ρίχνω
Lemma: ρίχνω
Translation: to throw; to cast; to hurl; to toss; to drop; to shed (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ῥίπτω (rhíptō) meaning 'to throw, cast, hurl'. The modern form shows typical sound changes from ancient to modern Greek. Related to English 'rhapsody' (originally meaning 'stitched song' from rhaptein 'to stitch, throw together'). The root appears in medical terms like 'catarrh' (kata-rrhoē, literally 'flowing down'). This verb family emphasizes forceful, deliberate throwing motions rather than gentle placement.
Example Usage
Μην ρίχνεις σκουπίδια στο δρόμο.
Don't throw garbage on the street.
Ρίξε λίγο νερό στα λουλούδια.
Pour some water on the flowers.
Έριξε μια ματιά στο έγγραφο.
He took a look at the document.
Ρίχνω το νερό στο ποτήρι.
I pour the water into the glass.
Έριξε την μπάλα στον κήπο.
He threw the ball into the garden.
Ρίξε λίγο αλάτι στο φαγητό.
Add (throw) some salt to the food.
Έριξε την μπάλα στο καλάθι.
He threw the ball in the basket.
Ρίχνω νερό στα λουλούδια.
I'm watering (pouring water on) the flowers.
Έριξε μια ματιά στο βιβλίο.
He cast a glance at the book.
Ο κυνηγός έριξε το πουλί.
The hunter shot the bird.
Μου ρίχνει την ευθύνη για το λάθος.
He's blaming me for the mistake.
Έριξε την μπάλα στο παράθυρο.
He threw the ball at the window.
Ρίχνει χιόνι έξω.
It's snowing outside. (Literally: It throws snow outside.)
Μου έριξε μια ματιά.
He/she gave me a glance. (Literally: He/she threw me a look.)
Ρίχνει τις τιμές για να προσελκύσει πελάτες.
He's lowering the prices to attract customers.
Έριξε το φταίξιμο σε μένα.
He blamed me. (Literally: He threw the blame on me.)
Ρίχνει βροχή.
It's raining. (Literally: It throws rain.)
Ρίχνει το φταίξιμο σε μένα.
He/she blames me. (Literally: He/she throws the blame on me.)
Έριξε τη ζάχαρη στον καφέ.
He/she put (lit. 'threw') sugar in the coffee.
Έριξε λίγο νερό στο ποτήρι.
He/she poured some water in the glass.
Έριξα την μπάλα στον κήπο.
I threw the ball into the garden.
Ρίχνω την μπάλα στον κήπο.
I throw the ball into the garden.
Τα δέντρα ρίχνουν τα φύλλα τους.
The trees shed their leaves.
Mnemonics
- Think 'RICH-no' - when you throw away money, you're rich no more
- The 'rh' sound connects to English 'rhyme' - both involve putting things together in motion
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Very common in everyday Greek, used both literally (throwing objects) and figuratively (casting glances, shedding tears). Often appears in idiomatic expressions and is essential for describing physical actions and emotional states.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ρίχνω means to throw/cast while ρέω means to flow. Both involve movement but ρίχνω is deliberate action while ρέω is continuous motion.
Confused word:
Το νερό ρέει στο ποτάμι.
The water flows in the river.
Notes: ρέω is less common in modern Greek and more literary
Mnemonic: ρίχνω has the 'ch' sound for 'chuck' (throw), ρέω sounds like 'ray' flowing smoothly