έλα
éla/ˈe.la/
The Greek phrase έλα (éla) is used to say "come on".
While it is frequently used as an interjection to express disbelief, encouragement or to urge someone to hurry up, it also functions as an expression of encouragement.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word έλα literally means "come". It is the second-person singular imperative form of the verb έρχομαι (to come).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈe.la/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Despite meaning 'come', if you use έλα to answer a phone, you are not telling the caller to come to you, but rather saying 'hello'.
- The command to 'come on' actually has its roots in the ancient command to 'drive' a chariot through a racing track.
- If someone says έλα with a rising intonation and a specific facial expression, they are not asking you to move, but are actually telling you to stop lying.
Examples in context
- Έλα, πλάκα κάνεις!Come on, you must be joking!This sentence shows how to use έλα to express disbelief.
- Έλα τώρα!Come on now!
- Έλα, μπορείς να το κάνεις!Ela, boreis na to kaneis!Come on, you can do it!
- Έλα τώρα, μην απελπιστείς.Ela tora, min apelpisteis.Come on now, don't despair.
Example conversation
Giorgos is encouraging Eleni to finish a difficult race.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈλα, Ελένη, ακόμα λίγο!Ela, Eleni, akoma ligo!Come on, Eleni, a little more!
- Ελένη EleniΔεν αντέχω άλλο, Γιώργο.Den antekho allo, Giorgo.I can't take any more, Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈλα, είσαι πολύ δυνατή!Ela, eisai poly dinati!Come on, you are very strong!
- Ελένη EleniΕντάξει, θα προσπαθήσω.Entaxi, tha prosathiso.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry έλα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έλα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
