μπερδεμένος
berdeménos/beɾ.ðeˈme.nos/
The English word 'confused' is translated into Greek as μπερδεμένος (berdeménos).
μπερδεμένος is used to describe someone who is unable to think clearly or understand. Απρόσεκτος can mean 'careless' or 'negligent' and can be used to describe someone who is confused or absent-minded.
Meaning: unable to think clearly or understand (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective μπερδεμένος is derived from the noun μπέρδεμα, which refers to a mess, a tangle or a state of being mixed up.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the subject, so use μπερδεμένη for a female subject. The adjective takes the form μπερδεμένοι when referring to a group of men or a mixed-gender group. The adjective takes the form μπερδεμένες when referring to a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced berdeménos. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the 3 of 4.
Did you know?
- In Greek, the state of being μπερδεμένος is often conceptually linked to a 'knot', and speakers might use the word ξεμπερδέψω to mean 'solving' a problem by literally 'untangling' it.
- If a Greek speaker is deeply confused by a complex argument, they might say they are μπερδεμένος while gesturing as if they are twisting a string with their fingers.
- While English uses the Latin root 'confundere' for 'confused', the Greek μπερδεμένος is not a direct translation of that root and carries a more colloquial 'jumbled' feeling.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ έμοιαζε λίγο μπερδεμένος.Tom seemed a little confused.This sentence shows how to describe someone appearing to be in a state of confusion using μπερδεμένος.Tatoeba #4651456 by pinkmpnster, translation #4649868 by Hybrid
- Είμαι λίγο μπερδεμένος.I'm a little bit confused.This sentence is a simple way to express that you are personally feeling confused using μπερδεμένος.Tatoeba #7782679 by eypros, translation #7782645 by CK
- ΜπερδεύτηκαI got confused
- Λυπάμαι, αλλά δεν ξέρω. Μπερδεύτηκα.I'm sorry, but I don't know. I'm confused.
- Όχι, είμαι ακόμα μπερδεμένος.No, I'm still confused.
Example conversation
Eleni is explaining a game to Kostas.
- Ελένη EleniΚαταλαβαίνεις πώς παίζεται το παιχνίδι;Katalavaínis pós paízetai to paichnídi?Do you understand how the game is played?
- Κώστας KostasΌχι, είμαι πολύ μπερδεμένος τώρα.Óchi, eímai polý mperdeménos tóra.No, I am very confused right now.
- Ελένη EleniΜην ανησυχείς, θα το ξαναπω πιο απλά.Min anisychéis, tha to xanapó pío aplá.Don't worry, I will say it again more simply.
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ, Ελένη.Efcharistó, Eléni.Thank you, Eleni.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confused” translations and entries μπερδεμένος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
