καιρός en 30 segundos
- Primary meaning is 'weather' (A1 level focus).
- Secondary meaning is 'opportune time' or 'a long time'.
- It is a masculine noun: ο καιρός.
- Commonly used with the verb 'κάνει' to describe conditions.
The Greek word καιρός (kairos) is one of the most fundamental nouns in the Greek language, primarily taught at the A1 level to mean 'weather'. However, its linguistic footprint is significantly deeper than just atmospheric conditions. In a modern Greek context, when a stranger asks you 'Τι καιρό κάνει;' they are asking about the temperature, the sun, or the rain. But as you progress, you will find that καιρός also refers to 'time' in a qualitative sense—not the chronological time measured by a clock (which is χρόνος), but the 'right' time or a specific period.
- Atmospheric Usage
- This is the most common use for beginners. It encompasses everything from sunny days (καλός καιρός) to stormy weather (κακός καιρός). In Greece, a country where the sea and agriculture are vital, discussing the weather is not just small talk; it is a matter of daily planning and cultural connection.
- Temporal Usage
- Beyond the clouds, καιρός implies an opportunity or a season. While χρόνος is quantitative (minutes, hours), καιρός is qualitative. It is the 'opportune moment'. When someone says 'Ήρθε ο καιρός' (The time has come), they aren't looking at a watch; they are noting that the circumstances are finally right for an event to occur.
Σήμερα ο καιρός στην Αθήνα είναι πολύ ζεστός και ηλιακός.
Historically, the distinction between kairos and chronos is a pillar of Western philosophy. Ancient Greeks personified Kairos as a god with a long lock of hair on his forehead but bald on the back—symbolizing that you can grab an opportunity as it approaches, but once it passes, you cannot catch it from behind. In modern daily life, you will use this word to complain about the heat, celebrate a cool breeze, or tell a friend that it is finally 'time' to grab a coffee together. It is a masculine noun, taking the article ο (ο καιρός), and its declension follows the standard pattern for masculine nouns ending in -ος.
Δεν έχουμε πολύ καιρό για χάσιμο, πρέπει να φύγουμε τώρα.
- Grammatical Gender
- Masculine (Ο καιρός). This means adjectives must match: καλός καιρός (good weather), κρύος καιρός (cold weather).
In conversational Greek, the word is often used in the accusative case 'τον καιρό' when it's the object of a verb, such as 'Βλέπω τον καιρό' (I am watching the weather forecast). The plural form 'οι καιροί' is often used more figuratively to mean 'the times' or 'the current era', as in 'δύσκολοι καιροί' (difficult times). This versatility makes it an indispensable part of your vocabulary from day one. Whether you are checking an app for rain or discussing the political climate, this word is your primary tool.
Πώς είναι ο καιρός στο χωριό σας αυτόν τον μήνα;
Using καιρός correctly requires understanding its role as a subject, object, and part of fixed expressions. Because it is a masculine noun, the endings change based on the case. For A1 learners, the nominative ο καιρός and the accusative τον καιρό are the most frequent. You will often see it paired with the verb κάνω (to do/make) to describe current conditions.
- Describing Conditions
- The standard question is 'Τι καιρό κάνει;' (What is the weather doing/making?). Common answers include 'Κάνει καλό καιρό' (It's good weather) or 'Κάνει κρύο καιρό' (It's cold weather). Note that often Greeks drop 'καιρό' and just say 'Κάνει κρύο' (It's cold), but keeping 'καιρό' adds a layer of descriptive formality or specificity.
Ο καιρός αλλάζει γρήγορα στα βουνά, οπότε προσέχετε.
When using καιρός to mean 'time', it usually appears in contexts of duration or appropriateness. 'Έχω πολύ καιρό να σε δω' translates to 'I haven't seen you for a long time'. Here, 'καιρό' represents a span of time. Another common pattern is 'Είναι καιρός να...' (It is time to...). This is used for suggestions or realizations that an action is overdue.
- Duration/Span
- 'Πέρασε πολύς καιρός' (Much time has passed). Notice how the adjective 'πολύς' (much) agrees with the masculine noun. This is a common point of error for students who might try to use 'πολύ' (adverb) instead of the adjective.
- The Forecast
- 'Το δελτίο καιρού' (The weather report/bulletin). Here, 'καιρού' is in the genitive case, indicating possession or relation. You will hear this every night on the news.
Είναι καιρός να μάθεις την αλήθεια για το τι συνέβη.
In more advanced syntax, you might see 'εν καιρώ' (in due time), a dative-remnant expression from older forms of Greek. Even in modern speech, this remains a sophisticated way to say 'later' or 'when the time is right'. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced speaker, mastering the declension and the dual meaning of this word is vital for natural-sounding Greek.
Με τέτοιον καιρό, κανείς δεν θέλει να βγει από το σπίτι.
- Idiomatic Use
- 'Χάνω τον καιρό μου' (I am wasting my time). This is a very frequent phrase used when someone feels an activity is unproductive.
You will encounter καιρός from the moment you wake up and check the news until you say goodnight to a friend. In Greece, weather is a central topic of conversation due to the country's reliance on tourism and agriculture. On television, the 'Δελτίο Καιρού' (Weather Bulletin) is a staple segment, often presented with dramatic music and detailed maps. Meteorologists in Greece are minor celebrities, and you will hear them use technical terms like 'βαρομετρικό χαμηλό' (low pressure) alongside the word καιρός.
- The Daily Greeting
- Walking into a bakery or a 'periptero', a common icebreaker is 'Τι λέει ο καιρός σήμερα;' (What does the weather say today?). It's the Greek equivalent of 'Nice day, isn't it?'.
Ακούσατε την πρόγνωση για τον καιρό; Θα βρέξει το απόγευμα.
In a work environment, you will hear it used in its 'time' sense. Managers might say 'Δεν υπάρχει καιρός για καθυστερήσεις' (There is no time for delays). In social circles, after not seeing someone for months, the standard exclamation is 'Πόσο καιρό έχουμε να τα πούμε!' (How long it's been since we last spoke!). This usage is deeply ingrained in social etiquette.
Ο καιρός περνάει και εμείς ακόμα περιμένουμε την απάντηση.
- Religious and Philosophical Contexts
- In Church Greek (Koine), which many Greeks still hear during Sunday services, 'καιρός' is used to denote the 'appointed time' of God. This gives the word a weight and gravity that simple 'weather' doesn't possess.
Finally, in literature and news headlines, you might see the plural 'Οι Καιροί' as part of a newspaper title (like 'The Times'). It suggests a broad overview of the current state of the world. From the most mundane chat about rain to the most profound philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, καιρός is everywhere. If you spend a day in a Greek city, you are guaranteed to hear it at least a dozen times.
Στους δύσκολους καιρούς που ζούμε, η αλληλεγγύη είναι απαραίτητη.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing καιρός with χρόνος. While both can be translated as 'time', they are not interchangeable. Χρόνος is for duration, dates, and the abstract concept of time (e.g., 'What time is it?' or 'Time flies'). Καιρός is for specific periods or 'the right time'. You wouldn't say 'Τι καιρός είναι;' to ask for the time on a clock; that would sound like you're asking 'What weather is it?' in a very broken way.
- The 'Much' Confusion
- Learners often say 'πολύ καιρό' when they should say 'πολύς καιρός'. Because 'καιρός' is masculine, the adjective 'πολύς' must agree. 'Πολύ' (with one -λ and -υ) is usually an adverb. For a masculine noun in the nominative, use πολύς καιρός. In the accusative, use πολύ καιρό. This subtle change is a hallmark of a proficient speaker.
Wrong: Τι καιρό είναι;
Right: Τι ώρα είναι; (Clock time) or Τι καιρό κάνει; (Weather)
Another mistake involves the verb agreement. In English, we say 'The weather IS good'. In Greek, we can say 'Ο καιρός είναι καλός', but we also frequently use the verb κάνω (to do). Beginners often forget that 'κάνει' is the standard way to describe weather states. Saying 'Είναι ζέστη' is fine, but 'Κάνει ζέστη' is more common. However, with the noun καιρός, you use 'είναι': 'Ο καιρός είναι υπέροχος'. Don't mix 'κάνει' with the nominative subject 'ο καιρός'.
Wrong: Ο καιρός κάνει κρύο.
Right: Ο καιρός είναι κρύος. / Κάνει κρύο.
- Prepositional Errors
- Students often say 'στο καιρό' (in the weather) when they mean 'with this weather'. The correct prepositional phrase is usually 'με αυτόν τον καιρό' (with this weather). For example: 'Πού πας με αυτόν τον καιρό;' (Where are you going with this weather?).
Lastly, be careful with the plural. 'Οι καιροί' usually refers to 'the times' in a socio-political sense. If you want to say 'The weather is changing often lately', keep it singular: 'Ο καιρός αλλάζει συχνά'. Using the plural there would make it sound like the very nature of time or the era is changing, which might be too dramatic for a simple rain shower.
Greek has several words that touch upon the concepts of time and atmosphere. Distinguishing between them is key to reaching B1 and B2 levels. While καιρός is your 'all-purpose' word for weather, others are more specific.
- Καιρός vs. Χρόνος
- Χρόνος (Chronos): Quantitative time (seconds, years). Used for age, years passed, or the general concept of time.
Καιρός (Kairos): Qualitative time (opportunity, season, weather). Used for 'long time ago' or 'the right moment'. - Καιρός vs. Κλίμα
- Κλίμα (Klima): Climate. This refers to the long-term patterns of a region. You wouldn't say 'The climate is rainy today'; you'd use 'καιρός'. Use 'κλίμα' for 'The Mediterranean climate is mild'.
Το κλίμα της Ελλάδας είναι ιδανικό, αλλά σήμερα ο καιρός είναι χάλια.
Another alternative is ευκαιρία (opportunity). While καιρός can mean 'the right time', ευκαιρία is more specifically 'a chance'. For example, 'Είναι καιρός να φύγουμε' (It's time to leave) vs. 'Είναι μια καλή ευκαιρία να φύγουμε' (It's a good opportunity to leave). The latter implies a specific advantage to leaving now.
- Εποχή (Epohi)
- This means 'season' or 'era'. While 'καιρός' can mean 'the times', 'εποχή' is the standard word for Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. 'Αυτή την εποχή ο καιρός είναι άστατος' (This season the weather is unstable).
Δεν έχω την ευκαιρία να ταξιδεύω συχνά, αλλά όταν ο καιρός είναι καλός, πηγαίνω στο χωριό.
For 'moment', use στιγμή. 'Περίμενε μια στιγμή' (Wait a moment). Using 'καιρό' here would imply waiting for a long period or a specific atmospheric condition, which would be confusing. Understanding these boundaries will help you describe the world with the precision of a native speaker.
Guía de pronunciación
- Stressing the first syllable (KAI-ros) like the English word 'Kairos'.
- Pronouncing the 'ai' as two vowels instead of the 'e' sound.
- Not rolling th
Ejemplos por nivel
Ο καιρός είναι καλός σήμερα.
The weather is good today.
Subject (ο καιρός) + Verb (είναι) + Adjective (καλός).
Τι καιρό κάνει στην Αθήνα;
What is the weather like in Athens?
Interrogative phrase using 'κάνει'.
Δεν μου αρέσει ο κακός καιρός.
I don't like the bad weather.
Negative sentence with 'δεν'.
Κάνει ζεστό καιρό το καλοκαίρι.
It's hot weather in the summer.
Using 'κάνει' with an adjective and the noun.
Ο καιρός είναι κρύος σήμερα.
The weather is cold today.
Adjective 'κρύος' must be masculine.
Βλέπω τον καιρό στην τηλεόραση.
I am watching the weather on TV.
Accusative case 'τον καιρό' as the object.
Πώς είναι ο καιρός εκεί;
How is the weather there?
Simple question with 'πώς'.
Σήμερα ο καιρός είναι συννεφιασμένος.
Today the weather is cloudy.
Adjective 'συννεφιασμένος' matches the masculine noun.
Έχω πολύ καιρό να σε δω.
I haven't seen you for a long time.
Accusative 'καιρό' used for duration.
Είναι καιρός να φύγουμε για το αεροδρόμιο.
It is time to leave for the airport.
Phrase 'Είναι καιρός να' + subjunctive.
Πέρασε πολύς καιρός από τότε.
Much time has passed since then.
Nominative 'πολύς καιρός' with the verb 'πέρασε'.
Ο καιρός θα είναι άστατος αύριο.
The weather will be unstable tomorrow.
Future tense 'θα είναι'.
Δεν έχω καιρό για παιχνίδια.
I don't have time for games.
Negative possession with 'έχω'.
Τι καιρό θα κάνει το Σαββατοκύριακο;
What will the weather be like this weekend?
Future tense 'θα κάνει'.
Ο καιρός αλλάζει συνέχεια.
The weather changes constantly.
Present tense verb 'αλλάζει'.
Με τέτοιον καιρό, προτιμώ να μείνω σπίτι.
With such weather, I prefer to stay home.
Preposition 'με' + demonstrative 'τέτοιον'.
Μην χάνεις τον καιρό σου με αυτόν.
Don't waste your time with him.
Idiom 'χάνω τον καιρό μου'.
Ο καιρός είναι ο καλύτερος γιατρός.
Time is the best doctor.
Proverbial usage of 'καιρός'.
Περάσαμε ωραίο καιρό στο νησί.
We had a nice time on the island.
Using 'καιρό' for a period of stay.
Ο καιρός δεν μας επέτρεψε να βγούμε.
The weather didn't allow us to go out.
Personification of 'καιρός' as a subject.
Ζούμε σε δύσκολους καιρούς.
We live in difficult times.
Plural 'καιρούς' referring to an era.
Ήρθε ο καιρός να πάρεις μια απόφαση.
The time has come for you to make a decision.
Fixed expression 'Ήρθε ο καιρός'.
Ο καιρός στην κορυφή του βουνού είναι απρόβλεπτος.
The weather at the mountain peak is unpredictable.
Adjective 'απρόβλεπτος' matches 'καιρός'.
Έχεις καθόλου καιρό να με βοηθήσεις;
Do you have any time to help me?
Question about availability.
Κάθε πράγμα στον καιρό του και ο κολιός τον Αύγουστο.
Everything in its own time (and mackerel in August).
Traditional Greek proverb.
Πρέπει να εκμεταλλευτούμε τον καιρό όσο είναι ακόμα καλός.
We must take advantage of the weather while it's still good.
Verb 'εκμεταλλευτούμε' + object.
Ο καιρός γαρ εγγύς.
For the time is near.
Archaic/Biblical expression used for emphasis.
Δεν είναι καιρός για τέτοιες συζητήσεις τώρα.
It's not the time for such discussions now.
Negated 'είναι καιρός' for inappropriateness.
Ο καιρός έχει γυρίσματα.
Time has turnings (Fortune changes).
Idiom about the unpredictability of life.
Ο καιρός θα δείξει αν είχαμε δίκιο.
Time will show if we were right.
Future tense 'θα δείξει'.
Περιμένουμε τον κατάλληλο καιρό για την εκκίνηση.
We are waiting for the suitable time/weather for the start.
Adjective 'κατάλληλο' (suitable).
Οι καιροί έχουν αλλάξει ριζικά τα τελευταία χρόνια.
Times have changed radically in recent years.
Plural subject with perfect tense.
Η επιδείνωση του καιρού προκάλεσε σοβαρά προβλήματα.
The worsening of the weather caused serious problems.
Noun 'επιδείνωση' + genitive 'του καιρού'.
Εν καιρώ, θα καταλάβεις γιατί έπραξα έτσι.
In due time, you will understand why I acted this way.
Dative-remnant phrase 'εν καιρώ'.
Τα σημεία των καιρών προμηνύουν μεγάλες αλλαγές.
The signs of the times portend great changes.
Fixed phrase 'τα σημεία των καιρών'.
Ο καιρός είναι αμείλικτος με όσους δεν προετοιμάζονται.
Time is relentless with those who do not prepare.
Formal adjective 'αμείλικτος' (relentless).
Δεν είναι καιρός για εφησυχασμό.
It is not the time for complacency.
Formal usage for social commentary.
Ο καιρός της αθωότητας έχει παρέλθει ανεπιστρεπτί.
The time of innocence has passed irrevocably.
Literary usage of 'καιρός'.
Ο καιρός κυλάει σαν το νερό στο ποτάμι.
Time flows like water in the river.
Simile using 'σαν'.
Πρέπει να δράσουμε πριν παρέλθει ο καιρός.
We must act before the time passes.
Subjunctive 'παρέλθει' (pass by).
Η έννοια του 'καιρού' στην αρχαιοελληνική σκέψη διαφέρει από τον 'χρόνο'.
The concept of 'kairos' in ancient Greek thought differs from 'chronos'.
Academic comparison of terms.
Ο καιρός του πληρώματος έφτασε για την υλοποίηση του οράματος.
The fullness of time has arrived for the realization of the vision.
High-level idiomatic expression.
Σε χαλεπούς καιρούς, η τέχνη αποτελεί καταφύγιο.
In trying times, art constitutes a sanctuary.
Adjective 'χαλεπούς' (difficult/trying).
Η καιρική αστάθεια οφείλεται στην κλιματική κρίση.
Weather instability is due to the climate crisis.
Adjective 'καιρική' derived from 'καιρός'.
Ο καιρός είναι ο υφαντής της ιστορίας μας.
Time is the weaver of our history.
Metaphorical literary usage.
Αναζητούμε τον 'καιρό' εκείνο που η ανθρωπότητα θα ευημερεί.
We seek that 'time' when humanity will prosper.
Abstract usage with a relative clause.
Ο καιρός δεν φείδεται κανενός.
Time spares no one.
Formal verb 'φείδεται' (spares/shows mercy).
Η σύλληψη του 'καιρού' ως ευκαιρία είναι κεντρική στην ρητορική.
The conception of 'kairos' as opportunity is central to rhetoric.
Technical academic definition.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Τι καιρό κάνει;
Είναι καιρός για...
Έχω καιρό να...
Κάθε πράγμα στον καιρό του.
Ο καιρός περνάει.
Με τον καιρό...
Προγνωστικά καιρού.
Του καιρού.
Στον καιρό μου...
Καιρός ήταν!
Modismos y expresiones
"Χάνω τον καιρό μου"
To waste one's time on something unproductive.
Μη χάνεις τον καιρό σου με αυτή την ταινία.
informal"Ο καιρός γαρ εγγύς"
The time is near (often used dramatically or jokingly).
Προετοιμαστείτε, ο καιρός γαρ εγγύς.
literary"Κάθε πράγμα στον καιρό του και ο κολιός τον Αύγουστο"
Everything has its proper season/time.
Μην ανησυχείς για το γάμο, κάθε πράγμα στον καιρό του...
folk"Ο καιρός έχει γυρίσματα"
Fortune changes; times change.
Μην είσαι αλαζόνας, ο καιρός έχει γυρίσματα.
neutral"Σημεία των καιρών"
Symptoms or signs of the current era/state of affairs.
Η έλλειψη σεβασμού είναι σημεία των καιρών.
formal"Εν καιρώ ειρήνης"
In times of peace.
Εν καιρώ ειρήνης, ο στρατός εκπαιδεύεται.
formal"Προ καιρού"
Sometime ago.
Τον είδα προ καιρού στο κέντρο.
neutral"Κατά καιρούς"
From time to time / occasionally.
Κατά καιρούς επισκέπτομαι το μουσείο.
neutral"Ο καιρός είναι αμείλικτος"
Time is relentless/cruel.
Δυστυχώς, ο καιρός είναι αμείλικτος για την ομορφιά.
literary"Όπου φυσάει ο καιρός"
Going wherever the wind blows (being fickle).
Δεν έχει δική του γνώμη, πάει όπου φυσάει ο καιρός.
informalSummary
The word 'καιρός' is the bridge between the physical world (weather) and the abstract world (opportunity). Use it to talk about the sun today or the right moment for a life change. Example: 'Είναι καιρός για αλλαγή' (It is time for a change).
- Primary meaning is 'weather' (A1 level focus).
- Secondary meaning is 'opportune time' or 'a long time'.
- It is a masculine noun: ο καιρός.
- Commonly used with the verb 'κάνει' to describe conditions.