Signification
Not rushing.
Contexte culturel
The 'Siga-Siga' (slowly-slowly) mentality is a core part of Greek identity, emphasizing that life should be savored, not rushed. In Cyprus, the pace of life can be even more relaxed than in mainland Greece, especially in rural areas where 'taking your time' is the default mode of existence. Across the Mediterranean, there is a shared cultural value that social relationships and personal well-being are more important than strict adherence to a clock. While the globalized economy demands speed, many Greek professionals still use 'παίρνω τον χρόνο μου' as a way to signal that they value quality and mental health over burnout.
The 'Siga-Siga' Connection
If you forget the phrase, just say 'Σιγά-σιγά' (slowly-slowly). Every Greek will understand you're taking your time.
Don't forget the 'μου'!
Leaving out the possessive pronoun makes you sound like a robot. Always match it to yourself.
Signification
Not rushing.
The 'Siga-Siga' Connection
If you forget the phrase, just say 'Σιγά-σιγά' (slowly-slowly). Every Greek will understand you're taking your time.
Don't forget the 'μου'!
Leaving out the possessive pronoun makes you sound like a robot. Always match it to yourself.
Use it to be polite
If someone is waiting for you, saying 'Συγγνώμη, παίρνω τον χρόνο μου' is much more charming than just being slow without explanation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct possessive pronoun (μου, σου, του, κτλ).
Εμείς παίρνουμε τον χρόνο ___ για να αποφασίσουμε.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the possessive pronoun must be 'μας' (our).
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend not to rush?
Ο φίλος σου τρέχει για να προλάβει το λεωφορείο, αλλά έχει χρόνο.
'Πάρε τον χρόνο σου' is the standard idiom for 'take your time.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a museum and want to see every painting carefully.
Taking your time is the appropriate response for enjoying a museum visit.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Συγγνώμη που αργώ να διαλέξω... Β: Μην ανησυχείς, ________.
'Πάρε τον χρόνο σου' is the correct idiomatic response to someone apologizing for being slow.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal Time
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΕμείς παίρνουμε τον χρόνο ___ για να αποφασίσουμε.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the possessive pronoun must be 'μας' (our).
Ο φίλος σου τρέχει για να προλάβει το λεωφορείο, αλλά έχει χρόνο.
'Πάρε τον χρόνο σου' is the standard idiom for 'take your time.'
Situation: You are at a museum and want to see every painting carefully.
Taking your time is the appropriate response for enjoying a museum visit.
Α: Συγγνώμη που αργώ να διαλέξω... Β: Μην ανησυχείς, ________.
'Πάρε τον χρόνο σου' is the correct idiomatic response to someone apologizing for being slow.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's always appropriate.
Yes! 'Πάρε τον χρόνο σου' (Take your time) is a very common and kind thing to say to someone who feels rushed.
'Με το πάσο μου' is more informal and implies a certain stubbornness or a very relaxed, almost lazy pace.
Not necessarily. It usually implies you are being careful or thoughtful, rather than just avoiding work.
You say 'Πήρα τον χρόνο μου.'
No, that is not an idiom in Greek. Always use 'χρόνο'.
Yes, very often. It signals that you are doing a thorough job.
'Βιάζομαι' (I'm in a hurry) or 'Τρέχω' (I'm running/rushing).
It might sound like a bad excuse! Better to apologize first, then explain you were taking your time to finish something important.
Yes, 'το πάω χαλαρά' (I'm taking it easy/chill).
Expressions liées
με το πάσο μου
synonymat my own pace/leisure
βρίσκω χρόνο
similarto find time
χάνω χρόνο
contrastto waste time
κερδίζω χρόνο
contrastto gain/buy time
