έλα εδώ
ela edo/ˈe.la eˈðo/word by word
The English phrase 'come here' is translated into Greek as έλα εδώ (ela edo).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to move toward the speaker's current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb έλα (come) and the adverb εδώ (here).
Which one should you use?
Use έλα εδώ when speaking to one friend or child, but use ελάτε εδώ when addressing a group or showing formal respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
έλα εδώ is the singular imperative used for one person in an informal context. ελάτε εδώ is the plural imperative used for multiple people or as a polite singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
ela edo (ˈe.la eˈðo). The first syllable is stressed.
Did you know?
- The word έλα may have its origins in the ancient cry used by drivers to urge their chariots forward at the Hippodrome.
- In Greek culture, a common gesture accompanying έλα εδώ involves extending the palm upward and flicking the fingers toward the speaker.
- While έλα εδώ is a command to move toward you, the word έλα is also frequently used by Greeks as a way to say 'come on' or 'really!' when expressing disbelief.
Examples in context
- Τομ, έλα εδώ γρήγορα!Tom, come here quickly!This sentence shows how to use έλα εδώ when telling someone to move quickly.Tatoeba #5565359 by Zeus, translation #5565267 by CK
- Έλα εδώ.Come here.This is a simple example of using έλα εδώ.Tatoeba #5405249 by Zeus, translation #39944 by Swift
- Καλέ εσύ, έλα εδώ!Hey you, come here!This example shows how to use έλα εδώ when calling out to someone.Tatoeba #9946638 by Nylez, translation #9976696 by Nylez
- Έλα εδώ, θα παίξουμε μαζί!Come here, let's play together!
Example conversation
Giorgos is calling Eleni to look at something in the kitchen.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕλένη, έλα εδώ για ένα λεπτό!Eléni, éla edó gia éna leptó!Eleni, come here for a minute!
- Ελένη EleniΤι έγινε. Γιατί με φωνάζεις;Ti égine, Giatí me fonázeis?What happened? Why are you calling me?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚοίτα τι βρήκα στο ψυγείο.Koíta ti vríka sto psygéio.Look what I found in the fridge.
- Ελένη EleniΑχόρητα, έρχομαι τώρα!Achórita, érchomai tóra!Alright, I'm coming now!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (έλα, εδώ) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έλα, εδώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
