κρύβομαι
Lemma: κρύβομαι
Translation: to hide; to conceal oneself; to be hidden (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek κρύπτω meaning 'to hide, conceal'. Related to English 'crypt' (hidden underground chamber), 'cryptic' (hidden in meaning), 'encrypt' (to hide information), and 'apocryphal' (of hidden or doubtful authenticity). The middle voice form κρύβομαι emphasizes the reflexive nature - hiding oneself rather than hiding something else. This connects to the broader Indo-European root meaning 'to cover' or 'conceal', making it a fundamental concept across many languages.
Example Usage
Το παιδί κρύβεται πίσω από το δέντρο.
The child is hiding behind the tree.
Κρύφτηκα για να μην με δουν.
I hid so they wouldn't see me.
Μην κρύβεσαι από τα προβλήματά σου.
Don't hide from your problems.
Η αλήθεια δεν μπορεί να κρυφτεί για πολύ.
The truth cannot be hidden for long.
Κρύφτηκα για να μη με δουν.
I hid so they wouldn't see me.
Πού κρύβεσαι τόσο καιρό;
Where have you been hiding all this time?
Η αλήθεια δεν μπορεί να κρυφτεί για πάντα.
The truth cannot be hidden forever.
Κρυβόμουν στο σπίτι όλη μέρα.
I was hiding at home all day.
Mnemonics
- Think 'crypt' - a hidden underground place
- Remember 'cryptic' - something hidden in meaning
- The 'κρυ-' sound resembles 'cry' - you might cry when you need to hide
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday situations, from children's hide-and-seek games to more serious contexts of concealment. Often appears in Greek folk tales and traditional stories where characters hide from danger or seek refuge.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κρύβω is the active form meaning 'to hide something', while κρύβομαι is reflexive meaning 'to hide oneself'
This word:
Κρύβομαι στο δωμάτιό μου.
I hide in my room.
Confused word:
Κρύβω τα κλειδιά μου.
I hide my keys.
Notes: The middle voice -μαι ending always indicates the action affects the subject themselves
Mnemonic: κρύβομαι has -μαι ending = 'me hiding myself', κρύβω = 'I hide something else'