σπάω
spáo/ˈspa.o/
The English verb 'break' is translated into Greek as σπάω (spáo).
The verb σπάω is a transitive verb meaning to separate something into two or more pieces. In a sentence, it is typically followed directly by the accusative case of the object being broken, as in σπάω κάτι (to break something).
Meaning: transitive: to separate into (to cause to end up in) two or more pieces (verb)
Which one should you use?
While σπάω refers to the physical act of breaking something, other words are used when 'break' refers to a rest or pause from work. διάλειμμα is used for a formal break, while φρεσκάρισμα is an informal way to say 'break'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of σπάω is έσπασα (I broke), and the future tense is θα σπάσω (I will break).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as spáo (/ˈspa.o/). It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If a Greek speaker says σπάω το κεφάλι μου, they are not literally breaking their head but are expressing that they are thinking too hard or are stressed.
- The word σπάω shares an ancient root with the English word 'spasm', as both stem from the idea of a sudden, breaking movement or contraction.
- The verb σπάω is used idiomatically in Greek to mean 'to crack a joke', specifically in the phrase σπάω γέλιο, which literally translates to 'breaking laughter'.
Examples in context
- Έχουμε μισάωρο διάλειμμα;Do we have a half-hour break?
- Θα πάρω ένα διάλειμμα πριν συνεχίσουμε.I will take a break before we continue.
- Μπορούμε να πάρουμε ένα διάλειμμα;Can we take a break?
- Έχουμε 15 λεπτά διάλειμμα;Do we have a 15-minute break?
- Δεν θέλω να σπάω το παιχνίδι.Den thelo na spao to paichnidi.I don't want to break the toy.
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are cleaning the kitchen.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, βοήθησέ με πριν σπάω κάτι.Kyriaki, voithise me prin spao kati.Kyriaki, help me before I break something.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤι συμβαίνει, Κώστα;Ti symvainei, Kosta?What is happening, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΑυτό το πιάτο είναι πολύ βαριά.Afto to piato einai poly varia.This plate is very heavy.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΔώσε το σε μένα τώρα.Dose to se mena tora.Give it to me now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry σπάω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σπάω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
