Signification
I don't really want to.
Contexte culturel
The heart is the center of 'Philotimo.' Using heart-based idioms shows you are a person of feeling, which is highly valued in Greek society. Similar usage, but often with a stronger dialectal 'kardkiá' pronunciation. It is used frequently in traditional 'tsattista' (poetic duels). Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase to explain why they can't sell their parents' old house in the village, even if they never visit.
Use it for 'No'
If you want to say 'no' to a Greek person without offending them, use this. It's the ultimate 'get out of jail free' card.
Don't forget the 'TO'
Saying 'Δεν λέει η καρδιά μου' sounds incomplete. Always include the 'το'.
Signification
I don't really want to.
Use it for 'No'
If you want to say 'no' to a Greek person without offending them, use this. It's the ultimate 'get out of jail free' card.
Don't forget the 'TO'
Saying 'Δεν λέει η καρδιά μου' sounds incomplete. Always include the 'το'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Θέλω να του πω την αλήθεια, αλλά δεν το ______ η ______ μου.
The standard form is 'λέει η καρδιά'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Δεν το λέει η καρδιά μου'?
Context: You are at a shop.
The idiom fits situations with emotional hesitation or conflict.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: Γιατί δεν πετάς αυτά τα παλιά περιοδικά; B: ________________________________.
Sentimental value is the perfect reason to use this idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΘέλω να του πω την αλήθεια, αλλά δεν το ______ η ______ μου.
The standard form is 'λέει η καρδιά'.
Context: You are at a shop.
The idiom fits situations with emotional hesitation or conflict.
A: Γιατί δεν πετάς αυτά τα παλιά περιοδικά; B: ________________________________.
Sentimental value is the perfect reason to use this idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot really. Use it for food you *love* but shouldn't eat, or food someone made for you that you don't have the heart to refuse.
Only if you have a very close, friendly relationship. Otherwise, it's too emotional.
'Δεν θέλω' is a simple lack of desire. 'Δεν το λέει η καρδιά μου' implies you might even *want* to do it logically, but you are emotionally blocked.
Expressions liées
δεν μου πάει η καρδιά
synonymI don't have the heart to (pity-based).
με βαριά καρδιά
builds onWith a heavy heart.
δεν μου κάνει καρδιά
similarI don't feel like it.
