Signification
Something that is a bad idea.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Metron' (moderation) is key. Doing something that is 'not wise' often means you are going to extremes. Parental authority remains strong in Greece even into adulthood. Parents will use this phrase with their 40-year-old children. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly but might be accompanied by local dialect variations like 'εν φρόνιμο' (it's not wise). Direct confrontation is often avoided. 'Δεν είναι φρόνιμο' is a standard way to say 'I disagree with your proposal' without being offensive.
The 'Soft No'
Use this when you want to say 'No' to a boss or a mother-in-law. It sounds like the universe is saying no, not you.
Gender Trap
Never say 'δεν είναι φρόνιμη' when giving advice, even to a woman. Keep it 'φρόνιμο'!
Signification
Something that is a bad idea.
The 'Soft No'
Use this when you want to say 'No' to a boss or a mother-in-law. It sounds like the universe is saying no, not you.
Gender Trap
Never say 'δεν είναι φρόνιμη' when giving advice, even to a woman. Keep it 'φρόνιμο'!
The Child Connection
Remember that 'φρόνιμο' is what parents want their kids to be. Using it for an action implies the action is 'immature' or 'childish' in its lack of foresight.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective.
Δεν είναι ________ (φρόνιμος) να οδηγείς χωρίς ζώνη.
Impersonal expressions always use the neuter singular form of the adjective.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a doctor giving advice?
A doctor wants to tell a patient not to exercise after surgery.
This is the most professional and polite way to give medical advice.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θέλω να επενδύσω όλα μου τα λεφτά σε αυτή την εταιρεία. Β: _________________________________
The speaker is giving advice about a financial risk.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Wise vs. Right
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΔεν είναι ________ (φρόνιμος) να οδηγείς χωρίς ζώνη.
Impersonal expressions always use the neuter singular form of the adjective.
A doctor wants to tell a patient not to exercise after surgery.
This is the most professional and polite way to give medical advice.
Α: Θέλω να επενδύσω όλα μου τα λεφτά σε αυτή την εταιρεία. Β: _________________________________
The speaker is giving advice about a financial risk.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsUsually no. It's for things with consequences. Buying a coffee is just a choice; buying a 10-euro coffee when you're broke is when 'δεν είναι φρόνιμο' applies.
Quite the opposite! It's a very polite way to disagree or warn someone. It sounds thoughtful.
'Έξυπνο' means smart/clever. 'Φρόνιμο' means wise/safe. A bank robbery can be 'έξυπνο' (cleverly planned) but it is never 'φρόνιμο' (wise).
Yes! 'Δεν ήταν φρόνιμο να πας' means 'It wasn't wise of you to go.' It's a great way to express regret or criticism of a past action.
Expressions liées
δεν είναι συνετό
synonymIt is not prudent
δεν συμφέρει
similarIt's not in one's interest
κάτσε φρόνιμα
builds onBehave yourself / Sit still
δεν λέει
contrastIt's not worth it / It's not cool
