Signification
Referring to a road full of cars.
Contexte culturel
In Athens, traffic is not just a logistical issue; it's a social one. People often use 'πολλή κίνηση' as a way to start a conversation with strangers, bonding over the shared frustration of the city's infrastructure. During the first two weeks of August, the phrase 'πολλή κίνηση' disappears from the Athenian vocabulary as the city empties for summer holidays. It is the only time of year the roads are truly 'clean'. Greek taxi drivers are famous for their opinions on traffic. If you say 'έχει πολλή κίνηση,' be prepared for a detailed analysis of why the current government or the local mayor is to blame. On small Greek islands, 'πολλή κίνηση' might refer to a few donkeys or a group of tourists blocking a narrow alleyway, used somewhat ironically compared to the city.
The Double L Rule
Always write 'πολλή' with two lambdas when it's followed by a feminine noun like 'κίνηση.'
Don't say 'Είμαι κίνηση'
In English you say 'I am in traffic,' but in Greek you say 'Έχω κίνηση' (I have traffic) or 'Είμαι στην κίνηση.'
Signification
Referring to a road full of cars.
The Double L Rule
Always write 'πολλή' with two lambdas when it's followed by a feminine noun like 'κίνηση.'
Don't say 'Είμαι κίνηση'
In English you say 'I am in traffic,' but in Greek you say 'Έχω κίνηση' (I have traffic) or 'Είμαι στην κίνηση.'
Taxi Talk
If you want to sound like a local, sigh deeply and say 'Πω πω, πολλή κίνηση σήμερα!'
The Excuse
In Greece, 'πολλή κίνηση' is the most respected excuse for being 15 minutes late.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of 'much' (πολύ or πολλή).
Σήμερα στους δρόμους έχει ________ κίνηση.
Because 'κίνηση' is a feminine noun, we must use the feminine adjective 'πολλή' (with two lambdas).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm late because of traffic'?
Γιατί άργησες;
'Πολλή κίνηση' is the standard idiomatic way to express this in Greek.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Ταξιτζής: Πάλι σταματήσαμε... Επιβάτης: Ναι, ________.
The verb 'έχει' (it has/there is) is used with the feminine adjective 'πολλή'.
Match the situation to the correct Greek phrase.
You are looking at a map and see all the roads are red.
Red lines on a map indicate heavy traffic congestion.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Polly vs Poly
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΣήμερα στους δρόμους έχει ________ κίνηση.
Because 'κίνηση' is a feminine noun, we must use the feminine adjective 'πολλή' (with two lambdas).
Γιατί άργησες;
'Πολλή κίνηση' is the standard idiomatic way to express this in Greek.
Ταξιτζής: Πάλι σταματήσαμε... Επιβάτης: Ναι, ________.
The verb 'έχει' (it has/there is) is used with the feminine adjective 'πολλή'.
You are looking at a map and see all the roads are red.
Red lines on a map indicate heavy traffic congestion.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context, from a casual chat to a formal news report.
Because 'κίνηση' is a feminine noun. 'Πολύ' is for neuter nouns or used as an adverb.
Yes, it can describe a high volume of customers or activity in a business.
You can say 'δεν έχει κίνηση' or 'ο δρόμος είναι άδειος' (the road is empty).
You say 'Είμαι κολλημένος στην κίνηση.'
Technically yes, but we almost always use the singular 'πολλή κίνηση' to describe the phenomenon.
Usually yes, but it can also refer to ships in a harbor or general commercial activity.
You can, and it's grammatically correct, but 'πολλή κίνηση' is much more common.
Ask: 'Έχει κίνηση;'
It means 'rush hour,' the time when there is usually 'πολλή κίνηση.'
Expressions liées
μποτιλιάρισμα
synonymTraffic jam / bottleneck
ώρα αιχμής
similarRush hour
κυκλοφοριακή συμφόρηση
specialized formTraffic congestion
σημειωτόν
idiomaticMoving at a snail's pace
ανοιχτός δρόμος
contrastOpen road
