κατά
Lemma: κατά
Translation: against; according to; during; by; per; down (preposition)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κατά (katá). This preposition has been used since ancient times and has maintained many of its original meanings. It's related to English words with the prefix 'cata-' such as 'catastrophe' (literally 'down-turning'), 'catalog' (a complete listing, literally 'according to the word'), and 'catapult' (literally 'to throw down').
Example Usage
Ψήφισε κατά της πρότασης.
He voted against the proposal.
Κατά τη γνώμη μου, έχεις δίκιο.
In my opinion, you are right.
Κατά τη διάρκεια του καλοκαιριού.
During the summer.
Πληρώνεται κατά την ώρα.
He is paid by the hour.
Το αυτοκίνητο τρέχει με 100 χιλιόμετρα κατά ώρα.
The car runs at 100 kilometers per hour.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'catastrophe' - something coming down or against you.
- Remember 'κατά' as 'counter to' for the meaning 'against'.
- For 'according to', think of a catalog that lists things according to categories.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This preposition is extremely common in Modern Greek and appears in many fixed expressions and idioms. It's used in formal and everyday language alike.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'κατά' means 'against' or 'according to', 'μετά' means 'after' or 'with'.
Confused word:
Θα έρθω μετά το μάθημα.
I will come after the lesson.
Notes: Both are common prepositions but with very different meanings in most contexts.
Mnemonic: 'κατά' has a hard 'k' sound like 'counter' (against), while 'μετά' sounds like 'meta' which often refers to something that comes after.
Explanation: 'κατά' often means 'against' or 'according to', while 'παρά' means 'despite' or 'in spite of'.
Confused word:
Ήρθε παρά τη βροχή.
He came despite the rain.
Notes: Both prepositions are frequently used but in different contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'παρά' as 'paradox' - something that happens despite expectations.