Meaning
Opposing an opinion.
Cultural Background
Greeks often use 'Δεν συμφωνώ' as a starting point for a long, passionate discussion. It is not considered rude to disagree loudly in a social setting. In the Cypriot dialect, you might hear 'Εν συμφωνώ' instead of 'Δεν συμφωνώ'. The meaning is identical. In modern Athenian offices, 'Δεν συμφωνώ' is often followed by a detailed 'γιατί' (because) to maintain professional standards. Greek-Americans or Greek-Australians might mix the phrase with English, but 'Δεν συμφωνώ' remains a core phrase for maintaining cultural identity in debates.
Soften the blow
Add 'Για να είμαι ειλικρινής' (To be honest) before 'Δεν συμφωνώ' to sound more natural and polite.
Watch your tone
Greeks are expressive. If you say 'Δεν συμφωνώ' with a flat face, it might sound colder than you intend.
Meaning
Opposing an opinion.
Soften the blow
Add 'Για να είμαι ειλικρινής' (To be honest) before 'Δεν συμφωνώ' to sound more natural and polite.
Watch your tone
Greeks are expressive. If you say 'Δεν συμφωνώ' with a flat face, it might sound colder than you intend.
The 'Tsou' factor
Sometimes a Greek will just make a 'tsou' sound. This is a non-verbal 'Δεν συμφωνώ'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct negation particle.
Εγώ _______ συμφωνώ με την Μαρία.
We use 'δεν' to negate verbs in the indicative mood.
Choose the correct way to say 'I don't agree with you'.
How do you say 'I don't agree with you'?
'Μαζί σου' is the standard way to say 'with you' in this context.
Complete the dialogue with a polite disagreement.
Γιάννης: 'Η Αθήνα είναι η καλύτερη πόλη!' Εσύ: '_________________.'
Since you have a different opinion, 'Δεν συμφωνώ' is the appropriate response.
Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching the verb endings and modifiers.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Agreement vs Disagreement
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΕγώ _______ συμφωνώ με την Μαρία.
We use 'δεν' to negate verbs in the indicative mood.
How do you say 'I don't agree with you'?
'Μαζί σου' is the standard way to say 'with you' in this context.
Γιάννης: 'Η Αθήνα είναι η καλύτερη πόλη!' Εσύ: '_________________.'
Since you have a different opinion, 'Δεν συμφωνώ' is the appropriate response.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the verb endings and modifiers.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a neutral and standard way to disagree. However, adding 'Συγγνώμη' (Sorry) before it makes it even more polite.
Yes! 'Δεν συμφωνώ με τον Γιώργο' (I don't agree with George).
'Διαφωνώ' is a single verb meaning 'I disagree'. It is slightly more formal and emphatic.
You say 'Δεν συμφωνώ καθόλου' (Den symphono katholou).
No, the verb ending -ώ already tells us it's 'I'. Use 'Εγώ' only for emphasis.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional emails.
Change the ending to -ούμε: 'Δεν συμφωνούμε'.
Yes, 'Άκυρο' (Akyro), which literally means 'void' or 'cancelled', is used as slang for 'I disagree/No way'.
You can say 'Συμφωνώ εν μέρει' (I agree in part) or 'Δεν συμφωνώ απόλυτα' (I don't entirely agree).
Yes, before sounds like 's', 'f', 'v', 'th', 'm', 'n', 'l', 'r'. So 'Δε συμφωνώ' is very common in speech.
Related Phrases
Διαφωνώ
synonymI disagree
Έχεις δίκιο
contrastYou are right
Συμφωνώ απόλυτα
builds onI totally agree
Δεν νομίζω
similarI don't think so
Είσαι λάθος
specialized formYou are wrong
