σάμπως και καταλαβαίνω;

[Theseus]

The context is about a washing machine which has broken down. Sophia, whose washing machine it is, is distraught and doesn’t know what to do, so she phones her friend, Elena. Elena’s first question is to ask whether there is a lot of damage. Then comes the phrase quoted above. It should mean ‘how do I know?’ but wouldn’t that be πώς να το ξέρω? Also to me the word καταλαβαίνω is odd The following suggestion from Elena directly after this Greek phrase is (in English): That’s why I phoned you. I need a plumber straightaway.

 

[cougr]

σάμπως και καταλαβαίνω, in a literal sense means "as if I understand".

It's a colloquial expression in Greek and doesn't always translate literally. It conveys the idea that she (Sophia) hasn't got a clue (as to whether the damage is severe or not). A more natural translation would be something along the lines of "how would I know/ how am I supposed to know" or "as if I'd know".

 

[Theseus]

Thanks, cougr! To the rescue, as so often!

 

[cougr]

It should mean ‘how do I know?’ but wouldn’t that be πώς να το ξέρω?

Yes. This is a literal rendering of "how do I know". Other possible responses in the given context could have been "πού να ξέρω/ πού θες να ξέρω.
(I was interrupted previously hence didn't include this in my initial post).

Thanks, cougr!

My pleasure.