Signification
Mild fatigue.
Contexte culturel
The 'Mesimeri' (afternoon) is sacred. If someone says they are tired between 2 PM and 5 PM, it is a cue that they are heading for a nap. Do not call them during this time! Greeks are very social. Saying you are 'a little tired' is often a necessary 'white lie' to get some alone time without hurting anyone's feelings. In Greek offices, complaining about being 'a bit tired' is a common way to bond with coworkers over a shared heavy workload. If a guest says they are 'a little tired', a Greek host will immediately offer them a place to rest, a coffee, or suggest they stay the night.
The Gender Trap
Always check your ending! If you are a woman, you MUST say 'κουρασμένη'. It's the most common mistake for A2 learners.
The Polite 'No'
In Greece, it's often considered more polite to say you are 'tired' than to say you simply don't want to do something.
Signification
Mild fatigue.
The Gender Trap
Always check your ending! If you are a woman, you MUST say 'κουρασμένη'. It's the most common mistake for A2 learners.
The Polite 'No'
In Greece, it's often considered more polite to say you are 'tired' than to say you simply don't want to do something.
Add 'ψιλο-'
To sound like a native, try 'Είμαι ψιλοκουρασμένος'. The prefix 'ψιλο-' is a very common informal way to say 'a bit'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form for a woman speaking.
Γεια σου! Πώς είσαι; — Καλά, αλλά...
A woman must use the feminine ending -η. 'Λίγο' is the correct adverb for 'a bit'.
Fill in the missing word to say 'We are a little tired'.
Είμαστε ______ κουρασμένοι.
The word 'λίγο' is used to mean 'a little' or 'a bit' in this context.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Είμαι κομμάτια!
'Είμαι κομμάτια' is slang and very informal, suitable for close friends.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite excuse.
— Θέλεις να πάμε για τρέξιμο; — Συγγνώμη, δεν μπορώ. ________.
This is the most socially acceptable way to decline an invitation politely.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gender Agreement
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΓεια σου! Πώς είσαι; — Καλά, αλλά...
A woman must use the feminine ending -η. 'Λίγο' is the correct adverb for 'a bit'.
Είμαστε ______ κουρασμένοι.
The word 'λίγο' is used to mean 'a little' or 'a bit' in this context.
Είμαι κομμάτια!
'Είμαι κομμάτια' is slang and very informal, suitable for close friends.
— Θέλεις να πάμε για τρέξιμο; — Συγγνώμη, δεν μπορώ. ________.
This is the most socially acceptable way to decline an invitation politely.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is used for both physical and mental exhaustion.
No, as long as you use a neutral tone. It's a normal human state.
'Κουρασμένος' is how YOU feel. 'Κουραστική' is how a TASK is (e.g., 'Η δουλειά είναι κουραστική').
Yes, changing the word order adds emphasis to the fatigue, but 'Είμαι λίγο κουρασμένος' is more standard.
Replace 'λίγο' with 'πολύ' (Είμαι πολύ κουρασμένος).
Yes, 'Είμαι πτώμα' (I'm a corpse) or 'Είμαι κομμάτια' (I'm in pieces).
Usually, yes. But sometimes Greeks use it ironically to mean 'very'. Context and tone are key!
No, only for living beings. You wouldn't say a car is 'κουρασμένο'.
Use the masculine plural: 'Είμαστε λίγο κουρασμένοι'.
Probably not. It might make you seem low-energy. Stick to positive phrases there!
Expressions liées
Είμαι πτώμα
synonymI am a corpse (very tired)
Χρειάζομαι ξεκούραση
builds onI need rest
Είμαι εξαντλημένος
specialized formI am exhausted
Νυστάζω
similarI am sleepy
