Signification
Exactly as stated.
Contexte culturel
Greek news outlets often use 'κατά λέξη' in headlines to emphasize that they are not misrepresenting a politician's controversial statement. The reading of the Gospel is expected to be 'κατά λέξη' from the original Koine Greek, as the specific wording is considered sacred. In Greece, repeating a secret 'κατά λέξη' is a way to prove you are a reliable source of information within a social circle. Greek universities place a high value on the 'κατά λέξη' citation of ancient texts to avoid the 'betrayal' of the original meaning.
Use with Quotes
Always use 'κατά λέξη' right before or after a direct quote to sound like a native speaker who values accuracy.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it for every quote, or you'll sound like a lawyer. Save it for when the exact wording really matters.
Signification
Exactly as stated.
Use with Quotes
Always use 'κατά λέξη' right before or after a direct quote to sound like a native speaker who values accuracy.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it for every quote, or you'll sound like a lawyer. Save it for when the exact wording really matters.
The 'Wooden' Trap
In Greece, calling a translation 'κατά λέξη' is often a polite way of saying it's bad. Be careful when using it to describe someone's work!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
Ο μάρτυρας επανέλαβε την απειλή _______ στο δικαστήριο.
In court, a witness must repeat a threat 'word-for-word' (κατά λέξη).
Fill in the missing words.
Μην μεταφράζεις το κείμενο _______ _______, γιατί θα ακούγεται περίεργα.
Literal translation (κατά λέξη μετάφραση) often sounds strange in the target language.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you use 'κατά λέξη'?
Quoting requires the exact words, which is the definition of 'κατά λέξη.'
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Σου είπε στ' αλήθεια ότι θα φύγει; Β: Ναι, μου το είπε _______ _______.
The speaker is confirming the exactness of the statement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΟ μάρτυρας επανέλαβε την απειλή _______ στο δικαστήριο.
In court, a witness must repeat a threat 'word-for-word' (κατά λέξη).
Μην μεταφράζεις το κείμενο _______ _______, γιατί θα ακούγεται περίεργα.
Literal translation (κατά λέξη μετάφραση) often sounds strange in the target language.
When would you use 'κατά λέξη'?
Quoting requires the exact words, which is the definition of 'κατά λέξη.'
Α: Σου είπε στ' αλήθεια ότι θα φύγει; Β: Ναι, μου το είπε _______ _______.
The speaker is confirming the exactness of the statement.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your friends or in a business meeting.
Yes, it is a very common synonym, though 'κατά λέξη' is slightly more idiomatic for the result of a quote.
'Κατά λέξη' means verbatim (exact words). 'Κυριολεκτικά' means literally (true fact).
In this specific phrase, no. It is a fixed expression.
That is the older, formal version of the phrase. It's still used in legal or very formal Greek.
No, for following a path or rules, 'κατά γράμμα' (to the letter) is better.
Yes, often when people are sharing 'receipts' (screenshots) of what someone said.
You say 'κατά λέξη μετάφραση'.
Yes, if you are singing the lyrics exactly as written.
Extremely. Journalists use it to quote politicians accurately.
Expressions liées
κατά γράμμα
similarTo the letter / strictly
λεξί προς λέξη
synonymWord by word
αυτούσιο
similarIntact / as is
κυριολεκτικά
contrastLiterally
εν ολίγοις
contrastIn short / in brief
με δικά μου λόγια
contrastIn my own words
