πανί
Lemma: πανί
Translation: cloth; fabric; sail; canvas (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πανίον (paníon), diminutive of πῆνος (pênos, 'web, cloth'). The word evolved to describe various types of cloth and fabric, and later extended to sails on ships due to the material used.
Example Usage
Σκούπισε το τραπέζι με ένα καθαρό πανί.
Wipe the table with a clean cloth.
Το καράβι άνοιξε τα πανιά του.
The ship unfurled its sails.
Αγόρασα πανί για να φτιάξω κουρτίνες.
I bought fabric to make curtains.
Ο ζωγράφος ετοίμασε το πανί του για να ζωγραφίσει.
The painter prepared his canvas to paint.
Σκούπισε το τραπέζι με ένα υγρό πανί.
Wipe the table with a damp cloth.
Αγόρασα πανί για να ράψω κουρτίνες.
I bought fabric to sew curtains.
Ο καλλιτέχνης ζωγράφισε σε πανί.
The artist painted on canvas.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'pan' covered with a cloth ('πανί')
- Connect it to 'panorama' (though not etymologically related) - like a canvas showing a wide view
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Greek maritime culture, 'πανί' is strongly associated with sailing and the seafaring tradition. The phrase 'ανοίγω πανιά' (to open sails) is used metaphorically to mean starting a new venture or journey.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πανί' means cloth or sail, 'παν' means 'all' or 'everything' and is used in compounds or philosophical contexts.
This word:
Χρειάζομαι ένα καθαρό πανί για να καθαρίσω τα τζάμια.
I need a clean cloth to clean the windows.
Confused word:
Το παν είναι να μην χάσεις την ελπίδα σου.
The most important thing is not to lose your hope.
Notes: The words have different etymological roots despite their similar appearance.
Mnemonic: 'Πανί' has an accent and refers to something specific (cloth), while 'παν' is broader in meaning (everything).
Explanation: 'Πανί' is a noun meaning cloth or sail, while 'πάνω' is an adverb meaning 'up' or 'above'.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables, helping to distinguish them in speech.
Mnemonic: Think of 'πάνω' as pointing UP (πάνω), while 'πανί' is flat like a cloth.