Signification
To be an expert in something.
Contexte culturel
In Greece, expertise is often linked to 'mastoria'. A 'mastoras' is not just a technician but someone who 'possesses' the secrets of their trade. In Cypriot dialect, 'κατέχω' is often used simply to mean 'I know', even for basic facts, which can confuse mainland Greeks. In modern Greek offices, 'το κατέχω' is the gold standard for describing hard skills on LinkedIn or in meetings. Second-generation Greeks often use 'το κατέχω' to describe their connection to their heritage language, even if they struggle with grammar.
The 'Dummy' Neuter
Even if you are talking about a feminine noun like 'ιστορία', you can still say 'το κατέχω' to mean 'I master the subject'.
Don't over-use with people
Remember, saying 'τον κατέχω' about a person sounds like you own them or are controlling them. Stick to 'τον ξέρω'.
Signification
To be an expert in something.
The 'Dummy' Neuter
Even if you are talking about a feminine noun like 'ιστορία', you can still say 'το κατέχω' to mean 'I master the subject'.
Don't over-use with people
Remember, saying 'τον κατέχω' about a person sounds like you own them or are controlling them. Stick to 'τον ξέρω'.
Humble Bragging
If someone praises you, say 'Κάτι κατέχω κι εγώ' (I possess a little something too) to sound modest but capable.
Teste-toi
Συμπληρώστε το κενό με τον σωστό τύπο του ρήματος 'κατέχω'.
Ο πατέρας μου _______ καλά την τέχνη της ξυλουργικής.
The subject is 'ο πατέρας μου' (3rd person singular), so the verb must be 'κατέχει'.
Ποια πρόταση είναι η πιο σωστή για μια συνέντευξη εργασίας;
Θέλετε να πείτε ότι είστε εξπέρ στο Excel.
'Κατέχω καλά' is professional and confident. 'Το 'χω' is too informal, and 'Κρατάω' is wrong.
Ταιριάξτε τη φράση με την κατάσταση.
Φράση: 'Δεν το κατέχω και πολύ το θέμα της πολιτικής.'
The negative form is often used to politely step out of a complex topic.
Συμπληρώστε τον διάλογο.
Α: Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις με τη μετάφραση; Β: Φυσικά, τα αγγλικά ________________.
This is the most natural way to offer help based on expertise.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΟ πατέρας μου _______ καλά την τέχνη της ξυλουργικής.
The subject is 'ο πατέρας μου' (3rd person singular), so the verb must be 'κατέχει'.
Θέλετε να πείτε ότι είστε εξπέρ στο Excel.
'Κατέχω καλά' is professional and confident. 'Το 'χω' is too informal, and 'Κρατάω' is wrong.
Φράση: 'Δεν το κατέχω και πολύ το θέμα της πολιτικής.'
The negative form is often used to politely step out of a complex topic.
Α: Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις με τη μετάφραση; Β: Φυσικά, τα αγγλικά ________________.
This is the most natural way to offer help based on expertise.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral-to-formal. It's perfectly fine for both a coffee with friends and a board meeting.
Yes! 'Το κατέχει καλά το τόπι' is a common way to say someone is great at football.
'Ξέρω' is general knowledge. 'Κατέχω' is deep, professional mastery.
Use the present tense: 'Αρχίζω να το κατέχω' (I am starting to master it).
Absolutely. 'Κατέχει καλά το βιολί' means they are a proficient violinist.
Rarely in this idiomatic sense. Stick to the active voice.
Literally, yes. In a legal context, 'κατέχω' means to possess property.
'Δεν έχω ιδέα' (I have no idea) or 'Είμαι άσχετος' (I am irrelevant/clueless).
Yes, 'άριστα' (excellently/perfectly) is a common intensifier for C1/C2 levels.
Yes, especially in rap or pop songs where the singer brags about their skills.
Expressions liées
το 'χω
similarI got this / I have it.
παίζω στα δάχτυλα
specialized formTo know something like the back of one's hand.
είμαι γνώστης
similarTo be a connoisseur/expert.
δεν σκαμπάζω
contrastTo not have a clue.
