Signification
Dismissing an apology.
Contexte culturel
Greeks often use this phrase to avoid making the other person feel 'shame' (ntropi). It's part of the social contract of being easy-going. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Εν πειράζει' (En peirazei) instead of 'Δεν πειράζει,' reflecting the local dialect's negation. In Greek-American or Greek-Australian communities, this phrase is often one of the few that non-fluent speakers retain to show politeness. In a Greek office, saying this to a subordinate who made a small error builds loyalty and a 'family' atmosphere.
The Double 'Den'
Greeks often repeat 'Δεν πειράζει, δεν πειράζει' to sound extra sincere and warm.
Tone Matters
If said with a flat tone and no eye contact, it can sound like you are actually annoyed. Smile!
Signification
Dismissing an apology.
The Double 'Den'
Greeks often repeat 'Δεν πειράζει, δεν πειράζει' to sound extra sincere and warm.
Tone Matters
If said with a flat tone and no eye contact, it can sound like you are actually annoyed. Smile!
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and a small wave of the hand often accompanies this phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Δεν _______ καθόλου.
The phrase uses the impersonal 3rd person singular form 'πειράζει'.
Match the apology to the best response.
Someone spills water on your table and says 'Συγγνώμη!'
This is the standard way to accept a minor apology.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Α: Ξέχασα το βιβλίο σου στο σπίτι, συγγνώμη! Β: ____________________, θα μου το φέρεις αύριο.
Friend B is dismissing the mistake of forgetting the book.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Δεν πειράζει καθόλου'
Social
- • Late for coffee
- • Forgot a name
- • Bumping into someone
Service
- • Wrong order
- • Slow service
- • No change
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΔεν _______ καθόλου.
The phrase uses the impersonal 3rd person singular form 'πειράζει'.
Someone spills water on your table and says 'Συγγνώμη!'
This is the standard way to accept a minor apology.
Α: Ξέχασα το βιβλίο σου στο σπίτι, συγγνώμη! Β: ____________________, θα μου το φέρεις αύριο.
Friend B is dismissing the mistake of forgetting the book.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it's very common. Adding 'καθόλου' just makes it more emphatic and polite.
It's neutral. You can use it in almost any situation.
'Δεν τρέχει τίποτα' is more slangy/casual, like 'No biggie.'
Only if you're being sarcastic, but be careful—Greeks are good at spotting sarcasm!
Expressions liées
Δεν τρέχει τίποτα
synonymNo biggie / Nothing's wrong
Σιγά το πράγμα
similarIt's no big deal
Μην ανησυχείς
builds onDon't worry
Με συγχωρείτε
contrastForgive me / Excuse me
