έτσι κι έτσι
étsi ki étsi/ˈetsi ˈcetsi/
The Greek phrase for "so so" is έτσι κι έτσι (étsi ki étsi).
έτσι κι έτσι is used to express mediocrity or a lack of enthusiasm when describing a situation, a quality or a feeling, indicating that something is neither very good nor very bad.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "thus and thus".
Is it said differently in some regions?
έτσι κι έτσι is the Standard Greek way to express this sentiment.
How do you pronounce it?
étsi ki étsi
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often attempt to use the English phrase "so so" when in Greece. Instead, use the Greek equivalent έτσι κι έτσι.
Did you know?
- If you are describing a person's character rather than a situation, saying they are έτσι κι έτσι suggests they are unreliable or inconsistent rather than just 'average'.
- While English speakers might use 'so so' to sound friendly, using έτσι κι έτσι in Greek can sometimes come across as dismissive or even slightly rude depending on your tone.
- The word έτσι has its roots in the Ancient Greek word οὕτως, which was used to denote a specific manner or way of doing something.
Examples in context
- Πώς ήταν η ταινία. Έτσι κι έτσι, δεν με ενθουσίασε.How was the movie? So so, it didn't impress me much.
- Η ταινία ήταν έτσι κι έτσι.I tainía itan étsi ki étsi.The movie was so so.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria are talking about a hotel they stayed at.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠώς σου φάνηκε το ξενοδοχείο, Μαρία;Pós sou fánike to xenodochío, María?How did you find the hotel, Maria?
- Μαρία MariaΉταν έτσι κι έτσι, Δημήτρη.Ítan étsi ki étsi, Dimítri.It was so so, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΔεν σου άρεσε το δωμάτιο;Den sou árese to domátio?You didn't like the room?
- Μαρία MariaΉταν καθαρό, αλλά πολύ μικρό.Ítan katharó, allá polý mikró.It was clean, but very small.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry έτσι κι έτσι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έτσι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
