πρόσεχε
proseche
The Greek phrase for "be careful" is πρόσεχε (proseche).
πρόσεχε is used as a warning to help someone avoid physical danger or as an instruction to pay attention to a specific task or detail to avoid making a mistake.
Which one should you use?
While πρόσεχε is the singular form used for one person, προσέχετε is the form used when addressing multiple people or when you wish to use the polite second-person singular to show respect to a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form πρόσεχε is the singular imperative, whereas προσέχετε is the plural or polite form.
How do you pronounce it?
proseche
Did you know?
- While πρόσεχε warns of danger, Greeks often use the phrase να προσέχετε as a warm way to say 'take care of yourself' when saying goodbye.
- The verb within πρόσεχε is a compound of προς meaning 'towards' and έχω meaning 'to have', literally suggesting one should 'have towards' something.
- While πρόσεχε is a standard warning, Greeks often use the word προσοχή (attention) as a standalone shout to signal immediate danger, much like shouting 'Watch out!' in English.
Examples in context
- Να είστε προσεκτικοί όταν διασχίζετε τον δρόμο.Be careful when crossing the street.
- Να είστε προσεκτικοί στις σκάλες, μπορεί να είναι ολισθηρές.Be careful on the stairs, they may be slippery.
- Να είστε προσεκτικοί με την υγεία σας.Take care of your health.
- Να είσαι προσεκτικός με τις αποφάσεις που παίρνεις.Be careful with the decisions you make.
- Να είσαι προσεκτικός, μην πέσεις.Be careful, don't fall.
- Πρόσεχε την πλάτη σου όταν σηκώνεις το κουτί.Proseche tin plati sou otan sikineis to kouti.Be careful with your back when you lift the box.
- Πρόσεχε, θα πέσεις από τα σκάλια!Proseche, tha peis apo ta skalia!Be careful, you are going to fall from the stairs!
Example conversation
Kostas is warning Maria about a broken glass on the table.
- Κώστας KostasΜαρία, πρόσεχε το ποτήρι!Maria, proseche to potiri!Maria, be careful with the glass!
- Μαρία MariaΩχ, δεν το είδα. Ευχαριστώ, Κώστα.Oh, den to eida. Efcharisto, Kosta.Oh, I didn't see it. Thanks, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ κοφτερά τα κομμάτια.Einai poly koftera ta kommatia.The pieces are very sharp.
- Μαρία MariaΘα τα μαζέψω προσεκτικά.Tha ta mazepso prosektika.I will pick them up carefully.
