Ξέρω
xero/ˈkse.ɾo/
The English phrase "I know" is translated into Greek as Ξέρω (xero).
Ξέρω is used to assert that you possess a specific answer, fact or piece of information. While it is the standard way to say "I know," it specifically refers to knowledge of facts. If you wish to express familiarity with a person or a specific place, the verb γνωρίζω is preferred instead.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the subject: Ξέρεις is used when addressing a single person ("you know"), and Ξέρουμε is used when the subject is "we" ("we know").
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈkse.ɾo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of ξέρω is the same as the word used in the famous exclamation 'Eureka!', which literally means 'I have found it'.
- While English speakers often say 'I know' to show empathy, a Greek speaker using Ξέρω in a sensitive moment might accidentally sound like they are merely confirming a mathematical certainty.
- In conversational Greek, Ξέρω is often shortened or repeated for emphasis to indicate 'I already know that', which can sound more dismissive than the English equivalent.
Examples in context
- Ξέρω πώς τη λεν.I know her name.This sentence shows how to use Ξέρω to state knowledge of a name.Tatoeba #7790607 by eypros, translation #7763490 by deniko
- Ξέρω το μυστικό σου.I know your secret.This sentence shows how to use Ξέρω to express knowledge of a secret.Tatoeba #3231072 by Zeus, translation #2478437 by Hybrid
- Ξέρω ότι κάτι κρύβει.I know he's hiding something.This sentence shows how to use Ξέρω to express knowledge of an action being hidden.Tatoeba #5487782 by Zeus, translation #5487684 by Hybrid
- Ξέρω πώς να λύσω αυτό το πρόβλημα.I know how to solve this problem.
- Ξέρω ποιο είναι το αγαπημένο σου τραγούδι.I know your favorite song.
- 125 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Dimitris are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΞέρω πού πρέπει να πάμε.Xéro poú prépei na páme.I know where we should go.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠες μου το λοιπόν!Pes mou to loipón!Tell me then!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλω να πάμε στο βουνό.Thélo na páme sto vounó.I want us to go to the mountain.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠολύ ωραία ιδέα!Polý oréa idéa!Very great idea!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry ξέρω.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ξέρω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
