Signification
Adopting a specific position on an issue.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a staple of Greek political discourse. Politicians often use it to signal 'statherótita' (stability), a highly valued trait in a leader. In Greece, 'holding a stance' of silence (σιωπή) during a social gathering can be a very loud statement of disapproval or mourning. Greek business negotiations can be emotional. 'Κρατάω μια στάση' is used to bring the conversation back to a strategic level. The concept of 'holding a stance' is linked to the 'Oxi' (No) of 1940, symbolizing national defiance and integrity.
Use Adjectives!
The phrase is almost never used alone. Always add an adjective (φιλική, σκληρή, ουδέτερη) to make it meaningful.
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'στάση' is feminine. Your adjectives must end in -η or -α.
Signification
Adopting a specific position on an issue.
Use Adjectives!
The phrase is almost never used alone. Always add an adjective (φιλική, σκληρή, ουδέτερη) to make it meaningful.
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'στάση' is feminine. Your adjectives must end in -η or -α.
The Power of Silence
In Greece, 'κρατάω στάση σιωπής' is a common way to describe someone who is giving the 'silent treatment'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κρατάω' and the adjective 'ουδέτερος'.
Η Μαρία αποφάσισε να __________ μια __________ στάση στον καβγά των φίλων της.
We use the subjunctive 'να κρατήσει' after 'αποφάσισε' and the feminine 'ουδέτερη' to match 'στάση'.
Which sentence is correct for a professional context?
How do you say 'The government is keeping a tough stance'?
'Κρατάει' is the correct collocation for maintaining a stance.
Match the adjective with the context.
Match the stance type:
These are the most common adjective-noun pairings for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί ο Γιώργος δεν μας μιλάει; Β: Δεν ξέρω, ____________________ (he is keeping a strange stance) από το πρωί.
This is a natural way to describe someone's odd behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΗ Μαρία αποφάσισε να __________ μια __________ στάση στον καβγά των φίλων της.
We use the subjunctive 'να κρατήσει' after 'αποφάσισε' and the feminine 'ουδέτερη' to match 'στάση'.
How do you say 'The government is keeping a tough stance'?
'Κρατάει' is the correct collocation for maintaining a stance.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most common adjective-noun pairings for this phrase.
Α: Γιατί ο Γιώργος δεν μας μιλάει; Β: Δεν ξέρω, ____________________ (he is keeping a strange stance) από το πρωί.
This is a natural way to describe someone's odd behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's more common to say 'παίρνω μια στάση' (take a pose) or 'κάνω μια άσκηση'. 'Κρατάω' would imply holding the pose for a long time.
Yes, 'τηρώ' sounds more professional and academic than 'κρατάω'.
You could say 'δεν παίρνω θέση' (I don't take a position) or 'είμαι αναποφάσιστος' (I am undecided).
No, it can be a stance toward a person, a lifestyle, or even a piece of art.
You would say 'Άλλαξα στάση' (I changed my stance).
It can be slightly confrontational, as it implies the person is being difficult or intentional with their behavior.
Yes, 'Κρατάμε διαφορετικές στάσεις' (We hold different stances).
'Άποψη' is just an opinion (what you think). 'Στάση' is an attitude (how you behave based on what you think).
No, for that you must use 'κάνω στάση'.
Extremely. It is one of the most used phrases in Greek political journalism.
Expressions liées
παίρνω θέση
similarTo take a position/side.
τηρώ σιγή ιχθύος
specialized formTo keep a silence of a fish (absolute silence).
κρατάω χαρακτήρα
similarTo maintain one's integrity.
αλλάζω πλεύση
contrastTo change course/direction.
