Signification
Being certain about an outcome.
Contexte culturel
Greeks often use this phrase with high emotional intensity. It's not just a logical conclusion but a 'feeling' in the gut. In Cypriot Greek, you might hear 'Έχω το σίγουρον', keeping the final 'n' from ancient Greek, which adds a slightly more formal or traditional ring. In communities in the US or Australia, this is often code-switched with 'I take it for granted', but the Greek version is used to emphasize cultural solidarity in predictions. In Greek startups, 'το 'χω για σίγουρο' is often used to project 'can-do' attitude to investors, even when risks are high.
The 'Warning' Use
Use 'Μην το έχεις για σίγουρο' to sound like a wise, cautious friend. It's a very common way to give advice.
Avoid Hubris
Even if you say 'το 'χω για σίγουρο', adding a 'χτύπα ξύλο' (knock on wood) makes you sound more like a native.
Signification
Being certain about an outcome.
The 'Warning' Use
Use 'Μην το έχεις για σίγουρο' to sound like a wise, cautious friend. It's a very common way to give advice.
Avoid Hubris
Even if you say 'το 'χω για σίγουρο', adding a 'χτύπα ξύλο' (knock on wood) makes you sound more like a native.
The Dummy 'Το'
Never change 'το' to 'τη' or 'τα'. It is a fixed part of the idiom regardless of what you are talking about.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Μην ___ το έχετε ___ σίγουρο ότι θα κερδίσετε.
The idiom requires the clitic 'το' and the preposition 'για'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to express certainty about a future event?
Πιστεύεις ότι θα έρθει ο Γιάννης;
'Το έχω για σίγουρο' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone is overconfident about getting a loan.
The negative imperative is used as a warning against overconfidence.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Α: Θα πάρουμε την άδεια; Β: Εγώ το ___ για σίγουρο, εσύ τι λες;
The speaker is talking about their own belief (1st person singular).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΜην ___ το έχετε ___ σίγουρο ότι θα κερδίσετε.
The idiom requires the clitic 'το' and the preposition 'για'.
Πιστεύεις ότι θα έρθει ο Γιάννης;
'Το έχω για σίγουρο' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Situation: Someone is overconfident about getting a loan.
The negative imperative is used as a warning against overconfidence.
Α: Θα πάρουμε την άδεια; Β: Εγώ το ___ για σίγουρο, εσύ τι λες;
The speaker is talking about their own belief (1st person singular).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it means you are certain about their actions or presence. 'Τον έχω για σίγουρο' means 'I'm sure he will show up/help'.
It can be if it sounds like you are taking someone's effort for granted. Use it carefully in relationships.
'Σίγουρα' is an adverb (surely). 'Το έχω για σίγουρο' is an idiomatic expression of certainty.
Yes: 'Το είχα για σίγουρο' (I was sure of it). Often used when the outcome was actually different.
Yes, very often when discussing deals or project milestones that seem guaranteed.
You would say 'Δεν το θεωρώ δεδομένο'.
No, it's a dummy object referring to the whole situation.
No, it's just a slightly different variation. 'Για σίγουρο' is more common in speech.
Only if you are referring to a feminine noun specifically, like 'την επιτυχία', but 'το έχω για σίγουρο' is the standard abstract form.
'Είναι αμφίβολο' (it is doubtful) or 'τίποτα δεν είναι σίγουρο'.
Expressions liées
το θεωρώ δεδομένο
synonymI take it for granted / I consider it a given
είμαι σίγουρος
similarI am sure
βάζω το χέρι μου στη φωτιά
builds onI'd bet my life on it
παίζεται
contrastIt's up in the air / It's being played
κρατάω μικρό καλάθι
contrastI keep a small basket (I have low expectations)
