περνάω
Lemma: περνάω
Translation: to pass; to go through; to spend (time); to thread; to cross; to have a good/bad time; to insert; to put through (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek περνάω (pernáō), related to πέρα (péra) meaning 'beyond, across'. The core meaning involves movement from one point to another, crossing boundaries or thresholds. The semantic evolution expanded to include temporal meanings (passing time) and experiential meanings (having experiences). Unlike English 'pass' which comes from Latin 'passus', the Greek term has distinct Indo-European roots but converged on similar meanings.
Example Usage
Περνάω το δρόμο.
I cross the street.
Πέρασα καλά στο πάρτι.
I had a good time at the party.
Η κλωστή δεν περνάει στη βελόνα.
The thread doesn't go through the needle.
Περνάμε δύσκολες στιγμές.
We're going through difficult times.
Πέρασε από το σπίτι μου χθες.
He/She stopped by my house yesterday.
Περνάει η ώρα γρήγορα.
Time passes quickly.
Πέρασα την κλωστή στη βελόνα.
I threaded the needle.
Πώς περνάς τον ελεύθερο χρόνο σου;
How do you spend your free time?
Περνάω το δρόμο προσεκτικά.
I cross the street carefully.
Περνάω καλά με τους φίλους μου.
I'm having a good time with my friends.
Περνάω την κλωστή στη βελόνα.
I thread the needle.
Ο χρόνος περνάει γρήγορα.
Time passes quickly.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'permeate' in English - both involve passing through something.
- Imagine a 'passage' that you 'περνάω' (pass) through to get to the other side.
- For the time meaning, picture time 'passing by' as you 'περνάω' your day.
Cultural Context
A highly versatile verb in Greek daily life. The phrase 'πώς περνάς;' (how are you doing/how's it going?) is a common greeting asking about someone's general wellbeing. The concept of 'περνάω καλά' (having a good time) is central to Greek social culture, which values enjoyment and quality experiences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'περνάω' means 'to pass/go through', 'παίρνω' means 'to take/get'. They sound similar but have different meanings and uses.
Notes: Both are common A1-level verbs that beginners often mix up due to their phonetic similarity.
Mnemonic: 'Περνάω' has to do with passing/movement, while 'παίρνω' involves taking/acquiring something.
Explanation: 'Περνάω' means 'to pass' while 'φέρνω' means 'to bring'. They have different meanings despite some phonetic similarity.
Confused word:
Φέρνω δώρα για όλους.
I bring gifts for everyone.
Notes: Both verbs are essential in everyday Greek conversation.
Mnemonic: Think of 'φέρνω' as 'ferrying' something to someone, while 'περνάω' is about passing through or spending time.