Signification
To remain neutral in a conflict.
Contexte culturel
In Greek politics, 'keeping equal distances' (κρατώντας ίσες αποστάσεις) is a common phrase used by critics to describe someone who refuses to take a side, often implying they are being indecisive. In the context of the Cyprus issue, 'taking a position' is a very serious matter. International actors are often scrutinized for whether they 'take a side' or remain neutral. The concept of 'θέσις' was central to theological debates in Byzantium. Not taking a position on religious matters could sometimes lead to being labeled a heretic or a 'mesos' (middle-man). Journalists in Greece are often criticized for 'not taking a position' (neutrality) vs. 'opinionated journalism'. There is a constant cultural debate about objectivity.
Use 'ακόμα'
Adding 'ακόμα' (yet) makes your neutrality sound more thoughtful: 'Δεν παίρνω θέση ακόμα'.
Don't sound cold
In personal relationships, explain *why* you aren't taking a side so you don't seem indifferent.
Signification
To remain neutral in a conflict.
Use 'ακόμα'
Adding 'ακόμα' (yet) makes your neutrality sound more thoughtful: 'Δεν παίρνω θέση ακόμα'.
Don't sound cold
In personal relationships, explain *why* you aren't taking a side so you don't seem indifferent.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'παίρνω'.
Χθες, ο διευθυντής δεν ______ θέση στη συνάντηση.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (χθες), so we need the Aorist (Past Simple) third person singular.
Which sentence correctly expresses neutrality?
Διάλεξε τη σωστή πρόταση:
The correct idiom is 'παίρνω θέση'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Two friends are arguing about which movie to watch. They ask you.
This is the appropriate way to remain neutral in a social choice.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Ποιος πιστεύεις ότι έχει δίκιο, ο Νίκος ή η Άννα; Β: ___________, είναι και οι δύο φίλοι μου.
The speaker explains they are friends with both, so neutrality is the logical choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΧθες, ο διευθυντής δεν ______ θέση στη συνάντηση.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (χθες), so we need the Aorist (Past Simple) third person singular.
Διάλεξε τη σωστή πρόταση:
The correct idiom is 'παίρνω θέση'.
Situation: Two friends are arguing about which movie to watch. They ask you.
This is the appropriate way to remain neutral in a social choice.
Α: Ποιος πιστεύεις ότι έχει δίκιο, ο Νίκος ή η Άννα; Β: ___________, είναι και οι δύο φίλοι μου.
The speaker explains they are friends with both, so neutrality is the logical choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is generally considered a polite and diplomatic way to avoid conflict.
No, for physical seats use 'δεν κάθομαι' or 'δεν πιάνω θέση'.
The past tense is 'δεν πήρα θέση'.
Very often, to maintain professional neutrality between colleagues.
Expressions liées
παίρνω το μέρος κάποιου
contrastTo take someone's side.
κρατάω ίσες αποστάσεις
similarTo keep equal distances.
νίπτω τας χείρας μου
similarI wash my hands of it.
μένω αμέτοχος
similarTo remain uninvolved.
