Signification
Things are getting progressively worse.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply linked to the concept of 'parapono' (complaint), which is a central theme in Greek 'Laiko' music. It's a way for people to bond over shared hardships. Greeks living abroad often use this phrase when visiting Greece, comparing the 'authentic' Greece they remember from their childhood to the modern, more commercialized version. There is a humorous tension with this phrase; younger Greeks often use it ironically to mock the constant complaining of their elders. During the 2010-2018 crisis, this phrase was used daily in news headlines to describe the shrinking GDP and rising unemployment.
The 'Sigh' is Key
To sound like a native, exhale slightly or sigh before saying the phrase. It adds the necessary emotional weight.
Don't be too negative
While common, using this phrase in every single conversation can make you sound like a 'miserable' person. Use it for shared social complaints, not personal ones.
Signification
Things are getting progressively worse.
The 'Sigh' is Key
To sound like a native, exhale slightly or sigh before saying the phrase. It adds the necessary emotional weight.
Don't be too negative
While common, using this phrase in every single conversation can make you sound like a 'miserable' person. Use it for shared social complaints, not personal ones.
The 'Kafeneio' Vibe
This phrase is the king of coffee-house talk. If you want to start a conversation with an older Greek man, this is your 'in'.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Οι τιμές ανεβαίνουν συνέχεια. Κάθε πέρυσι και ________.
The fixed form of the proverb is 'Κάθε πέρυσι και καλύτερα'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
You are at a cafe and the coffee is more expensive and tastes worse than last month.
This phrase is used to complain about declining quality and rising prices.
Choose the best response.
Γιώργος: 'Παλιά η γειτονιά μας ήταν γεμάτη παιδιά, τώρα έχει μόνο αυτοκίνητα.' Μαρία: '_________________'
Maria agrees with George's nostalgic observation about the neighborhood changing for the worse.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΟι τιμές ανεβαίνουν συνέχεια. Κάθε πέρυσι και ________.
The fixed form of the proverb is 'Κάθε πέρυσι και καλύτερα'.
You are at a cafe and the coffee is more expensive and tastes worse than last month.
This phrase is used to complain about declining quality and rising prices.
Γιώργος: 'Παλιά η γειτονιά μας ήταν γεμάτη παιδιά, τώρα έχει μόνο αυτοκίνητα.' Μαρία: '_________________'
Maria agrees with George's nostalgic observation about the neighborhood changing for the worse.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsBoth are correct. 'Πέρυσι' is slightly more formal/standard, while 'πέρσι' is very common in everyday speech. In this proverb, both are used interchangeably.
Not really. It's used for situations, prices, or general social standards. For a person, it would sound like you are saying they are becoming a worse person.
No, it's a standard proverb. However, using it to a business owner about their own shop might be seen as a direct insult to their work.
In this context, 'και' acts as an intensifier, meaning 'even' or 'also'. It emphasizes the comparison.
Expressions liées
Περασμένα μεγαλεία
similarPast glories
Παλιά μου τέχνη κόσκινο
builds onMy old art is a sieve
Το μη χείρον βέλτιστον
contrastThe least bad is the best
Κάθε φέτος και χειρότερα
specialized formEvery this year and worse
