ακουγόταν
Wordform Details
Translation: to be heardto sound
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpassiveimperfectIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ακούγομαι
Translation: to be heard; to sound like; to be said; to be rumored (verb)
Etymology: Derived from the active verb ακούω (to hear). The -ομαι ending marks it as a mediopassive verb. Related to ancient Greek ἀκούω (akoúō), which gives us English words like 'acoustic' and 'acousmatics'. The root is believed to be Proto-Indo-European *kews- meaning 'to hear'.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'acoustic' - both relate to sound
- The -ομαι ending indicates something happening to you (passive voice)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing rumors or opinions. The phrase 'ακούγεται ότι' (it is said that) is very common in news reporting and gossip.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ακούω is active (to hear), while ακούγομαι is passive (to be heard)
Confused word:
Ακούω μουσική.
I hear music.
Notes: ακούγομαι often implies how something sounds to others, while ακούω is about actively hearing something
Mnemonic: If it ends in -ομαι, something is happening TO the subject