Signification
To find the confidence to do something.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often used to mitigate the 'shame' of asking for a favor, which is a sensitive topic in Greek culture due to the value of self-reliance. In Cypriot Greek, the phrase is used similarly but might be accompanied by 'εν' (is) or different verb endings, though the core idiom remains the same. Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase when trying to reconnect with their heritage or speaking to elders, as it signals respect. In modern Greek startups, this phrase is becoming less common as they adopt more direct, American-style communication, but it remains vital in traditional sectors like law or shipping.
The Email Opener
If you are emailing a Greek professor or boss, start with 'Παίρνω το θάρρος να σας ενοχλήσω...'. It instantly makes you sound like a polite, high-level speaker.
The Thrasos Trap
Never use 'θράσος' when you mean 'θάρρος'. One is a compliment, the other is an insult.
Signification
To find the confidence to do something.
The Email Opener
If you are emailing a Greek professor or boss, start with 'Παίρνω το θάρρος να σας ενοχλήσω...'. It instantly makes you sound like a polite, high-level speaker.
The Thrasos Trap
Never use 'θράσος' when you mean 'θάρρος'. One is a compliment, the other is an insult.
Body Language
When saying this in person, a slight tilt of the head or a small smile helps convey the 'polite initiative' aspect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'παίρνω' in the past tense (Aorist).
Χθες, _______ το θάρρος και ζήτησα αύξηση από το αφεντικό μου.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past ('Χθες'), so we use the first-person singular Aorist 'πήρα'.
Which sentence is a polite way to start a formal email?
Επιλέξτε τη σωστή πρόταση:
This is the standard polite formula for professional outreach.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Μαρία: 'Γιατί δεν του λες ότι σου αρέσει;' Ελένη: 'Δεν ________________ ακόμα.'
In Greek, when saying 'I haven't done it yet,' we often use the Aorist with 'ακόμα'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΧθες, _______ το θάρρος και ζήτησα αύξηση από το αφεντικό μου.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past ('Χθες'), so we use the first-person singular Aorist 'πήρα'.
Επιλέξτε τη σωστή πρόταση:
This is the standard polite formula for professional outreach.
Μαρία: 'Γιατί δεν του λες ότι σου αρέσει;' Ελένη: 'Δεν ________________ ακόμα.'
In Greek, when saying 'I haven't done it yet,' we often use the Aorist with 'ακόμα'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it's very common. 'Βρίσκω' (find) sounds a bit more like you were searching for the strength inside you, while 'παίρνω' (take) sounds more like a sudden decision.
It's neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your CEO, but it's especially useful in formal situations to soften a request.
Tharros is the courage to ACT. Kouragio is the courage to ENDURE a hard situation (like an illness or a long wait).
Usually, yes. 'Παίρνω το θάρρος' is the set phrase for taking initiative. 'Παίρνω θάρρος' (without 'το') means 'I am getting encouraged' (e.g., by the good news).
Expressions liées
βρίσκω το κουράγιο
similarTo find the stamina/strength to endure something.
τολμώ
synonymTo dare.
έχω τα κότσια
informalTo have the guts.
χάνω το θάρρος μου
contrastTo lose my courage/get discouraged.
