Signification
Health issue.
Contexte culturel
The fear of 'το ρεύμα' (the draft) is a major cultural trope. Greeks believe that sitting between two open windows causes a 'κρύωμα' or 'ψύξη'. Similar to Greece, but with a stronger emphasis on using local herbs like 'spathochorto' for recovery. In places like Astoria or Melbourne, the phrase is often mixed with English, but the 'mountain tea' remedy remains a staple. Younger Greeks might use 'έχω κρύωμα' to avoid social obligations, much like 'calling in sick' in the US.
The 'Have' Rule
Always remember that in Greek, you 'have' a cold, you don't 'are' a cold.
Don't say 'Είμαι κρύος'
This means you are dead or have a cold personality. Avoid it!
Signification
Health issue.
The 'Have' Rule
Always remember that in Greek, you 'have' a cold, you don't 'are' a cold.
Don't say 'Είμαι κρύος'
This means you are dead or have a cold personality. Avoid it!
Expect 'Perastika'
When you say you have a cold, people will always say 'Perastika'. Just say 'Efcharisto' (Thank you).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Ο Γιάννης δεν θα έρθει στο σχολείο γιατί ____ κρύωμα.
The subject is 'Ο Γιάννης' (he), so we use the third person singular 'έχει'.
Which sentence means 'I have a cold'?
Select the correct phrase:
'Έχω κρύωμα' is the standard collocation for having a cold.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί φτερνίζεσαι; Β: _________.
Sneezing (φτερνίζεσαι) is a symptom of having a cold.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the pharmacy and want to explain your symptoms.
You tell the pharmacist you have a cold to get medicine.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Κρυώνω vs Έχω κρύωμα
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΟ Γιάννης δεν θα έρθει στο σχολείο γιατί ____ κρύωμα.
The subject is 'Ο Γιάννης' (he), so we use the third person singular 'έχει'.
Select the correct phrase:
'Έχω κρύωμα' is the standard collocation for having a cold.
Α: Γιατί φτερνίζεσαι; Β: _________.
Sneezing (φτερνίζεσαι) is a symptom of having a cold.
You are at the pharmacy and want to explain your symptoms.
You tell the pharmacist you have a cold to get medicine.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or your boss.
Yes, it's very common and means 'I have a cold'.
Κρυολόγημα is more formal/medical, κρύωμα is more everyday.
You say 'Άρπαξα ένα κρύωμα' or 'Κρυολόγησα'.
No, that's 'Κρυώνω'. 'Έχω κρύωμα' means you are sick.
Usually no. For a fever, say 'Έχω πυρετό'.
Rarely. You might say 'Τα κρυώματα του χειμώνα' (The colds of winter).
Mountain tea (tsai tou vounou) with honey and lemon is the standard.
Yes, both refer to the temperature, but Greek uses the noun form.
People might misunderstand you. Better to say 'Έχω αλλεργία'.
Expressions liées
Έχω κρυολόγημα
synonymI have a cold (more formal)
Έχω γρίπη
similarI have the flu
Έχω συνάχι
specialized formI have a runny/stuffy nose
Άρπαξα ένα κρύωμα
builds onI caught a cold
