Meaning
Asking for the city center.
Cultural Background
The 'kentro' is the primary meeting spot for Greeks of all ages. It's where the 'volta' (evening stroll) happens. In Athens, 'the center' almost always refers to the area around Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Omonia. On islands, the center is often called 'Chora' (Χώρα). Asking for the 'kentro' will still be understood as the main village. When asking for directions in the center, it's polite to start with 'Με συγχωρείτε' (Excuse me).
The 'Down' Rule
Greeks often say 'Κατεβαίνω κέντρο' (I'm going down to the center) even if they are walking uphill. It's a social convention.
Accent Matters
Always put the accent on 'Πού'. If you write 'Που', it means 'that' and changes the sentence meaning.
Meaning
Asking for the city center.
The 'Down' Rule
Greeks often say 'Κατεβαίνω κέντρο' (I'm going down to the center) even if they are walking uphill. It's a social convention.
Accent Matters
Always put the accent on 'Πού'. If you write 'Που', it means 'that' and changes the sentence meaning.
The Meeting Point
If someone says 'meet me at the center', ask for a specific landmark like a square or statue, as the center can be large.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Πού ______ το κέντρο;
We use the third-person singular 'είναι' because 'το κέντρο' is the subject.
Which is the correct way to ask for the center?
Select the correct sentence:
'Κέντρο' is a neuter noun and requires the article 'το'.
Match the Greek phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are basic navigational phrases.
Complete the dialogue.
Tourist: Με συγχωρείτε, πού είναι το κέντρο; Local: _________.
'Είναι εδώ' (It is here) is a logical answer to a location question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Πού vs Που
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΠού ______ το κέντρο;
We use the third-person singular 'είναι' because 'το κέντρο' is the subject.
Select the correct sentence:
'Κέντρο' is a neuter noun and requires the article 'το'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic navigational phrases.
Tourist: Με συγχωρείτε, πού είναι το κέντρο; Local: _________.
'Είναι εδώ' (It is here) is a logical answer to a location question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's clearer to say 'εμπορικό κέντρο'.
It is neuter: 'το κέντρο'.
You say 'Είμαι στο κέντρο'.
The plural is 'τα κέντρα'.
Yes, in both a geographical and geometric sense.
Yes, but adding 'παρακαλώ' at the end makes it better.
You can specify 'το ιστορικό κέντρο' (historical) or 'το νέο κέντρο' (new).
It's a shortening of 'νυχτερινό κέντρο' (night center/club).
No, that sounds like you are asking for the middle of a physical object or someone's waist.
Yes, for the center of the field or a 'center' player.
Related Phrases
Κέντρο πόλης
synonymCity center
Εμπορικό κέντρο
specialized formShopping mall
Κέντρο υγείας
specialized formHealth center
Στο κέντρο
builds onIn the center
Κεντρική πλατεία
similarCentral square
