ακούω — meaning in English: hear

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Guess the translation for hear

ακούω

akoúo

ενδιαφέρον

endiaferon

Δεκαπέντε

Dekapente

δομή

domi

επικοινωνία

epikoinonía

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informal very common

Usage

Native Greek speakers often use the word ακούω in everyday conversations, especially when discussing music, news, or any auditory experience. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'Ακούω τη μουσική' (I hear the music) during a lively gathering, or when asking if a friend has heard the latest gossip, 'Ακούς τι έγινε;' (Did you hear what happened?).

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to ακούω is 'ακούγομαι' (akóugomai), which generally means 'to be heard.' However, while ακούω focuses on the act of hearing from the speaker's perspective, ακούγομαι emphasizes how sound is received by others. You would choose ακούω when you want to convey your active engagement in listening.

Culture

The Greek word ακούω stems from the ancient verb 'ἀκούω', which means 'to hear' or 'to listen'. In Greek culture, listening holds significant value, especially in storytelling and music, where attentiveness to sound can enrich one's experience. Interestingly, the word has evolved in modern usage, emphasizing not just the physical act of hearing, but also the importance of being receptive to the voices and stories of others.

FAQ

Q.How do you use ακούω in a sentence?

You can use ακούω in sentences like 'Ακούω το τηλέφωνο' (I hear the phone) or 'Ακούω μουσική' (I am listening to music). It's commonly used to express your experience of sound in various contexts.

Q.Are there different forms of ακούω?

Yes, ακούω can be conjugated based on tense and subject. For example, in the past tense, it becomes 'άκουσα' (ákousa), meaning 'I heard'. Familiarizing yourself with its conjugations will help you use it correctly in different situations.

Q.What are common mistakes when using ακούω?

A common mistake is using ακούω when you mean 'listen' instead of 'hear'. In Greek, 'listen' is more accurately expressed as 'ακούω προσεκτικά' (listen carefully). Make sure to use ακούω for passive hearing and save other expressions for active listening.

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Greek Vocabulary