χρήσιμα
Wordform Details
Translation: usefulhelpful
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: χρήσιμος
Translation: useful; helpful; handy; practical (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek χρῆσις (khrêsis, 'use, usage') + -ιμος (-imos, adjectival suffix indicating capability or suitability). The root χρῆσις comes from the verb χράομαι (khraomai, 'to use, employ'). This same root gives us English words like 'chrematistic' (relating to money) and is distantly related to 'chrism' (holy oil used in Christian ceremonies). The suffix -ιμος is similar in function to English '-able' or '-ible', indicating something that can be used.
Example Usage
Αυτό το εργαλείο είναι πολύ χρήσιμο.
This tool is very useful.
Μου έδωσε μερικές χρήσιμες συμβουλές.
He gave me some useful advice.
Η γνώση ξένων γλωσσών είναι χρήσιμη στην αγορά εργασίας.
Knowledge of foreign languages is useful in the job market.
Θα ήταν χρήσιμο να έχουμε έναν χάρτη.
It would be useful to have a map.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'Christmas' - gifts that are 'χρήσιμος' (useful) are often appreciated during Christmas.
- The 'χρησ-' root sounds a bit like 'Chris' in English - imagine someone named Chris who is always useful and helpful.
- The ending '-ιμος' is like English '-able' (usable = χρήσιμος).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A very common word in everyday Greek, often used in contexts of practicality and functionality. Greeks tend to value practicality in objects and solutions, so this word carries positive connotations in Greek culture.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: χρήσιμος (useful) vs. χρήστης (user) - similar sounding words with related meanings but different parts of speech and usage.
Notes: Both words share the same root related to 'use' but serve different grammatical functions.
Mnemonic: χρήσιμος ends with -ιμος (like -able) for something able to be used; χρήστης ends with -της (like -er) for someone who uses.
Explanation: χρήσιμος (useful) vs. χρυσός (gold) - these words look somewhat similar in writing but have different meanings and pronunciations.
Notes: The pronunciation is quite different: χρήσιμος (chrísimos) vs. χρυσός (chrysós).
Mnemonic: χρήσιμος has 'η' (eta) while χρυσός has 'υ' (upsilon) - remember 'η' for helpful things.