περνώ
Lemma: περνώ
Translation: to pass; to go through; to cross; to spend (time); to experience; to undergo (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek περάω (peráō) meaning 'to pass through, cross over'. The root is related to the concept of traversing or going beyond boundaries. This connects to English words like 'perimeter' (Greek περίμετρος) which involves the concept of measuring around boundaries. The verb has maintained its core meaning of movement and transition through time, making it one of the most fundamental motion verbs in Greek.
Example Usage
Περνάω από το σπίτι σου στις έξι.
I'll pass by your house at six.
Πέρασα καλά στο πάρτι.
I had a good time at the party.
Περνάει η ώρα γρήγορα.
Time passes quickly.
Πέρασα την κλωστή στη βελόνα.
I threaded the needle.
Πώς περνάς τελευταία;
How have you been lately?
Περνώ από το σπίτι σου.
I'm passing by your house.
Πέρασα πολύ καλά στο πάρτι.
I had a great time at the party.
Περνάει δύσκολες στιγμές.
He/she is going through difficult times.
Mnemonics
- Think 'PERNO' sounds like 'TURN-O' - you turn to pass through something
- Remember 'pass-PERNO' - the 'per' prefix suggests 'through' like in English 'permeate'
Cultural Context
This is one of the most essential verbs in Greek daily conversation. Greeks frequently use it to describe spending time ('περνώ καλά' - having a good time), crossing streets, or experiencing life events. It's particularly common in expressions about time and experiences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: περνώ means 'to pass/go through' while παίρνω means 'to take/get'. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Περνώ τον δρόμο.
I cross the street.
Confused word:
Παίρνω το βιβλίο.
I take the book.
Notes: Both are extremely common A1-level verbs, so distinguishing them early is crucial for learners.
Mnemonic: περνώ = Pass-ERNO (pass through), παίρνω = PAIR-no (pair yourself with something by taking it)