Like and As

Level 4Sounds Like san ōs

Σαν commonly makes a comparison, while ως can mark a role or capacity.

How It Works

Σαν commonly makes a comparison, while ως can mark a role or capacity.

The distinction is useful but not absolute in all registers: σαν can also introduce a role in everyday Greek. In formal role descriptions, ως is common; case follows the noun phrase's syntactic relation.

GreekMeaning
Τρέχει σαν παιδί.He or she runs like a child.
Δουλεύει ως γιατρός.He or she works as a doctor.
Μίλησε ως εκπρόσωπος.He or she spoke as a representative.

Examples (3)

  1. Τρέχει σαν παιδί.

    He or she runs like a child.

  2. Δουλεύει ως γιατρός.

    He or she works as a doctor.

  3. Μίλησε ως εκπρόσωπος.

    He or she spoke as a representative.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Like and AsLevel 4

Learn This First

Identify the noun phrase’s role before contrasting a comparison with a stated capacity or role.

Words in This Pattern

σαν