έχουμε
Wordform Details
Translation: to haveto possessto own
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personpluralpresentindicativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: έχω
Translation: to have; to possess; to own; to hold; to contain (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἔχω (ékhō, 'I have, hold'). This is a fundamental Indo-European verb that has cognates in many languages. The English word 'scheme' ultimately derives from Greek σχῆμα (skhêma), which comes from the same root as ἔχω, referring to 'form' or 'shape' (something that 'holds together'). The root is also related to words involving holding or condition in various Indo-European languages.
Example Usage
Έχω ένα σπίτι στην Αθήνα.
I have a house in Athens.
Έχεις δίκιο.
You are right (lit. You have right).
Έχω πονοκέφαλο.
I have a headache.
Έχω δουλειά αύριο.
I have work tomorrow.
Έχω φάει ήδη.
I have already eaten.
Έχω πάει στην Ελλάδα τρεις φορές.
I have been to Greece three times.
Δεν έχω χρόνο.
I don't have time.
Έχει ωραίο καιρό σήμερα.
The weather is nice today (lit. It has nice weather today).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'echo' (έχω sounds similar) – when you have something, its presence 'echoes' with you.
- The χ (chi) in έχω looks like someone holding or containing something between their arms.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Έχω is one of the most fundamental verbs in Greek, used not only to express possession but also as an auxiliary verb to form perfect tenses. It appears in countless idioms and expressions that are essential to daily communication.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While έχω means 'to have/possess', είμαι means 'to be'. In English, these verbs sometimes overlap in usage (e.g., 'I am hungry' vs 'I have hunger'), but in Greek they maintain distinct functions.
This word:
Έχω πείνα.
I am hungry (lit. I have hunger).
Confused word:
Είμαι πεινασμένος.
I am hungry.
Notes: Both verbs are used as auxiliaries in different tense formations.
Mnemonic: Έχω relates to possession (having), είμαι relates to state of being.
Explanation: Εύχομαι (to wish) looks and sounds somewhat similar to έχω but has a completely different meaning.
Confused word:
Εύχομαι να περάσεις καλά.
I wish you a good time.
Notes: Εύχομαι is often used in greetings and well-wishes.
Mnemonic: Εύχομαι contains the sound 'ef' (like in 'effort') – you make an effort when wishing for something.