Meaning
Being naturally fortunate in life.
Cultural Background
In Greek culture, luck is often seen as a gift from God or the universe. People who 'have a star' are often admired but also warned not to brag, to avoid 'the evil eye' (mati). Similar to mainland Greece, but the phrase might be used with a slightly more melodic accent. The concept of 'fate' (riziko) is very strong here. During the Byzantine era, astrology was officially discouraged by the church, but folk beliefs about 'lucky stars' persisted among the common people. The term is frequently used in 'lifestyle' journalism to describe the 'X-factor' of new pop stars or actors.
Use it as a compliment
It's a great way to congratulate someone on a lucky break without making it sound like they didn't deserve it.
Don't use 'είμαι'
Always use the verb 'έχω'. Saying 'είμαι άστρο' sounds like you think you are a literal celestial body.
Meaning
Being naturally fortunate in life.
Use it as a compliment
It's a great way to congratulate someone on a lucky break without making it sound like they didn't deserve it.
Don't use 'είμαι'
Always use the verb 'έχω'. Saying 'είμαι άστρο' sounds like you think you are a literal celestial body.
The 'Evil Eye'
If you tell someone they have a star, they might jokingly 'spit' (ftou ftou) to keep the luck from turning into envy.
Test Yourself
Συμπληρώστε το κενό με τη σωστή λέξη.
Ο Γιάννης κέρδισε πάλι! Αυτός ο άνθρωπος έχει _______.
The idiom is 'έχω άστρο'.
Ποια πρόταση είναι σωστή;
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
The correct form is 'έχω άστρο' without the article.
Συμπληρώστε τον διάλογο.
Α: Πώς βρήκες εισιτήρια τελευταία στιγμή; Β: ________________________.
Using the past tense 'είχα' is appropriate for a completed action of finding something.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesΟ Γιάννης κέρδισε πάλι! Αυτός ο άνθρωπος έχει _______.
The idiom is 'έχω άστρο'.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
The correct form is 'έχω άστρο' without the article.
Α: Πώς βρήκες εισιτήρια τελευταία στιγμή; Β: ________________________.
Using the past tense 'είχα' is appropriate for a completed action of finding something.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it usually implies that the person is generally lucky. For a one-off, 'στάθηκα τυχερός' is more common.
No, it's usually a compliment, but be careful not to use it to dismiss someone's hard work.
The most common opposite is 'είμαι γκαντέμης' (I am a jinx/unlucky).
Yes, in a neutral way to describe someone's success or charisma.
Related Phrases
τύχη βουνό
synonymMountain-sized luck
γεννήθηκε με το άστρο στο μέτωπο
builds onBorn with a star on the forehead
είμαι αστέρι
similarTo be a star/very talented
μου χαμογέλασε η τύχη
similarLuck smiled upon me
είμαι γκαντέμης
contrastTo be a jinx/unlucky
