Meaning
To use something inefficiently.
Cultural Background
Wasting food, especially bread, is often considered a 'sin' (αμαρτία) by older Greeks due to historical famines. The term 'σπατάλη' is frequently used in political discourse to describe government overspending or corruption. Paradoxically, 'conspicuous waste' (like throwing flowers) is a sign of 'kefi' in traditional nightclubs. Public awareness campaigns focus heavily on 'σπατάλη νερού' (water waste) due to the dry climate of the islands.
Use with Genitive
Always pair it with a genitive noun to sound more natural and precise.
Avoid for Trash
Remember, it's about the *act* of wasting, not the physical garbage.
Meaning
To use something inefficiently.
Use with Genitive
Always pair it with a genitive noun to sound more natural and precise.
Avoid for Trash
Remember, it's about the *act* of wasting, not the physical garbage.
The 'Krima' Combo
Combine it with 'κρίμα' for extra emphasis: 'Κρίμα, είναι μια σπατάλη!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct genitive form of the word in parentheses.
Είναι μια σπατάλη ________ (χρήματα).
The genitive plural of 'χρήματα' is 'χρημάτων'.
Which article correctly completes the phrase?
Ήταν ____ σπατάλη χρόνου.
'Σπατάλη' is a feminine noun.
Match the situation to the most natural Greek response.
You see someone throwing away a perfectly good, expensive coat.
The simple exclamation is the most natural way to express shock at waste.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πήγα στο ραντεβού αλλά δεν ήρθε ποτέ. Β: Τι; Είναι μια _________!
A missed date is a waste of time, not money or water.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΕίναι μια σπατάλη ________ (χρήματα).
The genitive plural of 'χρήματα' is 'χρημάτων'.
Ήταν ____ σπατάλη χρόνου.
'Σπατάλη' is a feminine noun.
You see someone throwing away a perfectly good, expensive coat.
The simple exclamation is the most natural way to express shock at waste.
Α: Πήγα στο ραντεβού αλλά δεν ήρθε ποτέ. Β: Τι; Είναι μια _________!
A missed date is a waste of time, not money or water.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it always implies that something valuable was used poorly or lost without reason.
Yes, 'είναι σπατάλη' is also correct and very common, especially in fast speech.
The verb is 'σπαταλάω' (to waste) or 'σπαταλώ'. Example: 'Σπαταλάς τον χρόνο μου.'
Greeks don't usually say 'waste of space.' They might say 'άχρηστος' (useless person) or 'πιάνει χώρο τζάμπα'.
Related Phrases
κρίμα
similara pity / a shame
χάσιμο χρόνου
synonymwaste of time
πεταμένα λεφτά
synonymthrown-away money
αξιοποίηση
contrastutilization / making good use of
