Learn Greek › A2 › καταλαμβάνω
καταλαμβάνω
understand /ka.ta.lamˈva.no/
verbA2#567 most common
Also: comprehend, grasp, occupy
Example sentences
Καταλαβαίνω τι λες.
I understand what you are saying.
Δεν καταλαβαίνω αυτή την ερώτηση.
I do not understand this question.
Καταλαβαίνεις τη σημασία αυτού του κειμένου;
Do you understand the meaning of this text?
Αυτή η εξήγηση με βοήθησε να καταλάβω καλύτερα.
This explanation helped me understand better.
Προσπαθώ να καταλάβω πώς λειτουργεί αυτό το πρόγραμμα.
I am trying to understand how this program works.
Καταλαβαίνω ότι είναι δύσκολο, αλλά θα τα καταφέρεις.
I understand that it is difficult, but you will manage.
Declension
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | καταλαμβάνω | καταλαμβάνοντες |
| Genitive | καταλαμβάνου | καταλαμβάνων |
| Accusative | καταλαμβάνον | καταλαμβάνοντες |
| Vocative | καταλαμβάνω | καταλαμβάνοντες |
Word family
κατάληψηoccupation
καταληπτικόςunderstanding, comprehensible
καταληφθώto be understood
καταλαμβάνωto understandEtymology
The Modern Greek word 'καταλαμβάνω' meaning 'understand' is derived from Ancient Greek 'καταλαμβάνω' (katalambánō), which originally meant 'to seize, to grasp'. The prefix 'κατά-' means 'down' or 'against', and 'λαμβάνω' means 'to take' or 'to grasp'. Over time, the sense of 'grasping' something physically extended metaphorically to 'grasping' something mentally, thus leading to the meaning 'understand'.
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