Signification
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Contexte culturel
The 'Soft No': Greeks often use uncertainty to avoid direct confrontation or refusal, which is seen as more polite in a collectivist culture. In the Cypriot dialect, you might hear 'Εν σίουρο' or 'Δεν είναι σίουρο', with a slightly different pronunciation of the 'g' sound. Greek-Americans often use 'Not sure' as a direct translation, sometimes losing the subtle 'impersonal' nuance of the Greek neuter form. In Greek business, 'Δεν είναι σίγουρο' is a signal to keep negotiating or that external bureaucracy is causing delays.
The Shrug
When saying 'δεν είναι σίγουρο', a slight shrug of the shoulders and a tilt of the head makes you sound 100% more Greek.
Gender Agreement
Remember: 'σίγουρο' (neuter) for situations, 'σίγουρος/η' (masc/fem) for people.
Signification
Maybe yes, maybe no.
The Shrug
When saying 'δεν είναι σίγουρο', a slight shrug of the shoulders and a tilt of the head makes you sound 100% more Greek.
Gender Agreement
Remember: 'σίγουρο' (neuter) for situations, 'σίγουρος/η' (masc/fem) for people.
Adding 'ακόμα'
Adding 'ακόμα' (yet) at the end makes you sound more hopeful and less dismissive.
Politeness
Use this phrase to avoid saying 'no' directly to an invitation; it's the Greek way of being gentle.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'It is not certain'.
Δεν _____ σίγουρο.
We use the 3rd person singular 'είναι' for impersonal expressions.
Which sentence is correct for 'It's not certain if it will rain'?
Choose the correct option:
For weather and general situations, we use the neuter 'σίγουρο'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Πέτρος: Θα έρθεις αύριο στο μάθημα; Εσύ: ________, έχω πολλή δουλειά.
This is the most polite and natural way to express that you might not make it.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Δεν είναι καθόλου σίγουρο' to its best context:
'Καθόλου' adds emphasis, suggesting high doubt.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Personal vs. Impersonal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΔεν _____ σίγουρο.
We use the 3rd person singular 'είναι' for impersonal expressions.
Choose the correct option:
For weather and general situations, we use the neuter 'σίγουρο'.
Πέτρος: Θα έρθεις αύριο στο μάθημα; Εσύ: ________, έχω πολλή δουλειά.
This is the most polite and natural way to express that you might not make it.
Match 'Δεν είναι καθόλου σίγουρο' to its best context:
'Καθόλου' adds emphasis, suggesting high doubt.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is a very common stand-alone answer to any question about plans or possibilities.
'Σίγουρο' is more common in daily speech. 'Βέβαιο' is more formal and academic.
No, it's neutral. However, follow it up with a reason why it's not certain to remain professional.
You would say 'Είμαι απόλυτα σίγουρος' or 'Είναι σίγουρο 100%'.
'Σίγουρο' is an adjective describing the implied subject 'it'. 'Σίγουρα' is an adverb meaning 'certainly'.
Yes: 'Δεν ήταν σίγουρο' (It wasn't certain).
Functionally, yes, but it specifically emphasizes the lack of certainty rather than just the possibility.
Yes, 'παίζεται' (it's being played) is the most common slangy equivalent.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in a neutral-formal email.
You say 'Είναι σχεδόν σίγουρο'.
No, it's a soft 'gh' sound, like the Spanish 'g' in 'agua'.
No, for people use 'Δεν είναι σίγουρος' (He is not sure).
Expressions liées
Ίσως
synonymPerhaps / Maybe
Μπορεί
similarIt can / Maybe
Παίζεται
synonymIt's up in the air
Σίγουρα
contrastCertainly / For sure
Είναι βέβαιο
contrastIt is certain
