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English Words in Greek You Should Know

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Happy Students Holding Their Notebooks

Did you know that learning Greek will involve coming across many familiar English words?

Well, since Greece is a member of the European Union and one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, it’s not surprising that the majority of Greeks speak fluent English. In addition, English lessons are integrated into the educational curriculum, so Greek children familiarize themselves with the language from a very young age. 

Within this context, there are many English words in Greek that are used in everyday communication. In some cases (such as when technology-related terminology is used), these borrowed English words are even preferred over their Greek equivalents. 

As technology has continued to thrive over the past few decades, a new, informal version of written—or better said, typed—Greek has emerged, widely known as Greeklish. As you might already know, Greek is not a Romance language, so being able to type in Greek using an English keyboard facilitated digital communication.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different versions of Greeklish as well as some common English words used in the Greek language. In addition, we’ll introduce you to plenty of English words which are derived from Greek.


Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Introduction to Greeklish
  2. Greeklish Examples
  3. Loanwords vs. Greeklish
  4. English Words Derived From Greek
  5. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Greeklish

‘Greeklish’ is a portmanteau word that combines the words Greek and English. This term refers to the tendency of native speakers to type Greek with Latin characters. 

The first use of Greeklish is believed to have been by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (Ε.Μ.Υ.), during times when Greek characters were not fully supported in systems or in the digital world. However, there is no official record as to when exactly Greeklish made its first appearance. 

One thing is sure, though: Greeklish has flourished among youngsters, along with the development of technology. For example, one of the first uses of Greeklish was in SMS messages, mainly due to the character restrictions. Typing in Greek would require more characters for certain vowel and consonant sounds, such as: αι > e and ντ > d. Later, the use of Greeklish expanded to all digital communications, where passing on a message quickly was more important than spelling and taking the time to accentuate words.

A Laptop, a Tablet, and Two Smartphones

We could say that there are two distinctive styles of Greeklish: 

  • Phonetic: Writing the words with Latin characters, according to the way they sound. For example, μπαμπάς > babas.
  • Spelling-based: Writing the words with Latin characters, taking into account the Greek spelling and transliterating them on a letter-by-letter basis. For example, μπαμπάς > mpampas.

However, most people who use Greeklish have a mixed style, with some words being typed according to their spelling and other words being typed according to their sound. Sometimes, even numbers are used. For example, θάλασσα > 8alassa. It’s a matter of personal preference, really.

Despite these redeeming features of Greeklish, it is perceived as a very informal method of communication and has already started to fade out significantly. This decline in popularity is largely due to various Greek forums that prohibited typing in Greeklish in an attempt to preserve the Greek language and provide quality content for their viewers. Many people supported this idea in their personal lives and raised awareness of how detrimental Greeklish could be concerning the spelling skills of young students and people in general. 

With the fading of SMS messages and the evolution of technology and communication methods, there is no longer the need to type fewer characters. And with the wide support of Greek characters across systems, there is no real excuse for choosing Latin characters over Greek ones.


2. Greeklish Examples

A Sketch of Two Hands Combining Two Puzzle Pieces

Here are a few examples of Greeklish to show you the different styles of using this informal communication method. 

  • Greek: Γεια σου, τι κάνεις;
  • Phonetic Greeklish: Ya su, ti kanis?
  • Spelling-based Greeklish: Geia sou, ti kaneis?
  • Mixed version: Gia su, t knc? 
  • Translation in English: Hello, how are you doing?
  • Greek: Είμαι καλά, εσύ;
  • Phonetic Greeklish: Ime kala, esi?
  • Spelling-based Greeklish: Eimai kala, esy?
  • Mixed version: Ime kl, esi? 
  • Translation in English: I am well, you?
  • Greek: Καλά είμαι κι εγώ. Θέλεις να πάμε αύριο για έναν καφέ?
  • Phonetic Greeklish: Kala ime ki ego. Thelis na pame avrio ya enan kafe?
  • Spelling-based Greeklish: Kala eimai ki egw. Theleis na pame aurio gia enan kafe?
  • Mixed version: Kl ime ki ego. Thelis n pame avrio gia kafe? 
  • Translation in English: I am fine, as well. Would you like to go for a coffee tomorrow?
  • Greek: Γιατί όχι. Στις επτά είναι καλά;
  • Phonetic Greeklish: Yati ohi. Stis epta ine kala?
  • Spelling-based Greeklish: Giati oxi. Stis epta einai kala?
  • Mixed version: Gt ohi. Stis epta ine kl? 
  • Translation in English: Why not. Does seven o’clock work for you?
  • Greek: Μια χαρά! Τα λέμε αύριο.
  • Phonetic Greeklish: Mia hara! Ta leme avrio.
  • Spelling-based Greeklish: Mia xara! Ta leme aurio.
  • Mixed version: Mia hara. Tlm avrio. 
  • Translation in English: Excellent! See you tomorrow.

Learn how to offer an invitation in Greek, and how to reject one politely!

3. Loanwords vs. Greeklish

A Woman within a Frame Holding a Magnifying Lens

As we said earlier, Greeklish refers to typing Greek using Latin characters. Loanwords, on the other hand, are foreign words which have been integrated into the Greek language to such an extent that they’re written with Greek letters according to how they sound.

Here is a quick list of common English words used in Greek:

LoanwordEnglish Equivalent
κέικcake
κέτσαπketchup
μπάρμπεκιουbarbeque
μπέικονbacon
σάντουιτςsandwich
τοστtoast
μπλέντερblender
πόστερposter
σέικερshaker
μπικίνιbikini
πουλόβερpullover
σορτςshorts
ινστιτούτοinstitute
μέικαπmakeup 
σουπερμάρκετsupermarket
τεστtest
καγκουρόkangaroo
γκολgoal
άουτout
οφσάιντoffside
ματςmatch
μάρκετινγκmarketing
εξπρέςexpress
λάπτοπlaptop
κομπιούτερcomputer
ίντερνετinternet
σάιτ(web)site
τάμπλετtablet
λάιτlight (low on calories)
μπάσκετbasket
βόλεϊvolley
τζιπjeep
μιούζικαλmusical
χιούμορhumor

At this point, we should note that unlike native Greek nouns, almost all of the ones above do not get inflected. They remain the same in speech regardless of whether they are singular or plural, for example.

Therefore:

Singular: το κέικPlural:  τα κέικ

Singular: το λάπτοπPlural: τα λάπτοπ

Singular: το μπλέντερPlural: τα μπλέντερ

Of course, there are hundreds of loanwords. But referencing all of them would go well beyond the scope of this article. 

Most Greek learners love these words, because they’re easy to remember and are not affected very much by Greek grammar.

4. English Words Derived From Greek

A Woman Reading a Book

There is another category of words that combine English with Greek: English words derived from the Greek language. As strange as it might seem, this category is vast and includes a wide variety of Greek words and terminologies which have been integrated into the English language. 

Here is a list of some of the most popular English words with Greek roots:

English WordOriginal Greek Word
democracyδημοκρατία (dimokratía)
EuropeΕυρώπη (Evrópi)
dinosaurδεινόσαυρος (dinósavros)
anonymousανώνυμος (anónimos)
marathonμαραθώνιος (marathónios)
melancholyμελαγχολία (melanholía)
phobiaφοβία (fovía)
psychologyψυχολογία (psiholoyía)
panicπανικός (panikós)
planetπλανήτης (planítis)
acrobatακροβάτης (akrovátis)
apologyαπολογία (apoloyía)
comedyκωμωδία (komodía)
dramaδράμα (dráma)
emphasisέμφαση (émfasi)
harmonyαρμονία (armonía)
economyοικονομία (ikonomía)
sarcasmσαρκασμός (sarkasmós)
hierarchyιεραρχία (ierarhía)
characterχαρακτήρας (haraktíras)
telephoneτηλέφωνο (tiléfono)
programπρόγραμμα (prógrama)
gastronomyγαστρονομία (gastronomía)
dialogueδιάλογος (diálogos)
epilogueεπίλογος (epílogos)
oenologyοινολογία (inoloyía)
homophobiaομοφοβία (omofovía)
etymologyετυμολογία (etimoloyía)
asteroidαστεροειδής (asteroidís)
planetariumπλανητάριο (planitário)
utopiaουτοπία (utopía)
photographyφωτογραφία (fotografía)
zoologyζωολογία (zooloyía)
biologyβιολογία (violoyía)
astronomyαστρονομία (astronomía)
telescopeτηλεσκόπιο (tileskópio)
anarchyαναρχία (anarhía)
architectureαρχιτεκτονική (arhitektonikí)
technologyτεχνολογία (tehnoloyía)

In fact, there are so many words of Greek origin in the English language that it’s possible to write large texts—or even entire speeches—in English using almost entirely words of Greek origin. A good example of this is the speech of Mr. Xenophon Zolotas in 1957, who was then the director of the Bank of Greece.

Curious to learn more? You can read an article about this historical speech online.

Conclusion

If you’ve reached this point, we’re sure that you’re already amazed by the influence these two languages have had on each other. The most surprising fact is that there are so many Greek words in the English language that, as you can see now, they could be used to create an entire speech!

Many learners of Greek are pleased to know that there are so many familiar words in the Greek language. This definitely makes things easier for novice learners, who tend to get disappointed by the complexity of Greek grammar and spelling. 

On the other hand, Greeklish might seem a viable solution for those who just want to chat casually in Greek. But remember that this peculiar tendency is clearly fading out as the years pass by. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend using Greeklish (except with really close friends), as it might give a bad impression and, in some cases, even be considered disrespectful. 

At GreekPod101.com, we aim to provide you with everything you need to learn the Greek language in a fun and interesting way. Stay tuned for more articles like this one, word lists, grammar tips, and even YouTube videos, which are waiting for you to discover them!

You can also upgrade to Premium PLUS and take advantage of our MyTeacher program to learn Greek with your own personal teacher, who will answer any questions you might have!

In the meantime, can you think of any other English words that derive from Greek? Let us know in the comments section!

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A Brief Overview of Greek Culture

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The culture of Greece has evolved over thousands of years. From Cycladic and Minoan civilizations to modern Greek society, each period has shaped and left its footprint on Greek culture as we know it today. 

On this page, we’ll explore some of the most important aspects of Greek culture, including philosophy, religion, art, and traditional holidays. Keep reading to enter the fascinating world of modern Greek culture.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Philosophy & Religion
  2. Family & Work
  3. Art
  4. Food
  5. Holidays & Observances
  6. Conclusion

1. Philosophy & Religion

A Greek Orthodox Chapel in Santorini

Philosophy and religion play a huge role in Greek culture and traditions. Becoming familiar with these aspects of Greek society will not only immerse you in the culture, but also boost your language learning! 

A- Ancient Greek Philosophers

Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and so many others… Ancient Greeks showcased a clear tendency toward philosophy, which emerged from their urge to understand the world around them as well as the meaning of life. Ancient Greek philosophy rose around the sixth century BC and continued to flourish throughout the Hellenistic period. This set the basis for the early development of different sciences, including astronomy, mathematics, physics, and biology. 

B- Greek Orthodox Church

Most Greeks identify as Orthodox Christians and this highly influences the society as a whole. Nearly every Greek village has its own church, which also serves as a meeting point for the villagers. There are also plenty of chapels on top of mountains and on the edge of cliffs, offering spectacular views. If you have the chance to visit a Greek church or chapel, please feel free to do so regardless of your beliefs or religion. Just make sure to wear conservative clothing—no shorts or trousers, and not showing too much skin. 


2. Family & Work

Greek culture values family, which is an integral part of the social structure in Greece. Family members develop very strong bonds—even members of the extended family can be found around the house. Children are expected to care for their elderly parents and usually live nearby (or even in the same house), even if they have their own family. Greeks tend to be very proud of their heritage, and the family offers psychological and economic support throughout their lives. 

On the other hand, interactions in the workplace are similar to those of other European countries. Worklife normally involves eight-hour shifts five days a week. Many people are working or investing in the tourism sector, which is the most important industry in the country. 

Nevertheless, Greece underwent a major economic crisis from 2007 to 2009, resulting in a dramatic reduction of the standard monthly wage. For the past several years, Greece has been taking consistent steps toward increasing the standard wage and creating a favorable economic environment for investments. 


3. Art

The arts thrived in Ancient Greece. Back then, minimalism was prominent—for example, thin lines and geometrical patterns were very popular. And this was just the start, since Greek civilization eventually gave birth to Western civilization. Even today, many Greek art pieces have managed to sneak their way into art-lovers’ hearts. Let’s explore some of the most famous Greek art pieces of all time!

A- Αρχιτεκτονική (Arhitektonikí) – “Architecture”

A Photo of the Parthenon

When you hear ‘Greek architecture,’ the first thing that probably comes to your mind is “The Parthenon” in the Acropolis of Athens. Indeed, η Ακρόπολη της Αθήνας (i Akrópoli tis Athínas), or “the Acropolis of Athens,” is an ancient town at the highest level of the city and it serves as the cornerstone of Greek architecture. People from all over the world come to Greece to admire it. We can say with all certainty that this is the most famous sample of Ancient Greek architecture.

Other, more contemporary pieces of Greek architecture are the traditional white houses with blue shades of the Greek Aegean islands. This is where the sea meets the sky. These homes are minimal and iconic at the same time.     

B- Γλυπτική (Gliptikí) – “Sculpting”

Of all surviving art from Ancient Greece, the sculptures are most prominent today. Try finding a large museum in Europe with zero ancient Greek sculptures in it—believe me, it’s harder than it looks!

Some of the most famous Greek sculptures include: 


C- Ζωγραφική (Zografikí) – “Painting” 

While painting did flourish in Ancient Greece, the natural substances that were used as paints faded over the years. As a result, the surviving collection of Greek paintings is a bit smaller.

One of the most important collections, which was able to withstand the wear and tear of time, consists of the Minoan frescoes. These pieces, painted on walls, mainly represent aspects of everyday Minoan life. To this day, you can admire some of the oldest samples of Greek painting within the Minoan Palace, as well as in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

In addition, you might have heard of these famous Greek painters: 


D- Λογοτεχνία (Logotehnía) & Ποίηση (Píisi) – “Literature & Poetry”

Greek literature dates back to the ancient times, spanning from 800 BC until today. Epic poems, such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, make up a great portion of early Greek literary masterpieces.

Later on, many Greek writers gained worldwide fame. One of the most important Greek writers was certainly Odysseas Elytis, a representative of romantic modernism who won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979. Before him, the prominent poet Giorgos Seferis made history in 1963 by becoming the first Greek to win the Nobel Prize. Seferis is largely known for his poems, many of which were influenced by Hellenism and his love for Greece. He also composed a few works of prose, most of which were published posthumously. 

Poet C.P. Cavafy became famous worldwide for his poem Ιθάκη (Itháki), or “Ithaca,” and Dionysios Solomos is considered Greece’s national poet. The first two verses of Solomos’s poem Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν (Ímnos is tin Eleftherían), or “Hymn to Freedom,” later became the national anthem of Greece and Cyprus.

Other famous Greek writers include: 


E- Θέατρο (Théatro) – “Theatre”

Ancient Greek Theatre in Ephesus

Love of theatre is one of the most popular characteristics of Greek culture, and for good reason: the Greek culture is a theatrical one.

It all began with Ancient Greek drama, which consisted of two genres: tragedy and comedy. This form of theatre reached its peak around 500 BC. By the way, did you know that the word “tragedy” is derived from the Greek word τραγωδία (tragodía)? Well, now that you do, let’s take a look at this unique form of performing arts. 

Ancient Greeks thought highly of the power of speech. Therefore, they combined speech with movement and singing to create an influential form of drama. Most tragedies are based upon myths and their main characteristic is catharsis—the purification of emotions that spectators experience at some point during the performance. 

The most famous playwrights of this genre were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Many of their works are still being performed today in theatres of all kinds, even in Ancient Greek theatres. 

However, Greek theatre wasn’t all about drama. Aristophanes was a famous Ancient Greek comic playwright, today considered to be the “Father of Comedy” and one of the best-known early satirists. Some of his most popular plays include The Women at the Thesmophoria Festival and The Frogs.

When you visit Greece, you should definitely search for any plays being performed in Ancient Greek theatres, such as Epidaurus or the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It will be a unique experience in terms of location and acoustics. The summer is the best time to do this. 

4. Food

A Plate of Traditional Greek Souvlaki

Oh, the Greek cuisine…!

Greek culture and food go hand in hand.

When fresh vegetables meet local cheese, meat, and olive oil, something magical happens. Greek cuisine is an acknowledged representative of the broader Mediterranean cuisine. The most popular Greek dishes include:

  • παστίτσιο (pastítsio)
  • μουσακάς (musakás)
  • φασολάδα (fasoláda
  • γεμιστά (yemistá)
  • σουβλάκι (suvláki)

In Greece, you can taste all of the above at nearly any ταβέρνα (tavérna), or restaurant with Greek cuisine. Greeks love to eat along with their family and friends. Therefore, they often meet and enjoy drinking some ούζο (úzo) or τσίπουρο (tsípuro), accompanied by a variety of Greek delicacies, known as μεζέδες (mezédes)—small dishes of traditional Greek food.

Have you ever eaten or heard of any of these traditional Greek foods? 

If you want to learn more about Greek cuisine, check out our relevant blog post. 

5. Holidays & Observances

A Greek Flag with Santorini Island in the Background

Greeks don’t miss any chance to spend public holidays with their friends and family. The two most important Greek holidays are:

  • Revolution Day (March 25)

    After nearly 400 years under Ottoman rule and an almost decade-long revolution, Greece finally became an independent country on February 3, 1830. The Greek Revolution that began on March 25, 1821, is one of the most important chapters of Greek history and it’s celebrated across the country. Interestingly, the Greeks don’t celebrate their independence as there is no public holiday to commemorate the events of February 3, 1830.

    March 25 is a national holiday for Greeks, meaning that the schools are closed. Nevertheless, on the business day immediately before that, each school organizes a feast with songs, poems, short school plays, and traditional dances. Each classroom is decorated with laurel wreaths and small Greek flags as a sign of patriotism. 

    Here is the slogan of the Greek Revolution, which is often included in various acts of the celebration. 

    Greek: Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος!
    Romanization: Elefthería í Thánatos!
    Translation: “Freedom or Death!”

    Since religion is an integral part of Greek culture, we should mention that March 25 is also a religious holiday where the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel.

  • Ohi Day (October 28)

    On October 28, 1940, Ioannis Metaxas—the dictator of Greece at that time—refused the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This was the start of a Greek-Italian war, which marked Greece’s involvement in World War II. The word ΌXI (ÓHI), or “NO” in uppercase letters, is iconic for Greeks as it represents Metaxas’s refusal.

    This is another national holiday, also commemorated in schools one day before. It celebrates the courage of Greeks to resist, a trait which is often praised in the celebrations. 

6. Conclusion

Greek culture is rich, and we couldn’t possibly cover all its aspects in a single lesson. However, we hope that you’re now a step closer to understanding Greek culture as well as the traits of modern Greek society. 

At GreekPod101.com, we aim to combine cultural insight with useful Greek language materials in order to create a well-rounded approach to language learning. 

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting for you! 

Before you go, let us know in the comments how Greek culture compares to that in your country. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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A Journey Through Authentic Greek Food

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Finding the right words to describe Greek cuisine is almost impossible. You just need to taste it for yourself—we’re sure that you’ll be amazed! In this article, we’ll help you find your own words to describe iconic Greek dishes and unique Greek food items. 

All traditional Greek foods are based on the Mediterranean diet, usually containing fresh vegetables, pasta, cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Greek foods are full of flavor since they often include onion, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. Although Greek cuisine is not spicy, its rich taste will certainly surprise you.

Of course, there are many unique vocabulary words associated with Greek cuisine, so keep reading if you want to know exactly what to order (and how to order it) during your next visit.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Let's Cook in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Must-Try Traditional Greek Dishes
  2. Unique Greek Products
  3. Authentic Greek Gyros vs. Overseas Gyros
  4. Food-Related Vocabulary
  5. Simple Recipes to Make Authentic Greek Food at Home
  6. Conclusion

1. Must-Try Traditional Greek Dishes

Imagine that you’re at a traditional Greek taverna, browsing through a handwritten menu made with love. These are some of the most popular Greek dishes you should definitely try!

  • Greek: μουσακάς (ο)
  • Romanization: musakás
  • Ingredients: eggplant, potato, ground meat, béchamel

When fresh eggplants and potatoes meet frizzled, fatless ground beef with spices, something magical happens. Add a smooth béchamel sauce, sprinkle with grated cheese, and…perfection! 

This dish consists of thin layers of fried eggplants and potatoes, which are placed inside a deep tray. Then, a ground beef sauce is poured on top in order to gently cover all empty spots. Last, but not least, a béchamel sauce is added and grated cheese is sprinkled on before the tray goes into the oven. There it will stay until the top turns golden brown. 

The result is a real treat for your taste buds!

  • Greek: παστίτσιο (το)
  • Romanization: pastítsio
  • Ingredients: bucatini pasta, grounded graviera cheese, ground meat, tomato sauce, béchamel

This dish might seem very similar to μουσακάς, but it’s a whole different world of deliciousness. In this case, layers of pasta replace the eggplant and potato. The top is filled with béchamel and the tray finally goes in the oven.

Greek: φασολάδα (η)
Romanization: fasoláda
Ingredients: white beans, carrots, tomatoes, celery, onion

Φασολάδα is a rich and highly nutritious soup, containing local white beans and fresh vegetables. When boiled to perfection, the beans are soft and add a unique thickness to the soup. Φασολάδα is a staple of modern Greek cuisine, with many Greek families eating it quite often (especially religious families during the Great Lent).

Traditional Greek Stuffed Vegetables

Photo by Badseed, under CC BY-SA 3.0

  • Greek: γεμιστά (τα)
  • Romanization: yemistá
  • Ingredients: glutinous rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, herbs, onion, minced meat (optional)

The word γεμιστά actually means “stuffed.” This traditional Greek dish consists of stuffed tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes even zucchini, which are stuffed with rice, herbs, and (optionally) minced meat. The stuffed vegetables are baked in the oven and are often served with oven-baked potatoes.

  • Greek: στιφάδο (το)
  • Romanization: stifádo
  • Ingredients: rabbit meat, pearl onions, tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon

This dish is really special. Rabbit and glazed, sweet little pearl onions will surely surprise your mouth. All of this is in a thin tomato sauce which covers each precious bite. With its strong flavor, this dish will surely remind you of French cuisine.

2. Unique Greek Products

The ingredients of Greek cuisine play the most important role in a dish’s end result. Greece is blessed to produce some of the purest organic vegetables, olive oils, and of course the most exclusive Greek product: feta cheese

Let’s take a closer look…

 A Small Bowl Full of Olive Oil
  • Greek: ελαιόλαδο
  • Romanization: eleólado
  • Translation: “olive oil”

Greek olive oil is praised worldwide and many producers have won several international competitions for the taste and purity of their olive oil. It’s not a coincidence that Ancient Greeks used to massage their body and hair with olive oil, which was used as a natural remedy for the skin.

A Close-up Image of Two Green Olives on a Branch
  • Greek: ελιά
  • Romanization: eliá
  • Translation: “olive”

An exquisite oil is always produced from high-quality raw materials. Greek olive oil comes from some of the most tasteful olives in the Mediterranean. 

In fact, the olive tree was considered sacred in Ancient Greece. According to the local mythology, a contest between Athena and Poseidon to determine who would become Athens’ protector, resulted in the creation of the first olive tree.

Moreover, an olive wreath was the prize of the Ancient Greek Olympic Games. The winner wore this wreath on their head, enjoying one of the most prestigious moments of their life. 

A Slice of Feta Cheese
  • Greek: φέτα
  • Romanization: féta
  • Translation: “feta cheese”

Feta cheese is a semi-soft (or semi-hard) white cheese soaked in brine. In 2002, the European Commission recognized φέτα as a protected designation of origin product. Thus, nowadays, you may find authentic Greek feta only in the European market.

This cheese works wonders in salads, although it’s often offered as an appetizer. In some places of Greece, it may also be fried and served with local honey. If you want a taste of Greek cuisine and have the chance to try this, don’t miss it!

A Carafe and Glass of Greek Ouzo Alcohol Spirit
  • Greek: ούζο
  • Romanization: úzo
  • Translation: “ouzo” traditional drink with alcohol

Ούζο is one of the most iconic alcoholic Greek drinks. It’s an aromatic, anise-flavored apéritif which is perfectly paired with seafood and small Greek appetizers called μεζέδες (mezédes), or “mezze.” It’s usually served with ice, and many locals dilute it with some water due to its strong taste and alcohol content.

3. Authentic Greek Gyros vs. Overseas Gyros

A Greek Gyro Dish
  • Greek: γύρος
  • Romanization: yíros
  • Translation: “Greek gyros” dish

Gyros is often thought to be Greece’s national dish!

In reality, gyros is only the most popular Greek fast-food item. The national dish of Greece is the white bean soup that we saw above. Gyros is either served on a plate or within a warm pita bread, along with onion, tomato, fried potatoes, and tzatziki sauce. 

In various countries abroad, many Greek restaurants offer gyros. However, more often than not, its flavor differs from that of the gyros in Greece. Originally, it’s made of thinly sliced or shaved pork or chicken meat that has been roasting in a vertical rotisserie—a roasting style that’s not very common outside of Greece. The meat quality, cut of meat, and seasoning also play important roles in giving Greek gyros its distinct taste and texture.

4. Food-Related Vocabulary

Here are some useful vocabulary words and phrases to help you describe your experience with Greek food: 

  • Greek: μαγειρεύω
  • Romanization: mayirévo
  • Translation: “to cook”
  • Greek: ελληνική κουζίνα
  • Romanization: elinikí kuzína
  • Translation: “Greek cuisine”
  • Greek: αλμυρό
  • Romanization: almiró
  • Translation: “savory” / “salty”
  • Greek: γλυκό (το) / γλυκό
  • Romanization: glikó
  • Translation: “dessert” / “sweet”
  • Greek: Θα ήθελα μια χωριάτικη σαλάτα, παρακαλώ.
  • Romanization: Tha íthela mia horiátiki saláta, parakaló.
  • Translation: “I would like a Greek salad, please.”
  • Greek: Η μπριζόλα συνοδεύεται από ρύζι ή από πατάτες;
  • Romanization: I brizóla sinodévete apó rízi í apó patátes?
  • Translation: “Does the steak come with rice or french fries?”

Do you want to expand your vocabulary a bit more?

We‘ve got you covered with our food-related vocab lists:


5. Simple Recipes to Make Authentic Greek Food at Home

You don’t need to be a chef to enjoy Greek food! 

Organize a Greek-themed night at home, ideally with a good Greek movie. Below, we’ll show you how to make Greek food at home! We’ve chosen two extra-simple yet tasty authentic Greek dishes we’re sure you’ll love.

A Bowl of Tzatziki

Photo by Nikodem Nijaki, under CC BY-SA 3.0

  • Greek: τζατζίκι
  • Romanization: tzatzíki
  • Ingredients: 2 medium cloves of garlic, 300g Greek yogurt, 1 cucumber, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice, dill, salt, pepper
  • Recipe: Chop and smash the two cloves of garlic in a mortar. Grate the cucumber and add 1 tbsp of vinegar and some salt. Squeeze the cucumber with paper towels to drain its juices. Doing this ensures that the tzatziki won’t be too watery. In a bowl, add the Greek yogurt, the grated and drained cucumber, some freshly chopped dill, olive oil, a tbsp of vinegar, and some salt and pepper.
  • Bonus Tip: Serve it with french fries or pita bread, and you won’t regret it!

Traditional Greek Salad
  • Greek: χωριάτικη σαλάτα
  • Romanization: horiátiki saláta
  • Translation: rustic salad (also known as Greek salad)
  • Ingredients: 1 tomato, 1 red onion, 1 cucumber, 1 green pepper, 100g feta cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, olive oil
  • Recipe: Cut the vegetables into medium-sized pieces, according to your preferences. Season with a lot of olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add some cubes (or even a slice) of feta cheese on top.

6. Conclusion

I don’t know about you, but writing this article has made my mouth water!

Or, as we say in Greek: 

  • Greek: Μου τρέχουν τα σάλια!
  • Romanization: Mu tréhun ta sália!
  • Translation: “I’m drooling!” (Literally: “My saliva is running!”)

Of course, Greek cuisine is vast and we couldn’t possibly include everything. That said, we really tried to give you a well-rounded “taste.”  

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting to be discovered.

In the meantime, have you tried any of these dishes? What’s your favorite Greek food?

Let us know in the comments below!

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An Easy-Breezy Greek Grammar Overview

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Grammar books usually consist of endless pages of rules and exceptions…so we’ve decided to make everything simpler for you!

In this overview of modern Greek grammar, we’ll introduce you to the very basics of Greek grammar, from vocabulary to cases. Therefore, if you’re contemplating learning Greek, then you’ve come to the right place!

In the following sections, you’ll find all of the basic grammar principles of the Greek language so you can start your language learning off on the right foot.  

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. General Rules
  2. Verbs
  3. Nouns & Articles
  4. Adjectives
  5. Adverbs
  6. Conclusion

1. General Rules

A Happy Student Wearing a Graduation Hat

We’ve got some good news for you!

Greek grammar shares some similarities with English grammar: 

  • Both languages use the same types of words
  • Both languages have a similar sentence structure

That being said, let’s explore these similarities in the following sections! 

1 – Vocabulary

Just like the English language, Greek features the following word types:

  • Nouns
    η γάτα i gáta – “the cat
  • Articles
    η γάτα – i gáta – “the cat”
  • Adjectives
    η μικρή γάτα – i mikrí gáta – “the small cat”
  • Verbs
    Εγώ τρέχω. – Egó trého. – “I run.”
  • Pronouns
    Εγώ τρέχω. – Egó trého.- “I run.”
  • Adverbs
    Εγώ τρέχω γρήγορα. –  Egó trého grígora. – “I run fast.”
  • Conjunctions / Linking Words
    Εγώ έχω έναν σκύλο και μία γάτα. – Egó ého énan skílo ke mía gáta. – “I have a dog and a cat.”
  • Prepositions
    Εγώ είμαι από την Ελλάδα. – Egó íme apó tin Elláda. – “I am from Greece.”

If you feel like expanding your vocabulary, check out our dedicated articles:

Customize your learning process by creating your own Word Bank, where you can categorize new words and even print them out!

2 – Sentence Structure

Both languages generally follow the SVO pattern (Subject-Verb-Object) when forming sentences. This is something that spurs many people forward with their plans to learn Greek and encourages those who have recently started. If you create your free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com, you’ll be able to create your first simple sentences from Lesson 1.

A Girl Reading a Book
Greek: Η Μαρία διαβάζει ένα βιβλίο.
Romanization: I María diavázi éna vivlío.
Translation:Maria reads a book.”
Subject – Who?
Η Μαρία
Verb – Action
διαβάζει
Object – What?
ένα βιβλίο.

If you want to learn more, check out our Word Order article, where you’ll find extended analyses of the SVO pattern, along with some other less-common sentence patterns. 

2. Verbs

A chapter that every Greek language learner struggles to master is verb conjugations. You see, according to the Greek verb system, verbs in Greek conjugate based on the subject of the sentence, the tense, and the mood.

1 – Tenses

The tenses of Greek verbs are:

  • Present: A continuing action, something happening continuously or repeatedly, a general truth,  or something that is in the process of happening. – It corresponds to the present simple and present continuous.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ μαγειρεύω κάθε μέρα.
    Romanization: Egó mayirévo káthe méra.
    Translation: “I cook every day.”
  • Aorist: An action that happened in the past. Provides no information on how long it took, or whether the results are still in effect. – It corresponds to the past simple.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ μαγείρεψα χθες.
    Romanization: Egó mayírepsa hthes.
    Translation: “I cooked yesterday.”
  • Imperfect: An action that happened in the past for a long period of time or in a repetitive way. – It corresponds to the past continuous.

    Example:
    Greek: Την προηγούμενη εβδομάδα, εγώ μαγείρευα κάθε μέρα.
    Romanization: Tin proigúmeni evdomáda, egó mayíreva káthe méra.
    Translation: “Last week, I was cooking every day.”
Two Children Cooking
  • Future simple: An action that will take place once or momentarily in the future.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ θα μαγειρέψω αύριο.
    Romanization: Egó tha mayιrépso ávrio.
    Translation: “I will cook tomorrow.”
  • Future continuous: An action that will take place in the future continuously, repeatedly, or for a long time period. 

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ θα μαγειρεύω κάθε μέρα.
    Romanization: Egó tha mayιrévo káthe méra.
    Translation: “I will be cooking every day.”
  • Present perfect: An action that has already taken place.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ έχω μαγειρέψει.
    Romanization: Egó ého mayιrépsi.
    Translation: “I have cooked.”
  • Past perfect: An action that happened in the past before another action or at a certain time in the past.

    Example:
    Greek: Μέχρι τις 2 μ.μ, εγώ είχα μαγειρέψει.
    Romanization: Μéhri tis dío (metá mesimvrían) egó íha mayιrépsi.
    Translation: “By 2 p.m. I had cooked.”
  • Future perfect: An action that will have taken place in the future by a certain time point.

    Example:
    Greek: Μέχρι τις 2 μ.μ, θα έχω μαγειρέψει.
    Romanization: Μéhri tis dío (metá mesimvrías) egó tha ého mayιrépsi.
    Translation: “By 2 p.m. I will have cooked.”

2 – Moods

Are you in the mood for some more in-depth knowledge?

As we have already mentioned, Greek verbs conjugate according to the mood, as well. 

Here are the five moods of Greek verbs, along with examples of what they look like:

  • Indicative mood: Presents the action or the event as something certain or real (e.g. an objective fact).

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ μαγειρεύω κάθε μέρα.
    Romanization: Egó mayirévo káthe méra.
    Translation: “I cook every day.”
  • Subjunctive mood: Presents the action or the event as something wanted, expected, or wished for.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ θέλω να μαγειρεύω κάθε μέρα.
    Romanization: Egó thélo na mayirévo káthe méra.
    Translation: “I want to cook every day.”
  • Imperative mood: May express a command (order), request, or desire.

    Example:
    Greek: Mαγείρεψε τώρα!
    Romanization: Mayírepse tóra!
    Translation: “Cook now!”
  • The participle:

    – The uninflected form has an adverbial function and may indicate time, manner, cause, condition, etc.

    Example:
    Greek: Ο χρόνος περνάει γρήγορα μαγειρεύοντας.
    Romanization: O hrónos pernái grígora mayirévodas.
    Translation: “Time passes by quickly while cooking.”

    – The inflected form has the function of an adjective, so it needs to agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it defines. It corresponds to the past participle when used on its own in speech.

    Example:
    Greek: Το κρέας είναι μαγειρεμένο.
    Romanization: To kréas íne mayireméno.
    Translation: “The meat is cooked.”
  • The infinitive: Uninflected form. Not to be confused with the English infinitive. The Greek infinitive is used for the formation of certain tenses: present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect. It corresponds to the past participle when used as part of the verb in the aforementioned tenses.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ έχω μαγειρέψει.
    Romanization: Egó ého mayιrépsi.
    Translation: “I have cooked.”

    Greek: Μέχρι τις 2 μ.μ, εγώ είχα μαγειρέψει.
    Romanization: Μéhri tis dío (metá mesimvrían) egó íha mayιrépsi.
    Translation: “By 2 p.m. I had cooked.”

    Greek: Μέχρι τις 2 μ.μ, θα έχω μαγειρέψει.
    Romanization: Μéhri tis dío (metá mesimvrían) egó tha ého mayιrépsi.
    Translation: “By 2 p.m. I will have cooked.”

3. Nouns & Articles

Nouns and articles are another important aspect of Greek grammar. They are gendered and get declined according to each case.

1 – Gender

In Greek grammar, gender is a way of classifying nouns, and this system certainly perplexes many new Greek learners. All Greek nouns are assigned to one of three genders:

Many Different Pets
  • Masculine – e.g. ο σκύλος – o skílos – “the dog”
  • Feminine – e.g. η γάτα – i gáta – “the cat”
  • Neuter – e.g. το ποντίκι – to pondíki – “the mouse”

As you might have already noticed, there are also different articles for each gender category. Generally, the articles should match the gender of the noun. 

Check out our Greek Word of the Day and expand your vocabulary! Learning a new word each day along with its article will quickly familiarize you with this concept.

2 – Cases

Moreover, nouns change their suffixes according to their placement within a sentence. Therefore, there are four cases:

  • Nominative: In this case, the noun is the subject or predicate of the sentence.

    Example:
    Greek: Ο σκύλος τρέχει.
    Romanization: O skílos tréhi.
    Translation: “The dog is running.”

    Greek: Αυτό είναι ένας σκύλος.
    Romanization: Aftó íne énas skílos.
    Translation: “This is a dog.”
  • Genitive: This case is typically used to express possession or indirect objects, among other things.

    Example:
    Greek: Η μπάλα του σκύλου είναι κόκκινη.
    Romanization: I bála tu skílu íne kókkini.
    Translation: “The dog’s ball is red.”
  • Accusative: Here, the noun is typically the object of the sentence or part of a prepositional phrase.

    Example:
    Greek: Εγώ χαϊδεύω τον σκύλο.
    Romanization: Egó haidévo ton skílo.
    Translation: “I pet the dog.”

    Greek: Η μπάλα είναι για τον σκύλο.
    Romanization: I bála íne ya ton skílo.
    Translation: “The ball is for the dog.”
  • Vocative: This is used when addressing someone or something. 

    Example:
    Greek: Σκύλε, κάτσε!
    Romanization: Skíle, kátse!
    Translation: “Dog, sit!”

4. Adjectives

Like in English, adjectives are usually placed before the noun. 

Example:
Greek: ο μικρός σκύλος.
Romanization: o mikrós skílos
Translation: “the small dog”

However, adjectives get declined according to the gender of the noun they refer to, as well as the number and the case. 

Example:
Greek: η μικρή γάτα
Romanization: i mikrí gáta
Translation: “the small cat”

Greek: η ουρά της μικρής γάτας  
Romanization: i urá tis mikrís gátas
Translation: “the tail of the small cat”

Greek: οι μικρές γάτες  
Romanization: i mikrés gátes
Translation: “the small cats”

5. Adverbs

We saved this category for last, because…guess what?! Adverbs in Greek don’t get inflected! These words remain the same, regardless of the way they’re used in speech.

A Girl Hugging a Dog

Generally, adverbs are placed either right after the verb or at the end of the sentence.

Example:
Greek: Ο σκύλος τρέχει γρήγορα.
Romanization: O skílos tréhi grígora.
Translation: “The dog is running fast.”

6. Conclusion

That’s (almost) all, folks!

Sure, there’s so much more to analyze about Greek grammar! Whole books are written for that purpose!

However, this wasn’t our intention here. We simply wanted to introduce you to the basic Greek grammar principles so you can start making sense of it right from the beginning.

Greek is a wonderful language and, although the grammar may seem a bit complicated, we’re sure you are going to master it in no time! 

Start learning Greek today for free and discover our many articles, vocabulary lists, and YouTube videos

Before you go, let us know in the comments which aspect of Greek grammar is most challenging for you so far. We’d love to hear from you and help you out with anything you’re struggling with.

Happy Greek learning!

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Popular Sayings & Quotes in Greek

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Quotes are an essential part of every language, as they demonstrate how the local people perceive important things about life. With this in mind, we’ve prepared for you a comprehensive blog post on the most popular sayings and quotes in Greek.

Take a step closer to the Greek language and culture, and start using these quotes today.


Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Quotes About Success
  2. Quotes About Life
  3. Quotes About Time
  4. Quotes About Love
  5. Quotes About Family
  6. Quotes About Friendship
  7. Quotes About Food
  8. Quotes About Health
  9. Quotes About Language Learning
  10. Conclusion

1. Quotes About Success

A Happy Student Who Earned an A on an Essay

Who doesn’t want to be successful? Raise your hands, please!

Oh, I thought so… Anybody?

Here are some quotes about success in Greek to motivate you in your everyday life:

  • Greek: Για να πετύχεις στη ζωή χρειάζεσαι δύο πράγματα: άγνοια και αυτοπεποίθηση.
  • Romanization: Ya na petíhis sti zoí hriázese dío prágmata: ágnia ke aftopepíthisi.
  • Translation: “To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”
  • Greek: Έχω αποτύχει ξανά και ξανά και ξανά στη ζωή μου και αυτός είναι ο λόγος που πετυχαίνω.
  • Romanization: Ého apotíhi xaná ke xaná ke xaná sti zoí mu ke aftós íne o lógos pu petihéno.
  • Translation: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
  • Greek: Επιτυχημένος είναι ο άνθρωπος που μπορεί να θέσει σταθερά θεμέλια με τα τούβλα που οι άλλοι έχουν πετάξει πάνω του.
  • Romanization: Epitihiménos íne o ánthropos pu borí na thési statherá themélia me ta túvla pu i áli éhun petáxi páno tu.
  • Translation: “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Intrigued to learn more? Check out our vocabulary list of the Top 11 Quotes About Success in Greek

2. Quotes About Life

A Group of Students Smiling

Many ancient Greek philosophers have studied life and developed many theories about our whole existence. But this was just the beginning. Since then, many people worldwide have tried to decrypt the miracle of life from their point of view.

Here are some meaningful quotes in Greek concerning the phenomenon of life:   

  • Greek: Γίνε εσύ η αλλαγή που θες να δεις στον κόσμο.
  • Romanization: Yíne esí i alayí pu thes na dis ston kósmo.
  • Translation: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
  • Greek: Η ευτυχία δεν είναι κάτι που παίρνουμε έτοιμο. Έρχεται μέσα από τις δικές μας πράξεις.
  • Romanization: Ι eftihía den íne káti pu pérnume étimo. Érhete mésa apó tis dikés mas práxis.
  • Translation: “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
  • Greek: Δεν έχει σημασία το πόσο αργά προχωράς, αρκεί να μη σταματήσεις.
  • Romanization: Den éhi simasía to póso argá prohorás, arkí na mi stamatísis.
  • Translation: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

If you need another dose of motivation, check out our full vocabulary list on the Top 10 Inspirational Quotes in Greek!

3. Quotes About Time

A Clock Showing Ten O’clock

Time passes by…even while you’re reading this blog post! Moments are gone forever and become precious memories. 

Below, you can find some of the most popular quotes about time in Greek:

  • Greek: Μην αφήνετε να περνά ο χρόνος χωρίς να βιώνετε τις στιγμές.
  • Romanization: Min afínete na perná o hrónos horís na viónete tis stigmés.
  • Translation: “Don’t let time pass by without living the moments.”
  • Greek: Μια αστραπή η ζωή μας, μα προλαβαίνουμε.
  • Romanization: Mia astrapí i zoí mas, ma prolavénume.
  • Translation: “Our life is (like) lightning, but we’re catching up.”
  • Greek: Το πρόβλημα είναι ότι νομίζετε πως έχετε χρόνο.
  • Romanization: To próvlima íne óti nomízete pos éhete hróno.
  • Translation: “The problem is that you think you have time.”

4. Quotes About Love

Four People Making a Heart Sign with Their Hands in the Air

Oh love… What’s more beautiful in this life than love?

Greek culture is purely based on loving each other: your family, your friends, your partners, and even your acquaintances. 

Here are some popular quotes about love in Greek:

  • Greek: Το να αγαπάς δεν είναι τίποτα. Το να σε αγαπούν είναι κάτι. Αλλά το να αγαπάς και να σε αγαπούν είναι τα πάντα.
  • Romanization: To na agapás den íne típota. To na se agapún íne káti. Alá to na agapás ke na se agapún íne ta pánda.
  • Translation: “To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to love and be loved is everything.”
  • Greek: Είμαι πιο πολύ ο εαυτός μου όταν είμαι μαζί σου.
  • Romanization: Íme pio polí o eaftós mu ótan íme mazí su.
  • Translation: “I’m much more me when I’m with you.”
  • Greek: Σ’ ευχαριστώ που πάντα είσαι το ουράνιο τόξο μου μετά την καταιγίδα.
  • Romanization: S’ efharistó pu pánda íse to uránio tóxo mu metá tin kateyída.
  • Translation: “Thank you for always being my rainbow after the storm.”

Are you craving more romantic quotes in Greek? We thought so! GreekPod101 has you covered with our vocabulary list of Quotes About Love.

5. Quotes About Family

A Family of Four at the Supermarket

Greek family values are very strong. As such, many elements of Greek culture, ethics, and tradition are passed on from generation to generation. Within the same context, social life revolves around the family and the extended family. We could say that family is the core of Greek society.

Here are some popular quotes about family in Greek:

  • Greek: Η οικογένειά μου είναι η δύναμή μου και η αδυναμία μου.
  • Romanization: I ikoyéniá mu íne i dínamí mu ke i adinamía mu.
  • Translation: “My family is my strength and my weakness.”
  • Greek: Πρέπει να υπερασπίζεσαι την τιμή σου. Και την οικογένειά σου.
  • Romanization: Prépi na iperaspízese tin timí su. Ke tin ikoyéniá su.
  • Translation: “You have to defend your honor. And your family.”
  • Greek: Η οικογένεια είναι ένα από τα αριστουργήματα της φύσης.
  • Romanization: I ikoyénia íne éna apó ta aristuryímata tis físis.
  • Translation: “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”

Read through more quotes on our Top 10 Quotes About Family in Greek vocabulary list, and while you’re at it, learn the Must-Know Terms for Family Members.

6. Quotes About Friendship

A Group of Friends Having Fun

Friends are the family we choose. They play an invaluable role throughout our entire life. They hear our thoughts and offer us a brand-new perspective for every situation.

Below are some quotes about friendship in Greek that touch on this:

  • Greek: Το μεγαλύτερο δώρο της ζωής είναι η φιλία, και το έχω λάβει.
  • Romanization: To megalítero dóro tis zoís íne i filía ke to ého lávi.
  • Translation: “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.”
  • Greek: Οι φίλοι δείχνουν την αγάπη τους στους δύσκολους καιρούς, όχι στην ευτυχία.
  • Romanization: I fíli díhnun tin agápi tus stus dískolus kerús, óhi stin eftihía.
  • Translation: “Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness.”
  • Greek: Φίλος είναι κάποιος που σου δίνει πλήρη ελευθερία να είσαι ο εαυτός σου.
  • Romanization: Fílos íne kápios pu su díni plíri elefthería na íse o eaftós su.
  • Translation: “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.”

Also study our Top 10 Quotes About Friendship in Greek vocabulary list, and express your gratitude to your Greek friends! 

7. Quotes About Food

A Variety of Different Foods

We’re sure that you’ve at least heard of Greek cuisine. Some of you might have even tasted some Greek specialties in a taverna by the sea. Cooking is an integral part of Greek culture, so you’ll often hear people talking about food and exchanging recipes.

Let’s take a look at some quotes about food in Greek:

  • Greek: Η μαγειρική είναι ένα είδος ψυχοθεραπείας.
  • Romanization: I mayirikí íne éna ídos psihotherapíasi.
  • Translation: “Cooking is a form of psychotherapy.”
  • Greek: Το πρωινό είναι το σημαντικότερο γεύμα της ημέρας.
  • Romanization: To proinó íne to simadikótero yévma tis iméras.
  • Translation: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
  • Greek: Μια ισορροπημένη διατροφή μπορεί να προσφέρει πολλά οφέλη για την υγεία.
  • Romanization: Mia isoropiméni diatrofí borí na prosféri pollá oféli ya tin iyía.
  • Translation: “A balanced diet can offer plenty of benefits for the health.”

Interested in learning more about Greek cuisine? Visit our vocabulary lists on the most popular Greek foods and the top 10 foods to help you live longer

8. Quotes About Health

A Doctor and a Patient During a Medical Consultation

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is thought of as the Father of Modern Medicine. We can say that Greeks value health above any other commodity in life. 

It’s not a coincidence, after all, that in Greek we say Γεια σου! (Ya su!) to say Hello! This word stems from υγεία (iyía), meaning health. So, every time you greet someone, you wish for them to be healthy at the same time!

Since Hippocrates’s time, medicine has flourished, leading to more and more people perceiving health as the ultimate commodity. Therefore, talking about health is part of our everyday lives.

Let’s take a look at some quotes about health in Greek:

  • Greek: Όποιος έχει υγεία μπορεί να έχει δύναμη και ελπίδα. Και όποιος έχει αυτά, έχει τα πάντα.
  • Romanization: Ópios éhi iyía borí na éhi dínami ke elpída. Ke ópios éhi aftá, éhi ta pánda.
  • Translation: “Whoever has health may have strength and hope. And whoever has those, has everything.”
  • Greek: Το γέλιο κάνει καλό στην υγεία.
  • Romanization: To yélio káni kaló stin iyía.
  • Translation: “Laughter is good for the health.”
  • Greek: Αποφάσισα να είμαι ευτυχισμένος επειδή κάνει καλό στην υγεία.
  • Romanization: Apofásisa na íme eftihisménos epidí káni kaló stin iyía.
  • Translation: “I’ve decided to be happy because it is good for my health.”

9. Quotes About Language Learning

A Woman Studying and Thinking about What to Write

Did you know that more than half of Greeks speak English? Indeed, language learning is integrated within the Greek educational system, with many people learning other languages as well, including German, French, Italian, and Spanish. 

What better way to motivate you in your own language studies than to close our article with quotes about language learning in Greek?

  • Greek: Μια νέα γλώσσα είναι μια νέα ζωή.
  • Romanization: Mia néa glósa íne mia néa zoí.
  • Translation: “A new language is a new life.”
  • Greek: Τα όρια της γλώσσας μου είναι τα όρια του κόσμου μου.
  • Romanization: Ta ória tis glósas mu íne ta ória tu kósmu mu.
  • Translation: “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.”
  • Greek: Δεν θα μπορείς να καταλάβεις ποτέ μία γλώσσα, αν δεν καταλαβαίνεις τουλάχιστον δύο.
  • Romanization: Den tha borís na katalávis poté mía glósa, an den katalavénis tuláhiston dío.
  • Translation: “You can never understand one language until you understand at least two.”

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our vocabulary list on Language Learning Quotes.

10. Conclusion

In this blog post, we tried to present in Greek some of the most popular quotes and sayings. By studying them, you’ll gain more fluency and be able to understand the Greek language to a greater extent.

Have you heard of any other quote in Greek that we didn’t include above?

Please let us know in the comments; we always love hearing from you!

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A Comprehensive Guide to Greek Business Phrases

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If you’re learning Greek for business purposes or if you’re thinking about relocating to Greece for work, then you’re definitely in the right place! In this article, we’ll outline the most common business phrases in Greek for a variety of situations.

Greece might have undergone a huge financial crisis, but now it’s time to thrive. Many people from all over the world have decided to relocate to Greece in order to enjoy a slower pace of life, along with kind-hearted people, plenty of sunshine, and magnificent islands.

Every language has its own code of ethics when it comes to business. Learning Greek is one thing, but learning all the appropriate ways to interact within a business environment is another. And we’re here to help you master business Greek, in word and action!

In this blog post, you’ll learn all the basics and much more, from nailing your job interview to interacting with your coworkers and handling everyday tasks in your new office.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Business Words and Phrases in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Nailing a Job Interview
  2. Interacting with Coworkers
  3. Sounding Smart in a Meeting
  4. Handling Business Phone Calls & Emails
  5. Going on a Business Trip
  6. Conclusion

1. Nailing a Job Interview

Job Interview

A job interview is always a stressful procedure, especially when it’s conducted in a language other than your mother tongue.

Following is some useful Greek for business interviews. Of course, you can adjust these phrases according to your studies or experience. 

What are you waiting for? Just put a bright smile on and shine!

  • Greek: Γεια σας, ονομάζομαι [Όνομα] [Επίθετο].
  • Romanization: Ya sas, onomázome [Ónoma] [Epítheto].
  • Translation: “Hello, my name is [Name] [Last Name].”
  • Greek: Έχω σπουδάσει Πληροφορική στο Πανεπιστήμιο Μακεδονίας στη Θεσσαλονίκη.
  • Romanization: Ého spudási Pliroforikí sto Panepistímio Makedonías sti Thesaloníki.
  • Translation: “I have studied informatics at the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki.” 
  • Greek: Έχω προϋπηρεσία σε μια μικρή εταιρεία πληροφορικής.
  • Romanization: Ého proipiresía se mia mikrí etería pliroforikís.
  • Translation: “I have professional experience in a small informatics company.” 
  • Greek: Εκεί εργάστηκα για πέντε χρόνια ως αναλυτής.
  • Romanization: Ekí ergástika ya pénde hrónia os analitís.
  • Translation: “I worked there for five years as an analyst.” 
  • Greek: Είμαι πολύ εργατικός και οργανωτικός.
  • Romanization: Íme polí ergatikós ke organotikós.
  • Translation: “I am very hard-working and organized.” 
  • Greek: Σας ευχαριστώ πολύ για αυτήν την ευκαιρία!
  • Romanization: Sas efharistó poli ya aftín tin efkería!
  • Translation: “Thank you very much for this opportunity!” 
  • Greek: Με συγχωρείτε, μήπως μπορείτε να επαναλάβετε;
  • Romanization: Me sighoríte, mípos boríte na epanalávete?
  • Translation: “Excuse me, could you please repeat?” 

If you feel like expanding your business vocabulary, check out our video Learn Greek Business Language in 15 Minutes below, or study with our article on How to Introduce Yourself in Greek!

2. Interacting with Coworkers

A Woman among Many Colleagues

Interacting with colleagues is an integral part of your professional life. While doing business in Greece, it’s an opportunity to collaborate, get to know new people, and—why not?—make some new friends.

Here’s your cheat sheet for interacting with coworkers:

  • Greek: Γεια σας, είμαι ο/η [Όνομα]. Είμαι ο/η καινούριος/-α σας συνάδελφος. Χαίρω πολύ!
  • Romanization: Ya sas, íme o/i [Ónoma]. Íme o/i kenúrios/-a sas sinádelfos. Héro polí!
  • Translation: “Hello, I am [Name]. I am your new coworker. Nice to meet you!” 
  • Greek: Μήπως μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις, σε παρακαλώ;
  • Romanization: Mípos borís na me voithísis, se parakaló?
  • Translation: “Could you please help me?” 
  • Greek: Συγγνώμη που άργησα.
  • Romanization: Signómi pu áryisa.
  • Translation: “Sorry for being late.” 
  • Greek: Είμαι πολύ αγχωμένος για αυτήν την παρουσίαση.
  • Romanization: Íme polí anhoménos ya aftín tin parusíasi.
  • Translation: “I am very stressed about this presentation.” 
  • Greek: Σήμερα είχα πολλή δουλειά και είμαι κουρασμένος.
  • Romanization: Símera íha polí duliá ke íme kurazménos.
  • Translation: “Today I’ve had a lot of work and I am tired.” 
  • Greek: Θέλεις να πάμε για καφέ μετά τη δουλειά;
  • Romanization: Thélis na páme ya kafé metá ti duliá?
  • Translation: “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee after work?” 

3. Sounding Smart in a Meeting

A Business Meeting from Above

Business meetings are where all the magic happens; they’re a celebration of collaboration and new ideas! We’re sure you want to be an active member of the group, so we’ve compiled a list of phrases that feature Greek business terms you’ll likely hear and use in meetings:

  • Greek: Οι πωλήσεις φαίνεται να αυξήθηκαν κατά το τελευταίο τρίμηνο.
  • Romanization: I polísis fénete na afxíthikan katá to teleftéo trímino.
  • Translation: “Sales seem to have increased during the last trimester.” 
  • Greek: Συμφωνώ απόλυτα με αυτό.
  • Romanization: Simfonó apólita me aftó.
  • Translation: “I totally agree with this.” 
  • Greek: Συγγνώμη, αλλά δεν συμφωνώ με αυτό.
  • Romanization: Signómi, alá den simfonó me aftó.
  • Translation: “Sorry, but I don’t agree with this.” 
  • Greek: Θα μπορούσαμε να το συζητήσουμε αυτό αργότερα;
  • Romanization: Tha borúsame na to sizitísume aftó argótera?
  • Translation: “Could we discuss this later?” 
  • Greek: Σας ευχαριστώ για την προσοχή σας!
  • Romanization: Sas efharisó ya tin prosohí sas!
  • Translation: “Thank you for your attention!” 

Are you wondering how a Greek business meeting might sound? Here is our related Listening Lesson on Preparing for a Business Meeting

Business Phrases

4. Handling Business Phone Calls & Emails

A Man Taking a Business Phone Call and Taking Notes

When making a business call in Greek, it’s very important to address your interlocutor politely. In Greek, it’s common practice to address everyone using the honorific plural (i.e. second person plural, instead of second person singular). 

That being said, here are some of the most popular Greek business phrases when making a phone call:

  • Greek: [Επωνυμία Εταιρείας], λέγετε παρακαλώ. (Answering a work phone)
  • Romanization: [Eponimía Eterías], léyete parakaló.
  • Translation: “This is [Name of the Business].” (lit. “[Name of the Business], please speak.”) 
  • Greek: Καλημέρα σας, ονομάζομαι [Όνομα] [Επίθετο]. (Answering a work phone)
  • Romanization: Kaliméra sas, onomázome [Ónoma] [Epítheto].
  • Translation: “Good morning, my name is [Name] [Last Name].” 
  • Greek: Πώς μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω;
  • Romanization: Pós boró na sas voithíso?
  • Translation: “How may I help you?” 
  • Greek: Σας ευχαριστούμε που καλέσατε!
  • Romanization: Sas efharistúme pu kalésate!
  • Translation: “Thank you for calling!” 
  • Greek: O κ. Παπαδόπουλος απουσιάζει αυτήν την στιγμή.
  • Romanization: O kírios Papadópulos apusiázi aftín tin stigmí.
  • Translation: “Mr. Papadopoulos is not here at the moment.” 
  • Greek: Θα θέλατε να αφήσετε κάποιο μήνυμα;
  • Romanization: Tha thélate na afísete kápio mínima?
  • Translation: “Would you like to leave a message?” 

Sending emails is also a big part of everyday business life. Therefore, we’ve decided to include how you would begin and end a business email:

  • Greek: Αξιότιμε/Αγαπητέ κ. Παπαδόπουλε, ……
  • Romanization: Axiótime/Agapité k. Papadópule, ………..
  • Translation: “Dear Mr. Papadopoulos, ………” 
  • Greek: Αξιότιμη/Αγαπητή κ. Παπαδοπούλου, ……
  • Romanization: Axiótimi/Agapití k. Papadopúlu, ………..
  • Translation: “Dear Mrs. Papadopoulos, ………” 
  • Greek: Με εκτίμηση, ……
  • Romanization: Me ektímisi, ………..
  • Translation: “Sincerely, ………”

Keep in mind that in written Greek, after a greeting line such as the ones above, we use a comma after it and continue with a word in lowercase on the line below.

5. Going on a Business Trip

Two Colleagues being at the Airport during a Business Trip

Last but not least, here are some useful phrases which can be lifesavers during a business trip:

  • Greek: Θα ήθελα ένα κάνω μια κράτηση για ένα δίκλινο δωμάτιο από τις 25 έως τις 27 Απριλίου.
  • Romanization: Tha íthela na káno mia krátisi ya éna díklino domátio apó tis íkosi pénde éos tis íkosi eftá Aprilíu.
  • Translation: “I would like to make a reservation for a double room from the 25th until the 27th of April.” 
  • Greek: Στις 8 Ιουνίου θα λείπω σε επαγγελματικό ταξίδι.
  • Romanization: Stis ohtó Iuníu tha lípo se epangelmatikó taxídi.
  • Translation: “On the 8th of June, I will be on a business trip.” 
  • Greek: Σας ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη φιλοξενία!
  • Romanization: Sas efharistó polí ya ti filoxenía!
  • Translation: “Thank you very much for the hospitality!” 
  • Greek: Θα ήθελα ένα εισιτήριο για την πρώτη πρωινή πτήση της Παρασκευής.
  • Romanization: Tha íthela éna isitírio ya tin próti proiní ptísi tis Paraskevís.
  • Translation: “I would like a ticket for the first morning flight on Friday.” 

For more useful phrases related to travel, check out the following vocabulary lists on GreekPod101.com:

Jobs

6. Conclusion

Learning Greek is often a prerequisite to job hunting in Greece, especially when it comes to professions that require everyday interaction with clients. In addition, remember to always be polite and address others in the honorific plural.

If you’re contemplating finding a job in Greece, check out our guide on How to Find a Job in Greece. There, you’ll find everything you need to know about job hunting in Greece, including where to search for job ads on popular local websites. 

On the other hand, if you feel like digging into business Greek a bit more, here are some relevant lessons on GreekPod101.com: 

In the meantime, is there a Greek business phrase that troubles you? 

Feel free to let us know in the comments!

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Learn Greek: YouTube Channels to Improve Your Greek Skills

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If you’ve been thinking about ways to improve your Greek, then you’re in the right place! We have the perfect solution for learners who want to supplement their studies with a bit of entertainment: watch Greek YouTube channels! 

YouTube has become an integral part of our lives, mainly for entertainment purposes. However, over the past few years, the video streaming channel has also revolutionized education. Many teachers have decided to offer educational videos on this modern medium, which allows them to combine their teaching process with helpful visuals and explanations. 

Another important advantage of YouTube is its accessibility. People from all over the world can easily access an unprecedented number of videos and literally find anything they need to learn. 

You may be glad to know that GreekPod101 has its own YouTube channel. We offer exclusive educational videos which offer complete and ready-to-use knowledge about the Greek language, from the basics to more specific subjects. 

But while we may have the best Greek learning YouTube channel, we understand that everyone has different tastes. That’s why we’ve included channels in a variety of categories, from comedy to science and plenty of things in-between!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Zouzounia TV
  2. Visit Greece
  3. SKAI.gr
  4. Dionysis Atzarakis
  5. Giorgos Vagiatas
  6. Astronio
  7. Καθημερινή Φυσική
  8. Ευτύχης Μπλέτσας
  9. Learn Greek with GreekPod101.com
  10. Conclusion

1. Zouzounia TV

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Zouzounia TVChildren’s Songs & CartoonsBeginnerΗ Καμήλα

When you think about combining your Greek studies with entertainment, children’s songs and cartoons might not be the first thing to come to mind—but they work wonders for beginners. 

Here are some significant benefits that children’s songs offer: 

  • They use simple Greek vocabulary and sentences
  • They are obviously the best choice for involving your children in your Greek learning process
  • They have catchy melodies, making it easier to remember the lyrics

More specifically, Zouzounia TV is one of the largest YouTube channels in this category.

The word Ζουζούνια (Zuzúnia) literally means “Bugs.” However, it’s a popular Greek word that’s often used to refer to young children in a cute way.

Here’s an example of what a caring Greek mother might say to her young child:

  • Greek: Ζουζούνι μου, θέλεις κι άλλο χυμό;
  • Romanization: Zuzúni mu, thélis ki állo himó?
  • Meaning: “My sweet little bug, do you want some more juice?”

The channel includes Greek songs, often with subtitles. The videos are designed to help children learn proper Greek, but those who are just starting their Greek language learning journey can make good use of it, too! 

2. Visit Greece

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Visit GreeceTravelAbsolute BeginnerUnlock Your Senses in Cyclades

So, you’ve decided to learn Greek…. But there are days when you feel exhausted or procrastination takes over, and you need a little push to stay focused and motivated.

The Visit Greece channel is exactly what you need! This official YouTube channel is run by the Greek Ministry of Tourism and features the most wonderful aspects of Greece. Get lost in a virtual travel experience and learn more about the fascinating Greek culture.

This channel is perfect for absolute beginners, since you can dive into the beauties of Greece and Greek culture with no prior knowledge of the language. 

3. SKAI.gr

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
SKAI.grNews, Shows, Cooking, TravelBeginner – IntermediateΓεύσεις Στη Φύση

SKAI is a major news channel in Greece, offering one of the most popular and diverse Greek news YouTube channels. Here you can enjoy a wide range of genres, ranging from The Skai News coverage of the latest news to popular reality shows. 

If you know the Greek basics, we think you’ll find this channel highly beneficial. 

4. Dionysis Atzarakis

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Dionysis AtzarakisMovies & HumorIntermediate – AdvancedΜια γνώμη για το τέλος του Game of Thrones

What happens when a Greek comedian decides to review movies and series? 

Dionysis Atzarakis has brought to all of us Cinelthete, a Greek show where popular Hollywood movies get roasted. However, he’s not alone in this journey, as he joins forces with his good friend Thomas Zabras, another talented standup comedian. The result is a mix of elegant humor and short impersonation sessions. 

Once again, to get the most enjoyment from this Greek comedy YouTube channel, you should have an intermediate language level or higher. 

5. Giorgos Vagiatas

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Giorgos VagiatasStandup Comedy, TravelIntermediate – AdvancedTop 10 Κατοικιδίων

A group of friends decides to cross Europe in an RV, starting from Serres in Greece and reaching the Gibraltar peninsula, and record their adventures. An innovative idea, which became a beloved series for many Greek fans.

Η εκπομπή με το τροχόσπιτο (RV there yet?), meaning “The show with the motorhome,” will travel you through Europe’s southern shores, featuring many major cities like Florence, Monaco, and Cannes—all the way to Gibraltar. If you love travel and culture, this is the Greek language YouTube channel for you!

However, Giorgos Vagiatas has also released another popular series of videos, featuring Top 10 lists from his unique point of view. 

6. Astronio

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
AstronioPopular Science & AstrophysicsIntermediate – AdvancedΗ Ζωή Στο Ηλιακό Σύστημα

Pavlos Kastanas, a young Greek astrophysicist and science lecturer made a decision: he created Astronio, a YouTube channel focusing on astrophysics. His goal was to explain various science-related phenomena in plain language without skimping on important facts.

On this YouTube channel, you can treat your curiosity with accurate answers to the questions that wander around your head at night:

Astronio, the ultimate Greek YouTube channel for astrophysics-lovers, answers these questions and many more! 

7. Καθημερινή Φυσική

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Καθημερινή ΦυσικήPopular Science & FactsIntermediateΘεωρία Παιγνίων: Το δίλημμα του φυλακισμένου

Channels about popular science are now a trend in Greece, we get it!

So, what’s so special about this one?

Well, Καθημερινή Φυσική (Kathimeriní Fisikí), or “Everyday Science,” uses thoughtful cartoons in order to explain nearly everything that’s happening around us. Plus, the language used is slightly easier compared to that of other YouTube channels with similar themes. 

8. Ευτύχης Μπλέτσας

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Ευτύχης ΜπλέτσαςTravelIntermediateHappy Traveller στην Ικαρία

Over the past four years, Eftihis, along with his wife Helektra and their dog Hercules, travel the world and share with viewers lovely travel tips for experiencing each destination like a local. He also shows appreciation for good food and nature.

Having visited more than fifty countries all over the world, he has grown to be a travel expert, always searching for new experiences.

Join Eftihis in this unique journey and practice your Greek listening skills!

Their show, Happy Traveller, is also broadcasted by one of the major Greek TV channels, SKAI

9. Learn Greek with GreekPod101.com

Channel NameChannel ThemeLevelExample Video
Learn Greek with GreekPod101.comEducation, Language LearningAbsolute Beginner – AdvancedLearn Greek in 30 Minutes: ALL the Basics You Need

Looking for a pure educational approach to the Greek language?

Then you’re already in the right place!

The GreekPod101.com channel on YouTube offers tons of free educational videos to take your Greek to the next level.  

Start learning today:

And many, many more!

Regardless of your level, the GreekPod101 YouTube channel will definitely add to your knowledge! 

10. Conclusion

What’s your favorite Greek YouTube channel? Did you have the chance to take a look at any of the ones above? Let us know in the comments below!

Learning is about so much more than traditional methods. It’s everywhere around us, even on YouTube! Take advantage of this opportunity and get to know Greek culture through the numerous Greek videos available. 

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting for you to discover.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek

How to Say Goodbye in Greek

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Goodbyes aren’t easy. 

Saying goodbye is a heartfelt and difficult process, but it’s an integral part of everyday life. The good news is that we’re here to make it easier for you. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to say goodbye in Greek, then you’re in the right place! After reading this article, you’ll be able to say goodbye in any situation.

Before we continue, let’s refresh ourselves on the basics, shall we?

Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. The Most Common Ways to Say Goodbye
  2. Specific Ways to Say Goodbye
  3. Saying Goodbye Based on the Time of Day
  4. Foreign Goodbye Words
  5. Greek Gestures for Saying Goodbye
  6. Conclusion

1. The Most Common Ways to Say Goodbye

Most Common Goodbyes

In this section, we’ll present you with the most common ways to say goodbye in Greek. These are simple, short, and versatile phrases that you can use in both writing and speech. 

  • Greek: Γεια!
  • Romanization: Ya!
  • Translation: “Hello!” / “Bye!”

This is definitely the easiest and safest option available. Γεια! can mean either “Hello!” or “Bye!” This one fits well in both formal and informal situations. 

  • Greek: Αντίο!
  • Romanization: Adío!
  • Translation: “Goodbye!”

We could say that αντίο is the original Greek word for “goodbye.” It’s typically used when you won’t be seeing the other person for a long time., so it can sound a little bit dramatic. However, it can easily be used in both formal and informal settings.  

  • Greek: Εις το επανιδείν!
  • Romanization: Is to epanidín!
  • Translation: “Till we meet again!”

The thing is, you won’t hear much of this phrase in everyday encounters. Since it derives from Ancient Greek, this phrase has a sense of formality. Nevertheless, its meaning is not that formal, so it’s not typically used in business settings. It could be an ideal parting phrase when you want to say goodbye to a friend that you’ll see again after a long period of time. 

  • Greek: Τα λέμε!
  • Romanization: Ta léme!
  • Translation: “We will talk (later)!”

Do you feel like saying goodbye casually? Then Τα λέμε! is perfect! This is a common informal phrase which corresponds well to “Talk to you later!”

  • Greek: Φιλάκια! [Informal Only]
  • Romanization: Filákia!
  • Translation: “Kisses!”

This phrase is used only between close friends and couples. You wouldn’t send kisses to your boss, after all, would you? Φιλάκια is how the Greek say bye in a very friendly manner, and it’s more common in oral speech than in writing.

2. Specific Ways to Say Goodbye

A Woman in Front of a Train Waving Goodbye

In this section, we’ve gathered more-specific ways to say goodbye in Greek. Here, you’ll find complete sentences for a wide variety of occasions. 

  • Greek: Τα λέμε αύριο στις επτά.
  • Romanization: Ta léme ávrio stis eptá.
  • Translation: “We will talk tomorrow at seven.”

This is one way to say goodbye while dropping a reminder about your upcoming appointment at the same time. It can be used in both formal and informal conversations. 

  • Greek: Να προσέχεις.
  • Romanization: Na proséhis.
  • Translation: “Take care.”

What’s sweeter than saying goodbye and expressing your affection at the same time? This phrase is most commonly used by parents toward their children, as well as between people who deeply love each other. 

  • Greek: Δυστυχώς πρέπει να φύγω.
  • Romanization: Distihós prépi na fígo.
  • Translation: “Unfortunately, I have to go.”

Leaving a party early? No problem! Just say: Δυστυχώς πρέπει να φύγω. However, I warn you: Greeks are so hospitable that they will rigorously try to change your mind so that you’ll stay a little longer. 

  • Greek: Στο καλό!
  • Romanization: Sto kaló!
  • Translation: “Go to a good place!” / “Have a good journey!”

This is how to say bye in Greek when someone is about to leave for an excursion or journey. Greek mothers tend to say this phrase to their children, even if they’re just leaving to go to work. It shows a sense of caring for the other person. 

  • Greek: Θα τα πούμε!
  • Romanization: Tha ta púme!
  • Translation: “We will talk!”

This is just a casual farewell that can be said between friends, and generally in informal settings. 

  • Greek: Θα είμαστε σε επικοινωνία. [Formal]
  • Romanization: Tha ímaste se epikinonía.
  • Translation: “We will keep in touch.”

When you arrange something in a formal setting that will need further communication in the future, it’s suitable to say: Θα είμαστε σε επικοινωνία. This indicates that you’ll get in touch again soon.  

3. Saying Goodbye Based on the Time of Day

A Man Leaving for Work and Saying Goodbye to His Family

Depending on the time of day, you can use one of the following phrases as an alternative to saying goodbye. 

  • Greek: Καλό βράδυ!
  • Romanization: Kaló vrádi!
  • Translation: “Have a good evening!”
  • Greek: Καληνύχτα!
  • Romanization: Kaliníhta!
  • Translation: “Goodnight!”
  • Greek: Καλό απόγευμα!
  • Romanization: Kaló apógevma!
  • Translation: “Have a good afternoon!”
  • Greek: Καλή συνέχεια!
  • Romanization: Kalí sinéhia!
  • Translation: “Have a good rest of the day!”

At this point, we should note that Καλή συνέχεια! can be used all day long, regardless of the time.

4. Foreign Goodbye Words

A Young Woman Waving Goodbye to a Couple of Friends

Many words from other languages have been integrated into Greek. Youngsters tend to use these words, as it’s regarded as a modern behavior. Below, you’ll find the most common foreign words for saying goodbye in Greek.

  • Greek: Μπάι!
  • Romanization: Bái!
  • Translation: “Bye!”
  • Greek: Τσάο!
  • Romanization: Tsáo!
  • Translation: “Ciao!”

5. Greek Gestures for Saying Goodbye

A Woman Waving Goodbye

Greeks are very passionate and expressive people. Therefore, they utilize body language and a variety of gestures while they talk. But, which gestures do they use while saying goodbye?

  • Hugs & Kisses: We’ve just said that Greeks are very warm and passionate, remember? Well, it’s common to hug each other and kiss each cheek when saying goodbye to a very close friend or family member. Please keep in mind that this gesture is strictly informal, and each person might set different boundaries, so just play along if the other person initiates this gesture. It’s best to be on the safe side and avoid misunderstandings. 
  • Shaking Hands: This is the ultimate formal Greek gesture. While leaving a meeting, shake hands with the people you’ve met. This indicates that you’re really glad for the encounter and that you really appreciate the other person. 
  • Waving Goodbye: This is the most common gesture. Just wave goodbye by raising your hand with your fingers close together and your palm facing the other person. 
  • Waving a White Handkerchief: This is a traditional Greek way to say goodbye, even without talking. The days before disposable napkins were in mass production, each person had his/her own handkerchief, which served a variety of purposes. Most of the time, it was used for personal hygiene. 

Around 1920-1930, many Greeks were employed as seamen. After visiting their families—usually once or twice during the year—it was time to go back to the ship. Their wives used to follow them to the port in order to say goodbye. The men embarking would stand on the deck, staring at their loved ones left behind. As the ship departed and the shore was getting farther and farther away, women used to grab their white handkerchiefs and wave them in the air to say goodbye. Waving a white handkerchief was way more visible than simply waving their empty hands. 

That’s how this gesture was integrated into Greek culture. To be honest, you’ll rarely see this gesture in Greece anymore, but when you do, you’re probably looking at a very romantic couple. 

6. Conclusion

Saying goodbye in Greek isn’t that hard, is it? 

Actually, saying bye in the Greek language is very similar to doing so in English.

In this article, we’ve tried to demonstrate a wide range of the most common ways to say goodbye in Greek, and we hope this guide can be useful for every learner, regardless of their level. To see even more goodbye words and phrases, and to hear their pronunciations, you can study our vocabulary list of the Most Common Ways to Say Goodbye.

We’d love to hear from you in the comments. We’re curious:

  • What’s your favorite way to say goodbye in Greek?
  • Do you use gestures?

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting for you. 

In the meantime, was there a phrase or a sentence that troubled you? If you have any questions, let us know in the comments and we’d be happy to help!

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Is Greek Hard to Learn?

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Learning a new language can be intimidating. When it comes to a less-popular language like Greek, spoken by only 13.8 million people worldwide, many potential learners wonder “Is it hard to learn Greek?”

The good news is that Greek is a branch of the Indo-European languages. This means that it shares many common characteristics with Spanish, English, and Italian. 

The bad news is… Wait a minute! Is there really any bad news? 

If you’re reading this article, then you should be fluent in English, regardless of your mother tongue. There it is: you’re already familiar with the philosophy of the most popular Indo-European language. This is a huge asset that will play an important role during your Greek-learning journey. 

With GreekPod101.com, you can start learning Greek in a fast and easy way. From our vast experience with students from all over the world, we’ve gathered in this article the most common difficulties that they face while learning Greek, plus solutions and tips on how to overcome them.

After reading this blog post, you’ll be able to say, out loud and with confidence: “Greek is certainly NOT hard to learn!”

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Learning Greek Table of Contents
  1. You Already Know Some Greek
  2. The Easiest & Hardest Parts of the Greek Language
  3. I Want to Learn Greek. Where Should I Start?
  4. Useful Advice for Novice Greek-Learners
  5. Why is GreekPod101.com Great for Learning Greek?
  6. Conclusion

1. You Already Know Some Greek

Yes, you do!

Did you know that five percent of the words included in a typical English dictionary have Greek origins? 

Take a look at some examples below.

GreekRomanizationEnglish Equivalent
κόσμοςkósmos“cosmos”
ακροβάτηςakrovátis“acrobat”
ιστορίαistoría“history”
ανώνυμοςanónimos“anonymous”
γαλαξίαςgalaxías“galaxy”
βακτήριοvaktírio“bacterium”
ρινόκεροςrinókeros“rhinoceros”
τεχνολογίαtehnoloyía“technology”
σαρκασμόςsarkazmós“sarcasm”
δημοκρατίαdimokratía“democracy”
ΕυρώπηEvrópi“Europe”
μουσικήmusikí“music”
φοβίαfovía“phobia”
πανικόςpanikós“panic”
πλανήτηςplanítis“planet”

And these are only some of them.

Innovation was prominent in ancient Greek culture. Therefore, many discoveries and terms, especially in the fields of mathematics, science, and medicine, originated from Greek.

This magical aspect of the Greek language was once highlighted by Mr. Zolotas, a Greek politician in the 1950s who created a whole speech in English using only Greek words

2. The Easiest & Hardest Parts of the Greek Language

Why is learning Greek so hard for some students? And what things make it pretty easy? We’ll outline both sides of the Greek language in the following sections! 

2.1 Easiest Parts

We could say that there are more easy parts than there are hard parts, for sure. Greek is, overall, not a hard language to learn, remember?

A Smiling Man Leaning Back in His Chair, Relaxed

Here are the easiest aspects of Greek language learning, so you can see for yourself:

  • Alphabet
    Even the word “alphabet” itself stems from the Greek word αλφάβητο (alphávito). The Greek alphabet consists of twenty-four letters, ordered from Α/α (“alpha”) to Ω/ω (“omega”), and it’s pretty similar to the alphabets of other European languages. 

    Tempted to start learning the Greek alphabet today? Watch  our relevant YouTube video to get a glimpse, or begin learning in depth with our Greek Alphabet Made Easy lesson.
  • Word Order
    The basic sentence structure in Greek follows the SVO pattern (Subject-Verb-Object), like the English language. In addition, adjectives are placed before nouns, and adverbs after verbs. 

    Here are some examples of simple Greek sentences:

Greek: Εγώ παίζω κιθάρα.
Romanization: Egó pézo kithára.
Translation: “I play the guitar.”

SubjectVerbObject
Εγώπαίζωκιθάρα

Greek: Ο μαύρος σκύλος κυνηγάει την άσπρη γάτα.
Romanization: O mávros skílos kinigái tin áspri gáta.
Translation: “The black dog chases the white cat.”

SubjectVerbObject
Ο μαύρος σκύλοςκυνηγάειτην άσπρη γάτα.

If you want to learn all the details about Greek word order, read our relevant blog post.

  • Pronunciation
    Phonetically, Greek is very similar to Spanish, Portuguese, and English. There are five basic vowels—i, u, e, o, a—which are typically included in the syllables. There’s also a stress mark, which can be placed only over vowels, indicating an accented syllable.

    Greek also features digraphs (two letters combined, making a distinct sound) and diphthongs (two vowels combined into one syllable), which appear to be tricky for young learners. However, once you learn them and familiarize yourself with the language, these will be a piece of cake.

2.2 Hardest Parts

Well, even the moon has a dark side. Just embrace the challenge!

A Desperate Man Looking at His Laptop in Anger

Here are the main reasons people find the Greek language hard to learn:

  • Spelling
    We’re not going to lie: Greek spelling can push you to your limits. But is this a reason to be disappointed?

    Even native Greek-speakers make spelling mistakes all the time. When you get started with Greek, focus on comprehension and practical examples. Will you make spelling mistakes? Sure. Will you get better and better with practice? Absolutely!

    We strongly recommend reading books, articles, and blog posts in Greek. You can even add Greek subtitles to your favorite movies! By doing so, you’ll familiarize yourself with Greek spelling in no time.
  • Verb conjugation
    Verbs in Greek conjugate according to the subject and the number of subjects in a sentence, the tense, the voice (active and passive voice), and the mood. Therefore, Greek verbs can be found in many forms, which indicate the aforementioned properties. And this can be hard. We know.

    However, once you dig into the grammar rules, you’ll be able to categorize verbs according to their ending, and you’ll quickly become a master of Greek verb conjugation!
  • Noun and adjective declension
    Last, but not least, nouns, pronouns, and adjectives get inflected, too. They showcase different forms according to number, gender, and case. They are also often accompanied by articles, which should agree with the noun.

    This is another aspect that many students find challenging. Nevertheless, this is something that you can overcome easily with proper practice.

3. I Want to Learn Greek. Where Should I Start?

A Sketch of a Head with Post-it Papers

At GreekPod101.com, we’ve mastered self-teaching as a lifelong learning method. Here are our pearls of wisdom for getting started with Greek language learning:

  • Step 1: Start with simple everyday life sentences.
  • Step 2: Try to enhance those sentences with a wider range of vocabulary. Keeping a vocabulary notebook will definitely help.
  • Step 3: Continue with grammar. Focus on the basics of verb, noun, and adjective inflection.
  • Step 4: Enhance your listening skills by watching Greek movies and series.
  • Step 5: Start reading children’s books in Greek. They include very simple sentences and they can really help novice learners.
  • Step 6: Now that you have an understanding of the Greek language, familiarize yourself with syntax and word order. Study different cases, such as subordinate sentences, conditionals, and so on.

4. Useful Advice for Novice Greek-Learners

1. Don’t give up: With consistent studying, you can overcome the difficult parts. 

2. Do practice whenever you are given a chance: Visiting Greece? Or even a Greek restaurant abroad? Don’t be shy! Try ordering and chatting in Greek.

3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: It’s a learning experience. Perceive every mistake as an opportunity to learn. 

4. Do try to find Greek communities near you: There’s nothing better than practicing with native speakers. Plus, we bet that you’ll make some new friends!

5. Do plan a trip to Greece: Okay, practicing your Greek might not be your number-one reason to visit Greece, but approach this as a unique opportunity to enjoy crystal-clear beaches, taste delicious food and beverages, and blend in.

5. Why is GreekPod101.com Great for Learning Greek?

GreekPod101 Graphics Demonstrating a Smiling Girl and the Logo

A famous Greek saying goes like this:

Greek: Αν δεν παινέψουμε το σπίτι μας, θα πέσει να μας πλακώσει.
Romanization: An den penépsume to spíti mas, tha pési na mas plakósi.
Translation: “If we don’t praise our home, it will collapse over our heads.”

You saw this coming, didn’t you?

“I bet they’ll promote their website at the end of this article!” you whispered.

However, we assure you: This is not a promotion; it’s encouragement to invest in yourself. 

You can create a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com and enjoy tons of free video, audio, and PDF lessons, as well as many other benefits.

So, why is GreekPod101.com great for learning Greek?

  • It gets you to speak Greek from day one.
  • It focuses on practical examples, rather than strict grammar rules. 
  • It includes an assessment test to assign you to the most appropriate level and learning path.
  • It allows you to create your own vocabulary lists. 
  • It lets you refresh your knowledge easily and quickly through flashcards.
  • It offers you a wide range of totally free lessons focused on grammar, vocabulary, and listening, categorized by knowledge level.
  • MyTeacher Service: You can create a premium account in order to get access to a personal teacher. This is a unique opportunity to get in touch with an experienced native speaker, who will help you through your learning process.

6. Conclusion

We’d love to hear from you! 

Feel free to share your experience with the Greek language so far in the comments below.

  • Which aspects do you find intriguing?
  • Which was the easiest part of learning Greek?
  • What aspect troubles you the most?

Let us know in the comments!

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting for you.

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The Most Common Mistakes in Learning Greek

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We all make mistakes. That’s a fact. 

When it comes to learning a new language, it’s almost certain that you’ll make numerous mistakes. And mistakes on top of those mistakes. And a few more.

But you’ll learn. It’s all part of the learning process, right?

In this article, we’ll go over the most common mistakes Greek language-learners make. Learn everything you need to know early on, so that you can avoid these mistakes in Greek and sound more like a native speaker.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Greek Pronunciation Mistakes
  2. Greek Vocabulary Mistakes
  3. Greek Grammar Mistakes
  4. Other Greek Mistakes
  5. The Biggest Mistake
  6. Conclusion

1. Greek Pronunciation Mistakes

A Woman Shutting Her Mouth with Both Hands

The most common mistake in Greek pronunciation is stressing words incorrectly. As a student, you should pay attention to the accent marks, because they’ll help you pronounce Greek words correctly.

At GreekPod101.com, we pay close attention to pronunciation. It’s the key to speaking and sounding like a Greek, after all. Therefore, alongside each and every Greek word in our learning material, we also offer its romanization, along with accent marks.

Another common pronunciation mistake Greek-learners make involves certain consonants. 

For example, English-speaking learners tend to pronounce the consonants τ and π strangely, whereas French-speaking learners struggle to pronounce the consonant ρ. Since our mother tongue determines our pronunciation capabilities, it makes sense that some difficulties may arise. There’s nothing you can’t overcome with practice, though!

Here’s another typical pronunciation mistake: The problem of digraphs. 

Sounds pretty serious, right? Well, it isn’t, as long as you pay attention to the following guidelines.

First and foremost, you’re most likely wondering: “What are digraphs?”

They’re a pair of vowels that are pronounced as one distinct sound. Here, we’ve gathered some of the most common Greek digraphs for you, including examples:

1.1 “Οι” / “οι”

Sounds like: “i” as in the word “info”
Often mistaken as: “o-i”

Example

Greek: Η οικονομία της Ελλάδας πέρασε κρίση.
Romanization: I ikonomía tis Eládas pérase krísi.
Translation: “The economy of Greece has gone through a crisis.”

1.2 “Ει” / “ει”

Sounds like: “i” as in the word “info”
Often mistaken as: “e-i”

Example

Greek: Η παγκόσμια ειρήνη είναι πολύ σημαντική.
Romanization: I pangózmia iríni íne polí simandikí.
Translation: “Worldwide peace is very important.”

1.3 “Αι” / “αι”

Sounds like: “e” as in the word “error”
Often mistaken as: “a-i”

Example

Greek: Οι άνθρωποι έχουν πέντε αισθήσεις.
Romanization:I ánthropi éhun pénde esthísis.
Translation: “Humans have five senses.”

A Woman Holding Her Head with Her Hand in Despair

1.4 “Ευ” / “ευ”

Sounds like: “ev” as in the word “everything” OR “ef” as in the word “effect”
Often mistaken as: “e-i”

Examples

Greek: Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Romanization: Se efharistó polí.
Translation: “Thank you very much.”

Greek: Ο υπάλληλος ήταν πολύ ευγενικός.
Romanization: O ipálilos ítan polí evyenikós.
Translation: “The (male) employee was very polite.”

So, right now, you must be wondering: “How can I tell when this digraph should sound like ‘ev’ or ‘ef’?”

Luckily, there’s a certain rule: 

  • It’s pronounced as “ev” when the next syllable begins with a vowel sound or a voiced consonant sound: β, γ, δ, ζ, λ, μ, ν, ρ, τζ, μπ, ντ, γγ, and γκ.
  • It’s pronounced as “ef” when the next syllable begins with the consonants ξ (x) and ψ (ps), an unvoiced consonant sound (κ, π, τ, χ, φ, θ, σ, and τσ) or when the combination is at the end of a word or by itself (ex. ευ αγωνίζεσθαι (ef agonízesthai), meaning “fair play”).

At first, you should think about this rule every time you encounter this digraph. However, with practice, you’ll be able to recognize how it should sound in each word.

1.5 “Αυ” / “αυ”

Sounds like: “av” as in the word “average” OR “af” as in the word “after”
Often mistaken as “a-i”

Examples

Greek: Αυτός είναι ο δάσκαλός μου.
Romanization: Aftós íne o dáskalós mu.
Translation: “This is my (male) teacher.”

Greek: Θέλεις να πάμε για καφέ αύριο;
Romanization: Thélis na páme ya kafé ávrio?
Translation: “Do you want to go for a coffee tomorrow?”

Similarly to the last digraph, there’s a rule for deciding whether it should sound like “af” or “av.”

  • It’s pronounced as “av” when the next syllable begins with a vowel sound or a voiced consonant sound: β, γ, δ, ζ, λ, μ, ν, ρ, τζ, μπ, ντ, γγ, and γκ.
  • It’s pronounced as “af” when the next syllable begins with the consonants ξ (x) and ψ (ps), an unvoiced consonant sound (κ, π, τ, χ, φ, θ, σ, and τσ), or when the combination is at the end of a word (ex. ταυ, which is the letter “t” in Greek).

2. Greek Vocabulary Mistakes

We could say that the most common vocabulary mistake in Greek is the one demonstrated below.

Greek: Αυτός είναι Έλληνας.

Romanization: Aftós íne Élinas.

Translation: “He is Greek.”
Greek: Αυτή είναι Ελληνίδα.

Romanization: Aftí íne Elinída.

Translation: “She is Greek.”
Greek: Μου αρέσει το ελληνικό φαγητό.

Romanization: Mu arési to elinikó fayitó.

Translation: “I like Greek food.”
Greek: Εγώ μαθαίνω ελληνικά.

Romanization: Egó mathéno eliniká.

Translation: “I learn Greek (language).”

In English, there’s one word that describes the Greek nationality, language, and anything related to Greece. But in Greek, there are different words that need to be used depending on what exactly you’re talking about.

3. Greek Grammar Mistakes

Correcting a Text with a Red Pen

3.1 The Most Common Mistakes Concerning Nouns & Adjectives

Mixing up genders

In Greek, each noun has its own gender (male-female-neuter). This affects not only nouns, but also the accompanying articles and adjectives. 

Male NounFemale NounNeutral Noun
Greek: Ο πράσινος κήπος.
Romanization: O prásinos kípos.
Translation: “The green garden.”
Greek: Η πράσινη τσάντα.
Romanization: I prásini tsánda.
Translation: “The green bag.”
Greek: Το πράσινο χορτάρι.
Romanization: To prásino hortári.
Translation: “The green grass.”

Mixing up singular & plural

In Greek, each noun is either in the singular form or in the plural. This also affects the accompanying articles and adjectives. 

SingularPlural
Greek: Το ωραίο νησί.
Romanization: To oréo nisí.
Translation: “The beautiful island.”
Greek: Τα ωραία νησιά.
Romanization: Ta oréa nisiá.
Translation: “The beautiful islands.”

Mixing up cases

Nouns in Greek get declined, so they might appear slightly different in each case. The most common source of confusion is between the nominative and accusative cases. A rule of thumb is that when the noun is the subject of the sentence, it should be in the nominative case; when it’s the object of the sentence, it should usually be in the accusative case.

NominativeAccusative
Greek: Ο τοίχος είναι άσπρος.
Romanization: O tíhos íne áspros.
Translation: “The wall is white.”
Greek: Εγώ έβαψα τον τοίχο.
Romanization: Egó évapsa ton tího.
Translation: “I painted the wall.”

3.2 The Most Common Mistakes Concerning Verbs

A Woman Wondering in Front of a Laptop

Mixing up the tenses

Verbs conjugate according to the tense. There are also some irregular verbs, which you should learn by heart.

Here are some examples of the most common irregular Greek verbs in the present and past tenses.

Simple PresentSimple Past
βλέπω (vlépo) – “I see”είδα (ída) – “I saw” 
πηγαίνω (piyéno) – “I go”πήγα (píga) – “I went”
βρίσκω (vrísko) – “I find”βρήκα (vríka) – “I found”
λέω (léo) – “I tell”είπα (ípa) – “I told”
τρώω (tróo) – “I eat”έφαγα (éfaga) – “I ate”
πίνω (píno) – “I drink”ήπια (ípia) – “I drank”

Luckily, the Greek tenses are quite similar to the English ones. Therefore, English-speakers won’t find it difficult to decide which tense to use in each situation.

Mixing up the grammatical mood

Greek verbs also conjugate according to the grammatical mood. Here’s a useful guide on how to select the proper mood for each verb:

Indicative mood: This mood indicates that the action or event is true or really happened (i.e. an objective fact).

Greek: Ο μαθητής πηγαίνει στο σχολείο.
Romanization: O mathitís piyéni sto sholío.
Translation: “The student goes to school.”

Subjunctive mood: This mood presents the action or event as something wanted or expected (but isn’t actually happening / didn’t happen). 

Greek: Ο μαθητής πρέπει να πηγαίνει στο σχολείο.
Romanization: O mathitís prépi na piyéni sto sholío.
Translation: “The student should go to school.”

Imperative mood: This mood may express a command (order), request, or desire.

Greek: Πήγαινε στο σχολείο!
Romanization: Píyene sto sholío!
Translation: “Go to school!”

The participle: This is the uninflected form that has an adverbial function, and it may indicate time, manner, cause, condition, etc.

Greek: Πηγαίνοντας στο σχολείο βρήκα ένα στιλό στον δρόμο.
Romanization: Piyénondas sto sholío vríka éna stiló ston drómo.
Translation: “While going to school, I found a pen on the street.”

The infinitive: This is an uninflected form. It’s used for the formation of the perfective tenses: present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect.

Greek: Αύριο ο μαθητής θα πάει στο σχολείο.
Romanization: Ávrio o mathitís tha pái sto scholío.
Translation: “Tomorrow, the student will go to school.”

Mixing up the voice

In Greek, there are two major voices: the active voice and the passive voice. A rule of thumb for determining whether a verb is in the active or passive voice is demonstrated below.

Verbs in the active voice typically end in . Verbs in the passive voice most commonly end in -μαι in the first person. 

Active VoicePassive Voice
Greek: Ο φούρνος ψήνει το παστίτσιο.
Romanization: O fúrnos psíni to pastítsio.
Translation: “The oven bakes the pastitsio.”
Greek: To παστίτσιο ψήνεται από τον φούρνο.
Romanization: Τo pastítsio psínete apó ton fúrno.
Translation: “The pastitsio is baked by the oven.”

Mixing up the persons

Verbs in Greek also conjugate according to the person they refer to, that is, the person(s) who performs the action. 

4. Other Greek Mistakes

In Greek, you use the second person plural—εσείς (esís), meaning “you”—to speak politely and formally with someone. This is usually a person who is superior to you or who you don’t know well. All components of the sentence should agree with the pronoun you use.

A Man Greeting a Woman in a Business Environment
Informal QuestionFormal Question
Greek: Τι κάνεις; Είσαι καλά;
Romanization: Ti kánis? Íse kalá?
Translation: “How are you? Are you well?”
Greek: Τι κάνετε; Είστε καλά;
Romanization: Ti kánete? Íste kalá?
Translation: “How are you? Are you well?”

5. The Biggest Mistake

Sit back and prepare yourself, because we’re about to reveal the biggest mistake a Greek-learner can make: 

Giving Up

Yes, there it is. 

The biggest mistake is simply giving up. 

Greek, especially its grammar, might seem pretty complicated through the eyes of a novice learner. Take a deep breath and just keep practicing!

Here are some tips to help you study Greek in a fun way:


6. Conclusion

Now that you’ve browsed through the most common Greek language mistakes, what mistakes do you usually make when studying Greek?

Let us know in the comments!

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips await you.

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