Η ζαριά ήταν χάλια.

to be

Breakdown of Η ζαριά ήταν χάλια.

• η ζαριά: dice roll
• χάλια: awful; badly

Questions & Answers about Η ζαριά ήταν χάλια.

What does Η mean here?

Η is the feminine singular definite article, so here it means the.

It matches ζαριά, which is a feminine singular noun.

• η ζαριά = the roll / the throw
• Compare:
  • ο = masculine the
  • η = feminine the
  • το = neuter the

So Η ζαριά is simply the roll.

What exactly does ζαριά mean?

Ζαριά usually means a throw/roll of the dice.

It comes from ζάρι (die, singular) / ζάρια (dice, plural), but ζαριά refers to the act or result of throwing them.

Depending on context, it can also have a more figurative sense, like:

• a gamble
• a risky move
• a shot

But in a basic sentence like this, the most natural meaning is the dice roll.

Why is ήταν used? Does it just mean was?