Significado
Feeling concerned about someone or something.
Contexto cultural
The 'Greek Mother' stereotype is heavily built around 'έννοια'. It is common for parents to 'have the concern' of their children even when the children are in their 40s or 50s. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but you might hear 'έχω έγνοια' more frequently in local dialects, often with a very melodic intonation. For Greeks living abroad (Australia, USA, Germany), 'έχω μια έννοια' is a way to maintain emotional ties with the homeland. It signifies that distance doesn't stop the care. In villages, 'έννοια' often extends to animals and crops. A farmer 'has the concern' of the weather because it affects his livelihood.
The Reassurance Trick
If someone is worrying too much, say 'Μην έχεις έννοια' (Don't have concern) to calm them down.
Don't say 'Είμαι έννοια'
This is a common English-speaker mistake. Always use the verb 'to have' (έχω).
Significado
Feeling concerned about someone or something.
The Reassurance Trick
If someone is worrying too much, say 'Μην έχεις έννοια' (Don't have concern) to calm them down.
Don't say 'Είμαι έννοια'
This is a common English-speaker mistake. Always use the verb 'to have' (έχω).
Use 'Έγνοια' for extra points
Using the variant 'έγνοια' (egnia) makes you sound much more like a native speaker who understands the emotional nuances of the language.
The 'Έννοια σου' Warning
Be careful! 'Έννοια σου!' with a pointed finger can mean 'You'll pay for this!' or 'Just you wait!'
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω' and the word 'έννοια'.
Η μητέρα μου πάντα _______ την _______ μου όταν ταξιδεύω.
The mother (third person singular) 'has' (έχει) the 'concern' (έννοια) of the speaker.
Which sentence best expresses 'I am thinking about you and I hope you are okay'?
How would you say this to a friend?
'Σε έχω έννοια' is the idiomatic way to say 'I have you in my thoughts/concern'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are looking after your neighbor's cat.
You are keeping the cat in your mind as a responsibility.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Γιατί με πήρες τηλέφωνο τόσο αργά; B: ____________________.
The speaker is explaining that they called because they were worried/thinking of the other person.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΗ μητέρα μου πάντα _______ την _______ μου όταν ταξιδεύω.
The mother (third person singular) 'has' (έχει) the 'concern' (έννοια) of the speaker.
How would you say this to a friend?
'Σε έχω έννοια' is the idiomatic way to say 'I have you in my thoughts/concern'.
Situation: You are looking after your neighbor's cat.
You are keeping the cat in your mind as a responsibility.
A: Γιατί με πήρες τηλέφωνο τόσο αργά; B: ____________________.
The speaker is explaining that they called because they were worried/thinking of the other person.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot exactly. 'Worry' (ανησυχία) is more negative. 'Έννοια' is a mix of thinking about someone and caring for them.
Yes, if you are very dedicated! 'Έχω την έννοια των μαθημάτων μου' means you are focused on your studies.
They are the same in meaning, but 'έγνοια' is more informal, traditional, and emotional.
Use 'Δεν έχω ιδέα'. Do not use 'έννοια' here.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss (if you have a good relationship) or your grandmother.
Usually no. You would say 'Τον σκέφτομαι' (I think of him) or 'Τον θυμάμαι' (I remember him).
Yes, 'έννοιες'. 'Έχω πολλές έννοιες' means 'I have many things on my mind/worries'.
Constantly! It's a staple of Greek 'Laïko' and 'Entekhno' music.
Yes, it shows you are concerned about the climate/environment.
It usually means 'Don't worry, I've got it' or 'Leave it to me'.
Frases relacionadas
Έχω έγνοια
similarTo have concern (more folk/emotional)
Νοιάζομαι
synonymI care
Ανησυχώ
similarI worry
Έχω το νου μου
builds onI'm keeping an eye on it
Δεν με μέλει
contrastI don't care / It doesn't matter to me
