Meaning
Deciding what is most important.
Cultural Background
In the Greek workplace, 'βάζω προτεραιότητες' is a key phrase used to navigate the 'crisis culture' where everything often feels urgent. Family is almost always the 'top priority' in Greece, often overriding professional commitments in a way that is culturally accepted. During the 'Panhellenic Exams', students are constantly told to 'put priorities' to manage the massive amount of material. The phrase is often used by politicians to explain why certain public works are delayed, citing 'other priorities'.
Use it in Interviews
Greek employers love this phrase. It shows you have a 'European' work ethic and organizational skills.
Don't use 'Make'
Never say 'κάνω προτεραιότητες'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
Deciding what is most important.
Use it in Interviews
Greek employers love this phrase. It shows you have a 'European' work ethic and organizational skills.
Don't use 'Make'
Never say 'κάνω προτεραιότητες'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Family First
If you use this phrase in a family context, remember that 'family' is usually the unspoken top priority in Greece.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'βάζω'.
Χθες, ο διευθυντής ______ (past tense) νέες προτεραιότητες για την ομάδα.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past (yesterday), so the Aorist 'έβαλε' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural in Greek?
How do you say 'I make priorities'?
In Greek, the standard collocation for setting priorities is with the verb 'βάζω'.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Έχω τόση πολλή δουλειά και δεν ξέρω τι να κάνω! Β: Μην αγχώνεσαι. Πρέπει απλώς να ______.
The context of having too much work and needing to decide what to do first requires 'βάλεις προτεραιότητες'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a formal business report?
'Θέτω' is the formal alternative to 'βάζω' and is preferred in professional writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Priorities
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Meetings
- • Emails
Life
- • Family
- • Health
- • Friends
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΧθες, ο διευθυντής ______ (past tense) νέες προτεραιότητες για την ομάδα.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past (yesterday), so the Aorist 'έβαλε' is required.
How do you say 'I make priorities'?
In Greek, the standard collocation for setting priorities is with the verb 'βάζω'.
Α: Έχω τόση πολλή δουλειά και δεν ξέρω τι να κάνω! Β: Μην αγχώνεσαι. Πρέπει απλώς να ______.
The context of having too much work and needing to decide what to do first requires 'βάλεις προτεραιότητες'.
Which phrase fits a formal business report?
'Θέτω' is the formal alternative to 'βάζω' and is preferred in professional writing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but only if you are talking about one specific thing. 'Βάζω την υγεία μου σε προτεραιότητα' (I put my health as a priority).
It's not better, just more formal. Use 'βάζω' with friends and 'θέτω' in a business report.
There isn't a single phrase, but 'είμαι ανοργάνωτος' (I am disorganized) or 'δεν ξέρω τι μου γίνεται' (I don't know what's happening to me) are common ways to describe the lack of priorities.
You say 'Η προτεραιότητά μου είναι...'.
Related Phrases
δίνω προτεραιότητα
similarTo give priority to something.
ιεραρχώ
specialized formTo prioritize hierarchically.
πρώτα απ' όλα
builds onFirst of all.
παραμελώ
contrastTo neglect.
