Breakdown of Το σφάλμα είναι μικρό, δεν πειράζει.
Questions & Answers about Το σφάλμα είναι μικρό, δεν πειράζει.
What does Το mean here, and why is it used?
Το is the definite article meaning the for neuter singular nouns.
So Το σφάλμα = the error/mistake. Greek normally uses an article where English might sometimes omit it (e.g., “Error is small” isn’t natural in English anyway).
Why is σφάλμα neuter, and does that affect anything else in the sentence?
Σφάλμα is a neuter noun by gender (a grammatical category). That affects:
- the article: το (not ο/η)
- the adjective ending: μικρό (neuter singular to match σφάλμα)
Why is it μικρό and not μικρός/μικρή?
Adjectives in Greek agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.
Since σφάλμα is neuter singular (nominative), the adjective must be μικρό (neuter singular nominative).
What is είναι exactly? Is it a verb form I should memorize?
Yes. είναι is the present tense, 3rd person singular form of είμαι = to be.
So Το σφάλμα είναι μικρό literally: The error is small.
Why is there a comma: Το σφάλμα είναι μικρό, δεν πειράζει. What’s the structure?
It’s two clauses placed side by side:
1) Το σφάλμα είναι μικρό = The error is small.
2) δεν πειράζει = it doesn’t matter / it’s fine.
Greek often uses a comma to join short, closely related clauses like this in everyday writing.
What does δεν πειράζει literally mean, and how does it work grammatically?
Literally, δεν πειράζει means it doesn’t bother/it doesn’t affect (anything).
- δεν = the standard negation word for the indicative (normal statements)
- πειράζει = 3rd person singular of πειράζω (here in the sense “bother / matter”)
In this expression it’s commonly used impersonally, like English “it’s OK / never mind.”
Does πειράζω also mean “tease”? Is this the same verb?
Yes, it’s the same verb. πειράζω can mean:
- tease (someone)
- bother / annoy
- matter (in phrases like δεν πειράζει)
Context tells you which meaning is intended. In δεν πειράζει, the meaning is almost always “it doesn’t matter / no worries.”
Could I replace σφάλμα with λάθος? Is there a difference?
Often, yes:
- λάθος is very common and everyday: Το λάθος είναι μικρό, δεν πειράζει.
- σφάλμα can sound a bit more formal/technical (like “error” rather than “mistake”), though it’s still normal Greek.
In many situations they’re interchangeable, but σφάλμα may fit better for “error” in work/technical contexts.
Is δεν πειράζει addressed to someone (like “don’t worry”), or is it just a statement?
Grammatically it’s a statement: “it doesn’t matter.”
But pragmatically it’s often used to reassure someone, similar to:
- It’s fine.
- Don’t worry about it.
- No problem.
If you specifically want “Don’t worry” as an imperative, you might also hear Μην ανησυχείς. (to one person).
How is this sentence pronounced (roughly), and where is the stress?
Stress is shown by the accent marks:
- Το σφάλμα: stress on σφάλ- (ΣΦΑΛ-μα)
- είναι: stress on εί-
- μικρό: stress on -κρό
- δεν: single-syllable
- πειράζει: stress on -ρά-
A rough phonetic guide (not exact IPA):
To SFAL-ma Í-ne mi-KRÓ, then pi-RÁ-zi.
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