뜻
Asking for a word in Greek.
문화적 배경
In Athens and central Greece, 'Πώς το λένε' is the standard. People are very helpful to learners. In the Cypriot dialect, you might hear 'Πώς λαλούν τούτο;' which uses the verb 'λαλώ' (to speak/talk) instead of 'λέω'. Cretans might use 'Πώς το λένε' followed by a very specific local name for a plant or tool that you won't find in standard dictionaries. In 'Greeklish' or diaspora communities, this phrase is often the last one to be forgotten, used as a bridge between English and Greek.
The Pointing Rule
Always point or look directly at the object so the listener knows what 'αυτό' refers to.
Gender Matters
If you know the object is feminine (like a table - τραπέζι is neuter, but chair - καρέκλα is feminine), try to say 'Πώς την λένε αυτή;'.
뜻
Asking for a word in Greek.
The Pointing Rule
Always point or look directly at the object so the listener knows what 'αυτό' refers to.
Gender Matters
If you know the object is feminine (like a table - τραπέζι is neuter, but chair - καρέκλα is feminine), try to say 'Πώς την λένε αυτή;'.
The Filler Trick
Use 'Πώς το λένε...' to buy yourself 3 seconds of thinking time during a conversation.
Be Ready for a Story
Greeks might give you the name and then a 5-minute history of the object. Just nod and smile!
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing clitic pronoun.
Πώς ___ λένε αυτό το βιβλίο;
Since 'βιβλίο' is neuter, we use the clitic 'το'.
Which word is used to start the question?
____ το λένε αυτό;
In Greek, we ask 'How' (Πώς) something is called, not 'What'.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Learner: Συγγνώμη, ______; Vendor: Αυτό είναι θυμάρι.
The vendor answers with a name, so the learner asked for the name.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are pointing to a woman and asking for her name.
For a woman, use the feminine clitic 'την' and pronoun 'αυτή'.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Gender Variations
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Πώς ___ λένε αυτό το βιβλίο;
Since 'βιβλίο' is neuter, we use the clitic 'το'.
____ το λένε αυτό;
In Greek, we ask 'How' (Πώς) something is called, not 'What'.
Learner: Συγγνώμη, ______; Vendor: Αυτό είναι θυμάρι.
The vendor answers with a name, so the learner asked for the name.
You are pointing to a woman and asking for her name.
For a woman, use the feminine clitic 'την' and pronoun 'αυτή'.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
14 질문It's a linguistic convention. We ask about the *manner* in which something is named by the community.
No, that's rude. Use 'Πώς τον λένε;' for a man or 'Πώς την λένε;' for a woman.
It's neutral. You can use it with your friends or with a doctor. 'Πώς λέγεται' is slightly more formal.
Default to the neuter 'το' and 'αυτό'. It's always safe.
Yes, if you are already pointing at it, 'αυτό' is optional.
Yes, but don't use an open palm (Mountza). Use a single finger.
Say 'Πώς το λένε αυτό στα αγγλικά;'.
It means 'they say' or 'they call'.
In Greek, short object pronouns (clitics) always go before the verb in the indicative mood.
Yes! 'Πώς το λένε αυτό το μέρος;' is very common.
'Αυτό' is for something close to you, 'εκείνο' is for something further away.
You can add 'ρε' at the end: 'Πώς το λένε αυτό ρε;' (very informal).
Yes, 'Πώς το λένε εκείνο το έργο;' (How do they call that movie?).
Yes, many songs use it as a filler or to describe a feeling that has no name.
관련 표현
Τι σημαίνει αυτό;
similarWhat does this mean?
Πώς λέγεται;
specialized formHow is it called?
Πώς σε λένε;
builds onWhat is your name?
Πώς το είπαμε;
similarHow did we say it?
Δεν ξέρω πώς να το πω
similarI don't know how to say it
