πίνω
Lemma: πίνω
Translation: you are drinking; you drink (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πίνω (pínō), which comes from Proto-Indo-European *peh₃- (to drink). This root has given English words like 'potion' and is related to Latin 'bibere' (to drink). The Greek verb has maintained its meaning consistently throughout its history.
Example Usage
Πίνω έναν καφέ κάθε πρωί.
I drink a coffee every morning.
Θέλεις να πιεις κάτι;
Would you like to drink something?
Το φυτό πίνει νερό.
The plant drinks water.
Ήπια πολύ χθες το βράδυ.
I drank a lot last night.
Τι θα πιείτε;
What would you like to drink?
Το σφουγγάρι πίνει το νερό.
The sponge absorbs the water.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pin' in English and imagine pinning down a drink.
- The word sounds a bit like 'pee now' - what happens after you drink a lot.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Drinking is an important social activity in Greek culture. Coffee drinking in particular has its own rituals and terminology (Greek coffee, frappé). Toasting with alcoholic drinks is common at social gatherings with the expression 'Γεια μας' (to our health).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πίνω' means 'to drink', 'πεινώ' means 'to be hungry'. They sound similar but have different meanings related to basic needs.
Notes: These verbs represent two basic human needs: thirst (πίνω addresses thirst) and hunger (πεινώ addresses hunger).
Mnemonic: Think: 'πίνω' (drink) starts with 'πι' like 'pint' (a drink measure), while 'πεινώ' (hunger) has 'πει' which sounds like 'pay' - you pay for food when hungry.