Signification
Being mentally alert and fully aware of surroundings.
Contexte culturel
The 'oka' and 'dramia' system was used for centuries under Ottoman rule. Even after the metric system was introduced, these words stayed in the language as metaphors for precision and honesty. In Greek culture, there is deep respect for 'sharp' elders. Using this phrase about a grandparent is a high compliment, suggesting they haven't lost their 'poniria' (shrewdness). Greeks have a cultural fear of being a 'koroido' (sucker). Phrases like 'τα έχω τετρακόσια' act as a social defense mechanism to show one is 'in the know.' The link between coffee and 'having your 400' is strong. The first coffee of the day is often seen as the 'key' to reaching that 400-dram state of mind.
The 'Ta' is Key
Always remember the 'τα'. It's the ghost of the word 'δράμια' (drams). Without it, the phrase is broken.
Not for Bosses
Don't tell your boss 'Τα έχω τετρακόσια' unless you have a very casual relationship. It can sound a bit too 'street' for a formal office.
Signification
Being mentally alert and fully aware of surroundings.
The 'Ta' is Key
Always remember the 'τα'. It's the ghost of the word 'δράμια' (drams). Without it, the phrase is broken.
Not for Bosses
Don't tell your boss 'Τα έχω τετρακόσια' unless you have a very casual relationship. It can sound a bit too 'street' for a formal office.
Use for the Elderly
This is the perfect phrase to compliment an older Greek person. They will love that you know such a traditional idiom.
The Oka Legacy
If you want to impress Greeks, mention that you know the phrase comes from the 'oka' weight system.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing clitic and number to complete the idiom.
Μην ανησυχείς για τον παππού, ___ έχει __________.
The correct form is 'τα έχει τετρακόσια'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Τα έχω τετρακόσια'?
A) You are running a marathon. B) You just woke up from a nap and feel very clear-headed. C) You are feeling very sad.
The phrase refers to mental alertness, which fits feeling clear-headed after a nap.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response.
Πωλητής: 'Αυτό το αυτοκίνητο είναι ευκαιρία, μόνο 10.000 ευρώ!' Αγοραστής: 'Φίλε, ___________, ξέρω ότι αξίζει μόνο 5.000.'
The buyer is asserting they are sharp and cannot be fooled.
Identify the correct meaning of 'Του λείπουν δράμια'.
What does this related variation mean?
'Missing drams' is the opposite of 'having all 400'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
400 vs 1000
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΜην ανησυχείς για τον παππού, ___ έχει __________.
The correct form is 'τα έχει τετρακόσια'.
A) You are running a marathon. B) You just woke up from a nap and feel very clear-headed. C) You are feeling very sad.
The phrase refers to mental alertness, which fits feeling clear-headed after a nap.
Πωλητής: 'Αυτό το αυτοκίνητο είναι ευκαιρία, μόνο 10.000 ευρώ!' Αγοραστής: 'Φίλε, ___________, ξέρω ότι αξίζει μόνο 5.000.'
The buyer is asserting they are sharp and cannot be fooled.
What does this related variation mean?
'Missing drams' is the opposite of 'having all 400'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! The phrase is the same for all genders. 'Η Μαρία τα έχει τετρακόσια.'
Not inherently, but it is very informal. It can be defensive if used in an argument.
People will understand you're joking or making a mistake. The number 400 is fixed because of the historical weight system.
Yes, you could say 'Έχει πλήρη διαύγεια' or 'Είναι πολύ οξύνους.'
Yes, 'Τα είχε τετρακόσια' (He was sharp), but it's much more common in the present.
No, it just means you are mentally alert and clever.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across the Greek-speaking world.
Yes, if a child is very clever for their age, you can say 'Το παιδί τα έχει τετρακόσια.'
No, that's a French idiom ('faire les quatre cents coups') which means to live a wild life. No connection!
Because 400 dramia made one oka. 100 wouldn't be a 'full' measure.
Expressions liées
Του λείπουν δράμια
contrastHe is a bit crazy or slow.
Είναι ξυράφι
synonymHe is sharp as a razor.
Δεν μασάει
similarHe doesn't fall for it / He's tough.
Με τα χίλια
contrastWith a thousand / Very fast.
