έπαιζε
Wordform Details
Translation: was playingused to play
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularimperfectactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: παίζω
Translation: to play; to act; to perform; to gamble; to joke; to tease (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek παίζω (paizo), meaning 'to play, sport, jest'. The root is related to παῖς (pais) meaning 'child', connecting play with childhood activities. This verb has maintained its core meaning across millennia, making it one of the most stable verbs in Greek. The connection to 'child' helps explain why play is so fundamental - it's literally 'to do what children do'. Unlike English 'play' which comes from Old English 'plegan', Greek παίζω has deeper roots in the concept of childhood itself.
Mnemonics
- Think 'PIE-zo' - children playing with pie
- Remember 'pediatric' (child doctor) - παίζω comes from the word for child
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Very common in everyday Greek conversation. Used for children's play, sports, musical instruments, theatrical performances, and teasing among friends. Greeks often use it in the phrase 'παίζω με τα νεύρα μου' (playing with my nerves) when frustrated.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: παίζω (play) vs πλένω (wash) - similar sounds but completely different meanings
Confused word:
Πλένω τα χέρια μου πριν φάω.
I wash my hands before eating.
Notes: The vowel sounds are key - αι vs ε. Context usually makes meaning clear.
Mnemonic: παίζω has 'αι' like 'aisle' where kids play; πλένω has 'ε' like 'wet' for washing