Meaning
Advice to slow down.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Siga-Siga' lifestyle, where being in a hurry is often seen as a lack of self-control or a failure to appreciate life. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly but often accompanied by the word 'κουμπάρε' (friend/best man) in casual settings. Greek-Americans or Greek-Australians often use this phrase as a way to preserve their heritage's relaxed attitude in high-pressure Western environments. This phrase is part of a broader Mediterranean linguistic family (with Spanish and Italian) that uses 'running' as a metaphor for life's unnecessary pressures.
The 'N' Rule
You can say 'Μη τρέχεις' or 'Μην τρέχεις'. Before a 'τ', the 'ν' is usually kept to help with pronunciation.
Safety First
If you are in a car and feel unsafe, say it firmly: 'Μην τρέχετε, παρακαλώ!'
Meaning
Advice to slow down.
The 'N' Rule
You can say 'Μη τρέχεις' or 'Μην τρέχεις'. Before a 'τ', the 'ν' is usually kept to help with pronunciation.
Safety First
If you are in a car and feel unsafe, say it firmly: 'Μην τρέχετε, παρακαλώ!'
The Siga-Siga Vibe
Using this phrase makes you sound much more like a local who understands the Greek rhythm of life.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to tell a driver to slow down.
Ο οδηγός πάει πολύ γρήγορα. Τι λες;
'Μην τρέχεις' is the standard way to tell someone they are driving too fast.
Fill in the missing word for a formal situation.
Κύριε Παπαδόπουλο, μην ______ τόσο πολύ, έχουμε χρόνο.
The plural/formal form 'τρέχετε' is required when addressing someone formally.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: A friend is worrying about a wedding that is two years away.
In this metaphorical context, 'Μην τρέχεις' means 'don't get ahead of yourself'.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θέλω να τελειώσω όλο το βιβλίο σήμερα! Β: ________, είναι 500 σελίδες!
The speaker is advising the other person not to rush an impossible task.
Match the Greek phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
All these phrases are related to slowing down the pace.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Μην τρέχεις'
Physical
- • Walking fast
- • Running in house
- • Driving speed
Mental
- • Worrying
- • Planning too far
- • Anxiety
Social
- • Talking fast
- • Eating fast
- • Dating pace
Practice Bank
5 exercisesΟ οδηγός πάει πολύ γρήγορα. Τι λες;
'Μην τρέχεις' is the standard way to tell someone they are driving too fast.
Κύριε Παπαδόπουλο, μην ______ τόσο πολύ, έχουμε χρόνο.
The plural/formal form 'τρέχετε' is required when addressing someone formally.
Context: A friend is worrying about a wedding that is two years away.
In this metaphorical context, 'Μην τρέχεις' means 'don't get ahead of yourself'.
Α: Θέλω να τελειώσω όλο το βιβλίο σήμερα! Β: ________, είναι 500 σελίδες!
The speaker is advising the other person not to rush an impossible task.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these phrases are related to slowing down the pace.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsOnly if you use the formal 'Μην τρέχετε' and have a friendly relationship. Otherwise, it might sound like you're telling them how to do their job.
Not exactly. 'Relax' is 'Χαλάρωσε'. 'Μην τρέχεις' specifically targets the speed or the rushing aspect of a situation.
'Όχι' is a standalone 'No'. For 'Don't [verb]', Greek always uses 'Μη' or 'Μην'.
Usually no, it's seen as caring advice. However, tone matters—if shouted, it can be a sharp command.
Yes! It's a very common way to ask someone to slow down their speech.
The plural is 'Μην τρέχετε'.
In many contexts, yes, it functions as 'Don't worry about it yet'.
Yes, many Greek pop and folk songs use it to describe a lover who is rushing into or out of a relationship.
No, that would be the opposite. For a slow person, you would say 'Κουνήσου' (Move it).
The words are ancient, but the specific idiomatic usage is more modern.
You would still say 'Μην τρέχεις' or simply 'Μη!'.
Yes, 'Κόψε' (Cut it/Slow down) is very common slang.
No, it's too colloquial for a formal email. Use 'Δεν χρειάζεται βιασύνη' instead.
The opposite is 'Τρέχα!' (Run!) or 'Βιάσου!' (Hurry up!).
Related Phrases
Μη βιάζεσαι
synonymDon't hurry
Σιγά-σιγά
similarA general philosophy of taking things slow.
Πάτα φρένο
similarHit the brakes
Μην προτρέχεις
specialized formDon't jump to conclusions
Χαλάρωσε
similarRelax
