Signification
To find a faster way to a destination
Contexte culturel
In cities like Athens, 'cutting road' often involves walking through 'stoas' (covered arcades) that connect two main streets. These are cultural hubs full of small shops. On islands, 'κόβω δρόμο' usually means taking the old stone paths (kalderimia) instead of the new asphalt roads built for cars. Greek taxi drivers take pride in their knowledge of shortcuts. If a driver 'cuts road' without asking, it's usually seen as a helpful gesture to save you money on the meter. Because 'Greek time' is often flexible, 'κόβω δρόμο' is the standard excuse for someone who is trying to minimize their lateness.
Use it with 'από'
Always mention where you are cutting from using 'από' (from). E.g., 'Κόβω δρόμο από το πάρκο'.
Safety first
In Greece, 'κόβω δρόμο' through dark alleys at night is generally discouraged in big cities, just like anywhere else!
Signification
To find a faster way to a destination
Use it with 'από'
Always mention where you are cutting from using 'από' (from). E.g., 'Κόβω δρόμο από το πάρκο'.
Safety first
In Greece, 'κόβω δρόμο' through dark alleys at night is generally discouraged in big cities, just like anywhere else!
Taxi Talk
If you want to sound like a local in a taxi, say: 'Μήπως μπορούμε να κόψουμε από κάπου;'
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κόβω'.
Χθες άργησα, οπότε ______ δρόμο από το πάρκο.
The word 'Χθες' (yesterday) indicates we need the past tense (Aorist).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Let's take a shortcut'?
Πώς το λέμε στα ελληνικά;
'Ας κόψουμε δρόμο' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are in a taxi and want to save time.
'Κόβω δρόμο' is for shortcuts; the others mean cutting a pie, stopping speaking to someone, and buying a ticket.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί έφτασες τόσο νωρίς; Β: ________________________.
Taking a shortcut explains why someone arrived early.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Shortcut vs. Detour
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΧθες άργησα, οπότε ______ δρόμο από το πάρκο.
The word 'Χθες' (yesterday) indicates we need the past tense (Aorist).
Πώς το λέμε στα ελληνικά;
'Ας κόψουμε δρόμο' is the standard idiomatic expression.
You are in a taxi and want to save time.
'Κόβω δρόμο' is for shortcuts; the others mean cutting a pie, stopping speaking to someone, and buying a ticket.
Α: Γιατί έφτασες τόσο νωρίς; Β: ________________________.
Taking a shortcut explains why someone arrived early.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if the pilot takes a more direct route, you can say 'ο πιλότος έκοψε δρόμο'.
No, it's neutral. It just sounds like you are being efficient.
There isn't a single idiom, but you could say 'πάω από τον μακρύ δρόμο' or 'κάνω κύκλο' (going in a circle/taking the long way).
Rarely. It usually implies a smart shortcut. For bad shortcuts, use 'κάνω προχειρότητες'.
90% of the time, yes. Metaphorical use is possible but less common.
Use the Aorist: 'Έκοψα δρόμο'.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Cypriot Greek as well.
Yes, but it often means 'I am blocking the road' rather than taking a shortcut.
You can say 'κόβω δρόμους', but it sounds like you are wandering through many shortcuts.
'Παρακάμπτω' is formal and often means to bypass something (like a city or a problem). 'Κόβω δρόμο' is casual and means to save time.
Expressions liées
κάνω παράκαμψη
similarTo take a detour
βρίσκω τη χρυσή τομή
specialized formTo find the golden mean/compromise
κόβω λάσπη
contrastTo run away/escape
συντομεύω
synonymTo shorten
