Meaning
To be inclined towards something
Cultural Background
The phrase 'τάση φυγής' (tendency to flee) is a very common socio-political term in Greece, used to describe the desire of people to leave the city for the islands or the country for abroad. In Greek therapy contexts, 'τάση' is used to discuss 'προδιάθεση' (predisposition), helping patients view their issues as 'leanings' rather than fixed identities. Fashion magazines in Greece use 'Οι τάσεις της μόδας' (Fashion trends) constantly, mirroring the English usage. Greeks often use this phrase to excuse their talkative nature in social settings, often with a laugh.
Softening Criticism
Use 'έχει μια τάση' to point out someone's mistake without being too aggressive. It sounds like you're analyzing them rather than blaming them.
Don't use 'για'
Remember: 'τάση να' + verb. Never 'τάση για' + verb. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
To be inclined towards something
Softening Criticism
Use 'έχει μια τάση' to point out someone's mistake without being too aggressive. It sounds like you're analyzing them rather than blaming them.
Don't use 'για'
Remember: 'τάση να' + verb. Never 'τάση για' + verb. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Formal Writing
In essays, use 'παρατηρείται μια τάση' (a tendency is observed) instead of 'υπάρχει μια τάση' to sound more academic.
Social Trends
When talking about fashion or social media, 'τάση' is the exact word for 'trend'. Use it to talk about what's 'in' right now.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle or preposition.
Έχω μια τάση ___ αργώ τα πρωινά.
We use 'να' when followed by a verb (αργώ).
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a formal report?
Choose the best option:
'Προς την άνοδο' (toward the rise) is more formal and standard for reports.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
Γιάννης: Γιατί δεν ήρθες χθες; Μαρία: Συγγνώμη, _________ (I have a tendency) να ξεχνάω τις ώρες όταν δουλεύω.
The present tense is used to describe a general habit.
Match the 'τάση' to the situation.
Match: 1. Ανοδική τάση, 2. Τάση φυγής, 3. Τάση προς την υπερβολή
These are standard collocations for these specific contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'I tend to'
Common Collocations
Positive
- • τάση βελτίωσης
- • τάση δημιουργίας
Negative
- • τάση φυγής
- • τάση απομόνωσης
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΈχω μια τάση ___ αργώ τα πρωινά.
We use 'να' when followed by a verb (αργώ).
Choose the best option:
'Προς την άνοδο' (toward the rise) is more formal and standard for reports.
Γιάννης: Γιατί δεν ήρθες χθες; Μαρία: Συγγνώμη, _________ (I have a tendency) να ξεχνάω τις ώρες όταν δουλεύω.
The present tense is used to describe a general habit.
Match: 1. Ανοδική τάση, 2. Τάση φυγής, 3. Τάση προς την υπερβολή
These are standard collocations for these specific contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot exactly. 'Συνήθεια' (habit) is something you do repeatedly, often without thinking. 'Τάση' (tendency) is the internal urge or inclination that leads to the habit.
No, for blood pressure we use the word 'πίεση'. However, 'τάση' was used in older Greek for tension, but not for medical pressure today.
Yes, 'την τάση' (the tendency) implies a specific, well-known tendency, while 'μια τάση' (a tendency) is more general.
No, you can have a tendency toward something positive, like 'τάση προς την ειλικρίνεια' (tendency toward honesty).
You say 'τάση της αγοράς'.
The plural is 'τάσεις'. You can say 'Έχει πολλές τάσεις' (He has many tendencies).
Yes, e.g., 'Ο καιρός έχει μια τάση να βελτιωθεί' (The weather has a tendency to improve).
'Κλίση' often refers to a natural talent or a physical slope, while 'τάση' is more about behavioral patterns.
Yes, 'τείνω να' is slightly more formal and is very common in written Greek.
Absolutely! It's a great way to talk about your working style professionally.
No, but it's most common in the present tense to describe ongoing traits.
The term is 'τάσεις αυτοκτονίας'.
Related Phrases
τείνω να
similarto tend to
έχω μια κλίση
similarto have an inclination/talent
έχω μια ροπή
similarto have a leaning/propensity
συνηθίζω να
similarto be in the habit of
έχω την πρόθεση
contrastto have the intention
