Meaning
To not care at all.
Cultural Background
The 'dekara' coin is a symbol of the old Drachma era, representing a time of simpler but harder living. Using it today is a nostalgic linguistic nod. In Cyprus, you might hear similar expressions, but the local dialect often uses different metaphors for indifference, though 'δεν δίνω δεκάρα' is widely understood. The phrase is often preserved in the diaspora, sometimes mixed with English: 'I don't give a dekara!' On Greek Twitter/X, 'δεν δίνω δεκάρα' is often used in hashtags to show defiance against political or social trends.
Use it for emphasis
Add 'ειλικρινά' (honestly) at the beginning to sound more natural: 'Ειλικρινά, δεν δίνω δεκάρα!'
Watch your tone
If said too aggressively, it can end a friendship. Use a shrug to keep it light.
Meaning
To not care at all.
Use it for emphasis
Add 'ειλικρινά' (honestly) at the beginning to sound more natural: 'Ειλικρινά, δεν δίνω δεκάρα!'
Watch your tone
If said too aggressively, it can end a friendship. Use a shrug to keep it light.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Δεν δίνω _______ για το τι θα πει ο γείτονας.
The idiom specifically uses 'δεκάρα' to mean 'not caring at all.'
Which sentence correctly expresses total indifference?
Someone is criticizing your new car. You want to say you don't care.
This uses the correct verb (δίνω) and the correct preposition (για).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Α: 'Πιστεύεις ότι θα βρέξει στην εκδρομή μας;' Β: '_________________'
The first option is the most natural way to express that the weather won't stop the plans.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are ignoring a rumor about yourself at work.
'Φήμες' means rumors, which fits the situation perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΔεν δίνω _______ για το τι θα πει ο γείτονας.
The idiom specifically uses 'δεκάρα' to mean 'not caring at all.'
Someone is criticizing your new car. You want to say you don't care.
This uses the correct verb (δίνω) and the correct preposition (για).
Α: 'Πιστεύεις ότι θα βρέξει στην εκδρομή μας;' Β: '_________________'
The first option is the most natural way to express that the weather won't stop the plans.
Situation: You are ignoring a rumor about yourself at work.
'Φήμες' means rumors, which fits the situation perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is quite informal and dismissive. Use 'Δεν με απασχολεί' or 'Δεν έχω άποψη' instead.
Absolutely. 'Δεν έδωσα δεκάρα' is very common when telling a story about how you ignored someone.
It was a 10-lepta coin. Think of it as a Greek 'dime' but with much less purchasing power in its final years.
Yes, 'Δεν με πειράζει' (It doesn't bother me) or 'Δεν με νοιάζει' (I don't care) are more neutral.
Related Phrases
δεν δίνω φράγκο
synonymTo not care at all (using 'franc' instead of 'dekara').
δεν μου καίγεται καρφί
similarI don't care in the slightest.
σκασίλα μου
similarI don't care! / Big deal!
δεν με νοιάζει
similarI don't care.
