Significado
Trying to accomplish something.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Philotimo' means that even if you fail, making a 'φιλότιμη προσπάθεια' (an effort out of a sense of duty and honor) is what truly counts in the eyes of the community. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but you might hear the local dialectal variations of the verb 'κάνω' (θκυώ). However, in standard communication, 'κάνω μια προσπάθεια' is universal. Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase as a bridge, as it perfectly mirrors the English 'make an effort,' making it one of the most resilient phrases in heritage language speakers. In the Greek startup scene, 'κάνω μια προσπάθεια' is being replaced in some circles by the English 'try-άρω' (slang), but 'κάνω μια προσπάθεια' remains the professional standard.
Add Adjectives
You can easily upgrade this phrase by adding adjectives like 'μεγάλη' (big), 'μικρή' (small), or 'σοβαρή' (serious) before 'προσπάθεια'.
Verb Choice
Never use 'δίνω' (give) or 'παίρνω' (take) with 'προσπάθεια'. It's always 'κάνω'.
Significado
Trying to accomplish something.
Add Adjectives
You can easily upgrade this phrase by adding adjectives like 'μεγάλη' (big), 'μικρή' (small), or 'σοβαρή' (serious) before 'προσπάθεια'.
Verb Choice
Never use 'δίνω' (give) or 'παίρνω' (take) with 'προσπάθεια'. It's always 'κάνω'.
The 'Na' Rule
Always follow the phrase with 'να' + verb to explain what you are trying to do. It makes you sound much more fluent.
Humility
Greeks often use this phrase to be humble. Instead of saying 'I am good at Greek,' say 'Κάνω μια προσπάθεια.'
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κάνω'.
Εγώ ______ μια προσπάθεια να μάθω ελληνικά.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I made an effort'?
In Greek, we use the verb 'κάνω' (past tense 'έκανα') with 'προσπάθεια'.
Match the Greek phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Adjectives modify the noun 'προσπάθεια' to add specific meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Θα έρθεις αύριο; B: Δεν ξέρω, αλλά θα ______ μια προσπάθεια.
The speaker (B) is talking about their own future action.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Effort Levels in Greek
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΕγώ ______ μια προσπάθεια να μάθω ελληνικά.
The subject is 'Εγώ' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
How do you say 'I made an effort'?
In Greek, we use the verb 'κάνω' (past tense 'έκανα') with 'προσπάθεια'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Adjectives modify the noun 'προσπάθεια' to add specific meaning.
A: Θα έρθεις αύριο; B: Δεν ξέρω, αλλά θα ______ μια προσπάθεια.
The speaker (B) is talking about their own future action.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasSlightly. 'Προσπαθώ' is the everyday verb, while 'Κάνω μια προσπάθεια' sounds more like you are describing a specific project or a conscious act.
Yes! 'Κάνω προσπάθειες' means 'I am making efforts' (plural), implying you have tried multiple times or in different ways.
The most common opposite is 'Τα παρατάω' (I give up) or 'Δεν προσπαθώ'.
Absolutely. It's very common to use it when talking about the gym or sports.
You say 'Θα κάνω μια προσπάθεια'.
Not always. 'Κάνω προσπάθεια' (without 'μια') sounds more general and continuous.
It means an effort made with a sense of honor and duty, even if it's difficult.
Yes, it is very professional. 'Κάνουμε μια προσπάθεια να βελτιώσουμε τις υπηρεσίες μας' is a standard sentence.
No, it only means you are trying. The result is not implied.
Yes, many Greek songs use it to talk about trying to save a relationship.
Frases relacionadas
Βάζω τα δυνατά μου
similarTo do my best
Δοκιμάζω την τύχη μου
similarTo try my luck
Καταβάλλω προσπάθεια
specialized formTo exert effort
Δεν κουνάω το δαχτυλάκι μου
contrastTo not lift a finger
Κάνω μια απόπειρα
synonymTo make an attempt
