Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “whatever” in Greek! Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of expressing “whatever” in Greek, while also highlighting any regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying “Whatever” in Greek
When it comes to formal situations, it’s essential to use appropriate language to show respect. Here are some formal phrases you can use:
1. Ό,τι κι αν γίνει (Óti ki an géni)
This phrase translates to “whatever happens” and can be used in a variety of formal contexts. It shows a sense of acceptance and adaptability.
2. Ό,τι και να πει κάποιος (Óti kai na pi káp-ios)
Meaning “whatever someone says,” this expression is often used to emphasize that someone’s opinion or statement doesn’t matter in the current context.
Informal Ways of Saying “Whatever” in Greek
Informal situations allow for a more relaxed language style. Here are some common phrases that convey the meaning of “whatever” in a casual manner:
1. Όπως θες (Ópos thes)
This phrase translates to “as you wish” or “however you want.” It’s commonly used among friends or in a playful context to indicate a nonchalant attitude.
2. Άσ’ το (As’ to)
Meaning “leave it” or “let it be,” this phrase is often used to express indifference or to brush something off as unimportant.
3. Λες και με νοιάζει (Les ke me niázi)
Translating to “as if I care,” this phrase is used sarcastically to dismiss someone’s opinion while also expressing indifference.
Regional Variations
Greek is spoken in various regions, and sometimes different dialects or colloquial expressions can be found. Here are a couple of regional variations:
1. Μπάι (Bai)
This expression is commonly used in Northern Greece to mean “whatever” or “anything.” It’s a regional variation that you may encounter when conversing with locals from that area.
2. Οτιναναι (Otinane)
“Otinane” is a slang term borrowed from Italian used in certain areas of Greece. It is similar in meaning to “whatever” but is less commonly used than other expressions mentioned.
Tips for Using “Whatever” in Greek
Understanding the context and tone is crucial when using any expression. Here are some tips to navigate the usage of “whatever” in Greek:
- Consider the formality of the situation before choosing the appropriate phrase.
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues and the overall tone of the conversation to gauge whether an informal or formal expression is more suitable.
- When in doubt, opt for more neutral expressions like “ό,τι κι αν γίνει” (óti ki an géni) in formal contexts or “όπως θες” (ópos thes) in informal situations.
- Practice using these phrases in conversations with native Greek speakers to improve your fluency and understanding of their appropriate usage.
Examples
Let’s take a look at some examples to further clarify the usage of these expressions:
Formal Examples:
1. Ό,τι κι αν γίνει, θα επιδείξουμε ευελιξία στις διαπραγματεύσεις.
(Whatever happens, we will demonstrate flexibility in the negotiations.)
2. Ό,τι και να πει κάποιος, ας κάνουμε ό,τι πιστεύουμε ότι είναι σωστό.
(Whatever someone says, let’s do what we believe is right.)
Informal Examples:
1. Άσ’ το, δεν αξίζει τον κόπο να το σχολιάσεις.
(Leave it, it’s not worth bothering to comment on it.)
2. Λες και με νοιάζει τι του αρέσει ή όχι. Του έδωσες αυτό που ήθελες.
(As if I care about what he likes or not. You gave him what you wanted.)
Remember, the appropriate usage of these phrases is essential to convey your intended meaning effectively. Practice, listen to native speakers, and immerse yourself in the Greek language and culture to become more comfortable with these expressions and their variations.
