Meaning
It is expensive.
Cultural Background
In Athens, discussing the 'not cheap' nature of gas and rent is a national pastime. It's a way to bond over shared economic struggles. During the tourist season, locals use this phrase to explain price hikes to visitors, often blaming the 'season' or 'transport costs'. Cypriots might use the word 'ακριβό' more directly, but 'δεν είναι φτηνό' is still used in business contexts in Nicosia. In places like Astoria or Melbourne, the phrase is used to compare prices back in Greece with the local prices, often with a sense of nostalgia or shock.
Use it for Politeness
When a shopkeeper tells you a price, saying 'δεν είναι φθηνό' is more polite than saying 'είναι ακριβό'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the object is masculine (φθηνός), feminine (φθηνή), or neuter (φθηνό).
Meaning
It is expensive.
Use it for Politeness
When a shopkeeper tells you a price, saying 'δεν είναι φθηνό' is more polite than saying 'είναι ακριβό'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the object is masculine (φθηνός), feminine (φθηνή), or neuter (φθηνό).
Add 'και' for Flavor
Saying 'δεν είναι και φθηνό' makes you sound like a native speaker who knows their prices.
The Shrug
Greeks often accompany this phrase with a slight shrug and a downward turn of the lips.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'φθηνός' to match the noun.
Η καινούρια τηλεόραση δεν είναι ______.
The noun 'τηλεόραση' is feminine singular.
Which sentence is the most polite way to tell a friend a restaurant is expensive?
Πώς θα το πεις ευγενικά;
Understatement is generally more polite and consultative.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θέλω να αγοράσω αυτό το ρολόι. Β: Πρόσεχε, είναι από χρυσό. ______.
Gold items are expensive, so 'not cheap' is the logical warning.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are looking at a luxury car.
Luxury cars are by definition not cheap.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Direct vs. Indirect
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΗ καινούρια τηλεόραση δεν είναι ______.
The noun 'τηλεόραση' is feminine singular.
Πώς θα το πεις ευγενικά;
Understatement is generally more polite and consultative.
Α: Θέλω να αγοράσω αυτό το ρολόι. Β: Πρόσεχε, είναι από χρυσό. ______.
Gold items are expensive, so 'not cheap' is the logical warning.
Situation: You are looking at a luxury car.
Luxury cars are by definition not cheap.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'φθηνός' for people implies they are 'cheap' in a moral or character sense (low quality person). Use 'φειδωλός' for someone who is stingy.
Yes, 'φτηνό' (with tau) is the more common, informal spelling, while 'φθηνό' (with theta) is more formal/traditional. Both are correct.
'Ακριβό' is very direct. 'Δεν είναι φθηνό' is a softer, more conversational way to express the same idea.
No, it definitely means it's on the expensive side. It's an understatement, not a middle ground.
Yes, that means 'it is not expensive' (implying it's cheap or affordable). It's the opposite of our phrase!
Match the gender: 'Τα σπίτια δεν είναι φθηνά' (The houses are not cheap).
Yes, very often. It's a professional way to discuss high costs or premium services.
A common slang version is 'τσουχτερό' (stinging) or 'φαρμάκι' (poison/bitterly expensive).
Not at all. It's a standard part of price discussion in Greece.
Yes, like 'Η ελευθερία δεν είναι φθηνή' (Freedom is not cheap).
Related Phrases
είναι ακριβό
synonymIt is expensive
είναι τσουχτερό
similarIt is 'stinging' (pricey)
κοστίζει μια περιουσία
specialized formIt costs a fortune
είναι φθηνό
contrastIt is cheap
δεν είναι και τσάμπα
similarIt's not exactly for free
