επικίνδυνα
Wordform Details
Translation: dangeroushazardousrisky
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: επικίνδυνος
Translation: dangerous; hazardous; risky; perilous (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐπικίνδυνος (epikíndunos), composed of the prefix ἐπί (epí, 'upon, at') and κίνδυνος (kíndunos, 'danger, risk'). The root κίνδυνος has uncertain origins but may be related to Proto-Indo-European *kend- ('to strike, hurt'). The word literally conveys the sense of being 'upon danger' or 'in a state of risk'.
Example Usage
Αυτός ο δρόμος είναι επικίνδυνος όταν βρέχει.
This road is dangerous when it rains.
Προσοχή: επικίνδυνα υλικά.
Warning: hazardous materials.
Είναι επικίνδυνο να οδηγείς και να μιλάς στο τηλέφωνο.
It's dangerous to drive and talk on the phone.
Μην παίζετε με επικίνδυνα υλικά.
Don't play with dangerous materials.
Η κατάσταση έχει γίνει επικίνδυνη.
The situation has become dangerous.
Μην παίζεις με επικίνδυνα αντικείμενα.
Don't play with dangerous objects.
Προσοχή: Επικίνδυνη περιοχή.
Warning: Dangerous area.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'epi' (upon) + 'kindunos' (danger) = something that puts you upon or in danger
- Connect with English 'epidemic' (which can be dangerous) for the 'epi-' prefix
- The 'kind' in the middle might remind you of 'kindle' - something that can spark danger
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday Greek in various contexts from warning signs to news reports about hazardous situations. The concept of danger and risk assessment is important in Greek culture, especially in contexts related to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires that periodically affect the country.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'επικίνδυνος' means 'dangerous', 'επώδυνος' means 'painful' or 'distressing'.
Notes: Both words start with 'επι-' but refer to different types of negative experiences - one threatening safety, the other causing suffering.
Mnemonic: 'Επικίνδυνος' contains 'κίνδυνος' (danger), while 'επώδυνος' relates to 'οδύνη' (pain).
Explanation: 'Επικίνδυνος' means 'dangerous', while 'επίκαιρος' means 'timely' or 'topical'.
This word:
Αυτό το παιχνίδι είναι επικίνδυνο για μικρά παιδιά.
This toy is dangerous for small children.
Confused word:
Το άρθρο είναι επίκαιρο και σχετικό με τα τρέχοντα γεγονότα.
The article is timely and relevant to current events.
Notes: These words sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and contexts of use.
Mnemonic: Think of 'επίκαιρος' as related to 'καιρός' (time, weather, opportunity) - something that's right for the current time.