ξεκολλάω
Lemma: ξεκολλάω
Translation: to unstick; to detach; to peel off; to break away; to get unstuck (verb)
Etymology: Formed from the prefix 'ξε-' (indicating removal, reversal, or negation) + 'κολλάω' (to stick, to glue). The prefix 'ξε-' corresponds to English 'un-' or 'de-', while 'κολλάω' comes from Ancient Greek 'κόλλα' (glue). The word literally means 'to un-stick' or 'to de-glue' something that was previously attached.
Example Usage
Η ταινία δεν ξεκολλάει από τον τοίχο.
The tape won't come unstuck from the wall.
Δεν μπορώ να ξεκολλήσω από το κινητό μου.
I can't detach myself from my phone.
Δεν μπορώ να ξεκολλήσω αυτό το αυτοκόλλητο από το τζάμι.
I can't peel off this sticker from the glass.
Πρέπει να ξεκολλήσεις από το παρελθόν και να προχωρήσεις.
You need to break away from the past and move forward.
Το αυτοκίνητο ξεκόλλησε από τη λάσπη.
The car got unstuck from the mud.
Ξεκόλλα επιτέλους από το κινητό σου!
Finally detach yourself from your phone!
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ξε' (xe) as 'exit' - you're making something exit from where it's stuck.
- Remember 'κολλάω' sounds a bit like 'collage' in English - a collage sticks things together, and ξεκολλάω unsticks them.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Often used in everyday contexts for physical actions of detaching things, but also metaphorically to describe breaking away from situations, habits, or people. The imperative form 'ξεκόλλα' can be used colloquially to tell someone to leave you alone or to move on from a situation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'to detach' or 'to unstick', 'αποκολλώ' is more formal and technical, often used in scientific or medical contexts, whereas 'ξεκολλάω' is more common in everyday speech.
Confused word:
Ο γιατρός αποκόλλησε προσεκτικά τον επίδεσμο από το τραύμα.
The doctor carefully detached the bandage from the wound.
Notes: 'Ξεκολλάω' can also be used metaphorically (e.g., to break a habit), while 'αποκολλώ' tends to be more literal.
Mnemonic: 'Ξεκολλάω' starts with 'ξε' like 'xenophobia' - easy to remember for everyday use; 'αποκολλώ' sounds more scientific with 'απο' like 'apothecary'.
Explanation: 'Ξεκολλάω' means to unstick or detach something that is glued or adhered, while 'ξεκουμπώνω' specifically means to unbutton or unfasten something that is secured with buttons, snaps, or similar fasteners.
Confused word:
Ξεκούμπωσε το πουκάμισό του λόγω της ζέστης.
He unbuttoned his shirt because of the heat.
Notes: Both words start with the prefix 'ξε-' indicating removal or reversal of an action.
Mnemonic: Think of 'κολλάω' as related to 'collage' (sticking things together) and 'κουμπί' as related to 'button'.