ευ

[Theseus]

In what contexts do Greeks use the ancient Greek adverb εὖ? I noticed it on a website entitled Ευ Ποδηλατείν/Good Cycling. Is it used in speech? If so, could I see some examples of its usage?

 

[azimuthios]

One well known example is ευ αγωνίζεσθαι=fair play

Also: You care for your ευ ζην=You care for your well being.

 

[drsiebenmal]

Hi Theseus,

It's only used in legacy or legacy-like ad hoc made phrases, mostly having to do with mental or physical excellence, not in everyday speech.

 

[daeman]

Το ευ ζην το είχαμε, αλλά με δανεικά και άλλα ευτράπελα. Τώρα μας έμεινε το ουκ εν τω πολλώ το ευ.

Right now I can't think of an example in common speech, Theseus, except in compounds, of which there are lots of everyday words e.g. ευχαριστώ, εύκολο, ευτυχώς and many more. You can see for yourself if you search for ευ% here.

 

[Hellegennes]

I'd like to add that it's also used sarcastically on some occasions. This use is almost always obvious, where in most cases "ευ" is followed by an ancient-like infinitive (usually fake, based on modern verbs).