Signification
Accepting things as they are.
Contexte culturel
In the villages of Epirus or the Peloponnese, this phrase is often followed by a deep sigh and the word 'Ypomoni' (patience). It reflects a history of hard agricultural labor. On the islands, the phrase is often linked to the sea. If the wind is too strong for the ferry to sail, locals will use this phrase to express their lack of control over nature. In the fast-paced life of Athens, the phrase is used more cynically to describe bureaucracy or traffic. It's a way of bonding over shared frustrations. For Greeks in the US or Australia, this phrase is a way to maintain a connection to their heritage's stoic values, often used when discussing the hardships of immigration.
The Shrug Factor
To sound truly Greek, accompany the phrase with a slight shrug and a tilt of the head. The body language is 50% of the meaning.
Don't be too cheerful
If you say this with a big smile, it might sound like you are mocking the person's problem. Keep your tone flat or sympathetic.
Signification
Accepting things as they are.
The Shrug Factor
To sound truly Greek, accompany the phrase with a slight shrug and a tilt of the head. The body language is 50% of the meaning.
Don't be too cheerful
If you say this with a big smile, it might sound like you are mocking the person's problem. Keep your tone flat or sympathetic.
Combine with 'Τι να κάνουμε'
For maximum native-level fluency, say: 'Ε, τι να κάνουμε; Έτσι είναι η ζωή.' The 'E' at the start adds a perfect touch of Greek flavor.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Έτσι ______ η ζωή.
The verb 'είναι' (is) is the standard verb for this proverb.
Which response is most appropriate when a friend says they lost their umbrella?
Φίλος: 'Έχασα την ομπρέλα μου!'
This is a perfect situation for a small verbal shrug of acceptance.
Match the Greek phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all common related expressions.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Α: Δεν πήρα το βραβείο. Β: Μην στεναχωριέσαι, ________.
The context of disappointment requires the 'that's life' proverb.
In which situation would you NOT use 'Έτσι είναι η ζωή'?
Select the inappropriate situation:
The phrase is too light and dismissive for major tragedies.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesΈτσι ______ η ζωή.
The verb 'είναι' (is) is the standard verb for this proverb.
Φίλος: 'Έχασα την ομπρέλα μου!'
This is a perfect situation for a small verbal shrug of acceptance.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all common related expressions.
Α: Δεν πήρα το βραβείο. Β: Μην στεναχωριέσαι, ________.
The context of disappointment requires the 'that's life' proverb.
Select the inappropriate situation:
The phrase is too light and dismissive for major tragedies.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Έτσι είναι η ζωή' is much more common in daily speech, but both are perfectly understood.
Yes, if a minor deal falls through or a project is delayed, it shows you are resilient and not panicking.
Not directly, though it shares the same philosophical space as religious acceptance. It is used by everyone, regardless of faith.
Yes, it is the exact functional and semantic equivalent of the French phrase.
No, it is almost exclusively used for neutral or negative situations that require acceptance.
Forgetting the article 'η' before 'ζωή'.
It is neutral. You can say it to your boss or to a stranger on the street.
You would say 'Δεν είναι έτσι η ζωή'.
Yes, 'Έτσι παίζει' (That's how it plays) is a common slang alternative among younger people.
Absolutely. It's often sent as a response to a friend's complaint, sometimes followed by the 🤷♂️ emoji.
Expressions liées
Αυτά έχει η ζωή
similarLife has these things.
Τι να κάνουμε;
builds onWhat can we do?
Ζωή και κότα
contrastLife and chicken (living in luxury).
Πώς τα φέρνει η ζωή
similarHow life brings things.
