Signification
Presenting something to someone
Contexte culturel
Name days (Ονομαστική Γιορτή) are often more significant than birthdays. If you visit someone on their name day, 'κάνω ένα δώρο' is expected. Usually, sweets or flowers are sufficient. The concept of 'Philoxenia' (hospitality) means that if you are a guest, you should bring a gift, but the host will often try to 'return' the favor with an even bigger meal or a gift later. In Cypriot weddings, the 'δώρο' is very often an envelope with money (φακελάκι), which is handed to the couple during the 'charetismos' (greeting). During Christmas and New Year (Protochronia), it is traditional to give 'papaditses' or small gifts to children. The phrase 'κάνω δώρο' is used extensively during this season.
The 'Small' Gift
Always use the diminutive 'δωράκι' (doraki) when giving something to a friend. It sounds more modest and sweet.
Don't be empty-handed
In Greece, it's better to bring a very small 'δώρο' (like a single chocolate bar) than nothing at all.
Signification
Presenting something to someone
The 'Small' Gift
Always use the diminutive 'δωράκι' (doraki) when giving something to a friend. It sounds more modest and sweet.
Don't be empty-handed
In Greece, it's better to bring a very small 'δώρο' (like a single chocolate bar) than nothing at all.
The Shopkeeper Trick
If a shopkeeper says 'Σας το κάνω δώρο', they are being generous. A polite 'Ευχαριστώ πολύ, να είστε καλά' is the perfect response.
Name Day Priority
If you forget a birthday, it's okay. If you forget a name day, it's a bigger deal. Mark your calendar for Greek name days!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κάνω' in the past tense (Aorist).
Χθες, ___ ένα δώρο στη Μαρία για τα γενέθλιά της.
The word 'Χθες' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'έκανα'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am giving you a gift'?
Choose the best option:
'Σου κάνω ένα δώρο' is the most idiomatic collocation and uses the correct pronoun placement.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Α: Χρόνια πολλά για τη γιορτή σου! Β: Ευχαριστώ! Α: _______ (I brought you a small gift).
In a social visit, 'Σου έκανα ένα μικρό δώρο' is the perfect polite entry.
Match the phrase to the situation.
A shopkeeper gives you a free item.
Shopkeepers use this phrase to indicate an item is complimentary.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
κάνω vs προσφέρω
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΧθες, ___ ένα δώρο στη Μαρία για τα γενέθλιά της.
The word 'Χθες' (yesterday) requires the past tense 'έκανα'.
Choose the best option:
'Σου κάνω ένα δώρο' is the most idiomatic collocation and uses the correct pronoun placement.
Α: Χρόνια πολλά για τη γιορτή σου! Β: Ευχαριστώ! Α: _______ (I brought you a small gift).
In a social visit, 'Σου έκανα ένα μικρό δώρο' is the perfect polite entry.
A shopkeeper gives you a free item.
Shopkeepers use this phrase to indicate an item is complimentary.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct and people will understand you, but 'κάνω ένα δώρο' is much more common and sounds more like a native speaker.
Usually, a box of sweets (glyka), a bottle of wine, or flowers are the most common and appreciated gifts.
You use the same phrase: 'Σου το κάνω δώρο'.
It is neuter: το δώρο, ένα δώρο.
Yes, presentation is important in Greece. Most shops will wrap it for you if you say 'είναι για δώρο' (it's for a gift).
It means 'to treat yourself' or 'to buy something for yourself'.
Only in very formal situations. In 95% of daily life, 'κάνω' is the better choice.
Yes, you can say 'του έκανα δώρο χρήματα' (I gave him money as a gift).
You can say 'σε συσκευασία δώρου'.
The plural is 'δώρα' (dora).
Yes, metaphorically. 'Μου έκανες μεγάλο δώρο με τη βοήθειά σου' (You gave me a great gift with your help).
Yes, it is customary to open the gift as soon as you receive it and show your appreciation.
Expressions liées
κάνω έκπληξη
similarTo surprise someone
προσφέρω δώρο
specialized formTo offer a gift
χαρίζω κάτι
synonymTo give something for free/as a gift
ανταποδίδω το δώρο
builds onTo return the favor/gift
δωρεάν
relatedFree of charge
