κατάφερες
Wordform Details
Translation: to manageto succeed
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
second-personsingularaoristIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: καταφέρνω
Translation: to manage; to succeed; to accomplish; to achieve; to be able to (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek καταφέρω (kataphérō), composed of the prefix κατά (katá, 'down, against') and φέρω (phérō, 'to bear, carry'). The original meaning was 'to bring down upon', which evolved to the modern sense of 'to succeed in doing something' or 'to manage'. The English word 'metaphor' shares the same root φέρω (to carry), though with a different prefix.
Example Usage
Κατάφερα να τελειώσω την εργασία μου νωρίς.
I managed to finish my work early.
Δεν καταφέρνω να καταλάβω αυτό το πρόβλημα.
I can't manage to understand this problem.
Θα καταφέρεις να έρθεις αύριο;
Will you be able to come tomorrow?
Κατάφερε να περάσει τις εξετάσεις με άριστα.
He/she managed to pass the exams with excellent grades.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'kata-FARE-no' as 'carrying down' a task to completion - you managed to do it!
- The 'φέρ' part sounds a bit like 'fare' in English - when you 'fare well' at something, you succeed or manage it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This verb is frequently used in everyday Greek conversation to express accomplishment or ability to do something. It's often used with the particle 'να' followed by another verb, forming a common construction to express capability.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both verbs share the root 'φέρω' (to carry/bear), 'καταφέρνω' means 'to manage/succeed' while 'προσφέρω' means 'to offer'.
Confused word:
Προσφέρω τη βοήθειά μου.
I offer my help.
Notes: The confusion often stems from the shared root 'φέρω' and similar conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: 'Κατα-' brings something down to completion (manage), while 'προσ-' brings something forward (offer).
Explanation: 'Καταφέρνω' means 'to manage/succeed' while 'φέρνω' simply means 'to bring'.
Confused word:
Φέρνω ένα δώρο.
I bring a gift.
Notes: 'Φέρνω' is the simpler, more basic verb from which 'καταφέρνω' derives.
Mnemonic: 'Καταφέρνω' has the prefix 'κατα-' which transforms the meaning from simply 'bringing' to 'bringing something to completion'.