Meaning
Waiting for a response.
Cultural Background
The 'perimene' (wait) is a staple of Greek life. Whether it's for a coffee or a government document, Greeks have a high tolerance for waiting, often accompanied by a cigarette or a long conversation. Similar to Greece, but the phrase is often used in the context of the 'waiting list' for housing or government grants, which are significant social topics. In modern Greek startups, 'είμαι στην αναμονή' is being replaced by more direct English terms, but it remains the standard for all official corporate communication. Young Greeks use 'με έχει στην αναμονή' to describe being 'ghosted' or left on read, showing how the phrase has adapted to the digital age.
Phone Etiquette
If you put someone on hold, always say 'Σας βάζω στην αναμονή' first. It's considered polite.
Don't skip the article
Saying 'Είμαι σε αναμονή' sounds like you are a computer setting. Always use 'στην'.
Meaning
Waiting for a response.
Phone Etiquette
If you put someone on hold, always say 'Σας βάζω στην αναμονή' first. It's considered polite.
Don't skip the article
Saying 'Είμαι σε αναμονή' sounds like you are a computer setting. Always use 'στην'.
Slang usage
Use 'Με έχει στο περίμενε' if you want to complain to a friend about someone not texting back.
Patience is key
In Greece, being 'στην αναμονή' is a way of life. Don't show too much anger; it's expected!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the phrase.
Παρακαλώ, μείνετε _______ (in the waiting).
We use 'στην' because 'αναμονή' is feminine and requires the definite article.
Which sentence is correct for a phone call?
You are on the phone and need the other person to wait.
'Στην ουρά' is for physical lines, and 'στο περίμενε' is too informal/slang for a professional call.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πήρες τα αποτελέσματα; Β: Όχι ακόμα, _________.
Waiting for results is a state of 'anamoni'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Λίστα αναμονής' to the correct context.
Waiting lists (λίστες αναμονής) are common in medical contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Slang
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΠαρακαλώ, μείνετε _______ (in the waiting).
We use 'στην' because 'αναμονή' is feminine and requires the definite article.
You are on the phone and need the other person to wait.
'Στην ουρά' is for physical lines, and 'στο περίμενε' is too informal/slang for a professional call.
Α: Πήρες τα αποτελέσματα; Β: Όχι ακόμα, _________.
Waiting for results is a state of 'anamoni'.
Match 'Λίστα αναμονής' to the correct context.
Waiting lists (λίστες αναμονής) are common in medical contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use 'περιμένω το λεωφορείο'. 'Αναμονή' is for abstract or technical waiting.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Αναμονή' is the act of waiting. 'Υπομονή' is the patience you have while waiting.
It is 'αναμονή κλήσης'.
It's grammatically okay but sounds like 'standby mode' on a TV. 'Στην αναμονή' is more natural for people.
It means 'waiting list', commonly used for hospitals or popular restaurants.
The verb is 'αναμένω', which is more formal than 'περιμένω'.
Ήμουν στην αναμονή.
Before a vowel like 'α' in 'αναμονή', we keep the 'ν' in 'στην'.
Είμαι στο περίμενε.
Related Phrases
περιμένω
similarto wait
υπομονή
builds onpatience
καθυστέρηση
contrastdelay
στο περίμενε
synonymon the wait (slang)
αναμονή κλήσης
specialized formcall waiting
