Signification
Asking for age.
Contexte culturel
Asking age is common and not usually offensive among men or when asking about children. However, it's polite to use the formal 'you' for anyone older than you. Similar to Greece, but the dialect might use 'Πόσων χρονών είσαι;' with an extra 'n' on 'poso'. Often mix English and Greek, sometimes saying 'Πόσο old είσαι;' in very casual 'Greenglish'. Age is often linked to the year of a major event (e.g., 'I was born the year of the big snow').
Drop the 'years'
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Είμαι είκοσι' (I am twenty) without adding 'χρονών'.
The 'Be' Rule
Never use 'έχω' (have) for age. It's the most common mistake for English and Spanish speakers!
Signification
Asking for age.
Drop the 'years'
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Είμαι είκοσι' (I am twenty) without adding 'χρονών'.
The 'Be' Rule
Never use 'έχω' (have) for age. It's the most common mistake for English and Spanish speakers!
Politeness Matters
If you aren't sure, always use 'είστε'. It's better to be too polite than too casual.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the verb 'to be' for a formal situation.
Πόσο χρονών ______, κύριε;
In formal situations or when speaking to an elder, 'είστε' (plural/formal you) is required.
Fill in the missing word in the standard age question.
Πόσο ______ είσαι;
The phrase requires the genitive plural 'χρονών'.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πόσο χρονών είσαι; Β: ______ είκοσι χρονών.
In Greek, you 'are' an age, you don't 'have' it.
Match the question to the person.
1. Πόσο χρονών είσαι; 2. Πόσο χρονών είστε;
'Είσαι' is informal (child), 'είστε' is formal (boss).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Age Registers
Informal
- • Πόσο χρονών είσαι;
- • Πόσο είσαι;
Formal
- • Πόσο χρονών είστε;
- • Ποια είναι η ηλικία σας;
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΠόσο χρονών ______, κύριε;
In formal situations or when speaking to an elder, 'είστε' (plural/formal you) is required.
Πόσο ______ είσαι;
The phrase requires the genitive plural 'χρονών'.
Α: Πόσο χρονών είσαι; Β: ______ είκοσι χρονών.
In Greek, you 'are' an age, you don't 'have' it.
1. Πόσο χρονών είσαι; 2. Πόσο χρονών είστε;
'Είσαι' is informal (child), 'είστε' is formal (boss).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBecause 'χρονών' is in the genitive case, which is used in Greek to express 'of' or to quantify something in this specific phrase.
Yes, it's very common in casual speech among friends.
You would say 'Πόσο χρονών είστε;' which is the same as the formal singular.
Generally no, especially among young people, but use caution with older women.
'Χρόνος' is more common in speech, 'έτος' is more formal/academic.
Είμαι είκοσι ένα χρονών.
No, it is optional. 'Είμαι είκοσι' is perfectly fine.
Use 'είναι': Πόσο χρονών είναι;
You can say 'Πόσα κλείνεις;' which literally means 'How many are you closing (turning)?'
No, in this phrase 'πόσο' remains neuter singular.
Expressions liées
Τι ηλικία έχεις;
similarWhat age do you have?
Πότε έχεις γενέθλια;
builds onWhen is your birthday?
Είμαι ... χρονών
builds onI am ... years old
Πόσο είσαι;
specialized formHow much are you?
