Signification
Visuals convey more meaning than text
Contexte culturel
In Greece, icons (εικόνες) are central to religious life. The phrase 'μια εικόνα χίλιες λέξεις' takes on a deeper meaning here, as icons were historically used to teach the Bible to those who couldn't read. Greek television news often uses dramatic visuals with minimal commentary, relying on the proverb to let the footage speak for itself, especially during national crises or celebrations. The 'Visit Greece' campaigns almost exclusively use high-contrast photos of the Aegean blue and white houses, knowing that these visuals are more persuasive than any translated text. Greeks are highly visual and gestural communicators. Showing a photo on a smartphone to settle an argument or explain a point is a very common social behavior in Greek cafes.
Use it as a caption
If you're stuck for a caption on a Greek travel photo, this is your 'get out of jail free' card. It's always appropriate.
Don't over-explain
The whole point of the phrase is that the image is enough. If you use the phrase and then write a 500-word essay, you've missed the point!
Signification
Visuals convey more meaning than text
Use it as a caption
If you're stuck for a caption on a Greek travel photo, this is your 'get out of jail free' card. It's always appropriate.
Don't over-explain
The whole point of the phrase is that the image is enough. If you use the phrase and then write a 500-word essay, you've missed the point!
Drop the verb
To sound like a native, don't say 'είναι' (is). Just say 'Μια εικόνα χίλιες λέξεις'. The pause after 'εικόνα' does the work.
Teste-toi
Συμπληρώστε τα κενά με τις σωστές λέξεις.
Μια _______ χίλιες _______.
This is the standard form of the proverb.
Ποια είναι η σωστή γραμματική μορφή;
_______ εικόνα χίλιες λέξεις.
'Εικόνα' is feminine, so we use the feminine 'Μια'.
Σε ποια περίπτωση ταιριάζει η φράση;
Πότε θα λέγατε 'Μια εικόνα χίλιες λέξεις';
The phrase is used to highlight the explanatory power of visuals.
Συμπληρώστε τον διάλογο.
Α: Πώς ήταν το ταξίδι; Β: Δεν μπορώ να το περιγράψω, δες τις φωτογραφίες. Α: Ουάου! Πραγματικά, ________________.
The context of showing photos to describe a trip perfectly fits the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΜια _______ χίλιες _______.
This is the standard form of the proverb.
_______ εικόνα χίλιες λέξεις.
'Εικόνα' is feminine, so we use the feminine 'Μια'.
Πότε θα λέγατε 'Μια εικόνα χίλιες λέξεις';
The phrase is used to highlight the explanatory power of visuals.
Α: Πώς ήταν το ταξίδι; Β: Δεν μπορώ να το περιγράψω, δες τις φωτογραφίες. Α: Ουάου! Πραγματικά, ________________.
The context of showing photos to describe a trip perfectly fits the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's a modern translation of an American advertising slogan from the 1920s.
Yes, but it's better to use the slightly more formal 'Μια εικόνα αξίζει όσο χίλιες λέξεις'.
Because 'λέξεις' (words) is a feminine plural noun, and the number 1000 must agree with it.
Yes, it is equally common in Cypriot Greek.
You can, and people will understand, but it's not the 'official' proverb. Stick to 'εικόνα'.
Expressions liées
τα λόγια είναι περιττά
similarwords are unnecessary
βλέπω και πιστεύω
similarI see and I believe
καθαρός ουρανός αστραπές δεν φοβάται
contrasta clear sky isn't afraid of lightning
η δύναμη της εικόνας
builds onthe power of the image
