μέτρα
Wordform Details
Translation: measuremetermeasurement
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralnominative/accusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μέτρο
Translation: meter; measure; subway; underground; metro (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'μέτρον' (métron) meaning 'measure'. This is the same root that gives English words like 'meter', 'metric', 'metronome', and 'symmetry'. In modern Greek, the word has expanded to also refer to the subway system, similar to many other European languages that use 'metro' for their underground transit systems.
Example Usage
Το μέτρο είναι ο πιο γρήγορος τρόπος να φτάσεις στο κέντρο της Αθήνας.
The metro is the fastest way to reach the center of Athens.
Χρειάζομαι ένα μέτρο ύφασμα για το έργο μου.
I need one meter of fabric for my project.
Η κυβέρνηση ανακοίνωσε νέα μέτρα για την οικονομία.
The government announced new measures for the economy.
Όλα με μέτρο στη ζωή.
Everything in moderation in life.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'metronome' which measures musical time, to remember μέτρο means 'measure'
- For the 'subway' meaning, remember that many cities worldwide call their subway systems 'metro'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The Athens Metro is a significant part of daily life for Athenians and is often simply called 'το μέτρο'. The first line opened in 1869 as a steam railway, making it one of the oldest underground systems in the world. The modern expanded system opened in 2000 and is known for its archaeological displays at stations, as many ancient artifacts were discovered during construction.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While μέτρο means 'meter' or 'measure', μέτρημα refers to the act of counting or measuring.
Confused word:
Το μέτρημα των ψήφων θα διαρκέσει όλη τη νύχτα.
The counting of votes will last all night.
Notes: μέτρημα is derived from the verb μετρώ (to measure/count).
Mnemonic: μέτρο is the tool or standard, μέτρημα is the action of using it.
Explanation: μέτρο means 'meter' or 'subway', while μετρητά means 'cash' (money).
Notes: Both words share the same root related to measuring/counting.
Mnemonic: Think of μετρητά as 'countable money' - it relates to counting (μετρώ).