Signification
Not the truth.
Contexte culturel
On April 1st (Protaprilia), telling 'psemata' is a national pastime. If you trick someone, it's said to bring good luck to your crops or your year. The phrase 'Όλα είναι ψέματα' is a common lyric in songs about heartbreak, suggesting that a lover's promises were all false. Directly calling someone a liar with 'είναι ψέματα' can be a 'face-threatening act'. Among friends, it's fine, but with strangers, it's a major insult.
The 'Shock' Factor
When using this to mean 'No way!', raise your eyebrows and lengthen the 'e' in 'psemata' for native-like emphasis.
Avoid with Bosses
Never say this to a superior unless you want to start a fight. Use 'Δεν νομίζω πως είναι έτσι' instead.
Signification
Not the truth.
The 'Shock' Factor
When using this to mean 'No way!', raise your eyebrows and lengthen the 'e' in 'psemata' for native-like emphasis.
Avoid with Bosses
Never say this to a superior unless you want to start a fight. Use 'Δεν νομίζω πως είναι έτσι' instead.
Teste-toi
Choose the most natural way to say 'It's a lie' in Greek.
Όσα λες...
The plural 'ψέματα' is the standard idiomatic form.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Α: Κέρδισα 1.000 ευρώ! Β: _________! Δεν το πιστεύω!
In this context, it expresses disbelief at surprising news.
Fill in the missing word.
Μην τον πιστεύεις, αυτά που λέει είναι ______.
The context 'Don't believe him' implies that what he says is false.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Είναι ψέματα'
Disbelief
- • Winning the lottery
- • Shocking news
Denial
- • False accusations
- • Rumors
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΌσα λες...
The plural 'ψέματα' is the standard idiomatic form.
Α: Κέρδισα 1.000 ευρώ! Β: _________! Δεν το πιστεύω!
In this context, it expresses disbelief at surprising news.
Μην τον πιστεύεις, αυτά που λέει είναι ______.
The context 'Don't believe him' implies that what he says is false.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, but it sounds less idiomatic. 'Είναι ψέματα' is the standard phrase Greeks use 90% of the time.
It depends on the tone. With friends, it's normal. With strangers or in formal settings, it can be very rude.
Expressions liées
ψέματα λες
similarYou are telling lies
είναι αλήθεια
contrastIt is true
παραμύθια
synonymFairy tales
ράδιο αρβύλα
specialized formRumors/Fake news
