Signification
Being frugal with funds.
Contexte culturel
The 'economic crisis' (2010-2018) made 'κάνω οικονομία' a central part of daily vocabulary for all social classes. The concept of 'Noikokiris' (master of the house) implies that a good person always manages resources wisely. Because Greece has many islands with limited water, 'κάνω οικονομία στο νερό' is a literal necessity in summer. Young Greeks often use 'μαζεύω λεφτά' for short-term goals like concerts, saving 'κάνω οικονομία' for more serious life situations.
The 'Do' Rule
Always remember that in Greek, you 'do' economy. It's an active process of management.
Avoid 'Save'
Never use the verb 'σώζω' with money. It sounds like you are rescuing the coins from a fire.
Signification
Being frugal with funds.
The 'Do' Rule
Always remember that in Greek, you 'do' economy. It's an active process of management.
Avoid 'Save'
Never use the verb 'σώζω' with money. It sounds like you are rescuing the coins from a fire.
Resource Saving
Use this phrase to sound like a local when talking about high electricity bills—it's a national pastime in Greece.
Polite Declining
If you want to say 'no' to an expensive plan without offending, 'κάνω οικονομία' is the perfect, respectable excuse.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κάνω'.
Εμείς __________ οικονομία για να πάμε στην Ιταλία.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be in the 1st person plural.
Which sentence is correct for 'saving water'?
How do you say 'I save water'?
We use 'κάνω οικονομία' + 'στο' + resource.
Match the phrase to the reason.
Γιατί κάνεις οικονομία;
Saving can be for a goal, due to high costs, or due to lack of income.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πάμε για φαγητό έξω; Β: Όχι, δεν μπορώ. _________.
This is the standard way to decline an expensive outing.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Save (English) vs Greek Equivalents
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΕμείς __________ οικονομία για να πάμε στην Ιταλία.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be in the 1st person plural.
How do you say 'I save water'?
We use 'κάνω οικονομία' + 'στο' + resource.
Γιατί κάνεις οικονομία;
Saving can be for a goal, due to high costs, or due to lack of income.
Α: Πάμε για φαγητό έξω; Β: Όχι, δεν μπορώ. _________.
This is the standard way to decline an expensive outing.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for saving a seat you use 'κρατάω θέση' (I am holding a place).
Usually, it is singular ('οικονομία'). The plural 'οικονομίες' is used more to refer to 'savings' (the accumulated money) rather than the act of saving.
Not at all! In Greece, it is seen as a sign of responsibility and being a 'noikokiris'.
You say 'κερδίζω χρόνο' (I win time) or 'γλιτώνω χρόνο' (I escape/save time).
'Αποταμιεύω' is specifically putting money in a bank. 'Κάνω οικονομία' is the broader lifestyle of spending less.
Yes, 'κάνω οικονομία στο φαγητό' means you are buying cheaper food or eating less to save money.
Yes, 'μαζεύω φράγκα' (gathering bucks) or 'είμαι σφιχτός' (I am tight/frugal).
Yes, it is the standard phrase for saving electricity or gas.
It is in the accusative case as the direct object of the verb 'κάνω'.
Yes, to describe how you managed a budget: 'Έκανα οικονομία στους πόρους του τμήματος'.
Expressions liées
μαζεύω λεφτά
similargathering/saving money
αποταμιεύω
specialized formto save/deposit
σφίγγω το ζωνάρι
idiomtighten the belt
τσιγκουνεύομαι
contrastto be stingy
εξοικονομώ
builds onto save/conserve
