Significado
God helps those who help themselves.
Contexto cultural
Greeks often use ancient phrases to add weight to their advice. It shows education and respect for history. Despite the pagan reference to Athena, the phrase is fully accepted in Christian contexts as it aligns with the concept of 'synergy' between man and God. This is one of the first ancient phrases Greek children learn in school, usually when discussing Aesop's fables. In Greek startups, this phrase is sometimes used to emphasize 'hustle' culture and personal initiative.
Use it for 'Tough Love'
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is complaining but not doing anything to fix their problem.
Don't Modernize
Never say 'χέρι' instead of 'χείρα'. It will make you sound like you don't know the proverb.
Significado
God helps those who help themselves.
Use it for 'Tough Love'
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is complaining but not doing anything to fix their problem.
Don't Modernize
Never say 'χέρι' instead of 'χείρα'. It will make you sound like you don't know the proverb.
Ancient Authority
Using this phrase makes you sound like a very educated Greek speaker.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct ancient forms.
Συν _______ και _______ κίνει.
The proverb uses the dative 'Αθηνά' and the ancient accusative 'χείρα'.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend wants to win a marathon but hasn't trained in weeks.
This proverb is perfect for someone relying on luck/hope without putting in the work.
What is the literal meaning of 'χείρα κίνει'?
What does the second part of the phrase mean?
'Χείρα' means hand and 'κίνει' means move.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Ελπίζω να βρω μια καλή δουλειά σύντομα. Β: Κι εγώ το ελπίζω, αλλά πρέπει να στείλεις βιογραφικά. ________________.
The context of hoping for a job while needing to take action fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use this phrase
Education
- • Exams
- • Homework
- • Learning
Career
- • Job hunt
- • Promotion
- • Projects
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΣυν _______ και _______ κίνει.
The proverb uses the dative 'Αθηνά' and the ancient accusative 'χείρα'.
Your friend wants to win a marathon but hasn't trained in weeks.
This proverb is perfect for someone relying on luck/hope without putting in the work.
What does the second part of the phrase mean?
'Χείρα' means hand and 'κίνει' means move.
Α: Ελπίζω να βρω μια καλή δουλειά σύντομα. Β: Κι εγώ το ελπίζω, αλλά πρέπει να στείλεις βιογραφικά. ________________.
The context of hoping for a job while needing to take action fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasWhile it mentions a goddess, it is used more as a secular piece of wisdom about hard work than a religious statement.
Yes, it is formal and respectful enough for a professional environment.
In this ancient context, it means 'with' or 'alongside'.
Absolutely! It's a great 'power phrase' to show you are learning Greek culture.
Because it's in the ancient dative case, which doesn't exist in modern Greek but is preserved in this proverb.
Yes, it's common to text it to a friend who is nervous about an exam or interview.
Not really, but you could say 'Κούνα το λίγο!' (Move it a bit!) for a similar effect.
Yes, 100% of native speakers will recognize and understand this phrase.
No, you can use it for small things, like someone waiting for the bus without checking the schedule.
You can use the modern 'Βοήθα με να σε βοηθώ' instead.
Frases relacionadas
Βοήθα με να σε βοηθώ
similarHelp me so I can help you.
Η τύχη βοηθάει τους τολμηρούς
similarFortune favors the bold.
Περίμενε εσύ...
contrastYou keep waiting...
Των φρονίμων τα παιδιά πριν πεινάσουν μαγειρεύουν
builds onWise children cook before they get hungry.
