Signification
Feeling low temperature.
Contexte culturel
The 'Zaketa' (cardigan) is a cultural icon. Greek mothers are famous for telling their children 'Πάρε ζακέτα' (Take a cardigan) even in mild weather, fearing they will say 'έχω κρύο' and get sick. In Cyprus, the heat is so intense that 'έχω κρύο' is often said with relief when entering a heavily air-conditioned mall, though it quickly turns into a complaint. Greeks living in colder climates (like Canada or Germany) often use 'έχω κρύο' to express their longing for the Greek sun, contrasting their current state with their homeland. In mountain villages, 'έχω κρύο' is a serious prompt to start the 'tzaki' (fireplace), which is the heart of the home during winter.
The 'Have' Rule
Remember that in Greek, you 'have' feelings and sensations. Just like 'έχω πείνα' (I have hunger), you 'έχω κρύο'.
Weather vs. Person
Never say 'έχω κρύο' to mean 'it's a cold day'. You will sound like you are personally freezing!
Signification
Feeling low temperature.
The 'Have' Rule
Remember that in Greek, you 'have' feelings and sensations. Just like 'έχω πείνα' (I have hunger), you 'έχω κρύο'.
Weather vs. Person
Never say 'έχω κρύο' to mean 'it's a cold day'. You will sound like you are personally freezing!
Use 'Κρυώνω' for variety
Native speakers use the verb 'κρυώνω' more often in casual conversation. Try it to sound more natural!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to say 'I am cold' in Greek.
Πώς λέμε 'I am cold' στα ελληνικά;
In Greek, we use the verb 'έχω' (to have) to express feeling cold.
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Εμείς ________ κρύο γιατί το παράθυρο είναι ανοιχτό.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (we), so the verb must be 'έχουμε'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Έχω κρύο'?
'Έχω κρύο' refers to your personal physical sensation.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί τρέμεις; Β: ________.
If someone is shaking (τρέμεις), they are personally feeling cold.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Έχω κρύο vs. Κάνει κρύο
Ways to say you are cold
Standard
- • έχω κρύο
- • κρυώνω
Extreme
- • παγώνω
- • ξεπαγιάζω
Physical
- • τουρτουρίζω
- • τρέμω
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΠώς λέμε 'I am cold' στα ελληνικά;
In Greek, we use the verb 'έχω' (to have) to express feeling cold.
Εμείς ________ κρύο γιατί το παράθυρο είναι ανοιχτό.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (we), so the verb must be 'έχουμε'.
When would you say 'Έχω κρύο'?
'Έχω κρύο' refers to your personal physical sensation.
Α: Γιατί τρέμεις; Β: ________.
If someone is shaking (τρέμεις), they are personally feeling cold.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are common, but 'κρυώνω' is slightly more frequent in spoken Greek. 'Έχω κρύο' is very common for learners and in specific phrases.
No, 'κρύο' is used as a singular noun in this context. 'Τα κρύα' usually refers to the cold weather periods of winter.
Say 'Έχω πολύ κρύο'. Note that 'πολύ' is an adjective here.
The opposite is 'ζεστάνομαι' (I am hot/feeling heat) or 'έχω ζέστη'.
No, for an illness you say 'έχω κρύωμα' or 'είμαι κρυωμένος'.
No, for a drink you say 'είναι κρύο' (it is cold).
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even a doctor.
It's a linguistic feature where sensations are viewed as something the body experiences or possesses.
This is poetic/metaphorical, meaning 'I have a cold heart' or feel emotional distance.
Children often just say 'Κρυώνω!' or 'Μαμά, κρύο!'
Expressions liées
κρυώνω
synonymto be cold
κάνει κρύο
similarit is cold (weather)
παγώνω
specialized formto freeze
έχω δέκατα
builds onto have a low fever
τουρτουρίζω
specialized formto shiver
