σαν
Lemma: σαν
Translation: like; as; as if; when; while (conjunction)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ὡσάν (hōsán), a compound of ὡς (hōs, 'as') and ἄν (án, a modal particle). The word has cognates in other Indo-European languages through the root meaning 'thus' or 'so'. The English 'as' shares a distant Indo-European root, making this a useful connection for learners. The particle ἄν adds a sense of possibility or condition, which explains why σαν can express both comparison and hypothetical situations.
Example Usage
Είναι ψηλός σαν τον πατέρα του.
He is tall like his father.
Σαν έφτασα στο σπίτι, άρχισε να βρέχει.
When I arrived home, it started to rain.
Νιώθω σαν να πετάω.
I feel as if I'm flying.
Τρέχει σαν τον άνεμο.
He runs like the wind.
Τρέχει σαν άνεμος.
He runs like the wind.
Σαν ήμουν μικρός, έπαιζα εδώ.
When I was little, I used to play here.
Μιλάει σαν να ξέρει τα πάντα.
He speaks as if he knows everything.
Mnemonics
- Think 'San Francisco' - σαν sounds like 'san' and means 'like' - San Francisco is like a European city
- Remember 'σαν = same' - both start with 'sa' and relate to similarity/comparison
Cultural Context
Extremely common in everyday Greek speech and writing. Used in both formal and informal contexts. Essential for making comparisons and expressing temporal relationships.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: σαν means 'like/as/when' while στον is the contracted form of 'σε τον' meaning 'to the/in the' (masculine). They can sound similar in rapid speech.
This word:
Είναι σαν παιδί.
He is like a child.
Confused word:
Πάω στον γιατρό.
I'm going to the doctor.
Notes: Context usually makes the meaning clear, but beginners often confuse these in listening comprehension.
Mnemonic: σαν = similarity, στον = location/direction