common. 'Πονάει το κεφάλι μου' is slightly more descriptive of the sensation.
Yes, unless the context makes it 100% clear whose head it is, but even then, Greeks almost always use the possessive clitic.
You can say 'Με σφάζει το κεφάλι' (My head is slaughtering me) or 'Το κεφάλι μου πάει να σπάσει' (My head is going to break).
'Πονάω' means 'I feel pain' (general), while 'πονάει' means 'it hurts' (specific part).
Yes! You can say 'Μου πονάει το κεφάλι με αυτόν' (My head hurts with him/because of him).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
Χθες πονούσε το κεφάλι μου.
Πονάει το κεφάλι μου και το στομάχι μου.
Yes: 'Μου έγινε το κεφάλι καζάνι' (My head became a cauldron).
Many do, especially older generations. It's a very common cultural explanation for a sudden headache.
Frases relacionadas
Έχω πονοκέφαλο
synonymI have a headache
Ζαλίζομαι
similarI am dizzy
Μου ήρθε νταμπλάς
specialized formI was shocked/hit by a stroke
Καζάνι το κεφάλι μου
idiomMy head is like a cauldron
Πονάει η ψυχή μου
builds onMy soul hurts
