χωρίστηκαν
Wordform Details
Translation: to separateto partto split up
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristpassiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: χωρίζομαι
Translation: to separate oneself; to get divorced; to part; to split up; to break up (verb)
Etymology: Derived from the Ancient Greek verb 'χωρίζω' (chōrízō), meaning 'to separate' or 'to divide'. The root 'χωρ-' relates to 'space' or 'room' (as in the Greek word 'χώρος'). The middle/passive suffix '-ομαι' indicates that the subject is experiencing the action or doing it to themselves. The concept of creating space between entities is fundamental to this verb's meaning.
Example Usage
Χωρίστηκαν μετά από δέκα χρόνια γάμου.
They got divorced after ten years of marriage.
Οι δρόμοι μας χωρίστηκαν όταν πήγα να σπουδάσω στο εξωτερικό.
Our paths separated when I went to study abroad.
Χωριζόμαστε εδώ, εγώ θα πάω προς τα αριστερά.
We part ways here, I'll go to the left.
Οι δρόμοι μας χωρίζονται εδώ.
Our paths separate here.
Χωρίστηκα από τον σύζυγό μου πέρυσι.
I got divorced from my husband last year.
Δεν θέλω να χωριστούμε.
I don't want us to break up.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chorus' in English - a chorus separates different parts of a song, just as 'χωρίζομαι' involves separation.
- The root 'χωρ-' sounds like 'core' - when things separate, they move away from a core position.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek society, divorce (χωρισμός) has become more common in recent decades, though it still carries some social stigma in more traditional communities. The verb 'χωρίζομαι' is the standard way to express getting divorced, though more formal expressions like 'παίρνω διαζύγιο' (to get a divorce) may be used in legal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'χωρίζομαι' is the middle/passive form meaning 'to get separated/divorced', 'χωρίζω' is the active form meaning 'to separate something/someone else'.
Notes: The active form (χωρίζω) requires a direct object, while the middle/passive form (χωρίζομαι) does not.
Mnemonic: Remember: '-ομαι' ending means it happens to you or you do it to yourself.
Explanation: Though they share the same root 'χωρ-', 'χωράω' means 'to fit' or 'to have room for', while 'χωρίζομαι' means 'to separate'.
Confused word:
Δεν χωράει άλλο φαγητό στο ψυγείο.
There's no more room for food in the refrigerator.
Notes: Both verbs relate to the concept of space (χώρος), but in different ways.
Mnemonic: Think: χωρίζομαι creates space between people; χωράω deals with having enough space for things.