εμπόδιο
Wordform Details
Translation: obstaclehindranceimpediment
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: εμπόδιο
Translation: obstacle; barrier; hindrance; impediment; obstruction (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐμπόδιον (empódion), derived from the phrase ἐν ποδί (en podí) meaning 'in the foot's way'. The root comes from πούς (poús) meaning 'foot', which shares the same Indo-European root as English 'foot'. The word literally describes something that gets in the way of one's feet, hence an obstacle or impediment. The English word 'impediment' itself comes from Latin 'impedimentum', which has a similar etymological concept of something that entangles the feet (Latin 'pes', 'pedis').
Example Usage
Το χιόνι αποτελεί εμπόδιο για τα αυτοκίνητα.
The snow is an obstacle for cars.
Η έλλειψη χρημάτων είναι ένα σοβαρό εμπόδιο για την ολοκλήρωση του έργου.
The lack of money is a serious impediment to completing the project.
Μην βάζεις εμπόδια στα όνειρά σου.
Don't put obstacles in the way of your dreams.
Ξεπέρασε όλα τα εμπόδια και πέτυχε τον στόχο του.
He overcame all obstacles and achieved his goal.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'em-POD-io' as something that trips your 'pod' (foot) - an obstacle in your path.
- Connect it to English 'impediment' which has a similar meaning and related etymology.
- Visualize someone saying 'empty the road, yo!' (sounds a bit like 'εμπόδιο') because there's an obstacle blocking the way.
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Widely used in everyday Greek conversation and writing. The concept of obstacles or barriers is often discussed in Greek culture in relation to personal challenges, bureaucratic issues, or physical barriers. The phrase 'βάζω εμπόδια' (to put obstacles) is commonly used to describe making things difficult for someone.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'εμπόδιο' means 'obstacle', 'εμπορικό' means 'commercial' or 'trade-related'. They look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: εμΠΟδιο vs. εμποΡΙκο, which helps distinguish them in speech.
Mnemonic: 'Εμπόδιο' has 'pod' in it, like 'foot' - something that trips you up. 'Εμπορικό' has 'por' in it, like 'port' - where trade happens.
Explanation: 'Εμπόδιο' means 'obstacle' while 'επεισόδιο' means 'episode' or 'incident'. They have similar sounds but different meanings and spellings.
Confused word:
Παρακολούθησα το τελευταίο επεισόδιο της σειράς.
I watched the last episode of the series.
Notes: The letter 'μ' in 'εμπόδιο' vs. the letters 'πει' in 'επεισόδιο' are key distinguishing features in writing.
Mnemonic: 'Εμπόδιο' starts with 'εμπ' like 'impediment', while 'επεισόδιο' starts with 'επ' like 'episode'.