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A2 verb 8 min de leitura

νομίζω

to think or believe

At the A1 level, 'νομίζω' is one of the first verbs you learn to express your own thoughts. It is usually used in very simple sentences to share a basic opinion. For instance, a beginner might say 'Νομίζω ότι είναι καλό' (I think that it is good) or 'Νομίζω ότι είναι εδώ' (I think that he is here). At this stage, learners should focus on the present tense conjugation (νομίζω, νομίζεις, νομίζει...) and the fact that it is almost always followed by 'ότι' (that). It helps students move beyond just stating facts and start participating in very basic social interactions where they can agree or disagree with others in a polite way. It is a 'safe' word because it is regular and very common in textbooks.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'νομίζω' to handle more complex daily situations. You begin to use the negative form 'δεν νομίζω' (I don't think) and understand how to ask others for their opinion using 'τι νομίζεις;' (what do you think?). You also start to see the difference between 'νομίζω' and 'πιστεύω' (I believe), learning that 'νομίζω' is for general thoughts while 'πιστεύω' is for stronger convictions. A2 learners should also become comfortable with the past tense 'νόμιζα' (I thought), which is crucial for explaining misunderstandings, such as 'Νόμιζα ότι το μάθημα ήταν στις πέντε' (I thought the lesson was at five).
By B1, the use of 'νομίζω' becomes more nuanced. You start using it as a 'softener' in conversations to make your speech sound more natural and less blunt. You will learn to use it with the conjunction 'πως' instead of just 'ότι' to sound more informal and fluent. You also begin to encounter the subjunctive mood after negative expressions, such as 'Δεν νομίζω να έρθει' (I don't think he will come), where 'να έρθει' is the subjunctive form. B1 learners also start to recognize the word in more varied contexts, like news reports or slightly more abstract discussions about culture or personal feelings.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'νομίζω' and its synonyms (like 'θεωρώ' or 'πιστεύω') with precision. You understand that 'νομίζω' is often used to introduce a hypothesis or a tentative conclusion in a debate. You can use it in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences. You also start to use the passive form 'νομίζεται' (it is thought) in formal writing or when discussing general public opinions. At this stage, you should be able to distinguish between 'νομίζω' and 'σκέφτομαι' perfectly, ensuring you don't confuse 'having an opinion' with the 'process of reflection.'
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For C1 learners, 'νομίζω' is used with a high degree of stylistic awareness. You might use it ironically or sarcastically in sophisticated social settings. You are familiar with literary uses of the word and can recognize it in classical Greek texts where the meaning might be slightly closer to 'holding as a custom.' You use 'νομίζω' to structure complex arguments, often pairing it with other modal verbs to express varying degrees of certainty. You are also proficient in using the noun 'νόμιση' or related terms like 'πεποίθηση' to discuss the concept of belief and thought in an academic or philosophical context.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the verb. You understand its deep etymological connection to 'νόμος' (law) and 'νόμισμα' (currency/that which is accepted by custom). You can use the verb in all its archaic and modern forms, including rare participial constructions if needed. You can analyze how 'νομίζω' functions in ancient philosophical texts (like those of Plato or Aristotle) versus its modern democratic usage. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle prosody and intonation that can change the meaning of 'Νομίζω!' from a simple statement to a sharp exclamation of doubt or surprise.
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Exemplos Notas e dicas

νομίζω em 30 segundos

  • The primary Greek verb for expressing opinions and 'thinking that' something is true.
  • Commonly followed by 'ότι' or 'πως' to introduce a subordinate clause.
  • Derived from the ancient word for 'law' or 'custom,' implying a standard of thought.
  • Essential for polite disagreement and sharing subjective viewpoints in daily Greek conversation.

The Greek verb νομίζω (nomízo) is a cornerstone of daily communication, serving as the primary way to express personal opinion, belief, or a tentative conclusion. At its core, it translates to 'I think' or 'I believe' in English, but its roots and nuances go much deeper into the fabric of Greek logic and social interaction. Unlike some verbs that denote absolute certainty, νομίζω often carries a layer of subjectivity, signaling to the listener that what follows is the speaker's perspective rather than an objective, indisputable fact.

Subjective Opinion
Used when you want to share a thought that isn't necessarily proven. For example, 'I think it will rain' or 'I think this movie is good.' It invites conversation rather than closing it.
Supposition and Assumption
When you make a guess based on current evidence. If you see someone's car outside, you might say, 'I think he is home.'
Polite Disagreement
In Greek culture, being overly direct can sometimes feel harsh. Using νομίζω before a dissenting opinion softens the blow, making it sound more like a personal view than a correction.

«Νομίζω ότι έχεις δίκιο, αλλά πρέπει να το ξανασκεφτούμε.»

— I think you are right, but we need to rethink it.

Historically, the word is derived from the Ancient Greek νόμος (nómos), which means 'law' or 'custom.' This etymological link suggests that thinking, in the Greek mind, is related to what is 'customary' or 'held as a rule.' When you say νομίζω, you are essentially saying that according to your internal 'law' or 'standard,' something appears to be true. This makes the word powerful yet humble.

«Τι νομίζεις για το νέο νομοσχέδιο;»

— What do you think about the new bill?

In a modern context, νομίζω is ubiquitous. You will hear it in the supermarket when someone is unsure of a price, in the parliament during heated debates, and in the classroom when a student is venturing an answer. It bridges the gap between 'knowing' (ξέρω) and 'believing' in a religious sense (πιστεύω). It is the middle ground of human cognition: the realm of the opinion.

Grammatical Connection
It is almost always followed by the conjunctions ότι (óti) or πως (pos), both meaning 'that.' This structure is identical to the English 'I think that...'

«Δεν νομίζω να έρθει σήμερα.»

— I don't think he will come today.

Exploring the layers of νομίζω helps learners navigate the delicate balance of Greek social etiquette and cognitive expression.

Using νομίζω correctly requires an understanding of how Greek sentences are structured around verbs of 'thinking.' The most common pattern involves the verb followed by a subordinate clause introduced by ότι or πως. While both are interchangeable, ότι is slightly more formal, whereas πως is very frequent in spoken, everyday Greek.

Standard Affirmative
[Subject] + νομίζω + ότι/πως + [Clause]. Example: 'Νομίζω ότι είναι αργά' (I think it is late).
Negative Construction
To say 'I don't think,' you place δεν before the verb. 'Δεν νομίζω να...' is a common way to express doubt about a future event, often triggering the subjunctive mood.

«Νομίζετε ότι θα προλάβουμε το τρένο;»

— Do you (plural/formal) think we will catch the train?

One of the most interesting aspects of νομίζω is how it interacts with the personal pronouns. Because Greek is a pro-drop language (the verb ending tells you who is doing the action), you rarely need to say 'Εγώ νομίζω' unless you want to emphasize that *you* specifically think so, perhaps in contrast to someone else's opinion.

«Πολλοί νομίζουν πως η ελληνική γλώσσα είναι δύσκολη.»

— Many think that the Greek language is difficult.

In questions, νομίζω often seeks validation or confirmation. Using the second person singular 'νομίζεις' (you think) converts a statement into a collaborative inquiry. It's the hallmark of the 'Socratic method' in a way—constantly questioning the 'doxa' or opinion of the interlocutor.

The Passive Form
Though rare in basic A2 Greek, the passive 'νομίζεται' means 'it is thought' or 'it is considered,' used in more formal or academic contexts to describe general perceptions.

«Όπως νομίζεις, εσύ αποφασίζεις.»

— As you think (best), you decide. / It's up to you.

If you walk through the streets of Athens or sit in a kafeneio in a remote village, νομίζω will be one of the most frequent sounds you encounter. It is the rhythmic pulse of Greek social life, where opinions are shared as freely as coffee. It is not just a word; it is a social lubricant that allows for the exchange of ideas without the weight of dogmatic certainty.

«Νομίζω πως χάσαμε τον δρόμο.»

— I think we've lost our way. (Commonly heard in travel scenarios)

In television and media, news anchors use νομίζω to frame expert opinions. Talk shows—a staple of Greek television—are essentially marathons of people saying 'νομίζω ότι...' back and forth. It is also the word of the 'undecided' voter or the cautious scientist. In Greek pop music, you'll find it in lyrics about heartbreak and doubt: 'Νόμιζα πως μ' αγαπούσες' (I thought you loved me), where the past tense νόμιζα conveys a painful realization that a previous belief was false.

In the Workplace
Used to suggest ideas. 'Νομίζω ότι αυτή η λύση είναι καλύτερη' (I think this solution is better). It sounds professional yet collaborative.
In Casual Gossip
'Νομίζω ότι κάτι συμβαίνει μεταξύ τους' (I think something is going on between them). Here, it introduces speculation.

«Νομίζω ότι το παράκανες.»

— I think you overdid it. (Often used in social corrections)

The versatility of the word extends to humor as well. Sarcastic use of νομίζω is common. If someone states the obvious, a Greek might reply with a dry 'Έτσι νομίζεις;' (Is that what you think?), implying that the speaker is actually quite wrong or naive. This cultural layer makes it a fascinating word to master beyond its dictionary definition.

While νομίζω is straightforward, English speakers often fall into a few specific traps when translating their thoughts directly into Greek. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a translation algorithm.

Overusing 'Εγώ'
In English, we must say 'I think.' In Greek, 'νομίζω' already includes the 'I.' Adding 'Εγώ' (Εγώ νομίζω) makes you sound like you are insisting on your own importance or creating a confrontation. Use 'Εγώ' only when you want to contrast your opinion with someone else's.
Confusion with Πιστεύω
Learners often use πιστεύω (I believe) and νομίζω (I think) interchangeably. While they are close, πιστεύω is much stronger. If you use πιστεύω for something trivial like 'I think it's 5 o'clock,' it sounds slightly melodramatic. Use νομίζω for everyday thoughts.

«Νομίζω να είναι καλός.»
→ «Νομίζω ότι είναι καλός.»

— Common Mistake: Using 'να' instead of 'ότι' in positive statements.

Another mistake involves the negative form. In English, we say 'I don't think that...' followed by a normal sentence. In Greek, 'Δεν νομίζω ότι...' is fine, but natives often prefer 'Δεν νομίζω να...' followed by the subjunctive. If you use the indicative after 'να,' it sounds grammatically broken to a native ear.

Finally, watch out for the difference between νομίζω and σκέφτομαι. Σκέφτομαι means 'to think' in the sense of 'to ponder' or 'to reflect' (the process of thinking). Νομίζω is 'to think' in the sense of 'to have an opinion' (the result of thinking). If you say 'Νομίζω για σένα,' it sounds like 'I have an opinion about you,' whereas you probably meant 'Σκέφτομαι εσένα' (I am thinking of you).

To truly master Greek, you need to know when to swap νομίζω for a more precise or evocative word. Greek is a rich language with many shades of 'thinking' and 'believing.'

Πιστεύω (Pistévo)
'I believe.' Use this for stronger convictions, religious faith, or when you are quite certain but still expressing a belief. It carries more weight than νομίζω.
Θεωρώ (Theoró)
'I consider' or 'I deem.' This is the academic or formal cousin of νομίζω. You'll see it in essays, legal documents, and formal discussions. Example: 'Θεωρώ την κίνηση αυτή λανθασμένη' (I consider this move wrong).
Φαντάζομαι (Fantázomai)
'I imagine' or 'I guess.' Used when you are making a more speculative assumption. 'Φαντάζομαι ότι θα κουράστηκες' (I imagine you must be tired).

«Νομίζω vs Σκέφτομαι: One is an opinion, the other is an action.»

In some contexts, you might use μου φαίνεται (it seems to me). This is a great alternative when you want to emphasize your sensory perception or an impression. 'Μου φαίνεται ότι είναι ακριβό' (It seems to me that it's expensive) is slightly more descriptive than just saying 'Νομίζω ότι είναι ακριβό.'

For more advanced learners, the verb υποθέτω (I suppose/assume) is useful in logical reasoning. If you are constructing an argument, υποθέτω sounds more rigorous than νομίζω. In summary, while νομίζω is your reliable 'all-purpose' tool, these alternatives allow you to fine-tune your Greek and express exactly how certain—or uncertain—you really are.

Curiosidade

The word for money, 'νόμισμα' (currency), comes from this verb because money is something 'sanctioned by custom/law'. So, when you think, you are using the same root as the coins in your pocket!

Guia de pronúncia

UK /noˈmi.zo/
US /noʊˈmi.zoʊ/
The stress is on the second syllable (mi).
Rima com
χωρίζω (chorizo - to separate) ελπίζω (elpizo - to hope) ποτίζω (potizo - to water) καθαρίζω (katharizo - to clean) δανείζω (danizo - to lend) γυρίζω (gyrizo - to return) αρχίζω (archizo - to start) αντικρίζω (antikrizo - to face)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'z' as an 's'. It should be a voiced 'z' like in 'zebra'.
  • Stressing the first syllable (NO-mi-zo) instead of the second (no-MI-zo).
  • Making the 'o' sounds too long like 'ohhh'. They should be short and crisp.
  • Confusing the 'i' (iota) with an 'e' sound.
  • Not pronouncing the 'm' clearly.
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Exemplos por nível

1

Νομίζω ότι είναι εδώ.

I think that he is here.

Simple 1st person singular + ότι.

2

Τι νομίζεις εσύ;

What do you think?

Interrogative with 2nd person singular.

3

Νομίζω πως είναι καλό.

I think that it is good.

Using 'πως' as a synonym for 'ότι'.

4

Δεν νομίζω.

I don't think so.

Simple negation.

5

Νομίζουμε ότι είναι αργά.

We think that it is late.

1st person plural.

6

Αυτός νομίζει ότι ξέρει.

He thinks that he knows.

3rd person singular.

7

Νομίζεις ότι είναι εύκολο;

Do you think it is easy?

Question form.

8

Νομίζω ότι βρέχει.

I think it's raining.

Present tense opinion.

1

Νόμιζα ότι ήσουν στο σπίτι.

I thought you were at home.

Imperfect tense (past) expressing a mistaken belief.

2

Δεν νομίζω να έρθει ο Νίκος.

I don't think Nikos will come.

Negation + να + Subjunctive.

3

Όπως νομίζετε, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.

As you think (best), Mr. Papadopoulos.

Formal 2nd person plural.

4

Νομίζω ότι το ξέχασα.

I think I forgot it.

Present tense + past tense clause.

5

Πολλοί νομίζουν ότι η Ελλάδα είναι μόνο νησιά.

Many think that Greece is only islands.

3rd person plural.

6

Νόμιζες ότι θα κέρδιζες;

Did you think you would win?

Past tense question.

7

Δεν το νομίζω αυτό.

I don't think so / I don't think that.

Use of 'το' as an object pronoun.

8

Νομίζω ότι έχω πυρετό.

I think I have a fever.

Expressing a physical sensation as an opinion.

1

Νομίζω πως πρέπει να φύγουμε τώρα.

I think that we must leave now.

Opinion + obligation (πρέπει).

2

Νόμιζα πως είχαμε συμφωνήσει.

I thought we had agreed.

Past tense expressing a broken agreement.

3

Δεν νομίζω να είναι τόσο δύσκολο όσο λένε.

I don't think it is as difficult as they say.

Comparison structure with negation.

4

Τι νομίζετε ότι θα συμβεί μετά;

What do you think will happen next?

Speculation about the future.

5

Νομίζω ότι σου ταιριάζει αυτό το χρώμα.

I think this color suits you.

Subjective aesthetic opinion.

6

Κάποιοι νομίζουν πως τα ξέρουν όλα.

Some people think they know everything.

Reflexive sense of the verb.

7

Νομίζω ότι έκανα ένα μεγάλο λάθος.

I think I made a big mistake.

Self-reflection.

8

Δεν νομίζω να προλάβουμε το λεωφορείο.

I don't think we'll catch the bus.

Subjunctive after 'δεν νομίζω να'.

1

Νομίζω ότι η κατάσταση είναι πιο σοβαρή από ό,τι φαίνεται.

I think the situation is more serious than it seems.

Comparative structure with 'από ό,τι'.

2

Θα νόμιζε κανείς ότι δεν τον νοιάζει.

One would think that he doesn't care.

Conditional mood (θα νόμιζε) for general observation.

3

Δεν νομίζω να υπάρχει άλλη λύση.

I don't think there is another solution.

Subjunctive of 'υπάρχω'.

4

Νομίζω ότι οφείλουμε να ζητήσουμε συγγνώμη.

I think we ought to apologize.

Opinion combined with moral duty (οφείλω).

5

Νόμιζα πως θα ήταν πιο εύκολο να βρούμε δουλειά.

I thought it would be easier to find a job.

Past tense + conditional clause.

6

Πιστεύεις ό,τι σου λένε ή νομίζεις και μόνος σου;

Do you believe whatever they tell you or do you think for yourself?

Contrast between 'believe' and 'think/judge'.

7

Νομίζω ότι η τεχνολογία έχει αλλάξει τις ζωές μας.

I think technology has changed our lives.

General abstract opinion.

8

Δεν νομίζω να έχεις δίκιο σε αυτό το σημείο.

I don't think you are right on this point.

Specific disagreement.

1

Νομίζω ότι η ερμηνεία σου παραβλέπει κάποιες βασικές λεπτομέρειες.

I think your interpretation overlooks some key details.

Academic critique structure.

2

Νόμιζα πως η θεωρία αυτή είχε καταρριφθεί προ πολλού.

I thought this theory had been debunked long ago.

Complex past tense and passive meanings.

3

Δεν νομίζω να ευσταθούν αυτές οι κατηγορίες.

I don't think these accusations hold water.

Formal verb 'ευσταθώ' in a subordinate clause.

4

Νομίζω ότι η αισθητική του έργου είναι αμφιλεγόμενη.

I think the aesthetics of the work are controversial.

Abstract noun usage.

5

Θα μπορούσε κανείς να νομίσει ότι πρόκειται για σύμπτωση.

One could think that it is a coincidence.

Modal potentiality.

6

Νομίζω ότι η κοινωνική συνοχή απειλείται.

I think social cohesion is being threatened.

Sociopolitical commentary.

7

Δεν νομίζω να υπάρχει προηγούμενο για τέτοια συμπεριφορά.

I don't think there is a precedent for such behavior.

Formal legalistic context.

8

Νομίζω ότι η σιωπή του είναι δηλωτική της ενοχής του.

I think his silence is indicative of his guilt.

High-level vocabulary integration.

1

Νομίζω ότι η οντολογική προσέγγιση του θέματος είναι η μόνη ενδεδειγμένη.

I think the ontological approach to the subject is the only appropriate one.

Philosophical register.

2

Νόμιζα πως η ιστορία θα μας είχε διδάξει κάτι περισσότερο.

I thought history would have taught us something more.

Reflective, sophisticated lament.

3

Δεν νομίζω να εμφιλοχωρεί καμία αμφιβολία ως προς την πρόθεσή του.

I don't think any doubt creeps in regarding his intention.

Highly formal verb 'εμφιλοχωρώ'.

4

Νομίζω ότι η εν λόγω απόφαση θα αποτελέσει σημείο αναφοράς.

I think the decision in question will constitute a reference point.

Legal and administrative jargon.

5

Θα ήταν σφάλμα να νομίζουμε ότι η ειρήνη είναι δεδομένη.

It would be an error to think that peace is a given.

Hypothetical error construction.

6

Νομίζω ότι η πολυπλοκότητα του ζητήματος απαιτεί ενδελεχή έρευνα.

I think the complexity of the issue requires thorough research.

Formal academic requirement.

7

Δεν νομίζω να υφίσταται λόγος ανησυχίας επί του παρόντος.

I don't think there exists a reason for concern at present.

Use of 'υφίσταμαι' in formal negation.

8

Νομίζω ότι η μεταφορική χρήση της λέξης είναι πιο εύστοχη.

I think the metaphorical use of the word is more apt.

Linguistic metalanguage.

Colocações comuns

νομίζω ότι
δεν νομίζω
έτσι νομίζω
τι νομίζεις;
νομίζω πως
όπως νομίζεις
νόμιζα ότι
θα νόμιζε κανείς
χωρίς να το νομίζω
νομίζω το αντίθετο

Frases Comuns

Νομίζω πως ναι.

Νομίζω πως όχι.

Τι με πέρασες, για χαζό με νομίζεις;

Κάνε ό,τι νομίζεις.

Νόμιζες!

Ποιος νομίζεις ότι είσαι;

Νομίζω ότι έχω δίκιο.

Δεν το νομίζω.

Νομίζω ότι κάτι ξέχασα.

Νομίζω ότι ήρθε η ώρα.

Expressões idiomáticas

"νομίζει ότι έπιασε τον παπά από τα γένια"

He thinks he's achieved something incredibly difficult or lucky (literally: he thinks he caught the priest by the beard).

Κέρδισε το λαχείο και νομίζει ότι έπιασε τον παπά από τα γένια.

Informal/Idiomatic

"νομίζει ότι είναι ο ομφαλός της γης"

He thinks he is the center of the world.

Είναι τόσο εγωιστής, νομίζει ότι είναι ο ομφαλός της γης.

Metaphorical

"νομίζει ότι του ανήκει ο κόσμος"

He thinks the world belongs to him (arrogance).

Από τότε που πλούτισε, νομίζει ότι του ανήκει ο κόσμος.

Colloquial

"νομίζει ότι ανακάλυψε την Αμερική"

He thinks he discovered America (used when someone says something obvious as if it's a revelation).

Μας είπε ότι η φωτιά καίει και νομίζει ότι ανακάλυψε την Αμερική.

Sarcastic

"νομίζεις!"

That's what you think! (Used as a sharp retort to show someone is mistaken).

—Θα με κερδίσεις. —Νομίζεις!

Slang/Informal

"νομίζει ότι είναι κάποιος"

He thinks he is 'somebody' (important).

Φοράει ακριβά ρούχα και νομίζει ότι είναι κάποιος.

Informal

"δεν νομίζω, Τάκη"

I don't think so, Taki (A famous pop-culture catchphrase from a commercial used to dismiss an idea).

—Θα πάρουμε αύξηση; —Δεν νομίζω, Τάκη.

Pop Culture

"νομίζει ότι είναι το πρώτο βιολί"

He thinks he is the 'first violin' (the leader/most important person).

Στην εταιρεία νομίζει ότι είναι το πρώτο βιολί.

Metaphorical

"νόμιζε ο γλάρος"

The seagull thought so (A humorous way to say someone's assumption was completely wrong).

Νόμιζες ότι θα ήταν δωρεάν; Νόμιζε ο γλάρος!

Humorous

"νομίζει ότι θα βγάλει λαγό"

He thinks he will pull a rabbit (out of a hat) / achieve a miracle.

Προσπαθεί να φτιάξει το παλιό αμάξι και νομίζει ότι θα βγάλει λαγό.

Informal

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the word 'NOMINAL'. If something is nominal, it exists in name (thought/law) only. 'NOM-izo' is when you name your thought.

Associação visual

Imagine a judge (law = nomos) pointing to his head. He is making a 'ruling' on what he thinks.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Ancient Greek verb 'νομίζω' (nomizō), which comes from 'νόμος' (nomos), meaning 'custom, usage, or law'. In antiquity, it meant to hold as a custom or to use habitually.

Significado original: To hold as a custom, to practice, or to acknowledge as valid by law.

Indo-European > Hellenic > Greek.
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