Signification
A serious situation requires a serious attitude.
Contexte culturel
In Greek culture, 'sovarotita' (seriousness) is highly valued in public life, especially during national holidays or religious ceremonies. Using this phrase shows you respect the sanctity of the moment. Similar to Greece, but the phrase might be followed by local dialect variations. The sentiment remains a strong social corrective. In communities in the US or Australia, this phrase is often used by elders to keep younger generations focused on heritage or serious family matters. In modern Greek startups, the culture is more relaxed, but this phrase is still the 'red line' that indicates a meeting has turned from brainstorming to decision-making.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase before delivering bad news to prepare the listener for the change in tone.
Don't over-use
If you use it too often, people will think you are too rigid or lack a sense of humor.
Signification
A serious situation requires a serious attitude.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase before delivering bad news to prepare the listener for the change in tone.
Don't over-use
If you use it too often, people will think you are too rigid or lack a sense of humor.
The 'Kairos' nuance
Remember that you are commenting on the 'moment' itself, not just the person's behavior.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Σταμάτα να γελάς! Δεν είναι _______ για αστεία.
While the other words mean time/moment, 'καιρός' is the specific word used in this fixed idiom.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Δεν είναι καιρός για αστεία'?
Select the correct scenario:
A fire drill is a serious safety matter where humor is inappropriate and potentially dangerous.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Πέτρος: 'Χαχα! Κοίτα τον διευθυντή, φοράει διαφορετικές κάλτσες!' Μαρία: 'Σώπα, Πέτρο! Μας ανακοινώνει απολύσεις. _______.'
The context of announcing layoffs is very serious, making the idiom the perfect response to Peter's joke.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΣταμάτα να γελάς! Δεν είναι _______ για αστεία.
While the other words mean time/moment, 'καιρός' is the specific word used in this fixed idiom.
Select the correct scenario:
A fire drill is a serious safety matter where humor is inappropriate and potentially dangerous.
Πέτρος: 'Χαχα! Κοίτα τον διευθυντή, φοράει διαφορετικές κάλτσες!' Μαρία: 'Σώπα, Πέτρο! Μας ανακοινώνει απολύσεις. _______.'
The context of announcing layoffs is very serious, making the idiom the perfect response to Peter's joke.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt depends on the tone. It is a firm correction, but not necessarily rude. It's more about setting boundaries.
Only if the situation is truly critical and they are being dangerously lighthearted. Otherwise, it might sound like you are overstepping.
In Greek, many impersonal expressions (like 'είναι ανάγκη', 'είναι ώρα') omit the article to indicate a general state or concept.
Yes, 'γέλια' (laughter) is a common alternative to 'αστεία'.
'Καιρός' is the qualitative 'right time,' while 'χρόνος' is the quantitative 'clock time.'
Expressions liées
δεν σηκώνει αστεία
synonymThe situation/person doesn't tolerate jokes.
τα ψέματα τελείωσαν
similarThe time for playing around is over.
σοβαρέψου
builds onGet serious.
κάνω πλάκα
contrastI am joking.
