πειράζω
Lemma: πειράζω
Translation: to bother; to tease; to annoy; to mind; to affect; to harm (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πειράζω (peirázō), meaning 'to test', 'to try', 'to tempt'. It derives from πεῖρα (peira) meaning 'trial', 'attempt', 'experience'. The English words 'empirical' and 'experience' share the same root, both relating to knowledge gained through testing or experience.
Example Usage
Με πειράζει ο θόρυβος.
The noise bothers me.
Δεν πειράζει αν αργήσεις λίγο.
It doesn't matter if you're a little late.
Σε πειράζει αν ανοίξω το παράθυρο;
Do you mind if I open the window?
Τα παιδιά πειράζουν το ένα το άλλο.
The children tease each other.
Μην τον πειράζεις, είναι κουρασμένος.
Don't bother him, he's tired.
Δεν πειράζει, δεν είναι σημαντικό.
It doesn't matter, it's not important.
Πειράζει αν καθίσω εδώ;
Does it bother you if I sit here?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'peer-AH-zo' as 'peering at someone' to tease or annoy them.
- Connect it to 'empirical' (testing through experience) since πειράζω originally meant 'to test'.
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'πειράζω' is commonly used in social interactions to ask if something bothers someone or to tease friends in a playful manner. The phrase 'δεν πειράζει' (it doesn't matter/it's okay) is extremely common in everyday speech as a way to dismiss minor inconveniences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πειράζω' means 'to bother/annoy/tease', 'πειράω' is more specifically about teasing or making fun of someone.
This word:
Με πειράζει η ζέστη.
The heat bothers me.
Notes: In everyday speech, 'πειράζω' is much more common and versatile.
Mnemonic: 'Πειράζω' is broader (bothering in general), while 'πειράω' focuses on teasing.
Explanation: This is not a standard Greek word but a common misspelling of 'πειράζω' due to similar pronunciation.
Confused word:
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Notes: The correct spelling is with 'ει' not 'αι'.
Mnemonic: Remember 'πειράζω' starts with 'πει' like in 'πείρα' (experience).