επιχείρηση
Lemma: επιχείρηση
Translation: business; enterprise; company; operation; venture (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐπιχείρησις (epicheirēsis), derived from the verb ἐπιχειρέω (epicheireo) meaning 'to put one's hand to, to attempt'. The prefix επι- (epi-) means 'upon, on' and χείρ (cheir) means 'hand', so the original sense was 'to put one's hand upon something', evolving to mean an undertaking or attempt. The English word 'epicheirema' (a rhetorical term for a syllogism) shares the same Greek root.
Example Usage
Η οικογένειά μου έχει μια μικρή επιχείρηση.
My family has a small business.
Ξεκίνησε τη δική του επιχείρηση πριν από πέντε χρόνια.
He started his own business five years ago.
Η επιχείρηση διάσωσης διήρκεσε όλη τη νύχτα.
The rescue operation lasted all night.
Πολλές επιχειρήσεις έκλεισαν κατά τη διάρκεια της οικονομικής κρίσης.
Many businesses closed during the economic crisis.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'epi' (upon) + 'cheir' (hand) = putting your hand upon something to start a business venture
- Sounds a bit like 'epicenter' - businesses are often at the epicenter of economic activity
- The 'cheir' part relates to 'chiro-' (hand) as in 'chiropractor' - businesses require hands-on management
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Small and medium-sized businesses (μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις) are the backbone of the Greek economy. Family-owned businesses are particularly common in Greece, with many passing from generation to generation. Since the economic crisis of 2009, entrepreneurship and startups have gained increased attention as potential drivers of economic recovery.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'επιχείρηση' means 'business' or 'operation', 'εγχείρηση' means 'surgery' or 'surgical operation'. They sound similar but have different meanings and contexts.
This word:
Άνοιξε μια νέα επιχείρηση στο κέντρο της πόλης.
He opened a new business in the city center.
Notes: The confusion is common even among Greeks because both words relate to operations, just in different contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Επιχείρηση' has 'επι' (upon) while 'εγχείρηση' has 'εγ' (in) - businesses operate upon the market, while surgery operates inside the body.
Explanation: 'Επιχείρηση' means 'business' or 'operation', while 'επιχείρημα' means 'argument' or 'reasoning' in the logical sense.
This word:
Η επιχείρηση του πατέρα μου είναι πολύ επιτυχημένη.
My father's business is very successful.
Notes: Both words share the same root but developed different meanings - one in the commercial sphere and one in rhetoric.
Mnemonic: Think of 'επιχείρημα' ending with '-μα' like 'drama' - arguments can be dramatic, while businesses (επιχείρηση) are more structured.