πουλάω
Lemma: πουλάω
Translation: to sell; to vend; to market; to trade (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek πουλῶ (poulō), which comes from Ancient Greek πωλέω (pōléō) meaning 'to sell, offer for sale'. The Ancient Greek term is related to πέλομαι (pélomai) 'to be in motion', suggesting the exchange or movement of goods. The root is Indo-European and distantly related to English words like 'peddle' (to sell in small quantities).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pool-ah-oh' as moving goods into a 'pool' of buyers
- Associate with English 'pull away' - when you sell something, you pull it away from yourself
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, the concept of selling extends beyond commercial transactions to include metaphorical uses like 'selling out' (πουλάω τις αρχές μου) or betraying someone (πουλάω κάποιον). Small businesses and markets (λαϊκές αγορές) are central to Greek commerce, making this verb very common in everyday speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πουλάω' means 'to sell', 'πουλί' means 'bird'. They sound similar but have completely different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
Ένα πουλί πέταξε στο παράθυρο.
A bird flew to the window.
Notes: The similarity is coincidental; they come from different etymological roots.
Mnemonic: Remember: πουλάω ends with -άω like many Greek verbs, while πουλί ends with -ί like many nouns.
Explanation: 'Πουλάω' (to sell) and 'πονάω' (to hurt, to be in pain) look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Πονάει το κεφάλι μου.
My head hurts.
Notes: Both are common verbs in everyday speech but in completely different contexts.
Mnemonic: Think: 'πουλάω' has 'ου' (ou) like 'out' - when you sell something, it goes 'out'; 'πονάω' has 'ον' like 'on' - pain is 'on' you.