πω πω
po po
The English phrase "oh my goodness" is translated into Greek as πω πω (po po).
πω πω is a colloquial exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment or disbelief, functioning similarly to English expressions like "oh my" or "wow".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
πω πω is an informal expression intended for everyday conversation rather than for formal speech or writing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In specific regions of Greece, the exclamatory expression Αμάν! is used to convey surprise or shock.
How do you pronounce it?
po po
Did you know?
- If you say πω πω with a rising intonation and a slight gasp, it can signal that you are about to share some juicy gossip, even if the literal meaning is just surprise.
- The phrase πω πω is often accompanied by a specific gesture where the speaker throws their hands up or opens their palms wide to emphasize the scale of the surprise.
- While it expresses surprise, πω πω is frequently used sarcastically in Greece to react to someone who is exaggerating or complaining too much.
Example conversation
Kiriaki sees a very expensive necklace on a display in a jewelry shop.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠω πω, είναι πανέμορφο αυτό το κόσμημα!Po po, einai panemorfo afto to kosimma!Oh my goodness, this piece of jewelry is beautiful!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι πολύ ακριβό, Κυριακή.Einai poly akrivo, Kiriaki.It is very expensive, Kiriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠω πω, έχεις δίκιο, Δημήτρη.Po po, echis dikio, Dimitri.Oh my goodness, you are right, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑς δούμε κάτι άλλο.As doume kati allo.Let's look at something else.
