πατήσουν
Wordform Details
Translation: steptreadpresspush
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristsubjunctiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: πατώ
Translation: press; push; step on (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πατέω (patéō, 'to tread, walk'), which derives from πάτος (pátos, 'path, trodden way'). The root is related to the Proto-Indo-European *pent- ('to go, pass'), which also gave us English words like 'path' and 'find' (through Germanic cognates).
Example Usage
Μην πατάς τα λουλούδια
Don't step on the flowers
Πάτησε το κουμπί
Press the button
Πρόσεχε πού πατάς.
Watch where you step.
Πάτησε το κουμπί για να ξεκινήσει η μηχανή.
Press the button to start the machine.
Δεν πάτησε ποτέ το πόδι του στην Αμερική.
He never set foot in America.
Πάτησε τα σαράντα πέρυσι.
He turned forty last year.
Πάτησε γερά στα πόδια σου.
Stand firmly on your feet (be confident).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'patting' the ground with your foot when you step on it.
- Relate to 'path' in English - a path is where you step or tread.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Greek culture, 'πατώ' has extended meanings in various contexts. For example, 'πατάω τα 40' means 'to turn 40 years old'. It's also used in many idioms related to confidence, determination, and physical presence.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'πατώ' means 'to step/tread', 'παθαίνω' means 'to suffer/undergo'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Έπαθα κρυολόγημα.
I caught a cold.
Notes: The past tense forms 'πάτησα' and 'έπαθα' can sound similar to beginners.
Mnemonic: 'Πατώ' involves physical contact (stepping), while 'παθαίνω' involves experiencing something (often negative).
Explanation: 'Πατώ' means 'to step/tread' (on the ground), while 'πετώ' means 'to fly/throw' (in the air) - almost opposites in terms of direction.
This word:
Πατάω στο έδαφος.
I step on the ground.
Confused word:
Το πουλί πετάει στον ουρανό.
The bird flies in the sky.
Notes: Both are common verbs but with very different meanings despite similar pronunciation.
Mnemonic: 'Πατώ' keeps you down (stepping), 'πετώ' takes you up (flying).