Signification
Judging by what is visible to the eye.
Contexte culturel
Journalists in Greece use this phrase constantly to avoid legal trouble or accusations of bias. It allows them to report on rumors or likely events without stating them as absolute facts. The phrase reflects the ancient Greek obsession with the 'phenomenon'. In a culture that birthed logic, using phrases that specify the basis of your knowledge (observation) is a sign of education. In Greece, being too direct can sometimes be seen as rude. Using 'κατά τα φαινόμενα' softens a statement, making it sound more like a shared observation than a personal attack or demand. In Greek universities, students are taught to use this phrase in their theses to maintain an objective distance from their data, a key requirement for scientific writing.
Use it in Writing
If you are taking the C1/C2 Greek exams (Ellinomatheia), using this phrase in your essay will instantly signal to the examiners that you have a high level of register awareness.
Don't Overuse
Using it in every sentence makes you sound like a robot or a very boring news reporter. Mix it up with 'μάλλον' or 'φαίνεται πως'.
Signification
Judging by what is visible to the eye.
Use it in Writing
If you are taking the C1/C2 Greek exams (Ellinomatheia), using this phrase in your essay will instantly signal to the examiners that you have a high level of register awareness.
Don't Overuse
Using it in every sentence makes you sound like a robot or a very boring news reporter. Mix it up with 'μάλλον' or 'φαίνεται πως'.
The 'Skeptic's Shield'
Use this phrase when you want to share a rumor without being blamed if it turns out to be false. It's the ultimate Greek social safety net.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
_______ τα φαινόμενα, η τιμή του ρεύματος θα μειωθεί τον επόμενο μήνα.
The fixed expression always uses the preposition 'Κατά' followed by the accusative.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Select the best option:
This phrase is best suited for objective, formal analysis like political news.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Α: Θα έρθει ο διευθυντής στη σύσκεψη; Β: __________, είναι ακόμα στο τηλέφωνο με το εξωτερικό.
'Κατά τα φαινόμενα όχι' (Apparently not) fits the context of making a deduction based on an observation (him being on the phone).
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices_______ τα φαινόμενα, η τιμή του ρεύματος θα μειωθεί τον επόμενο μήνα.
The fixed expression always uses the preposition 'Κατά' followed by the accusative.
Select the best option:
This phrase is best suited for objective, formal analysis like political news.
Α: Θα έρθει ο διευθυντής στη σύσκεψη; Β: __________, είναι ακόμα στο τηλέφωνο με το εξωτερικό.
'Κατά τα φαινόμενα όχι' (Apparently not) fits the context of making a deduction based on an observation (him being on the phone).
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot exactly. 'Μάλλον' means 'probably' and is more subjective. 'Κατά τα φαινόμενα' means 'apparently based on evidence' and is more formal.
Yes, you can. For example: 'Θα αργήσει, κατά τα φαινόμενα.' (He will be late, apparently.)
The components are ancient, but the specific fixed phrase as used today is more characteristic of Katharevousa and Modern Greek.
Yes, in this specific idiom, 'φαινόμενα' is always plural.
Only if you are being slightly ironic or talking about something serious. For casual plans, 'απ' ό,τι φαίνεται' is better.
Expressions liées
εκ πρώτης όψεως
similarat first sight
όπως όλα δείχνουν
synonymas everything indicates
προφανώς
similarobviously
εν πάση περιπτώσει
contrastin any case
