σκίζω
skízo/ˈsci.zo/
To rip or tear in Greek is said as σκίζω (skízo).
The verb σκίζω is used to describe the action of dividing or separating parts of something.
Meaning: to divide or separate the parts of (verb)
Which one should you use?
The noun σκίσιμο refers to the act of ripping or a specific rip itself, whereas σκίζω is the verb used to describe the action.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, the third-person singular form is σκίζει. To express the future tense, use the form θα σκίσω.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced skízo. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- In modern Greek, the verb σκίζω is often used hyperbolically to mean doing something with extreme intensity or success, such as 'killing it' on a dance floor.
- In Greek slang, if someone says they are σκισμένος in a financial context, it means they are completely broke and have no money left.
- The Ancient Greek root of σκίζω is the ancestor of the English word 'schism', which describes a formal split within a group or church.
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are opening a package together.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, μην το σκίζω εγώ, κάνε το εσύ.Níko, min to skízo egó, káne to esý.Nikos, I won't rip it, you do it.
- Νίκος NikosΈχεις δίκιο, το χαρτί είναι πολύ λεπτό.Écheis díkio, to chartí eínai polý leptó.You are right, the paper is very thin.
- Μαρία MariaΠρόσεχε να μην σκίζω το δώρο μέσα!Próseche na min skízo to dóro mésa!Be careful not to rip the gift inside!
- Νίκος NikosΜην ανησυχείς, θα είμαι πολύ προσεκτικός.Min anisychéis, tha eímai polý prosektikós.Don't worry, I will be very careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry σκίζω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σκίζω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
