αλλοίμονο
Lemma: αλλοίμονο
Translation: alas; woe; unfortunately (interjection)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἄλλο ('other') + οἴμοι ('woe to me')
Mnemonics
- Think of 'all oh my no!' to remember this expression of dismay
- Remember it as 'all-oh-mono' (alone with troubles)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Commonly used expression of dismay or concern in Greek culture, often used dramatically or emphatically
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'αλίμονο' is a variant of 'αλλοίμονο', they are used interchangeably
Confused word:
Αλίμονο, έχασα το πορτοφόλι μου!
Alas, I lost my wallet!
Notes: The shorter form 'αλίμονο' is slightly more common in contemporary usage
Mnemonic: Both forms express the same meaning of dismay or concern