ταλαιπωρίες
Wordform Details
Translation: hardshipordealtribulation
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
femininepluralnominativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ταλαιπωρία
Translation: hardship; suffering; distress; ordeal; trouble; misery (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ταλαίπωρος (talaipōros), combining τλάω (tlaō) 'to endure' and πωρός (pōros) 'callus, hardened skin'. The root τλα- is related to Latin 'tolerare' and English 'tolerate'. The concept literally refers to the hardening that comes from enduring difficulties.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tale of poor-ia' - a tale of poor conditions and suffering
- Contains 'poor' sound, relating to hardship
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in everyday Greek conversation, often in the context of bureaucratic difficulties or daily struggles. Greeks often use this word to describe dealing with public services or traffic.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While ταλαιπωρία means hardship or suffering in general, τιμωρία specifically means punishment
Confused word:
Η τιμωρία του ήταν δίκαιη.
His punishment was fair.
Notes: ταλαιπωρία is usually undeserved suffering, while τιμωρία is deliberately imposed
Mnemonic: ταλαιπωρία has 'poor' in it (hardship), τιμωρία starts like 'team' (organized punishment)