Meaning
Sending a text or email.
Cultural Background
Greeks are very active on Viber. If someone says 'Στείλε μου', they almost certainly mean on Viber rather than SMS. In Cyprus, the phrase is the same, but you might hear 'Πέμψε μου' (from the verb πέμπω) more often than in mainland Greece. Even in formal business, sending a quick message on WhatsApp is becoming acceptable for urgent updates, though 'στέλνω email' remains the standard for documentation. Younger Greeks often use 'DM' as a verb. 'Στείλε μου DM' is very common among Gen Z.
Drop the Article
In casual Greek, just say 'Στείλε μήνυμα' (Send message). It sounds much more native than always using 'ένα'.
The Past Tense Trap
Don't say 'έστελνα' for a single text. Use 'έστειλα'. 'Έστελνα' implies you were texting for a long time or repeatedly.
Meaning
Sending a text or email.
Drop the Article
In casual Greek, just say 'Στείλε μήνυμα' (Send message). It sounds much more native than always using 'ένα'.
The Past Tense Trap
Don't say 'έστελνα' for a single text. Use 'έστειλα'. 'Έστελνα' implies you were texting for a long time or repeatedly.
The 'When You Arrive' Rule
Always tell your Greek friends 'Στείλε μου όταν φτάσεις'. It's the ultimate polite closing phrase.
Viber is King
If you're in Greece, 'μήνυμα' almost always implies a Viber message. Make sure you have the app!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'στέλνω' in the past tense (Aorist).
Χθες το βράδυ, σου _______ ένα μήνυμα αλλά δεν το είδες.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday evening' (χθες το βράδυ), so the simple past 'έστειλα' is required.
Which is the most natural way to say 'I will text you' to a friend?
Πώς το λέμε στους φίλους μας;
This is the standard neutral/informal way to say 'I will text you'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Α: Φεύγω τώρα, θα πάω σπίτι. Β: Εντάξει, ________________ όταν φτάσεις.
The context requires an imperative (command/request) for a future action.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are in a meeting and can't talk, but you want to tell your wife you'll be late.
Messaging is the appropriate silent communication method.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tense Changes for Στέλνω
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΧθες το βράδυ, σου _______ ένα μήνυμα αλλά δεν το είδες.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday evening' (χθες το βράδυ), so the simple past 'έστειλα' is required.
Πώς το λέμε στους φίλους μας;
This is the standard neutral/informal way to say 'I will text you'.
Α: Φεύγω τώρα, θα πάω σπίτι. Β: Εντάξει, ________________ όταν φτάσεις.
The context requires an imperative (command/request) for a future action.
Situation: You are in a meeting and can't talk, but you want to tell your wife you'll be late.
Messaging is the appropriate silent communication method.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, although 'Στέλνω email' is more specific, 'Στέλνω μήνυμα' is perfectly fine for any digital text.
'Αποστέλλω' is the formal version used in official documents or automated system notifications.
Use the present tense: 'Σου στέλνω ένα μήνυμα τώρα'.
It is neuter: το μήνυμα, τα μηνύματα.
You say 'Θα σου απαντήσω' (I will answer you) or 'Θα σου στείλω μετά'.
Yes, but it's better to say 'Στέλνω φωνητικό μήνυμα'.
Say 'Το έστειλα κατά λάθος'.
Yes, 'μήνυμα σε μπουκάλι' is the literal translation.
Not a single word, but 'ρίχνω μήνυμα' (drop a message) is very casual.
Say 'Έλαβες το μήνυμά μου;' or 'Το είδες το μήνυμά μου;'.
Related Phrases
Παίρνω τηλέφωνο
similarTo make a phone call
Απαντάω σε μήνυμα
builds onTo reply to a message
Λαμβάνω μήνυμα
contrastTo receive a message
Προωθώ ένα μήνυμα
specialized formTo forward a message
Διαγράφω ένα μήνυμα
similarTo delete a message
