Signification
Something unexpected and bad.
Contexte culturel
In Greece, people often use this phrase to complain about bureaucracy or sudden changes in laws, which are common topics of social discussion. Similar to Greece, but often used in the context of the political situation or sudden changes in border regulations. Second-generation Greeks might use this phrase when discovering that their Greek language skills aren't as strong as they thought during a visit to Greece. In Greek business meetings, this phrase is a 'polite' way to express that a partner has failed to meet an obligation.
Use it for bills
This is the most common way to complain about money in Greece without being rude.
Gender check
Remember that 'έκπληξη' is feminine. Don't use 'ένας' or 'δυσάρεστος'.
Signification
Something unexpected and bad.
Use it for bills
This is the most common way to complain about money in Greece without being rude.
Gender check
Remember that 'έκπληξη' is feminine. Don't use 'ένας' or 'δυσάρεστος'.
Add 'πραγματικά'
Saying 'Ήταν πραγματικά μια δυσάρεστη έκπληξη' makes you sound very native and emphasizes your point.
Polite complaints
Use this phrase in hotels or restaurants to complain politely. It sounds more educated than just saying 'this is bad'.
Teste-toi
Συμπληρώστε το κενό με τη σωστή λέξη.
Η ακύρωση της συναυλίας ήταν μια ________ έκπληξη.
We need the feminine singular form to match 'έκπληξη'.
Ποια πρόταση είναι η πιο φυσική;
Όταν είδα τον λογαριασμό...
'Δυσάρεστη έκπληξη' is the standard collocation.
Ταιριάξτε την κατάσταση με την αντίδραση.
Κατάσταση: Ξέχασες τα κλειδιά σου μέσα στο σπίτι.
Forgetting keys is an unexpected negative event.
Συμπληρώστε τον διάλογο.
Α: Πώς πήγε το ταξίδι; Β: Δυστυχώς, η απεργία των τρένων ________.
We use the past tense 'ήταν' because the trip already happened.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Surprise Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΗ ακύρωση της συναυλίας ήταν μια ________ έκπληξη.
We need the feminine singular form to match 'έκπληξη'.
Όταν είδα τον λογαριασμό...
'Δυσάρεστη έκπληξη' is the standard collocation.
Κατάσταση: Ξέχασες τα κλειδιά σου μέσα στο σπίτι.
Forgetting keys is an unexpected negative event.
Α: Πώς πήγε το ταξίδι; Β: Δυστυχώς, η απεργία των τρένων ________.
We use the past tense 'ήταν' because the trip already happened.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Ο Γιάννης ήταν μια δυσάρεστη έκπληξη,' meaning his behavior or presence was disappointing.
It is neutral to formal. It's perfect for work and daily life.
The opposite is 'ευχάριστη έκπληξη' (pleasant surprise).
You can, but it sounds a bit childish. 'Δυσάρεστη' is much more common for adults.
You say 'ήταν δυσάρεστες εκπλήξεις' (they were unpleasant surprises).
Very often! It's a favorite phrase for journalists describing new taxes or bad economic data.
Yes, if the ending was bad and you didn't expect it.
Not necessarily. It implies disappointment and surprise more than pure anger.
Yes, always.
Yes: 'Είχα μια δυσάρεστη έκπληξη σήμερα' (I had an unpleasant surprise today).
Expressions liées
κεραυνός εν αιθρία
similarA bolt from the blue
ψυχρολουσία
similarA cold shower
ευχάριστη έκπληξη
contrastA pleasant surprise
αναποδιά
similarA mishap/setback
μου ήρθε κεραμίδα
specialized formIt hit me like a tile
