κρύβω
Lemma: κρύβω
Translation: to hide; to conceal; to keep secret (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κρύπτω (krypto), meaning 'to hide' or 'to conceal'. This is the source of English words like 'crypt' (hidden burial chamber), 'cryptic' (mysterious, hidden in meaning), 'encrypt' (to hide information through coding), and 'cryptocurrency' (hidden/secure digital currency). The root relates to the concept of something being covered or made invisible, which helps explain why crypts are underground burial places and cryptic messages are puzzling.
Example Usage
Έκρυψα τα δώρα στην ντουλάπα.
I hid the gifts in the closet.
Μην κρύβεις την αλήθεια.
Don't hide the truth.
Το παιδί κρύβεται πίσω από την κουρτίνα.
The child is hiding behind the curtain.
Κρύβει τα συναισθήματά του.
He conceals his feelings.
Το παιδί κρύβει το παιχνίδι του.
The child hides his toy.
Κρύβω ένα μυστικό από τη μητέρα μου.
I'm hiding a secret from my mother.
Mnemonics
- Think 'crypt' - a hidden underground chamber
- Remember 'cryptic' - something hidden or mysterious
- Sounds like 'creep' - sneaking around to hide
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday situations from children's games like hide-and-seek to serious contexts involving secrets or concealment. Often appears in Greek folk tales and proverbs about hidden treasures or secrets.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κρύβω means 'to hide' while κλαίω means 'to cry' - they can sound similar to beginners
Confused word:
Κλαίω όταν είμαι λυπημένος.
I cry when I'm sad.
Notes: The pronunciation is quite different once you learn the sounds properly
Mnemonic: κρύβω has 'ρύ' like 'crypt' (hiding place), κλαίω starts with κλ- like 'cry'