Παίρνω vs Περνάω in Greek: What’s the Difference?

The Greek verbs παίρνω and περνάω may sound similar to learners, but they have completely different meanings. In this mini Greek lesson, you will learn how to use each verb correctly through simple examples from everyday conversation.

The Greek verbs παίρνω and περνάω may sound similar to learners, but they have completely different meanings. In this mini Greek lesson, you will learn how to use each verb correctly through simple examples from everyday conversation.

What does «παίρνω» mean?

The verb παίρνω usually means “to take,” “to get” or “to receive.” Its exact translation depends on the context.

Examples:

• Παίρνω ένα βιβλίο.
  I take a book.
• Παίρνω έναν καφέ.
  I get / order a coffee.
• Παίρνω το λεωφορείο κάθε πρωί.
  I take the bus every morning.
• Παίρνω ένα μήνυμα από τη Μαρία.
  I receive a message from Maria.
• Παίρνω τηλέφωνο τον φίλο μου.
  I call my friend.

In everyday Greek, παίρνω is used very frequently. You can use it when you take transportation, buy or order something, receive something or make a phone call.

What does «περνάω» mean?

The verb περνάω can mean “to pass,” “to go past,” “to go through” or “to spend time.”

Examples:

• Περνάω από το σπίτι σου.
  I pass by your house.
• Περνάω τον δρόμο.
  I cross the street.
• Περνάω πολύ χρόνο με την οικογένειά μου.
  I spend a lot of time with my family.
• Περνάω καλά στην Ελλάδα.
  I am having a good time in Greece.
• Περνάω τις εξετάσεις.
  I pass the exams.

A very useful expression is:

Περνάω καλά

This means “I have a good time” or “I am having fun.”

For example:

• Περνάς καλά στις διακοπές σου;
  Are you having a good time on your holiday?
• Περάσαμε πολύ καλά χθες.
  We had a great time yesterday.

Παίρνω or περνάω?

Compare these two sentences:

• Παίρνω το λεωφορείο.
  I take the bus.
• Το λεωφορείο περνάει από το κέντρο.
  The bus passes through the city centre.

In the first sentence, you use the bus as transportation, so you need παίρνω. In the second sentence, the bus passes through a place, so you need περνάω.

Another example:

• Παίρνω έναν καφέ.
  I get a coffee.
• Περνάω καλά με τους φίλους μου.
  I have a good time with my friends.

Quick tip

Remember:

παίρνω = take, get or receive
περνάω = pass, go through or spend time

These two common Greek verbs appear often in everyday conversations. Learning them through complete phrases will help you remember their meanings and use them more naturally.

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