Signification
Acknowledging a thought.
Contexte culturel
Greeks often use this phrase with a specific hand gesture—a slight tilt of the head and a raised eyebrow—to show they are genuinely considering the thought. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Εν μια ιδέα' (Cypriot dialect), which functions identically but reflects the local phonology. In Greek-American or Greek-Australian communities, this phrase is often one of the few that remains in the vocabulary of third-generation speakers because of its simplicity. In Greek startups, this phrase is used to keep brainstorming sessions 'flat' and democratic, ensuring everyone feels heard.
The 'Kie afto' Add-on
Add 'κι αυτό' (ki afto) at the end: 'Είναι μια ιδέα κι αυτό.' It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch the Tone
If you say it too slowly, it might sound like you think the idea is stupid. Keep it light and brisk.
Signification
Acknowledging a thought.
The 'Kie afto' Add-on
Add 'κι αυτό' (ki afto) at the end: 'Είναι μια ιδέα κι αυτό.' It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch the Tone
If you say it too slowly, it might sound like you think the idea is stupid. Keep it light and brisk.
Polite Refusal
Use this phrase followed by 'αλλά' (but) to decline a suggestion without hurting feelings.
Writing Tip
In formal writing, you can use 'Αποτελεί μια ιδέα' for a more sophisticated tone.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
— Να πάμε βόλτα; — Είναι ____ ιδέα.
'Ιδέα' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'μια'.
Which phrase is the most polite way to acknowledge a suggestion without fully agreeing?
Someone suggests: 'Let's buy a new car.'
'Είναι μια ιδέα' is a neutral and polite way to acknowledge a suggestion.
Complete the dialogue with the correct variation.
Α: Θέλεις να μαγειρέψουμε μακαρόνια; Β: Είναι μια ____ ιδέα, πεινάω πολύ!
Since the speaker is very hungry, 'καλή' (good) fits the enthusiastic context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a meeting and a colleague suggests a new marketing strategy.
You are responding to someone else's suggestion, so 'Είναι μια ιδέα' is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Agreement Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercices— Να πάμε βόλτα; — Είναι ____ ιδέα.
'Ιδέα' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'μια'.
Someone suggests: 'Let's buy a new car.'
'Είναι μια ιδέα' is a neutral and polite way to acknowledge a suggestion.
Α: Θέλεις να μαγειρέψουμε μακαρόνια; Β: Είναι μια ____ ιδέα, πεινάω πολύ!
Since the speaker is very hungry, 'καλή' (good) fits the enthusiastic context.
Situation: You are in a meeting and a colleague suggests a new marketing strategy.
You are responding to someone else's suggestion, so 'Είναι μια ιδέα' is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are correct. 'Μια' is more common in speech, while 'μία' is used for emphasis or in more formal writing.
No, use 'Έχω μια ιδέα' (I have an idea) when you are the originator.
Not at all. It's a very polite way to acknowledge someone's input.
The plural would be 'Είναι μερικές ιδέες' (They are some ideas), but the singular phrase is much more common as a fixed expression.
Yes, if you really like the idea. 'Είναι μια ιδέα' is more neutral.
You could say 'Δεν είναι και πολύ καλή ιδέα' (It's not a very good idea) to be polite.
Mostly, but it can also mean 'imagination' in phrases like 'Ιδέα μου είναι'.
Yes, with slight dialectal variations like 'Εν μια ιδέα'.
Yes, it's a great way to show you are collaborative and open to suggestions.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Αποκλείεται' (Excluded/No way) is the most forceful rejection.
Expressions liées
Καλή ιδέα
similarGood idea
Έχω μια ιδέα
builds onI have an idea
Δεν έχω ιδέα
contrastI have no idea
Ιδέα μου είναι;
specialized formIs it just my imagination?
Περί ιδέας
specialized formAbout an idea / for the sake of it
