σιγά σιγά
siga siga/siˈɣa siˈɣa/word by word
The English phrase "slowly, slowly" is translated into Greek as σιγά σιγά (siga siga).
The phrase σιγά σιγά is used to instruct someone to proceed with caution or to do something at a gradual pace. Repeating the word creates an adverbial phrase that means "gradually" or "little by little".
What does it mean word for word?
The word σιγά means "slowly" or "quietly".
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈɣa siˈɣa/
Did you know?
- In a sarcastic tone, σιγά is often used as a one-word response to mean 'yeah, right' or 'as if', implying that something is actually very insignificant.
- The word σιγά is the root of the English word 'silence', as both stem from the same Ancient Greek concept of being quiet or still.
- The word σιγά can be used alone as an exclamation to mean 'watch out' or 'be careful' when someone is about to trip or bump into something.
Examples in context
- Περπατάω αργά, αργά.I walk slowly, slowly.
- Φέρνεις την καρέκλα σιγά, σιγά.You bring the chair slowly, slowly.
- Οδηγώ χαλαρά, χαλαρά.I drive slowly, slowly (in a relaxed manner).
- Σιγά σιγά θα μάθεις ελληνικά.Slowly, slowly you will learn Greek.
- Πάμε σιγά σιγά για να μην κουραστούμε.Pame siga siga gia na min kurastoume.Let's go slowly, slowly so we don't get tired.
- Μάθεσε τη νέα γλώσσα σιγά σιγά.Mathese ti nea glossa siga siga.Learn the new language gradually.
- Προχώρα σιγά σιγά με την εργασία σου.Prochora siga siga me tin ergasia sou.Proceed slowly, slowly with your work.
Example conversation
Dimitris is helping Kyriaki walk after an injury.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠροσέχε, Κυριακή, σιγά σιγά.Proséche, Kyriakí, sigá sigá.Be careful, Kyriaki, slowly, slowly.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίναι δύσκολο να ισορροπήσω.Eínai dýskolo na isorropíso.It is difficult to balance.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΜην βιαστείς, πάμε σιγά σιγά.Min viastís, páme sigá sigá.Don't rush, we are going slowly, slowly.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ που με βοηθάς, Δημήτρη.Efcharistó pou me voithás, Dimítri.Thank you for helping me, Dimitris.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (σιγά) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries σιγά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
