Signification
Being very excited about something.
Contexte culturel
Greeks are very expressive and use hyperbole often. Saying 'I can't wait' is a standard way to show you are a 'warm' person. In the Cypriot dialect, you might hear 'Εν μπορώ να περιμένω', with 'εν' replacing 'δεν'. The sentiment remains identical. In communities in the US or Australia, this phrase is often used as a direct translation of English, making it one of the most resilient phrases in heritage Greek. On Instagram, Greeks often use the hashtag #cantwait alongside the Greek 'δεν μπορώ να περιμένω' to reach a global audience while staying local.
Add 'άλλο'
Add 'άλλο' (more) at the end to sound even more impatient: 'Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω άλλο!'
Don't forget 'να'
Without 'να', the sentence is grammatically broken. Always keep the 'na'!
Signification
Being very excited about something.
Add 'άλλο'
Add 'άλλο' (more) at the end to sound even more impatient: 'Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω άλλο!'
Don't forget 'να'
Without 'να', the sentence is grammatically broken. Always keep the 'na'!
Use with 'πώς και πώς'
Combine it: 'Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω, το περιμένω πώς και πώς!' for maximum Greek effect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing particle and verb to say 'I can't wait to see you'.
Δεν μπορώ ___ _________ (see) σε.
We use 'να' + the simple subjunctive 'δω' for a specific future event.
Which phrase is the most natural way to express excitement for a party?
Πώς το λέμε;
Option A is the standard idiomatic expression.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
Α: Αύριο φεύγουμε για την Ελλάδα! Β: Ναι! ________________________!
While 'we' (δεν μπορούμε) is grammatically correct, 'Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω' is often used as a fixed exclamation by individuals.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω να δοκιμάσω αυτό το φαγητό!
The phrase expresses excitement about food.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΔεν μπορώ ___ _________ (see) σε.
We use 'να' + the simple subjunctive 'δω' for a specific future event.
Πώς το λέμε;
Option A is the standard idiomatic expression.
Α: Αύριο φεύγουμε για την Ελλάδα! Β: Ναι! ________________________!
While 'we' (δεν μπορούμε) is grammatically correct, 'Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω' is often used as a fixed exclamation by individuals.
Δεν μπορώ να περιμένω να δοκιμάσω αυτό το φαγητό!
The phrase expresses excitement about food.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are used. If followed by a verb, use 'να' (e.g., να σε δω). If followed by a noun, use 'για' (e.g., για το πάρτι).
It's better to use 'Ανυπομονώ' (I look forward to) in a professional setting to sound more polished.
Rarely. 99% of the time it's just an expression of excitement.
'Δεν βλέπω την ώρα' is slightly more idiomatic and 'Greek-sounding', but both are common.
Change 'μπορώ' to 'μπορούμε': 'Δεν μπορούμε να περιμένουμε'.
Yes, many Greek pop and laiko songs use this phrase to describe longing for a lover.
No, it's almost exclusively for positive anticipation. You wouldn't say it for a dentist appointment unless you're being sarcastic.
No, it's a soft 'th' sound, like in the English word 'this'.
That means 'I can't wait for you' (literally, I'm leaving). It's different from the figurative excitement.
Yes, but they might say 'Εν μπορώ να περιμένω'.
Expressions liées
ανυπομονώ
synonymI look forward to / I am impatient
δεν βλέπω την ώρα
similarI don't see the hour
περιμένω πώς και πώς
similarWaiting eagerly
μετράω τις μέρες
builds onI'm counting the days
