Signification
Possessing the means to enter.
Contexte culturel
It is standard for parents to keep a set of keys to their adult children's homes. This is seen as a gesture of care and readiness to help in emergencies. In Greek 'polykatoikies' (apartment blocks), neighbors often exchange keys before going on vacation to water plants or feed pets. Saint Peter is often depicted in Greek icons holding keys, representing the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, reinforcing the 'key' as a symbol of ultimate authority. Giving keys is often considered a more significant commitment than 'meeting the parents' in urban Greek culture.
Plural is Default
Even if you only have one key, Greeks usually say 'Έχω κλειδιά' (plural) to refer to their keychain.
Don't say 'Είμαι κλειδιά'
English speakers often confuse 'I am' and 'I have'. Always use 'Έχω'.
Signification
Possessing the means to enter.
Plural is Default
Even if you only have one key, Greeks usually say 'Έχω κλειδιά' (plural) to refer to their keychain.
Don't say 'Είμαι κλειδιά'
English speakers often confuse 'I am' and 'I have'. Always use 'Έχω'.
Use 'Από'
To sound more native, use 'από' (from) instead of 'για' (for) when saying 'keys to the house': 'Κλειδιά από το σπίτι'.
The Spare Key
Always ask for an 'antiklidi' if you are staying long-term; it's a very common word.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Εμείς _______ κλειδιά για το σπίτι της γιαγιάς.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be 'έχουμε'.
Which sentence is correct for a romantic milestone?
How do you say 'He gave me keys'?
The verb 'δίνω' (to give) is used for giving keys.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the door and your friend is inside.
This tells your friend not to bother opening the door.
Complete the dialogue.
- Ξέχασα τα κλειδιά μου μέσα! - Μην ανησυχείς, ο γείτονας _______.
The neighbor 'has keys' (έχει κλειδιά) to help you get in.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Key vs. Password
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΕμείς _______ κλειδιά για το σπίτι της γιαγιάς.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be 'έχουμε'.
How do you say 'He gave me keys'?
The verb 'δίνω' (to give) is used for giving keys.
You are at the door and your friend is inside.
This tells your friend not to bother opening the door.
- Ξέχασα τα κλειδιά μου μέσα! - Μην ανησυχείς, ο γείτονας _______.
The neighbor 'has keys' (έχει κλειδιά) to help you get in.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you are referring to one specific key (like a skeleton key), but 'κλειδιά' is much more natural for a set.
You say 'Έμεινα έξω' (I stayed outside) or 'Κλειδώθηκα έξω'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's the keychain. You'll often hear 'Έχω τα κλειδιά στο μπρελόκ μου'.
Yes, 'Έχω κλειδιά για το αυτοκίνητο' is perfect.
Only in abstract/metaphorical contexts like 'the key to success'. For math, use 'λύση'.
Say 'Έχασα τα κλειδιά μου'.
Not really, but 'Κρατάω τα κλειδιά' sounds a bit more 'in charge'.
Say 'Μου δίνεις τα κλειδιά, παρακαλώ;'
It's a duplicate or spare key. Very important in Greek households!
Expressions liées
Κλειδώνω την πόρτα
similarTo lock the door
Το κλειδί της επιτυχίας
specialized formThe key to success
Μου έμεινε το κλειδί στο χέρι
idiomThe key broke in the lock
Κάτω από την κλειδαρότρυπα
similarThrough the keyhole
Αντικλείδι
builds onSpare key
