πολύ ωραία
poly oraia/poˈli oˈɾe.a/word by word
The English phrase "very nice" is translated into Greek as πολύ ωραία (poly oraia).
The phrase is frequently used as a standalone exclamation to express approval or satisfaction with a situation or an idea.
Which one should you use?
While πολύ ωραία often implies aesthetic beauty or a pleasant situation, the phrase πολύ καλά is more strictly used to mean "very well" in terms of performance or correctness.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Greece, the word Τέλειο is used to mean "very nice" or "perfect."
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are describing a masculine noun (like a man or a boy), you must change the adjective to the masculine form πολύ ωραίος. If you are describing feminine plural nouns (like 'ideas' or 'girls'), you must use the form πολύ ωραίες. If you are describing neuter plural nouns (like 'children' or 'things'), the form remains πολύ ωραία.
How do you pronounce it?
The 4-syllable phrase is pronounced /poˈli oˈɾe.a/. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While πολύ ωραία is often used for abstract ideas, saying it when looking at a person's physical appearance can sometimes sound slightly patronizing, as if you are complimenting a child or a pet.
- The adjective ώραιο comes from a root related to 'hour' or 'time', suggesting that something 'nice' is something that is 'timely' or 'well-timed'.
- In Greek, πολύ ωραία can be used sarcastically to mean 'great, just great' when something goes wrong, similar to the English 'just wonderful'.
Examples in context
- Πολύ ωραία.Oh, very nice.This example shows how to use πολύ ωραία as an exclamation of approval.Tatoeba #9264899 by Niki_Pechlivanidi, translation #6586590 by Eccles17
- Ο Τομ ζωγραφίζει πολύ ωραία πορτραίτα.Tom paints very nice portraits.This example shows how to use πολύ ωραία to describe portraits.Tatoeba #9938786 by Nylez, translation #9946778 by Nylez
- Το έργο σας είναι πολύ ωραίο.Your work is very nice.
- Το φαγητό που μαγείρεψες ήταν πολύ καλό.The food you cooked was very nice.
- Το νέο σου αυτοκίνητο είναι φοβερό!Your new car is awesome!
- Η παραλία είναι πολύ ωραία!The beach is very nice!
- Ο γάμος ήταν τέλειος!The wedding was very nice/perfect!
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are discussing a vacation plan.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλω να πάμε στην Κρήτη.Thélo na páme stin Kríti.I want us to go to Crete.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠολύ ωραία ιδέα!Polý oraía idéa!Very nice idea!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠότε θα φύγουμε τότε;Póte tha fýgoume tóte?When shall we leave then?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤον επόμενο μήνα.Ton epómeno mína.Next month.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (πολύ, ωραία) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
