παίρνω
Wordform Details
Translation: takegetreceiveobtain
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personsingularpresentactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: παίρνω
Translation: to take; to get; to receive; to pick up; to obtain (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek παίρνω (paírno), from Ancient Greek ἐπαίρω (epaírō, 'to lift up, raise'). The Ancient Greek word is composed of the prefix ἐπί (epí, 'upon, on') and αἴρω (aírō, 'to lift, raise up'). Over time, the initial 'e' was dropped, and the meaning evolved from 'lifting up' to the more general sense of 'taking' something.
Example Usage
Παίρνω το λεωφορείο κάθε πρωί.
I take the bus every morning.
Πήρα ένα δώρο από τη μητέρα μου.
I received a gift from my mother.
Θα πάρω ένα καφέ, παρακαλώ.
I'll have a coffee, please.
Παίρνω τηλέφωνο τους γονείς μου κάθε βδομάδα.
I call my parents every week.
Πήρα απόφαση να μάθω ελληνικά.
I made a decision to learn Greek.
Θα πάρω ένα καφέ.
I'll get a coffee.
Παίρνω τηλέφωνο τον φίλο μου.
I'm calling my friend.
Πήρε πτυχίο στα οικονομικά.
He got a degree in economics.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'παίρνω' as 'pairing' yourself with something you take or receive.
- The sound 'perno' can remind you of 'pear-no' – imagine taking a pear from a tree.
Cultural Context
This is one of the most frequently used verbs in Greek, appearing in numerous idiomatic expressions and phrasal combinations. It's essential for everyday communication and has developed many extended meanings beyond its literal sense of 'taking'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'παίρνω' means 'to take' (movement toward oneself), 'φέρνω' means 'to bring' (movement toward someone else).
Confused word:
Φέρνω το βιβλίο στο τραπέζι.
I bring the book to the table.
Notes: Both verbs involve movement of objects, but in opposite directions.
Mnemonic: Think: παίρνω (take) is for yourself, φέρνω (bring) is for others.
Explanation: 'Παίρνω' means 'to take/get' while 'περνώ' means 'to pass/spend time'.
This word:
Παίρνω τα κλειδιά μου.
I take my keys.
Confused word:
Περνώ από το σπίτι σου.
I pass by your house.
Notes: These verbs sound similar but have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: Notice the extra 'ρ' in περνώ - think of it as 'rolling past' something.