βγαίνω
Wordform Details
Translation: go outexitcome outemerge
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personsingularpresentactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: βγαίνω
Translation: to go out; to come out; to exit; to leave; to emerge; to appear; to be published; to turn out; to result (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐκβαίνω (ekbaino), composed of ἐκ (ek, 'out') + βαίνω (baino, 'to go, walk'). The prefix ἐκ evolved into βγ- in modern Greek through phonetic changes. Related to English 'basis' and 'come' through Indo-European roots. The verb shows the common Greek pattern of motion verbs having multiple metaphorical extensions - from physical exit to abstract emergence or publication.
Example Usage
Βγαίνω έξω για καφέ.
I'm going out for coffee.
Ο ήλιος βγαίνει.
The sun is coming out.
Δεν βγαίνει το νούμερο.
The number doesn't work out.
Βγαίνω από το σπίτι.
I'm leaving the house.
Ο ήλιος βγαίνει στις έξι το πρωί.
The sun comes out at six in the morning.
Βγήκε το αποτέλεσμα των εξετάσεων.
The exam result came out.
Δεν βγαίνω οικονομικά αυτό το μήνα.
I can't make ends meet this month.
Θα βγούμε για καφέ αύριο;
Shall we go out for coffee tomorrow?
Το βιβλίο βγαίνει τον επόμενο μήνα.
The book comes out next month.
Βγαίνουμε απόψε;
Are we going out tonight?
Mnemonics
- Think 'big-eye-no' - when you go out, your eyes get big seeing new things
- The 'bg' sound is like 'big' - going out into the big world
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Essential verb in Greek daily life. Used for going out socially (βγαίνω έξω), dating relationships (βγαίνω με κάποιον), and many idiomatic expressions. Very common in casual conversation about daily activities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: βγαίνω means to exit/go out while μπαίνω means to enter/go in - they are exact opposites
This word:
Βγαίνω από το μαγαζί.
I'm leaving the store.
Confused word:
Μπαίνω στο μαγαζί.
I'm entering the store.
Notes: These are the most fundamental directional verbs in Greek - memorize them as a pair
Mnemonic: βγαίνω has 'bg' like 'bye-going', μπαίνω has 'mp' like 'move in please'