Έτσι
Wordform Details
Translation: thussoin this way
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
n/aIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: έτσι
Translation: thus; so; this way; like this (adverb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek οὕτως (hoútōs) meaning 'thus, in this way'. The word evolved through Byzantine Greek, with the initial vowel changing and the final consonant cluster simplifying. The connection to English 'so' is not etymological but functional - both serve as demonstrative adverbs indicating manner or degree. The word is fundamental to Greek discourse, serving multiple grammatical functions from simple demonstration to complex logical connection.
Example Usage
Κάνε το έτσι.
Do it like this.
Έτσι είναι η ζωή.
Such is life.
Δεν μπορείς να φύγεις έτσι.
You can't leave just like that.
Έτσι κι αλλιώς, δεν έχει σημασία.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
Αν το κάνεις έτσι, θα είναι καλύτερα.
If you do it this way, it will be better.
Γιατί μου μιλάς έτσι;
Why are you talking to me like that?
Mnemonics
- Think 'ET-see' - ET shows you how to do something, so you say 'έτσι' (like this)
- Sounds like 'et-see' - you 'see' how something is done 'et' (and) say έτσι
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Essential word in Greek conversation, used constantly for emphasis, explanation, and connection of ideas. Often accompanied by hand gestures when demonstrating 'like this'. Frequently used in storytelling and explanations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: έτσι means 'like this/so' (manner) while εδώ means 'here' (place)
This word:
Κάνε το έτσι.
Do it like this.
Confused word:
Έλα εδώ.
Come here.
Notes: Both are common A1 words but serve completely different functions
Mnemonic: έτσι = ET-see (how to do), εδώ = eh-THO (where to go)