καιρού
Wordform Details
Translation: timeweatheropportunity
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingulargenitiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: καιρός
Translation: time; weather; opportunity; season; moment (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek καιρός (kairós), meaning 'the right, critical, or opportune moment'. Unlike χρόνος (chronos) which refers to chronological or sequential time, καιρός originally referred to a specific, opportune moment or season. This distinction between quantitative time (chronos) and qualitative time (kairos) was important in ancient Greek thought and continues in Modern Greek usage.
Example Usage
Τι καιρό κάνει σήμερα;
What's the weather like today?
Δεν έχω καιρό τώρα.
I don't have time now.
Είναι καιρός να φύγουμε.
It's time for us to leave.
Με τον καιρό θα το ξεπεράσεις.
With time, you'll get over it.
Ο καιρός περνάει γρήγορα.
Time passes quickly.
Ο καιρός είναι καλός για μπάνιο.
The weather is good for swimming.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'Cairo' (sounds similar) as a place where the weather (καιρός) is important to know.
- Connect it with 'care' - you care about both the weather and the right time (καιρός) for things.
- Remember the phrase 'carpe diem' (seize the day) - καιρός is about seizing the right moment.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Καιρός is a fundamental concept in Greek culture and daily life. Weather (καιρός) is a common topic of conversation, and the concept of 'right timing' is deeply embedded in Greek thinking. Greeks often use weather-related expressions and the concept of καιρός appears in many proverbs and sayings about timing and opportunity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both refer to time, καιρός typically refers to weather, the right moment, or opportunity, whereas χρόνος refers to chronological time or duration.
Confused word:
Χρειάζομαι χρόνο για να σκεφτώ.
I need time to think.
Notes: In everyday speech, καιρός is more commonly used for weather and opportune moments, while χρόνος is used for measuring periods of time.
Mnemonic: Καιρός is about 'when' (timing/weather), χρόνος is about 'how long' (duration).
Explanation: Καιρός refers to weather or the right time/opportunity, while ώρα specifically refers to the hour or a specific time of day.
Confused word:
Τι ώρα είναι;
What time is it?
Notes: Ώρα is more specific and limited to clock time, while καιρός has broader applications.
Mnemonic: Think of ώρα as 'hour' (they sound similar), while καιρός is broader (weather/timing).