Significado
Summarizing the main points.
Contexto cultural
In Greek meetings, 'σε γενικές γραμμές' is often used to signal that the 'big picture' agreement is more important than the bureaucratic details. It helps maintain harmony before tackling difficult specifics. Greek education emphasizes the 'summary' (περίληψη). Students are taught to use this phrase to demonstrate they have understood the 'logos' or the core argument of a text. When asked about a sensitive topic (like a family issue), using this phrase allows a Greek person to be polite without being overly revealing. It's a tool for 'discreet honesty.' Greek news anchors use this phrase constantly to transition between a reporter's detailed story and the next segment. It functions as a linguistic 'reset' button.
The 'But' Buffer
Use this phrase to start a sentence when you have a criticism. 'Σε γενικές γραμμές είναι καλό, ΑΛΛΑ...' makes you sound much more polite and professional.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound like a politician avoiding a direct answer. Use it once per summary.
Significado
Summarizing the main points.
The 'But' Buffer
Use this phrase to start a sentence when you have a criticism. 'Σε γενικές γραμμές είναι καλό, ΑΛΛΑ...' makes you sound much more polite and professional.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound like a politician avoiding a direct answer. Use it once per summary.
The Greek Nod
When a Greek person says this while nodding slowly, they are usually processing a complex thought. Give them a second to finish their 'but'!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Σε _________ γραμμές, η εκδρομή ήταν υπέροχη.
The fixed phrase is 'σε γενικές γραμμές'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct fixed form and appropriate formal vocabulary ('μελέτη', 'παρουσιάζει').
Match the Greek phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these summarizing markers.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
Α: Πώς σου φάνηκε το βιβλίο; Β: __________, μου άρεσε, αλλά το τέλος ήταν απογοητευτικό.
The speaker is giving a balanced summary, which is the perfect use for this phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΣε _________ γραμμές, η εκδρομή ήταν υπέροχη.
The fixed phrase is 'σε γενικές γραμμές'.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct fixed form and appropriate formal vocabulary ('μελέτη', 'παρουσιάζει').
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the standard translations for these summarizing markers.
Α: Πώς σου φάνηκε το βιβλίο; Β: __________, μου άρεσε, αλλά το τέλος ήταν απογοητευτικό.
The speaker is giving a balanced summary, which is the perfect use for this phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is almost always 'σε'. Adding 'στις' (the article) makes it sound like you are talking about literal lines on a piece of paper.
Yes! 'Το φαγητό ήταν καλό σε γενικές γραμμές.' This is very natural.
No, it's fine for texting, though 'γενικά' or 'πάνω-κάτω' are shorter and more common.
'Γενικά' is just 'generally.' 'Σε γενικές γραμμές' is more like 'broadly speaking' or 'in general terms.' It's slightly more descriptive.
Yes, but only their behavior or character in a summary. 'Σε γενικές γραμμές είναι καλός άνθρωπος.'
No. It is a fixed phrase. It always stays 'γενικές γραμμές' (feminine plural).
The closest slang/informal version is 'πάνω-κάτω' (up-down).
Use 'σε πολύ αδρές γραμμές.'
Absolutely. It is a standard way to introduce a summary of a theory or a conclusion.
Not necessarily, but if you use it to avoid a specific question, it might sound evasive.
Frases relacionadas
γενικά
synonymgenerally
σε αδρές γραμμές
specialized formin broad/coarse lines
εν ολίγοις
similarin short
πάνω-κάτω
similarmore or less
συνοπτικά
similarsummarily
