Τι έγινε
Ti égine
The English phrase "what happened" is translated into Greek as Τι έγινε (Ti égine).
This phrase is a question used to ask for a description of a past event or a recent development.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the interrogative pronoun Τι (what) and the third-person singular aorist form of the verb γίνομαι (to happen/become), meaning "what happened".
Which one should you use?
While Τι έγινε is the most common way to say "what happened", the more formal verb συνέβη can be used in written or more serious contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
Ti égine
Did you know?
- The verb γίνομαι is used in Greek to describe both a natural event and the process of making something, such as a cake 'happening' or being made.
- The word Τι is a direct relative of the English word 'who' via the Proto-Indo-European root for interrogative pronouns.
- If a Greek speaker asks Τι έγινε after a long silence in a meeting, they are often asking for the final decision or the 'bottom line' rather than a chronological history.
Examples in context
- Δε θα πιστέψεις τι έγινε μετά.You won’t believe what happened next.This sentence shows the use of Τι έγινε to describe a sequence of events.Tatoeba #6997429 by janMiso, translation #6997388 by Hybrid
- Πες μου τι έγινε.Tell me what happened.This sentence uses Τι έγινε as a direct object in a request for information.Tatoeba #1414347 by enteka, translation #2444 by CK
- Άκουσα τι έγινε εψές.I heard what happened last night.This sentence uses Τι έγινε to refer to a specific past event.Tatoeba #12455089 by Iye_Tete, translation #2360792 by CK
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki sees Giorgos looking upset in the living room.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓιώργο, τι έγινε;Giorgo, ti egine?Giorgos, what happened?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧάσα τα κλειδιά μου.Chasa ta klidia mou.I lost my keys.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠού τα είχες τελευταία φορά;Pou ta eichas teleftaia fora?Where did you have them last time?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔεν το θυμάμαι καθόλου.Den to thymamai katholou.I don't remember at all.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
