Signification
To achieve something with extreme struggle.
Contexte culturel
Greeks often use this phrase when dealing with public services. It reflects a shared understanding that simple tasks can become 'thousand struggles' due to red tape. In Greek culture, 1000 is the go-to number for hyperbole. It doesn't mean literally 1000, but 'an infinite amount.' The word 'zori' is a linguistic bridge to the past, showing how Turkish words for power and force were adapted into the Greek emotional vocabulary. Greeks are very social, but they also value their 'aragma' (chilling). Using this phrase for going out shows that the social obligation was a burden.
Use it for Bureaucracy
If you want to sound like a local when complaining about paperwork, this is your #1 phrase.
Don't forget the 'Zoria'
Leaving out 'zoria' completely changes the meaning to 'very fast/enthusiastically'.
Signification
To achieve something with extreme struggle.
Use it for Bureaucracy
If you want to sound like a local when complaining about paperwork, this is your #1 phrase.
Don't forget the 'Zoria'
Leaving out 'zoria' completely changes the meaning to 'very fast/enthusiastically'.
The 'Ase' Combo
Start your sentence with 'Άσε...' (Let it be/Don't ask) before using the phrase to sound extra authentic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Πέρασα το μάθημα με τα _____ _____.
The full idiom is 'με τα χίλια ζόρια'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly to mean 'with great difficulty'?
A) Πήγαμε στο πάρτι με τα χίλια γιατί θέλαμε να χορέψουμε. B) Πήγαμε στο πάρτι με τα χίλια ζόρια γιατί ήμασταν κουρασμένοι.
Option B shows reluctance and difficulty, which is the correct use of 'με τα χίλια ζόρια'. Option A means they went with great enthusiasm.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You finally convinced your stubborn grandfather to use a smartphone.
Convincing someone stubborn is a struggle, so 'με τα χίλια ζόρια' is appropriate.
Complete the dialogue.
- Πώς πήγε η μετακόμιση; - Άσε, ____!
Moving house is usually a struggle, and 'Άσε' (Don't ask/Forget it) sets a negative/difficult tone.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The 'Chilia' Spectrum
When to use 'Me ta chilia zoria'
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Bad Bosses
- • Reports
Life
- • Waking up
- • Moving
- • Cleaning
Gov
- • Taxes
- • Permits
- • KEP
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΠέρασα το μάθημα με τα _____ _____.
The full idiom is 'με τα χίλια ζόρια'.
A) Πήγαμε στο πάρτι με τα χίλια γιατί θέλαμε να χορέψουμε. B) Πήγαμε στο πάρτι με τα χίλια ζόρια γιατί ήμασταν κουρασμένοι.
Option B shows reluctance and difficulty, which is the correct use of 'με τα χίλια ζόρια'. Option A means they went with great enthusiasm.
You finally convinced your stubborn grandfather to use a smartphone.
Convincing someone stubborn is a struggle, so 'με τα χίλια ζόρια' is appropriate.
- Πώς πήγε η μετακόμιση; - Άσε, ____!
Moving house is usually a struggle, and 'Άσε' (Don't ask/Forget it) sets a negative/difficult tone.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's fine for friends, family, and coworkers you know well.
Only if the 'positive' thing was very hard to get. You wouldn't use it for a surprise gift, but you would for a hard-earned promotion.
The singular is 'το ζόρι'. You can say 'με το ζόρι', but it sounds a bit more like 'by force' than 'with difficulty'.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Cyprus, often with a similar local flavor.
Yes, it's grammatically okay and people will understand you, but 'με τα χίλια ζόρια' is the more common idiomatic form.
It's a voiceless palatal fricative, like the 'h' in 'hue'. Don't pronounce it like 'k' or 'sh'.
Yes, 'ζορίζομαι' (to struggle/be strained) and 'ζορίζω' (to push/strain someone).
Better to avoid it. Use 'με μεγάλη προσπάθεια' to sound more professional.
No, it actually implies you succeeded, but it was just very difficult.
Very! Many 'Laiko' (popular) songs use it to describe difficult loves or life struggles.
Expressions liées
με το ζόρι
similarBy force / unwillingly
με τα χίλια
contrastWith 100% enthusiasm / very fast
έφτυσα αίμα
synonymI spat blood
μου βγήκε η πίστη
synonymMy faith came out
με το στανιό
similarBy force
