Signification
Warning to be polite.
Contexte culturel
Respect for family is a core value. Insulting someone's parents or siblings will almost always trigger a 'Πρόσεχε τα λόγια σου' response. In Cyprus, the dialect might change the pronunciation slightly (e.g., 'Πρόσεχε τα λόγια σου' stays the same but the 'ch' sound is softer), but the social weight remains identical. Second-generation Greeks often use the English 'Watch your mouth' but will switch to the Greek phrase when they want to sound more authoritative or traditional. In Greek business, hierarchy is respected. A junior employee would never say this to a senior, but a senior might use it to 'put a junior in their place' if they are too bold.
The Power of Tone
A soft 'Πρόσεχε τα λόγια σου' can be a friendly warning, while a loud one is a serious threat. Pay attention to the speaker's volume.
Don't use with Elders
Even if an older person is being rude, saying this to them is considered a major cultural taboo in Greece.
Signification
Warning to be polite.
The Power of Tone
A soft 'Πρόσεχε τα λόγια σου' can be a friendly warning, while a loud one is a serious threat. Pay attention to the speaker's volume.
Don't use with Elders
Even if an older person is being rude, saying this to them is considered a major cultural taboo in Greece.
Use the Plural
When in doubt, use 'Προσέχετε τα λόγια σας'. It's safer and covers both formal and plural situations.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form to use with your boss in a meeting.
Κύριε Διευθυντή, ________ τα λόγια σας.
The plural form 'προσέχετε' is required for formal situations and respect.
Complete the phrase with the correct possessive pronoun.
Πρόσεχε τα λόγια ____, Μαρία!
Since the verb is 'Πρόσεχε' (singular), the pronoun must be 'σου' (your).
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Πρόσεχε τα λόγια σου, οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά.
The idiom 'the walls have ears' implies that someone might be listening to a secret.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Α: Ο πατέρας σου είναι πολύ περίεργος. Β: ________________!
Person A is being slightly disrespectful about Person B's father, so a warning is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΚύριε Διευθυντή, ________ τα λόγια σας.
The plural form 'προσέχετε' is required for formal situations and respect.
Πρόσεχε τα λόγια ____, Μαρία!
Since the verb is 'Πρόσεχε' (singular), the pronoun must be 'σου' (your).
Πρόσεχε τα λόγια σου, οι τοίχοι έχουν αυτιά.
The idiom 'the walls have ears' implies that someone might be listening to a secret.
Α: Ο πατέρας σου είναι πολύ περίεργος. Β: ________________!
Person A is being slightly disrespectful about Person B's father, so a warning is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is a strong warning. It's as rude as 'Watch your mouth' in English.
Yes, you can use it jokingly if a friend says something silly or teasing about you.
'Λέξεις' are individual vocabulary words. 'Λόγια' refers to the things someone says or their speech in general.
Use the plural: 'Προσέχετε τα λόγια σας'.
You could say 'Θα προτιμούσα να μιλάτε πιο ευγενικά' (I would prefer you speak more politely).
No, it is too informal and confrontational for an email. Use more professional language to address issues.
Yes, it can mean 'Watch your language' if someone is using bad words.
Usually 'Συγγνώμη' (Sorry) if the person realizes they were rude, or 'Γιατί;' (Why?) if they want to argue.
Yes, it's a very common line in Greek dramas and action movies during confrontations.
Yes, 'Πρόσεχε το στόμα σου' (Watch your mouth) is also used and is slightly more aggressive.
Expressions liées
Μέτρα τα λόγια σου
similarMeasure your words.
Βούλωσε το
contrastShut it / Plug it.
Κράτα τη γλώσσα σου
similarHold your tongue.
Πρόσεχε πώς μιλάς
similarWatch how you speak.
