B1 Expression خنثی

δεν είναι καθόλου απλό

it is not at all simple

معنی

It is complex.

🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

The phrase is often used to introduce 'The Greek Paradox'—where something that should be easy (like paying a bill) becomes a multi-step odyssey. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but often with a local accent and sometimes followed by 'εννά δούμε' (we shall see), indicating a long wait. Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase when trying to explain the complexities of their dual identity or family traditions to non-Greeks. In the startup scene in Athens, this phrase is being replaced by the English 'It's complicated,' but 'Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό' remains the standard for serious professional setbacks.

💡

The 'But' Rule

This phrase is almost always followed by 'γιατί' (because) or 'αλλά' (but). Prepare your explanation!

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Always check if you are talking about 'το πράγμα' (neuter) or 'η κατάσταση' (feminine).

معنی

It is complex.

💡

The 'But' Rule

This phrase is almost always followed by 'γιατί' (because) or 'αλλά' (but). Prepare your explanation!

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Always check if you are talking about 'το πράγμα' (neuter) or 'η κατάσταση' (feminine).

🎯

Sarcastic Use

You can use it sarcastically when someone does something obviously stupid: 'Ε, δεν είναι και καθόλου απλό να πατήσεις ένα κουμπί!'

💬

Patience

When a Greek says this, they are asking for your patience. Don't rush them.

خودت رو بسنج

Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'απλό'.

Η διαδικασία για τη βίζα δεν είναι καθόλου ______.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: απλή

The noun 'διαδικασία' (process) is feminine singular.

Which sentence is the most natural response to: 'Γιατί δεν φτιάχνεις μόνος σου το λάπτοπ;'

Response:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό, χρειάζεται ειδικά εργαλεία.

This correctly uses the negation and provides a reason for the complexity.

Match the situation to the correct variation of the phrase.

Situation: You are explaining that a breakup is complicated because children are involved.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό.

This phrase captures the emotional and social complexity of the situation.

Complete the dialogue.

Α: Μπορούμε να πάμε με τα πόδια στην παραλία; Β: ________, ο δρόμος είναι κλειστός και πρέπει να κάνουμε κύκλο.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό

The explanation about the closed road justifies the use of 'not simple at all'.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

بانک تمرین

4 تمرین‌ها
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'απλό'. جای خالی B1

Η διαδικασία για τη βίζα δεν είναι καθόλου ______.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: απλή

The noun 'διαδικασία' (process) is feminine singular.

Which sentence is the most natural response to: 'Γιατί δεν φτιάχνεις μόνος σου το λάπτοπ;' Choose A2

Response:

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό, χρειάζεται ειδικά εργαλεία.

This correctly uses the negation and provides a reason for the complexity.

Match the situation to the correct variation of the phrase. situation_matching B1

Situation: You are explaining that a breakup is complicated because children are involved.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό.

This phrase captures the emotional and social complexity of the situation.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

Α: Μπορούμε να πάμε με τα πόδια στην παραλία; Β: ________, ο δρόμος είναι κλειστός και πρέπει να κάνουμε κύκλο.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: Δεν είναι καθόλου απλό

The explanation about the closed road justifies the use of 'not simple at all'.

🎉 امتیاز: /4

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Yes! 'Δεν είναι καθόλου απλός άνθρωπος' means someone is complex, deep, or perhaps difficult to deal with.

No, it's actually quite professional. It shows you are thinking about the details and risks.

'Απλό' is about the number of parts/steps. 'Εύκολο' is about the effort required.

Yes, moving 'καθόλου' to the front adds even more emphasis, but it's less common.

A common slangy way to say this is 'Είναι μπέρδεμα' or 'Είναι πακέτο'.

Use 'Δεν είναι τόσο απλό'.

No, 'καθόλου' only works with negative sentences in this context.

Yes, many Greek songs use it to describe complicated love affairs.

Yes: 'Αυτά τα πράγματα δεν είναι καθόλου απλά.'

It is equally common in both, though slightly more frequent in spoken explanations.

عبارات مرتبط

🔄

είναι περίπλοκο

synonym

It is complex

🔗

δεν είναι τόσο απλό

similar

It's not that simple

🔗

είναι παιχνιδάκι

contrast

It's a piece of cake

🔗

μπλέξιμο

builds on

A mess/entanglement

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