Signification
To change a habit or direction.
Contexte culturel
Greeks often use this phrase when discussing the 'Mediterranean Diet' shifts. It's common to hear people say they 'turned it' to traditional foods after years of fast food. During the economic crisis, 'το γυρίζω' became a symbol of resilience, as people switched from high-paying jobs to manual labor or agriculture. In Greek 'parea' (social groups), using this phrase to change a topic is seen as a sign of social intelligence (filotimo) to keep everyone happy. Young Greeks use it frequently when switching between social media platforms (e.g., from Facebook to TikTok).
The 'Dummy To' Rule
Always keep the 'το' neuter. Even if you are switching to 'the politics' (feminine plural: τις πολιτικές), you still say 'το γυρίζω στις πολιτικές'.
Don't use for physical turns
If you tell a taxi driver 'το γυρίζω δεξιά', he will be very confused. Use 'στρίψτε δεξιά'.
Signification
To change a habit or direction.
The 'Dummy To' Rule
Always keep the 'το' neuter. Even if you are switching to 'the politics' (feminine plural: τις πολιτικές), you still say 'το γυρίζω στις πολιτικές'.
Don't use for physical turns
If you tell a taxi driver 'το γυρίζω δεξιά', he will be very confused. Use 'στρίψτε δεξιά'.
Social Lubricant
Use 'Ας το γυρίσουμε...' to politely change the subject when a conversation gets boring or awkward. It's a very native-sounding move.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Κουράστηκα να δουλεύω σε γραφείο, θα ___ γυρίσω ___ κηπουρική.
The idiom requires the dummy 'το' and the preposition 'σε' (which becomes 'στη' before the feminine noun 'κηπουρική').
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom to describe a career change?
How would you say 'He switched to acting'?
Option B includes both the mandatory 'το' and the correct prepositional contraction 'στην'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Α: Θέλεις να πάμε για σουβλάκια; Β: Όχι, ευχαριστώ. Από σήμερα ________.
'Το γυρίζω' is the standard idiom for lifestyle changes like starting a diet.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Match 'Ας το γυρίσουμε στο αστείο' to its situation.
Turning something into a joke is a common way to diffuse tension and avoid a conflict.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΚουράστηκα να δουλεύω σε γραφείο, θα ___ γυρίσω ___ κηπουρική.
The idiom requires the dummy 'το' and the preposition 'σε' (which becomes 'στη' before the feminine noun 'κηπουρική').
How would you say 'He switched to acting'?
Option B includes both the mandatory 'το' and the correct prepositional contraction 'στην'.
Α: Θέλεις να πάμε για σουβλάκια; Β: Όχι, ευχαριστώ. Από σήμερα ________.
'Το γυρίζω' is the standard idiom for lifestyle changes like starting a diet.
Match 'Ας το γυρίσουμε στο αστείο' to its situation.
Turning something into a joke is a common way to diffuse tension and avoid a conflict.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for changing clothes use 'αλλάζω'. 'Το γυρίζω' is for habits and directions in life.
It's 'σε' + the article. So if the noun is masculine, it's 'στο' (σε + τον). If it's feminine, 'στη' (σε + τη).
Not at all. It's neutral and very common in friendly and professional conversation.
Yes, if the context is clear. For example: 'Ήμουν κουρασμένος, αλλά μετά το γύρισα' (I was tired, but then I switched [my mood/energy]).
They are identical in meaning. 'Το γυρνάω' is slightly more informal and common in spoken Greek.
Yes! 'Το γυρίσαμε στα αγγλικά' (We switched to English) is very common.
Usually, yes, but it can be negative, like 'το γύρισε στο ποτό' (he took to drinking).
Use 'Σκέφτομαι να το γυρίσω σε...'
Yes, 'το γύρισα' is very common to describe a change you already made.
Yes, to discuss a change in strategy or focus. It sounds professional yet accessible.
Expressions liées
αλλάζω πλεύση
similarTo change course (literally 'sailing direction').
το έριξα σε κάτι
similarTo take to something (often a vice).
κάνω στροφή 180 μοιρών
builds onTo make a 180-degree turn.
το γυρνάω στο τσάμικο
specialized formTo start acting crazy or avoiding the point.
