ανήκω
Lemma: ανήκω
Translation: to belong; to be part of; to pertain to (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀνήκω (anḗkō), composed of the prefix ἀνά (aná, 'up, towards') and the verb ἥκω (hḗkō, 'to have come, to be present'). The original meaning conveyed the sense of 'reaching up to' or 'extending to', which evolved into the modern meaning of 'belonging to' or 'being part of'.
Example Usage
Αυτό το βιβλίο ανήκει σε μένα.
This book belongs to me.
Ανήκω στον σύλλογο από το 2010.
I have belonged to the association since 2010.
Η Κρήτη ανήκει στην Ελλάδα.
Crete belongs to Greece.
Ανήκω στον σύλλογο φίλων της μουσικής.
I belong to the music lovers' club.
Αυτή η ευθύνη ανήκει σε όλους μας.
This responsibility belongs to all of us.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ανήκω' as 'I need to know where I belong' - the 'αν' sounds a bit like 'I need' and 'ήκω' can remind you of 'to know'.
- Associate with the English word 'anchor' - an anchor belongs to a specific ship, just as something 'ανήκει' (belongs) to someone or something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of belonging (ανήκειν) is important in social contexts, often referring to group identity, family connections, or national identity. Greeks often discuss which social, political, or cultural group someone 'belongs to' (ανήκει σε).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ανήκω' means 'to belong', 'αφήνω' means 'to leave' or 'to let'. They look somewhat similar but have very different meanings.
Confused word:
Αφήνω το κλειδί στο τραπέζι.
I leave the key on the table.
Notes: The verbs have different conjugation patterns and are used in different contexts, with 'ανήκω' typically followed by 'σε' (to) to indicate possession or membership.
Mnemonic: Remember: ανήκω has 'ν' (n) for 'iN' (belonging in something), while αφήνω has 'φ' (f) for 'Free' (letting something go).