Meaning
Socializing.
Cultural Background
The 'parea' is the primary unit of social life. It is common for a 'parea' to stay together from high school through old age, meeting at the same spot every week. In Cyprus, the 'parea' often revolves around 'souvla' (barbecue) gatherings at home or in the mountains, emphasizing family-like bonds between friends. For Greeks abroad, 'είμαι στην παρέα' is a way to maintain cultural identity and language in a foreign environment. In cities like Athens, 'parea' culture has moved to 'alternative' spots in areas like Exarcheia or Psirri, but the core value of collective discussion remains.
Use it as an adverb
You can use 'παρέα' as an adverb meaning 'together'. Example: 'Πάμε παρέα;' (Shall we go together?)
The 'Kerasma' rule
When you are 'στην παρέα', be prepared for someone to pay for everyone. It's a sign of affection, not a debt.
Meaning
Socializing.
Use it as an adverb
You can use 'παρέα' as an adverb meaning 'together'. Example: 'Πάμε παρέα;' (Shall we go together?)
The 'Kerasma' rule
When you are 'στην παρέα', be prepared for someone to pay for everyone. It's a sign of affection, not a debt.
Don't be too formal
Avoid saying 'Είμαι με την συντροφιά'. It sounds like a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'παρέα'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'είμαι' and the preposition 'στην'.
Εγώ _______ _______ παρέα του Γιώργου απόψε.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be 'είμαι'. 'Παρέα' is feminine, so we use 'στην'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm hanging out with my crew'?
How do you say it in Greek?
'Παρέα' is the culturally correct word for a social group of friends.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πού είσαι; Β: _________ στο κέντρο. Έλα κι εσύ!
The invitation 'Έλα κι εσύ!' (You come too!) suggests a social group setting.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a dinner with 5 friends and your brother calls you.
Being at dinner with friends is the definition of being 'στην παρέα'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Parea vs. Omada
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΕγώ _______ _______ παρέα του Γιώργου απόψε.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be 'είμαι'. 'Παρέα' is feminine, so we use 'στην'.
How do you say it in Greek?
'Παρέα' is the culturally correct word for a social group of friends.
Α: Πού είσαι; Β: _________ στο κέντρο. Έλα κι εσύ!
The invitation 'Έλα κι εσύ!' (You come too!) suggests a social group setting.
You are at a dinner with 5 friends and your brother calls you.
Being at dinner with friends is the definition of being 'στην παρέα'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it usually implies a group of three or more. For two people, 'είμαστε μαζί' (we are together) is also common.
It is feminine (η παρέα). Always use 'στην' or 'την'.
Only if you are talking about your social relationship with colleagues, not the work itself.
'Φίλοι' are the individuals; 'παρέα' is the collective group they form.
You can say 'Ψάχνω για παρέα'.
Greeks love long gatherings. Leaving early might require a good excuse, or you'll hear 'Γιατί φεύγεις τόσο νωρίς;'
Rarely. It usually implies platonic friendship. For romantic, use 'σύντροφος'.
No, 'της παρέας' means you are a social person in general. 'στην παρέα' means you are with them right now.
You ask 'Με ποια παρέα είσαι;'
Yes, if the vibe is relaxed and social, like a Sunday lunch.
Related Phrases
κάνω παρέα
similarTo hang out with / be friends with
είμαι της παρέας
specialized formTo be a social person
καλή παρέα
builds onGood company
κρατάω παρέα
similarTo keep company
χαλάω την παρέα
contrastTo spoil the mood of the group
