τσάκωσες
Wordform Details
Translation: you brokeyou crushedyou crumpled
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
second-personsingularactiveaoristIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: τσακώνω
Translation: you broke; you crushed; you crumpled (verb)
Etymology: From Turkish 'çakmak' meaning 'to strike' or 'to hit', which entered Greek during the Ottoman period. The word evolved to specifically mean breaking or smashing something through force. This is part of a large group of Turkish loanwords in Greek that relate to physical actions and everyday activities, reflecting centuries of linguistic contact.
Example Usage
Η αστυνομία τσάκωσε τον κλέφτη.
The police caught the thief.
Τσακώνομαι συχνά με τον αδερφό μου.
I often quarrel with my brother.
Τσάκωσα ένα κρύωμα.
I caught a cold.
Τον τσάκωσα να αντιγράφει στις εξετάσεις.
I caught him cheating on the exam.
Τσάκωσα το ποτήρι κατά λάθος.
I broke the glass by accident.
Μην τσακώνεις τα παιχνίδια σου!
Don't break your toys!
Το αυτοκίνητο τσακώθηκε στο ατύχημα.
The car got smashed in the accident.
Mnemonics
- Think 'TSAK-' as the sound something makes when it breaks or smashes
- Remember the harsh 'ts' sound mimics the sharp sound of breaking
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday speech to describe breaking household items, damaging objects, or getting into physical altercations. Often used by parents when children break something or in casual conversation about accidents.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: τσακώνομαι is the reflexive form meaning 'to fight' or 'to quarrel', while τσακώνω means 'to break' or 'to smash' something
This word:
Τσάκωσα το τηλέφωνό μου.
I broke my phone.
Confused word:
Τσακώθηκα με τον αδερφό μου.
I fought with my brother.
Notes: The reflexive form completely changes the meaning from physical breaking to interpersonal conflict
Mnemonic: τσακώνω breaks THINGS, τσακώνομαι breaks RELATIONSHIPS