Bedeutung
I advise against it.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Greeks are known for being direct but also for their 'philotimo'. Using 'δεν είναι καλή ιδέα' allows a person to be helpful and protective without being authoritarian. In meetings, Greeks value hierarchy but also passionate debate. This phrase is a standard way for a subordinate to respectfully disagree with a superior. Greek parents use this phrase constantly to guide children. It's part of a 'teaching' culture where elders pass down wisdom through caution. On Greek Twitter or Facebook, this phrase is often used as a meme or a dry comment on political decisions or celebrity scandals.
Softening the blow
Add 'μάλλον' (probably) before 'δεν' to sound even more polite: 'Μάλλον δεν είναι καλή ιδέα.'
Gender Agreement
Always use 'καλή' (feminine). Never use 'καλό' (neuter) with 'ιδέα'.
Bedeutung
I advise against it.
Softening the blow
Add 'μάλλον' (probably) before 'δεν' to sound even more polite: 'Μάλλον δεν είναι καλή ιδέα.'
Gender Agreement
Always use 'καλή' (feminine). Never use 'καλό' (neuter) with 'ιδέα'.
The 'I'm afraid' opener
Start with 'Φοβάμαι πως...' (I'm afraid that...) in professional settings to sound like a native.
Unsolicited Advice
Don't be offended if a Greek stranger tells you 'δεν είναι καλή ιδέα'—they are just being helpful!
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form of the adjective to complete the phrase.
Δεν είναι _______ ιδέα.
'Ιδέα' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'καλή'.
Fill in the missing negative particle.
_______ είναι καλή ιδέα να φας τόσο πολύ.
'Δεν' is used to negate the verb 'είναι'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone wants to go swimming during a storm.
This is a safety warning, so the negative expression is appropriate.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θα πάρω το παλιό αμάξι του παππού μου. Β: ____________________, χαλάει συνέχεια.
The second part of the sentence ('it breaks down all the time') implies a negative opinion.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to say 'Δεν είναι καλή ιδέα'
Safety
- • Stormy weather
- • Dangerous sports
- • Broken equipment
Social
- • Texting exes
- • Being rude
- • Oversharing
Money
- • Risky stocks
- • Expensive toys
- • Gambling
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΔεν είναι _______ ιδέα.
'Ιδέα' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'καλή'.
_______ είναι καλή ιδέα να φας τόσο πολύ.
'Δεν' is used to negate the verb 'είναι'.
Situation: Someone wants to go swimming during a storm.
This is a safety warning, so the negative expression is appropriate.
Α: Θα πάρω το παλιό αμάξι του παππού μου. Β: ____________________, χαλάει συνέχεια.
The second part of the sentence ('it breaks down all the time') implies a negative opinion.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! Use 'να' + verb. Example: 'Δεν είναι καλή ιδέα να καπνίζεις.'
No, it is considered a helpful and neutral way to give advice.
'Δεν είναι καλή' is softer and more common in polite conversation. 'Κακή ιδέα' is more blunt.
You can, but it sounds a bit like a translation from English. Natives usually drop the 'μια'.
Use the past tense: 'Δεν ήταν καλή ιδέα' or 'Ήταν κακή ιδέα'.
Yes, always. So the adjective 'καλή' must always be feminine too.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional emails to express concern about a plan.
Say 'Είναι πολύ καλή ιδέα!' or 'Τέλεια ιδέα!'
Yes, very! If someone does something obviously stupid, you can say it with a flat tone.
In very informal speech, you can just say 'Κακή ιδέα' or 'Μην'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
κακή ιδέα
synonymbad idea
δεν το συνιστώ
similarI don't recommend it
άστο καλύτερα
similarbetter leave it
είναι καλή ιδέα
contrastit's a good idea
δεν έχω ιδέα
specialized formI have no clue
