πιάνω
Lemma: πιάνω
Translation: we caught; we grabbed; we seized; we held (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek πιάνω (piáno), from Ancient Greek πιάζω (piázō), which is a variant of πιέζω (piézō, 'to press, squeeze'). The Ancient Greek root is related to the English word 'piezoelectric' (electricity resulting from pressure). The semantic evolution from 'pressing' to 'catching/grabbing' shows how physical actions often evolve in meaning across time.
Example Usage
Το ζωηρό παιδί έπιασε το κεφάλι του όταν θύμωσε.
The lively child grabbed his head when he got angry.
Έπιασα το λεωφορείο την τελευταία στιγμή.
I caught the bus at the last moment.
Πιάνει πολύ καλά το πιάνο.
She plays the piano very well.
Με έπιασε πονοκέφαλος.
I got a headache.
Το φάρμακο έπιασε αμέσως.
The medicine worked immediately.
Πιάσε αυτή την καρέκλα.
Take this chair.
Πιάνει καλά το φάρμακο;
Does the medicine work well?
Πιάνει πιάνο από μικρή ηλικία.
She has been playing piano from a young age.
Έπιασε δουλειά σε μια τράπεζα.
He got a job at a bank.
Πιάνει πολλή ζέστη το καλοκαίρι.
It gets very hot in the summer.
Ο γιος μου πιάνει πιάνο.
My son plays the piano.
Πιάσε το χέρι μου.
Hold my hand.
Δεν πιάνω τι προσπαθείς να πεις.
I don't get what you're trying to say.
Το τραπέζι πιάνει πολύ χώρο.
The table takes up a lot of space.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'piano' - you need to 'catch' or 'grab' the keys to play it.
- Relate to 'piezo-' (pressure) - when you catch something, you apply pressure to hold it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This verb is extremely versatile in Greek and appears in many idioms and expressions. 'Πιάνω τόπο' (literally 'to catch place') means 'to be effective'. 'Πιάνω κουβέντα' means 'to start a conversation'. The phrase 'με έπιασε' followed by a noun often indicates the onset of a feeling or condition, like 'με έπιασε πονοκέφαλος' (I got a headache).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both verbs can translate to 'take' in English, 'πιάνω' emphasizes the physical action of grabbing or catching, while 'παίρνω' focuses more on taking possession or receiving.
Confused word:
Πάρε το βιβλίο μαζί σου.
Take the book with you.
Notes: In some contexts, these verbs can be interchangeable, but understanding their core meanings helps distinguish their usage.
Mnemonic: Think: 'πιάνω' is for physical grabbing (like playing piano keys), 'παίρνω' is for taking possession (like 'pair' it with yourself).
Explanation: 'Πιάνω' means 'to catch/grab' while 'πίνω' means 'to drink'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
Έπιασα το ποτήρι.
I grabbed the glass.
Confused word:
Ήπια το νερό.
I drank the water.
Notes: These verbs often appear together in sequence: 'πιάνω και πίνω' (I grab and drink).
Mnemonic: 'Πιάνω' has the 'α' sound - think 'ah, I caught it!' while 'πίνω' has the 'ι' sound - think 'sipping' a drink.