τώρα
Wordform Details
Translation: nowat this moment
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: τώρα
Translation: now; at present; currently; at this moment (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from Byzantine Greek τώρα (tóra), which comes from Ancient Greek τῇ ὥρᾳ (tē hṓrāi), meaning 'at the hour'. The phrase literally meant 'at this hour' or 'at this time'. This connection to 'hour' (ὥρα/hora) is preserved in many European languages, including English 'hour', which shares the same Indo-European root.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'τώρα' as related to 'hour' (ώρα) - it's about 'this hour' or 'this time'.
- The 'τ' at the beginning can remind you of 'this time' - τώρα means now, this time.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A very common word in everyday Greek conversation. Greeks often emphasize immediacy with this word, and it can be used emphatically to stress urgency.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τώρα' means 'now', 'τότε' means 'then' (referring to a past or future time).
This word:
Τώρα είμαι απασχολημένος.
I am busy now.
Confused word:
Τότε ήμουν πολύ νέος.
I was very young then.
Notes: These two time adverbs are often used in contrast to each other in Greek.
Mnemonic: 'τώρα' has the letter 'ω' (omega) which looks like a circle - think of a clock showing the present time. 'τότε' has 'ό' which is smaller - think of a distant point in time.
Explanation: 'τώρα' means 'now', while 'ώρα' means 'hour' or 'time'. 'τώρα' actually derives from 'ώρα'.
Confused word:
Τι ώρα είναι;
What time is it?
Notes: The etymological connection between these words can help remember their relationship.
Mnemonic: 'τώρα' has the extra 'τ' at the beginning - think of it as adding immediacy to 'ώρα' (hour/time).