Signification
Something that could happen.
Contexte culturel
In Greek business meetings, 'Είναι μια δυνατότητα' is often used as a polite way to say 'I hear your idea, but I'm not convinced yet.' It avoids direct confrontation. Greeks are known for being spontaneous. This phrase allows for 'last-minute' changes. By calling a plan a 'possibility,' it remains flexible until the very last moment. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Εν μια πιθανότητα' or 'Έχει την πιθανότητα,' which is similar but uses the word for 'probability' more frequently than 'possibility.' In Greek academia, this phrase is used to maintain scientific objectivity, avoiding absolute claims until evidence is conclusive.
Sound more Greek
Instead of just saying 'ίσως' (maybe), use 'είναι μια δυνατότητα' to sound more educated and analytical.
Watch the Gender
Remember that 'δυνατότητα' is feminine. Always use 'μια' or 'η', never 'ένας' or 'ο'.
Signification
Something that could happen.
Sound more Greek
Instead of just saying 'ίσως' (maybe), use 'είναι μια δυνατότητα' to sound more educated and analytical.
Watch the Gender
Remember that 'δυνατότητα' is feminine. Always use 'μια' or 'η', never 'ένας' or 'ο'.
Polite Rejection
If you want to say 'no' to a plan without being rude, say 'Είναι μια δυνατότητα, θα το δούμε.' It buys you time!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Το να αγοράσουμε καινούργιο σπίτι είναι ______ δυνατότητα που σκεφτόμαστε.
The noun 'δυνατότητα' is feminine, so it requires the feminine indefinite article 'μια'.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase in a professional context?
Select the best option:
This sentence uses the phrase correctly to discuss a professional option/prospect.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Γιώργος: Θέλεις να πάμε στην Ιταλία φέτος; Μαρία: ________________, αλλά πρέπει να δούμε τα οικονομικά μας.
Maria is acknowledging the plan as an option without committing, which fits 'δυνατότητα'.
Match the phrase variation to the correct register.
Match: 1. Παίζει να... 2. Αποτελεί μια δυνατότητα... 3. Είναι μια δυνατότητα...
'Παίζει' is slang, 'Αποτελεί' is formal, and 'Είναι' is neutral.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Register Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΤο να αγοράσουμε καινούργιο σπίτι είναι ______ δυνατότητα που σκεφτόμαστε.
The noun 'δυνατότητα' is feminine, so it requires the feminine indefinite article 'μια'.
Select the best option:
This sentence uses the phrase correctly to discuss a professional option/prospect.
Γιώργος: Θέλεις να πάμε στην Ιταλία φέτος; Μαρία: ________________, αλλά πρέπει να δούμε τα οικονομικά μας.
Maria is acknowledging the plan as an option without committing, which fits 'δυνατότητα'.
Match: 1. Παίζει να... 2. Αποτελεί μια δυνατότητα... 3. Είναι μια δυνατότητα...
'Παίζει' is slang, 'Αποτελεί' is formal, and 'Είναι' is neutral.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot directly. You wouldn't say 'He is a possibility.' You would say 'The possibility of him coming is...' (Είναι μια δυνατότητα να έρθει).
It's more formal than 'ίσως' (maybe). It implies that the thing being discussed is a viable option, not just a random chance.
Yes, but it means 'I have a capability' or 'I have an opportunity.' To say 'it's an option,' use 'είναι'.
The plural is 'είναι κάποιες δυνατότητες' (they are some possibilities).
Yes, very often to describe potential outcomes of experiments.
Simply say 'Δεν είναι μια δυνατότητα' or more strongly 'Δεν υπάρχει τέτοια δυνατότητα'.
In very casual settings with close friends, it can sound a bit formal. Use 'παίζει' instead if you want to be cool.
Yes: 'Ήταν μια δυνατότητα' (It was a possibility).
'Δυνατότητα' is an option/capability. 'Πιθανότητα' is the mathematical probability/chance.
Extremely. You will see it in headlines about politics and economics every day.
Expressions liées
υπάρχει η δυνατότητα
similarThere is the possibility/capability.
είναι πιθανό
similarIt is likely/probable.
είναι ευκαιρία
contrastIt is an opportunity.
παίζει ως ενδεχόμενο
specialized formIt's playing as a contingency.
είναι στο χέρι μου
builds onIt's in my hand (up to me).
