τραβάω
Lemma: τραβάω
Translation: to pull; to draw; to attract; to take (a photo); to endure; to suffer; to head towards (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek τραβῶ (travô), from Latin trabō, from trabs (beam, timber). The semantic evolution went from 'to pull with a beam' to the general meaning of 'to pull'. The verb has expanded its meaning over time to include various actions involving pulling, drawing, or moving toward something.
Example Usage
Τράβηξε την καρέκλα
He pulled the chair
Θα τραβήξω μια φωτογραφία
I will take a photo
Τράβα ίσια μπροστά
Go straight ahead
Τράβηξε την καρέκλα για να καθίσει.
He pulled the chair to sit down.
Μου τραβάει την προσοχή αυτό το βιβλίο.
This book attracts my attention.
Θα τραβήξω μερικές φωτογραφίες στην παραλία.
I will take some photos at the beach.
Τράβα το σχοινί πιο δυνατά.
Pull the rope harder.
Τράβα να βρεις την τύχη σου.
Go find your fortune elsewhere.
Τραβάω μια φωτογραφία του τοπίου.
I'm taking a photo of the landscape.
Τράβηξε πολλά στη ζωή του.
He has endured a lot in his life.
Τραβάμε για το χωριό αύριο.
We're heading to the village tomorrow.
Το μαγνήτι τραβάει τα μεταλλικά αντικείμενα.
The magnet attracts metallic objects.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'travel' - when you travel, you are 'pulled' toward a destination.
- Associate with 'traverse' - both involve movement across space.
- For the photography meaning, imagine 'drawing' an image out of reality with your camera.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'τραβάω' is a versatile verb used in many everyday contexts. Its use for photography ('τραβάω φωτογραφία') is particularly common. The verb is also used in many idiomatic expressions related to endurance and suffering.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τραβάω' means 'to pull' or 'to draw', 'τρέχω' means 'to run'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and uses.
Notes: The verbs have different conjugation patterns and are used in different contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Τραβάω' has 'τρα' like 'tractor' which pulls things; 'τρέχω' has 'τρε' like 'trek' which involves running or moving quickly.
Explanation: 'Τραβάω' means 'to pull' while 'στραβώνω' means 'to make crooked' or 'to distort'. They look and sound somewhat similar but have different meanings.
Notes: 'Στραβώνω' often implies a negative change in shape or form, while 'τραβάω' is a neutral action of pulling.
Mnemonic: 'Στραβώνω' has 'στραβ' which sounds like 'strobe' - think of how strobe lights can distort vision.