σκέψου
Wordform Details
Translation: thinkconsider
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
secondpersonsingularimperativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: σκέφτομαι
Translation: to think; to consider; to contemplate; to reflect; to ponder (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek σκέπτομαι (skeptomai), meaning 'to look about carefully, examine, consider'. This is the same root that gives us the English word 'skeptic' - one who examines things carefully before believing. The connection to 'scope' (from Greek skopos, 'watcher') reflects the visual metaphor of mental examination. The deponent nature (passive form with active meaning) has been preserved from ancient times, making it a direct linguistic descendant spanning over 2,500 years.
Example Usage
Σκέφτομαι να πάω διακοπές το καλοκαίρι.
I'm thinking of going on vacation in the summer.
Τι σκέφτεσαι για την πρότασή μου;
What do you think about my proposal?
Πρέπει να το σκεφτώ πριν αποφασίσω.
I need to think about it before I decide.
Σε σκέφτομαι συχνά.
I think about you often.
Σκέφτομαι να πάω διακοπές στην Κρήτη.
I'm thinking of going on vacation to Crete.
Τι σκέφτεσαι;
What are you thinking?
Πρέπει να το σκεφτώ πρώτα.
I need to think about it first.
Σκέφτηκα πολύ πριν πάρω αυτή την απόφαση.
I thought a lot before making this decision.
Σκέφτομαι να πάω διακοπές.
I'm thinking of going on vacation.
Τι σκέφτεσαι για αυτό;
What do you think about this?
Σκέφτηκα πολύ πριν αποφασίσω.
I thought a lot before deciding.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'skeptic' - someone who thinks carefully before believing
- SKEFT sounds like 'sketch' - you sketch out your thoughts
- Remember the -ομαι ending shows it's deponent (passive form, active meaning)
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Fundamental to Greek philosophical tradition. Often used in everyday conversation when discussing decision-making or problem-solving. Greeks frequently use this verb when expressing uncertainty or when weighing options, reflecting the culture's appreciation for thoughtful deliberation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: σκεπάζω means 'to cover' while σκέφτομαι means 'to think' - both come from roots related to 'looking' but have diverged completely in meaning
Confused word:
Σκεπάζω το τραπέζι.
I cover the table.
Notes: The similar spelling can be confusing, but the verb endings are completely different patterns
Mnemonic: σκέφτομαι has the -ομαι ending (thinking is internal), σκεπάζω has -άζω ending (covering is external action)