μπήκε
Wordform Details
Translation: entergo in
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularaoristactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μπαίνω
Translation: they entered; they went in; they came in (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek ἐμβαίνω (embaínō), from Ancient Greek ἐμβαίνω (embaínō), a compound of the prefix ἐν- (en-, 'in') and βαίνω (baínō, 'to go, to walk'). The Ancient Greek βαίνω shares the same Indo-European root *gʷem- with English 'come'. Over time, the initial 'e' was lost and the 'mb' sound evolved into the modern Greek 'μπ' (pronounced as 'b').
Example Usage
Μπαίνω στο σπίτι.
I enter the house.
Ο ήλιος μπαίνει από το παράθυρο.
The sun comes in through the window.
Μπήκε στο πανεπιστήμιο πέρυσι.
He/she got into university last year.
Μπαίνουμε σε μια νέα εποχή.
We are entering a new era.
Δεν μπαίνω στον κόπο να του εξηγήσω.
I don't bother to explain to him.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'μπαίνω' as 'be in now' – the sound 'μπ' (b) + 'αίνω' (sounds a bit like 'in') = 'be in'.
- Associate it with the English word 'embark' which shares a similar etymology (though not directly related) and also involves entering or going into something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This is one of the most fundamental verbs in Greek, used in countless everyday situations and idiomatic expressions. Greeks often use this verb when talking about entering buildings, vehicles, or situations. It's also used in many metaphorical contexts, such as 'entering' a new phase of life or 'getting into' a new habit.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μπαίνω' means 'to enter' or 'to go in', 'βγαίνω' means the opposite: 'to exit' or 'to go out'. They are direct antonyms but can be confused by beginners due to their similar verb endings.
This word:
Μπαίνω στο δωμάτιο.
I enter the room.
Confused word:
Βγαίνω από το δωμάτιο.
I exit the room.
Notes: These two verbs are often used together to describe movement in and out of places.
Mnemonic: Remember 'μπαίνω' starts with 'μπ' like 'be in', while 'βγαίνω' starts with 'β' like 'be gone'.
Explanation: 'Μπαίνω' specifically means 'to enter', while 'πηγαίνω' means 'to go' in a more general sense of movement toward a destination, not necessarily entering it.
Notes: The distinction is similar to the English difference between 'entering a place' and 'going to a place'.
Mnemonic: 'Μπαίνω' has the 'μπ' sound which can remind you of a door closing behind you as you 'enter', while 'πηγαίνω' has a flowing 'π' sound like your feet moving as you 'go'.