Meaning
Giving a reason for failure.
Cultural Background
In Greek offices, punctuality can be flexible, but once a deadline is missed, 'δικαιολογίες' are often met with a mix of skepticism and a demand for 'filotimo' (honor/duty). Greek mothers are famous for spotting 'δικαιολογίες' from a mile away, especially regarding chores or eating habits. The term 'δικαιολογία' is a staple in political talk shows, where opposition members constantly accuse the government of making excuses for economic issues. Greeks value 'straight talk'. If you are caught in a 'δικαιολογία', it's often better to just admit the truth to save face.
Tone Matters
Saying this with a smile makes it teasing; saying it with a frown makes it an accusation.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'δικαιολογία' is feminine. Never use 'ένας'.
Meaning
Giving a reason for failure.
Tone Matters
Saying this with a smile makes it teasing; saying it with a frown makes it an accusation.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'δικαιολογία' is feminine. Never use 'ένας'.
Use 'Απλώς'
Adding 'απλώς' (simply) before 'μια δικαιολογία' makes your dismissal sound much more confident and final.
Filotimo
In Greece, admitting you made a mistake is often more respected than giving a 'δικαιολογία'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Το ότι δεν είχες μπαταρία στο κινητό σου ______ ______ δικαιολογία.
We use 'είναι' for the present tense and 'μια' because 'δικαιολογία' is feminine.
Which response is the most appropriate when you think someone is lying about why they are late?
Α: Άργησα γιατί έπρεπε να ταΐσω τον δεινόσαυρό μου. Β: ________
The reason given is clearly fake, so calling it an excuse is the logical response.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
Διευθυντής: Γιατί δεν τελείωσε το project; Υπάλληλος: Ο υπολογιστής μου χάλασε. Διευθυντής: Αυτό δεν είναι λόγος, ______ ______ ______.
The manager is dismissing the employee's reason, so 'excuse' is the correct term.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Είναι μια φτηνή δικαιολογία' with the best context.
A 'cheap excuse' (φτηνή δικαιολογία) is a very weak reason, like worrying about potential rain.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Εξήγηση vs. Δικαιολογία
Common 'Δικαιολογίες'
Work
- • Κίνηση
- • Χάλασε το PC
- • Δεν είδα το email
Social
- • Είμαι κουρασμένος
- • Έχω δουλειά
- • Ξέχασα το κινητό
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΤο ότι δεν είχες μπαταρία στο κινητό σου ______ ______ δικαιολογία.
We use 'είναι' for the present tense and 'μια' because 'δικαιολογία' is feminine.
Α: Άργησα γιατί έπρεπε να ταΐσω τον δεινόσαυρό μου. Β: ________
The reason given is clearly fake, so calling it an excuse is the logical response.
Διευθυντής: Γιατί δεν τελείωσε το project; Υπάλληλος: Ο υπολογιστής μου χάλασε. Διευθυντής: Αυτό δεν είναι λόγος, ______ ______ ______.
The manager is dismissing the employee's reason, so 'excuse' is the correct term.
Match 'Είναι μια φτηνή δικαιολογία' with the best context.
A 'cheap excuse' (φτηνή δικαιολογία) is a very weak reason, like worrying about potential rain.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes. While it can mean 'justification' in a neutral sense, in 90% of daily conversations, it implies a weak or false reason.
Yes! You can say 'Ξέρω, είναι μια δικαιολογία, αλλά...' to show you are self-aware.
The plural is 'είναι δικαιολογίες' (they are excuses).
Yes, 'πρόφαση' (prophasi) is more formal and specifically means 'pretext'.
You can say 'Σταμάτα τις δικαιολογίες' or 'Μην δικαιολογείσαι'.
Only if you are the interviewer calling out a candidate. As a candidate, never call your own reasons 'δικαιολογίες'.
It can. It's a direct challenge to someone's honesty. Use it with friends or when you are genuinely annoyed.
'Λόγος' is a reason; 'δικαιολογία' is an excuse. A 'λόγος' is usually accepted, a 'δικαιολογία' is not.
It's a soft 'y' sound, like in 'yes', because it's followed by the 'i' sound.
Extremely! Many Greek 'laika' songs are about lovers making excuses for cheating or leaving.
Related Phrases
προφάσεις εν αμαρτίαις
similarPretexts for sins / transparent excuses.
μην δικαιολογείσαι
builds onDon't make excuses.
λόγια του αέρα
similarEmpty words.
ψάχνω δικαιολογίες
specialized formTo look for excuses.
καθαρή εξήγηση
contrastA clear explanation.
