Meaning
Significant choice.
Cultural Background
Decisions are often made collectively with family input. A 'significant decision' usually involves a long discussion over coffee. Similar to Greece, but the dialect might use 'σπουδαία' (great/important) more frequently in casual speech. Second-generation Greeks often use the English 'make a decision' translated literally (κάνω μια απόφαση), which is a sign of language attrition. Decisions can be slow as they often require consensus from various stakeholders or 'the boss' (το αφεντικό).
The 'Take' Rule
Always remember: Greeks 'take' decisions. If you say 'make', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a tourist.
Gender Match
Don't say 'σημαντικό απόφαση'. It's a feminine noun, so use the feminine adjective ending in -η.
Meaning
Significant choice.
The 'Take' Rule
Always remember: Greeks 'take' decisions. If you say 'make', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a tourist.
Gender Match
Don't say 'σημαντικό απόφαση'. It's a feminine noun, so use the feminine adjective ending in -η.
Sound more native
Use 'Μεγάλη απόφαση' with friends and 'Σημαντική απόφαση' at work to perfectly match the register.
Consultation
If you tell a Greek person you have a 'σημαντική απόφαση', be prepared for them to give you lots of advice!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'σημαντικός'.
Η αγορά σπιτιού είναι μια ________ απόφαση.
The noun 'απόφαση' is feminine, so we use 'σημαντική'.
Which verb is correctly used with 'απόφαση'?
Πρέπει να ________ μια σημαντική απόφαση.
In Greek, you 'take' (παίρνω) a decision.
Match the Greek phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θα αλλάξεις δουλειά; Β: Δεν ξέρω, είναι μια ________ ________.
Changing jobs is a significant decision.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Importance Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΗ αγορά σπιτιού είναι μια ________ απόφαση.
The noun 'απόφαση' is feminine, so we use 'σημαντική'.
Πρέπει να ________ μια σημαντική απόφαση.
In Greek, you 'take' (παίρνω) a decision.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the phrase.
Α: Θα αλλάξεις δουλειά; Β: Δεν ξέρω, είναι μια ________ ________.
Changing jobs is a significant decision.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds sarcastic. It's better to use 'απλή απόφαση' (simple decision) for small things.
The plural is 'σημαντικές αποφάσεις' (simantikés apofásis).
Yes, it is the most direct translation of 'important' in Greek.
You say 'Παίρνω μια απόφαση'.
No, 'phase' comes from 'φάση', while 'απόφαση' comes from 'αποφαίνομαι'.
No, this is a common mistake. Use 'παίρνω'.
Yes, it is very common in business meetings and emails.
'Σημαντική' means important; 'κρίσιμη' means critical or urgent.
Αυτή ήταν μια σημαντική απόφαση.
It is neutral to formal. It's safe to use everywhere.
Related Phrases
Παίρνω μια απόφαση
builds onTo take/make a decision
Αποφασίζω
similarI decide
Κρίσιμη στιγμή
relatedCritical moment
Τελική απόφαση
specialized formFinal decision
Επιλογή
synonymChoice
