κέρασαν
Wordform Details
Translation: to treatto offer a drinkto serve
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κερνώ
Translation: to treat; to buy drinks for; to offer; to serve drinks (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek κεράννυμι (kerannymi) meaning 'to mix', originally referring to mixing wine with water as was customary in ancient Greece. The modern meaning evolved from the act of preparing and serving mixed drinks to guests, which became generalized to mean treating someone to drinks or food. This semantic shift reflects the Greek cultural emphasis on hospitality (φιλοξενία). The root is related to the Greek word κέρας (keras) meaning 'horn', as drinking horns were used for mixing and serving beverages in antiquity.
Example Usage
Σήμερα κερνάω εγώ.
Today I'm treating (paying for everyone).
Με κέρασε έναν καφέ.
He/she treated me to a coffee.
Θα σας κεράσω ένα ποτό για τα γενέθλιά μου.
I'll buy you all a drink for my birthday.
Η γιαγιά πάντα κερνάει γλυκά τους επισκέπτες.
Grandmother always offers sweets to visitors.
Σε κερνάω έναν καφέ.
I'm treating you to a coffee.
Μας κέρασε όλους στο μπαρ.
He treated us all at the bar.
Δεν χρειάζεται να με κερνάς.
You don't need to treat me.
Mnemonics
- Think 'care now' - you care for someone now by treating them
- Remember 'kernel' - the kernel of Greek hospitality is treating others
Cultural Context
Deeply embedded in Greek hospitality culture. It's considered polite and generous to 'κερνάω' friends, especially in cafes, tavernas, and social gatherings. The act of treating others is a sign of friendship and social bonding. Often used in the context of coffee, drinks, or meals.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: κερνώ means to treat someone, while κερδίζω means to win or earn
Confused word:
Κέρδισα το παιχνίδι.
I won the game.
Notes: Both start with κερ- but have completely different meanings and contexts
Mnemonic: κερνώ has 'ν' for 'nice' (being nice by treating), κερδίζω has 'δ' for 'dollars' (winning money)