κυβερνάει
Wordform Details
Translation: governrulesteer
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpresentactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: κυβερνώ
Translation: to govern; to rule; to administer; to steer; to navigate (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κυβερνάω (kubernáō) meaning 'to steer a ship, to guide, to govern'. This is the source of the English words 'govern', 'government', and 'cybernetics'. The root reflects the nautical origins of political leadership metaphors, where governing a state was likened to steering a ship.
Example Usage
Το κόμμα κυβερνά τη χώρα εδώ και δέκα χρόνια.
The party has been governing the country for ten years.
Ο καπετάνιος κυβερνά το πλοίο με μεγάλη δεξιότητα.
The captain steers the ship with great skill.
Πρέπει να μάθεις να κυβερνάς τα συναισθήματά σου.
You need to learn to control your emotions.
Ποιος κυβερνά αυτή την επιχείρηση;
Who manages this business?
Η κυβέρνηση κυβερνά τη χώρα.
The government governs the country.
Ο καπετάνιος κυβερνά το πλοίο.
The captain steers the ship.
Κυβερνούν με σιδερένια πυγμή.
They rule with an iron fist.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cyber' in cybernetics - both come from the same Greek root about steering/controlling.
- Remember 'governor' in English - it shares the same root as κυβερνώ.
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek political discourse, this verb carries significant weight, especially given Greece's complex political history. The term is central to discussions about democracy, which originated in Ancient Greece.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While κυβερνώ means 'to govern/rule' in a legitimate sense, κυριεύω means 'to conquer/dominate/seize' and often implies taking control by force.
Confused word:
Ο στρατός κυρίευσε την πόλη.
The army conquered the city.
Notes: κυβερνώ typically implies legitimate authority, while κυριεύω suggests forceful takeover.
Mnemonic: κυβερνώ is about governance (like government), κυριεύω is about conquest (think 'curio' - taking things).
Explanation: Though they sound somewhat similar, κυβερνώ means 'to govern/steer' while κυκλοφορώ means 'to circulate/move around'.
This word:
Αυτός κυβερνά με σύνεση.
He governs wisely.
Confused word:
Το αίμα κυκλοφορεί στο σώμα.
Blood circulates in the body.
Notes: κυβερνώ relates to control and direction, while κυκλοφορώ relates to movement and circulation.
Mnemonic: κυκλοφορώ contains 'κύκλο' (cycle) - think of circulation as a cycle.