How do you include the word φιλότιμο in a conversation with a Greek?

Question

If you want to say something nice about that person you talk to. Philotimo is something that you can "have" or "show" or how?

Like you can say about a person that this person "has" philotimo or this person "shows" philotimo?

Thank you!

Claudia

Answer 1

“Φιλότιμο” is an ancient Greek word.  It is a compound noun : φίλος + τιμή (friend + honor).  It translates to "love for honor", going to great extend to protect one’s honor.

In modern Greek it is the characteristic of one who is consistent with his obligations, willingly performing his duties, very conscientiously, one who avoids actions that would harm his honor, reputation, dignity, pride.

We can use it both ways:
Έχει φιλότιμο  
Δείχνει φιλότιμο

Please note that the above two forms do not have identical meanings:  The first one (έχει φιλότιμο) is stronger, it states that the person’s intentions are unquestionable, he is honorable and acts with good intentions.  The second form (δείχνει φιλότιμο) states that the person’s actions show honor.  However from this phrase alone we do not really know if he is really honorable or if he is pretending his actions.

Here are some examples :

Κάνει τη δουλειά του με πολύ φιλότιμο.

Όταν δουλεύει δείχνει πολύ φιλότιμο.

Κάνει τη δουλειά του πολύ φιλότιμα.

Comments

Thank you so much! Really, really appreciated!