Signification
Urgency or timing.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply tied to the concept of 'Philotimo'. Acting at the right time is seen as a sign of character and social awareness. In Cyprus, the phrase is used with similar frequency, but the pronunciation of 'ώρα' might have a softer 'r' sound depending on the local dialect. Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase as a 'heritage marker' during community events or dance performances to signal the start. The concept of 'Kairos' (the right moment) was personified as a god with a lock of hair on his forehead but bald on the back—meaning you must grab him as he approaches, or you'll miss him once he passes.
The 'Na' Connection
Always follow this phrase with 'να' and a verb to sound like a pro. 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα να [verb]' is the most natural sentence structure.
Clock vs. Moment
Never use this to answer the question 'What time is it?'. Use 'Είναι [number]' instead.
Signification
Urgency or timing.
The 'Na' Connection
Always follow this phrase with 'να' and a verb to sound like a pro. 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα να [verb]' is the most natural sentence structure.
Clock vs. Moment
Never use this to answer the question 'What time is it?'. Use 'Είναι [number]' instead.
Emphasis
Greeks often lean forward or clap their hands when saying this to add physical weight to the urgency.
Negation
To say 'It's not the time,' simply add 'Δεν' at the beginning: 'Δεν είναι η ώρα'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Τώρα ______ η ώρα.
The verb must be in the 3rd person singular to agree with 'η ώρα'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα να φύγουμε'?
Situations: A) Asking for the time. B) Realizing you are late for a movie. C) Buying a watch.
The phrase is used to prompt action, like leaving because you are late.
Complete the dialogue.
Πέτρος: 'Πότε θα πούμε τα νέα στη μαμά;' Άννα: '________ είναι η ώρα.'
The phrase 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα' means 'Now is the time'.
Choose the most natural way to say 'Now is the time for change' in a speech.
Which is correct?
Using the genitive 'της αλλαγής' is the most idiomatic and powerful way to express this.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΤώρα ______ η ώρα.
The verb must be in the 3rd person singular to agree with 'η ώρα'.
Situations: A) Asking for the time. B) Realizing you are late for a movie. C) Buying a watch.
The phrase is used to prompt action, like leaving because you are late.
Πέτρος: 'Πότε θα πούμε τα νέα στη μαμά;' Άννα: '________ είναι η ώρα.'
The phrase 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα' means 'Now is the time'.
Which is correct?
Using the genitive 'της αλλαγής' is the most idiomatic and powerful way to express this.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, you can swap the order, but 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα' is much more common and emphatic.
Not at all! It's used for everything from ordering pizza to getting married.
'Ώρα' is a broader window of time, while 'στιγμή' is a precise second. Use 'ώρα' for general readiness.
Yes, it's a great way to call for action at the end of an email. 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα να προχωρήσουμε'.
No, the idiom is always singular because it refers to 'the' specific moment.
Constantly! It's a staple of Greek 'Laiko' and pop music lyrics.
Yes: 'Τότε ήταν η ώρα' (Then was the time).
Younger people might say 'Ήρθε η φάση' (The phase/moment has come), but 'Τώρα είναι η ώρα' is never out of style.
Τώρα είναι η ώρα μας.
No, as long as your tone is suggestive rather than demanding.
Greek nouns almost always require a definite article. 'Η' is the feminine 'the'.
Usually 'Επιτέλους' (Finally) or 'Είναι καιρός' is better for 'It's about time'.
Yes, commentators use it when a player is about to take a crucial penalty or shot.
The word 'να' (to/that).
Expressions liées
Ήρθε η ώρα
synonymThe hour has come
Είναι καιρός
similarIt is time
Τώρα ή ποτέ
specialized formNow or never
Δεν είναι η ώρα
contrastIt is not the time
