σταμάτα το
stamata to
The English phrase "stop it" can be translated into Greek as σταμάτα το (stamata to).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to end an action or behavior that is annoying or unwanted.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb σταμάτα (stop) and the neuter pronoun το (it).
Which one should you use?
While σταμάτα το is a direct translation, the word σταμάτα is considered the closest equivalent to "stop it" in Greek. In many casual situations, Greeks omit the το and simply say σταμάτα to mean "stop" or "stop it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form σταμάτα is informal. You can make the phrase even more informal and familiar by adding the word ρε to the end, resulting in σταμάτα ρε. For a more polite or formal tone, you can say Παρακαλώ σταματήστε (please stop).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the command politely or when addressing more than one person, change the verb to the second-person plural form σταμάτατε το.
How do you pronounce it?
stamata to
Did you know?
- The imperative σταμάτα is derived from the Ancient Greek verb for 'to make a halt', often used in military contexts to stop a march.
- When telling a group to stop, the plural σταματήστε can be used even for one person to show extreme distance or coldness, far beyond mere politeness.
- To emphasize a demand to stop, a speaker might use the phrase φτάνει, which literally means 'it is enough' rather than 'stop'.
Example conversation
Kostas is teasing Kyriaki while she is reading.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, κοίτα τι βρήκα!Kyriaki, koita ti vrika!Kyriaki, look what I found!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚώστα, διάβασα αρκετά. Σταμάτα το.Kosta, diavasa arketa. Stamata to.Kostas, I have read enough. Stop it.
- Κώστας KostasΈλα, είναι πολύ αστείο!Ela, einai poly asteio!Come on, it is very funny!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΔεν είναι αστείο. Φύγε.Den einai asteio. Fyge.It is not funny. Go away.
