φτιάχνουν
Wordform Details
Translation: they makethey buildthey createthey fix
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralpresentactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: φτιάχνω
Translation: to make; to build; to create; to prepare; to fix; to repair; to arrange; to set up (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πλάσσω (plasso) meaning 'to mold, form, shape' through various phonetic changes. The modern form developed through Byzantine Greek, with the initial 'φτ-' sound being characteristic of Greek phonetic evolution. This verb embodies the fundamental human activity of creation and construction, making it one of the most versatile and essential verbs in Greek. Unlike English 'make' which can be abstract, φτιάχνω often implies hands-on construction or preparation.
Example Usage
Φτιάχνω ένα γλυκό για το πάρτι.
I am making a dessert for the party.
Ο μηχανικός θα φτιάξει το αυτοκίνητό μου αύριο.
The mechanic will fix my car tomorrow.
Φτιάχνεις καφέ κάθε πρωί;
Do you make coffee every morning?
Έφτιαξε το δωμάτιό σου πριν φύγεις.
Tidy up your room before you leave.
Αυτή η μουσική μου φτιάχνει τη διάθεση.
This music improves my mood.
Φτιάχνω καφέ το πρωί.
I make coffee in the morning.
Ο μπαμπάς φτιάχνει το αυτοκίνητο.
Dad is fixing the car.
Θα φτιάξω ένα σπίτι στο χωριό.
I will build a house in the village.
Mnemonics
- Think 'FIX-now' - the 'φτ' sound resembles 'ft' and the verb often means to fix things
- Remember 'φτιάχνω' as the 'do-everything' verb - like a Swiss Army knife of Greek verbs
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Extremely common in everyday Greek conversation, used for everything from cooking and crafts to relationships and situations. Greeks often use this verb when talking about preparing food, fixing things around the house, or even 'making' plans or arrangements.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: φτάνω means 'to reach/arrive' while φτιάχνω means 'to make/fix'. They share the initial 'φτ-' sound but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Φτάνω στο σπίτι στις οκτώ.
I arrive home at eight.
Notes: Both are very common A1-level verbs, so distinguishing them early is crucial
Mnemonic: φτιάχνω has 'ιάχ' (like 'yah!') - the sound of satisfaction when you make something; φτάνω is shorter like a quick arrival