Get a 40% off forever discount with the ready, set, speak sale! Ends soon!
Get a 40% off forever discount with the ready, set, speak sale! Ends soon!
GreekPod101.com Blog
Learn Greek with Free Daily
Audio and Video Lessons!
Start Your Free Trial 6 FREE Features

Archive for the 'Greek Lessons' Category

How to Say Goodbye in Greek

Thumbnail

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!

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

Is Greek Hard to Learn?

Thumbnail

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.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Learning Greek

The Most Common Mistakes in Learning Greek

Thumbnail

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.

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

The Top 10 Popular Greek Questions and Answers

Thumbnail

“Oh, how can I say this in Greek?”

You’ve been there. We know.

That’s why we’ve created this blog post, featuring the top ten most popular questions and their answers in Greek. 

Whether you’ve just started learning Greek or you’re thinking about it, after reading this guide, you’ll be able to construct simple Greek questions and answers with accuracy. 

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. What’s your name?
  2. Where are you from?
  3. Do you speak Greek?
  4. How long have you been studying Greek?
  5. Have you been to Greece?
  6. What’s the weather like today?
  7. Do you like Greek food?
  8. What are you doing?
  9. What’s wrong?
  10. How much is it?
  11. Conclusion

1. What’s your name?

First Encounter

So, what’s the first thing you want to ask when meeting someone new? Their name, of course. Here’s how to ask someone “What’s your name?” in Greek.

The Question

  • Greek: Πώς σε λένε;
  • Romanization: Pós se léne?
  • Literal Translation: “How are you named?” / “How are you called?”
  • Translation: “What’s your name?”

Unlike in English, which asks “What’s your name?” in Greek, we use the phrase Πώς σε λένε;, which better corresponds to “How are you named?” or “How are you called?” As far as Greek language questions go, this is the simplest and definitely the most popular. It can be useful when getting to know people in an informal setting. 

The Answer

  • Greek: Ναταλία, κι εσένα;
  • Romanization: Natalía, ki eséna?
  • Translation: “Natalia, and you?”

This is the simplest answer you can give. Just state your name, followed by …κι εσένα;, which reverses the question to the individual who asked you. This is considered a decent and polite way to respond, since it shows that you’re interested in getting to know the other person. 

At this point, we should note that the word “and” is translated in Greek as και. However, when the next word begins with a vowel, when speaking, it usually becomes κι. This is very common in Greek, but even if you say και εσένα, nobody will notice.

Here are some other variations that answer the same question:

  • Greek: Με λένε Μαρία. Εσένα;
  • Romanization: Me léne María. Eséna?
  • Literal Translation: “I am named Maria. You?”
  • Translation: “My name is Maria. Yours?”
  • Greek: Είμαι ο Γιώργος. Εσένα πώς σε λένε;
  • Romanization: Íme o Yórgos. Eséna pós se léne?
  • Translation: “I am George. What’s your name?”

To learn more about how to give a full self-introduction, check out our relevant blog post

2. Where are you from?

Two Children Playing with an Educational Globe.

Here’s another popular question, which is a perfect conversation starter.

The Question

  • Greek: Από πού είσαι;
  • Romanization: Apó pu íse?
  • Translation: “Where are you from?”

Generally, you can answer by saying:

 Είμαι από…. + definite article in the accusative case + place.

Here are some examples:

The Answer

  • Greek: Είμαι από την Ελλάδα.
  • Romanization: Íme apó tin Εláda.
  • Translation: “I am from Greece.”
  • Greek: Είμαι από την Αμερική.
  • Romanization: Íme apó tin Amerikí.
  • Translation: “I am from America.”
  • Greek: Είμαι από τον Καναδά.
  • Romanization: Íme apó ton Kanadá.
  • Translation: “I am from Canada.”

As you might have noticed, we say Είμαι από την Αμερική and Είμαι από τον Καναδά. They’re both definite articles, but why are they different?

In Greek, nouns fall into three categories, according to their gender: feminine, masculine, and neutral. So, Αμερική is feminine and Καναδάς is masculine. Therefore, they’re accompanied by the appropriate definite article. 

If you want to learn more about definite articles and their use in Greek, we’ve got you covered. Watch our relevant video

3. Do you speak Greek?

Before starting a conversation with someone, it’s probably a good idea to ask them whether they speak Greek. Here are the Greek questions and answers you can use and expect. 

The Question

  • Greek: Μιλάς ελληνικά;
  • Romanization: Milás eliniká?
  • Translation: “Do you speak Greek?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Ναι, μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά.
  • Romanization: Ne, miláo lígo eliniká.
  • Translation: “Yes, I speak a little Greek.”
  • Greek: Ναι, μιλάω πολύ καλά ελληνικά.
  • Romanization: Ne, miláo polí kalá eliniká.
  • Translation: “Yes, I speak Greek very well.”
  • Greek: Όχι, δεν μιλάω ελληνικά.
  • Romanization: Óhi, den miláo eliniká.
  • Translation: “No, I don’t speak Greek.”

Of course, you can use the same phrase (Μιλάς + language;) to ask someone if they speak any other language.

Introducing Yourself

4. How long have you been studying Greek?

This is one of the easy Greek questions that a foreigner may be asked during a conversation. Here’s how to ask and answer! 

The Question

  • Greek: Πόσο καιρό μαθαίνεις ελληνικά;
  • Romanization: Póso keró mathénis eliniká?
  • Translation: “How long have you been learning Greek?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Mαθαίνω ελληνικά εδώ και 1 χρόνο.
  • Romanization: Mathéno eliniká edó ke énan hróno.
  • Translation: “I have been learning Greek for a year now.”

5. Have you been to Greece?

The Ancient Ruins of Olympia in Greece

Do you want to exchange some travel experience about Greece?

Then simply ask this question. 

The Question

  • Greek: Έχεις επισκεφτεί την Ελλάδα;
  • Romanization: Éhis episkeftí tin Elláda?
  • Translation: “Have you visited Greece?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Ναι, έχω πάει στην Ελλάδα δύο φορές.
  • Romanization: Ne, ého pái stin Eláda dío forés.
  • Translation: “Yes, I have been to Greece twice.”
  • Greek: Δυστυχώς όχι, αλλά θα ήθελα.
  • Romanization: Distihós óhi, alá tha íthela.
  • Translation: “Unfortunately no, but I want to.”

If you’re planning to visit Greece soon, check out our Survival Greek Phrases Series.

6. What’s the weather like today?

Ocean

Greece is blessed with mild weather and a Mediterranean climate. Summer is hot and sunny, whereas winter is not extremely cold. It’s a fact that many locals go swimming at the beach during the winter, as well. 

Here’s how you can ask for info about the weather in Greek. 

The Question

  • Greek: Πώς είναι ο καιρός σήμερα;
  • Romanization: Pós íne o kerós símera?
  • Translation: “How is the weather today?”
  • Greek: Τι καιρό κάνει σήμερα;
  • Romanization: Ti keró káni símera?
  • Translation: “What is the weather like today?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Σήμερα έχει λιακάδα.
  • Romanization: Símera éhi liakáda.
  • Translation: “Today is sunny.”
  • Greek: Σήμερα έχει συννεφιά.
  • Romanization: Símera éhi sinefiá.
  • Translation: “Today is cloudy.”
  • Greek: Σήμερα βρέχει.
  • Romanization: Símera vréhi.
  • Translation: “Today it’s raining.”

Of course, these are just the most basic answers. Learn more about The Weather in Greece or enhance your vocabulary with the Top 15 Weather Conditions

7. Do you like Greek food?

Who doesn’t like Greek cuisine? If you haven’t tried it, it’s a must! 

Just visit a Greek restaurant, or ταβέρνα (tavérna), and try one of the following: pastitsio, mousakas, kleftiko, gemista, gyros, souvlaki, tzatziki, or an authentic Greek salad!

The Question

  • Greek: Σου αρέσει το ελληνικό φαγητό;
  • Romanization: Su arési to ellinikó fayitó?
  • Translation: “Do you like Greek food?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Ναι, μου αρέσει πάρα πολύ!
  • Romanization: Ne, mu arési pára polí!
  • Translation: “Yes, I like it very much!”
  • Greek: Όχι, δεν μου αρέσει.
  • Romanization: Óhi, den mu arési.
  • Translation: “Νο, I don’t like it.”

If you need more information, you can Learn How to Order at a Greek Restaurant.

8. What are you doing?

In Greek culture, questions like this are a typical, informal way to check on someone. This question also corresponds to “How are you?”

The Question

  • Greek: Τι κάνεις;
  • Romanization: Ti kánis?
  • Translation: “What are you doing?” / “How are you?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ. Εσύ;
  • Romanization: Íme kalá, efharistó. Esí?
  • Translation: “I am fine, thank you. You?”

9. What’s wrong?

In Greece, it’s considered polite to ask someone if they’re okay. However, if you’re not close friends, the most likely answer would be “Everything is fine.”

The Question

  • Greek: Τι έχεις;
  • Romanization: Ti éhis?
  • Translation: “What do you have?” / “What’s wrong?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Τίποτα, είμαι μια χαρά.
  • Romanization: Típota, íme mia hará.
  • Translation: “Nothing, I am fine.”
  • Greek: Δεν είμαι και πολύ καλά.
  • Romanization: Den íme ke polí kalá.
  • Translation: “I’m not doing very well.”

You can learn more about positive and negative emotions in our vocabulary lists. 

10. How much is it?

A Woman Asking for a Price on a Blouse

Last, but not least, you should know how to ask for an item’s price. Below, you can find how to do so in Greek. 

The Question

  • Greek: Πόσο κοστίζει/κάνει αυτό;
  • Romanization: Póso kostízi/káni aftó?
  • Translation: “How much does this cost?”

The Answer

  • Greek: Kοστίζει/Κάνει 10 ευρώ.
  • Romanization: Κostízi/Káni déka evró.
  • Translation: “It costs 10 euros.”

11. Conclusion

These were the most popular questions and their answers in Greek! We hope you’re now more confident about asking questions to your Greek friends or family.

GreekPod101.com offers you high-quality, practical lessons about the Greek language.  

At GreekPod101.com, we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about 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!

In the meantime, can you think of any more Greek questions and answers not included in this list? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll surely inform you about their Greek equivalents!

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

Your Guide to the Greek Language Certification Examination

Thumbnail

So, you’ve been learning Greek for a while, and have reached a certain level of fluency. 

Now what?

Learning a new language is mainly a personal journey, but there are certain situations where having a certification could be useful. Through an official Greek test or exam, you can test your knowledge and add a new language to your CV. 

Here’s everything you need to know about getting your Greek language knowledge certified.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Study Strategies in Greek Table of Contents
  1. General Information About the Exam
  2. Examination Sections
  3. A1 Level – Beginner
  4. A2 Level – Elementary
  5. B1 Level – Intermediate
  6. B2 Level – Upper-Intermediate
  7. C1 Level – Advanced
  8. C2 Level – Proficiency
  9. Tips on How to Prepare for the Exam
  10. Conclusion

1. General Information About the Exam

The organization responsible for the Official Greek Assessment Test for Foreigners is The Center of Greek Language (Κέντρο Ελληνικής Γλώσσας).

Students Writing an Exam

The available levels, listed below, correspond to the European Standards:

  • A1: Beginner
  • A2: Elementary
  • B1: Intermediate
  • B2: Upper-Intermediate
  • C1: Advanced
  • C2: Mastery or Proficiency

This Greek examination is offered for the following purposes:

  • Business Purposes. For some jobs, it’s a prerequisite to be certified in the Greek language. The required extent of this knowledge is determined by each job position.
  • Studying Purposes. In order to study in a Greek university, the prerequisite is to hold a B2 certificate or higher.
  • Working for the Public Sector. To apply for a job in the Greek public sector, one must have the C1 certificate or higher.
  • Residence Permit (Long-Lasting). In order to acquire a long-lasting residence permit, one of the prerequisites is to hold at least an A2 Greek knowledge certificate.
  • Specified Business Purposes. Some fields of work, such as taxi-driving and nursing, require at least the A2 Greek knowledge certificate. 

However, you can choose to get your knowledge certified for other reasons.

A Woman Preparing for the Greek Exams

There’s a wide variety of topics referenced in the Greek language proficiency exams, which cover many aspects of everyday life, including:

  • Personal life inside and outside the house
    • Recognition of one’s identity
    • Residence
    • Location, Environment, Flora & Fauna, Weather Conditions
    • Free Time & Entertainment
    • Social Relations
    • Health & Body Condition
  • Everyday life
    • Activities inside the house
    • Activities outside the house (Purchasing Products & Services, Nutrition, Education, Worklife, Public Services, Transportation & Traveling)

The exams take place once a year (most commonly in mid-May). There are many examination centers in Europe, the USA, Canada, South America, North and South Africa, Asia, and Australia.

2. Examination Sections

The Greek language exams can be taken at six possible levels, which we outlined earlier. The number of sections a test has depends on what level it is:

  • Levels A1, A2, B1
    • Four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking)
  • Levels B2, C1, C2
    • Five sections (Listening, Reading, Use of Greek, Writing, Speaking)
A Woman Studying Greek
  • Reading 

This part of the Greek proficiency exam aims to check how well a student understands written Greek. Normally, a short passage is given, followed by questions. For the lower levels, these questions may include multiple choices and matching choices, whereas higher levels will have more complicated questions.

  • Listening 

This part of the examination usually includes short dialogues by native speakers. The types and lengths of the dialogues can vary depending on the level of the examination. Normally, there are multiple-choice answers for each question. 

  • Writing 

For beginner levels, students are normally asked to write a letter to a friend or a family member, presenting their opinion about or experience with a specific matter. For more intermediate levels, the writing section might include an essay or a more formal letter. 

  • Speaking 

For the Greek speaking exam, students are assessed in groups of two. Normally, a central question is given, which sets the tone of the discussion. In this section, the students are asked to express their opinion on a variety of everyday matters. 

  • Use of Greek

This is probably the least familiar section to students. It normally includes a two- or three-paragraphs-long passage, where there are gaps. For each gap, the student should choose the most appropriate word from multiple choices. This part is only included in upper-level examinations, mainly because it aims to test a student’s knowledge of special expressions and colloquialisms.

3. A1 Level – Beginner

This is the first examination level, and it includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. 

Here’s an overview of the exam:

ReadingListeningWritingSpeaking
Parts442N/A
Duration30 minutes25 minutes40 minutes10-12 minutes
MeansN/ACDN/A2 Examiners & 2 Candidates
% Marking (Points)25252525

The main goal of this examination is to test the basic skills in understanding and producing written and oral Greek.

Language Skills

4. A2 Level – Elementary

The next level includes the same sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.

You can find an overview of the exam below:

ReadingListeningWritingSpeaking
Parts442N/A
Duration30 minutes25 minutes45 minutes12 minutes
MeansN/ACDN/A2 Examiners & 2 Candidates
% Marking (Points)25252525

5. B1 Level – Intermediate

The intermediate level follows the same layout, with the same sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.

Here’s an overview of the B1 Level examination: 

ReadingListeningWritingSpeaking
Parts422N/A
Duration40 minutes25 minutes55 minutes12 minutes
MeansN/ACDN/A2 Examiners & 2 Candidates
% Marking (Points)25252525

6. B2 Level – Upper-Intermediate

As we’ve already mentioned, a new section is included in this level: Use of Greek, along with Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.

An overview of the examination is demonstrated below:

ReadingListeningWritingSpeakingUse of Greek
Parts322N/AN/A
Duration45 minutes30 minutes85 minutes15 minutes30 minutes
MeansN/ACDN/A2 Examiners & 2 Candidates3 Examiners
% Marking (Points)2020202020

7. C1 Level – Advanced

This examination is definitely for advanced learners. Although it includes the same sections as the previous level, the students should be comfortable with some native Greek expressions and colloquialisms.

Here’s an overview of the examination:

ReadingListeningWritingSpeakingUse of Greek
Parts422N/AN/A
Duration55 minutes40 minutes100 minutes20 minutes30 minutes
MeansN/ACDN/A2 Examiners & 2 Candidates4 Examiners
% Marking (Points)2020202020

8. C2 Level – Proficiency

This is your chance to shine! 

When you achieve fluency, this is definitely the ultimate examination—and the most difficult. It includes many native expressions and it requires deep knowledge of Greek grammar and its exceptions, as well as fluency in oral speech. 

Find a summary of the complete examination below:

ReadingListeningWritingSpeakingUse of Greek
Parts422N/AN/A
Duration55 minutes40 minutes100 minutes20 minutes30 minutes
MeansN/ACDN/A2 Examiners & 2 Candidates4 Examiners
% Marking (Points)2020202020

9. Tips on How to Prepare for the Exam

A Happy Man Who Got a Good Grade

Preparing for any exam requires much effort and discipline. Here are some useful tips you can use to make this process as easy as possible.

  • Start with the Grammar

Create a notebook with grammar tips and revise your notes regularly. Greek grammar is not very easy, and it includes many exceptions to the various rules, so you should be prepared to study a lot of grammar whilst preparing for the exam.

  • Continue with Vocabulary

Another notebook you should create is a vocabulary notebook. Simply write down all of the unknown words you encounter while studying. For adjectives, it’s good to write down their variations in different genders (male, female, neutral), as well.

  • Read Greek Articles Online

Did you know you can have endless reading practice online? You can find a wide variety of articles on various subjects from Greek websites. Select a theme you like and begin reading articles in Greek! Write down any unknown words and enhance your vocabulary notebook.

  • Read Greek Books

Another great way to improve your reading and comprehension skills is reading Greek books. If you’re a novice Greek learner, start with children’s books, which use much simpler language and vocabulary. 

  • Watch Greek TV Shows

Watching Greek movies and TV shows will improve your listening skills for sure! Actually, we’ve prepared a relevant list for you with the most wonderful Greek movies. Check it out! 

  • MyTeacher – Your Teacher

Did you know that you can have a personal tutor to answer all your questions, without ever leaving your home? With our premium MyTeacher feature, you’ll be assigned a personal teacher who will share with you all the important tips, grammar rules, and native expressions you need to reach fluency. 

  • Do as Many Mock Tests as You Can

Okay, this is obvious. You have to get used to the layout of the examination you’re going to take. So, you should spend some time practicing by doing as many mock tests as you can.

10. Conclusion

Taking a Greek language exam can be useful whether you aim to work in Greece or you just want to certify your knowledge. 

If you need more info about the official Greek examinations, you can always visit the Official Website of Greek Learning; you can also find some sample tests there. However, the website is in Greek, so you should have some basic knowledge to ensure a smooth browsing experience.

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. 

How do you feel about taking a Greek exam now? If you have any questions, let us know in the comments and we’d be happy to help!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Study Strategies in Greek

Basic Greek Sentence Patterns: A Comprehensive Guide


Thumbnail

Okay, we should admit it. 

How about sentence patterns, though?

Yes, I mean versatile Greek sentence patterns, which can be adapted for anything you want to say. That’s exciting, right?

In this article, we’ll focus on practical examples, demonstrating all the basic sentence patterns in Greek. After reading this, you’ll be able to construct simple sentences in Greek, which will certainly be useful whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced learner.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Linking Two Nouns: A is B
  2. Using Adjectives to Describe a Noun: A is {Adjective}
  3. Expressing Desire: I Want (to)…
  4. Expressing Need: I Need (to)… / I Have to…
  5. Saying What You Like: I Like (to)…
  6. Politely Asking Someone to Do Something: Please…
  7. Asking for Permission: May I…? / Can I…?
  8. Asking for Information About Something: What is…?
  9. Asking About How Something Is: How is…?
  10. Asking About the Time: When is…?
  11. Asking About Location or Position: Where is…?
  12. Conclusion

1. Linking Two Nouns: A is B

Handwritten Sentences in a Notebook

Linking two nouns is pretty easy in Greek. Actually, this sentence pattern resembles its English equivalent. The only difference is the use of articles, which is a standard thing in Greek. 

The key concept here is the verb είμαι (íme), meaning to be, which is used to link two nouns. In most cases, the second noun describes the first one. Be careful, though. All verbs in Greek get conjugated according to the person they refer to. 

Let’s have a look at some Greek sentence examples below: 

  • Greek: Ο Γιάννης είναι κτηνίατρος.
  • Romanization: O Yánis íne ktiníatros.
  • Translation: “John is a veterinarian.”
  • Greek: Η γυναίκα είναι δασκάλα.
  • Romanization: I yinéka íne daskála.
  • Translation: “The woman is a teacher.”
  • Greek: Το ρολόι είναι δώρο.
  • Romanization: To rolói íne dóro.
  • Translation: “The watch is a gift.”

2. Using Adjectives to Describe a Noun: A is {Adjective}


Sentence Patterns

Another alternative that might come in handy is trying to describe a noun with an adjective. This can also be done easily, by simply placing the adjective after the verb είμαι (íme).

Here are some examples:

  • Greek: Το βιβλίο είναι ενδιαφέρον.
  • Romanization: To vivlío íne endiaféron.
  • Translation: “The book is interesting.”
  • Greek: Το φαγητό είναι νόστιμο.
  • Romanization: To fayitó íne nóstimo.
  • Translation: “The food is delicious.”
  • Greek: Η ταινία ήταν τρομακτική.
  • Romanization: I tenía ítan tromaktikí.
  • Translation: “The movie was scary.”

3. Expressing Desire: I Want (to)…


Sentences Written on a Blackboard

The verb θέλω (thélo), meaning “to want,” can be accompanied by a noun as it represents a desire. In addition,  it’s often accompanied by a verb in the subjunctive mood (i.e. by the conjunction να followed by a verb), in order to express the desire to do a certain action. Alternatively, it can be accompanied by a demonstrative pronoun. 

Let’s take a look at some examples of this Greek sentence structure:

  • Greek: Θέλω κοτόπουλο.
  • Romanization: Thélo kotópulo.
  • Translation: “I want chicken.”
  • Greek: Θέλω να κοιμηθώ.
  • Romanization: Thélo na kimithó.
  • Translation: “I want to sleep.”
  • Greek: Θέλω να κάνω μια ερώτηση.
  • Romanization: Thélo na káno mia erótisi.
  • Translation: “I want to ask a question.”
  • Greek: Θέλω αυτό.
  • Romanization: Thélo aftó.
  • Translation: “I want this.”

4. Expressing Need: I Need (to)… / I Have to…


Sentence Components

Unlike in English, the phrase “need to” in Greek is not a synonym for “must.” Instead, it’s used as its literal translation, expressing a necessity. 

Again, in this case, these phrases are often accompanied by a noun or a verb in the subjunctive mood.

Here are some examples of Greek sentences expressing need: 

  • Greek: Χρειάζομαι ένα στυλό.
  • Romanization: Hriázome éna stiló.
  • Translation: “I need a pen.”
  • Greek: Πρέπει να φύγω.
  • Romanization: Prépi na fígo.
  • Translation: “I have to go.”
  • Greek: Πρέπει να πάω στην τουαλέτα.
  • Romanization: Prépi na páo stin tualéta.
  • Translation: “I have to go to the bathroom.”
  • Greek: Πρέπει να εξασκηθώ περισσότερο.
  • Romanization: Prépi na exaskithó perisótero.
  • Translation: “I have to practice more.”

5. Saying What You Like: I Like (to)…


Little Pieces of Paper with Words on Them

Below, you can find some practical Greek sentences for beginners that you can use to describe something that you like. 

Again, when describing an action that you like, the second verb should be in the subjunctive mood.

  • Greek: Μου αρέσεις.
  • Romanization: Mu arésis.
  • Translation: “I like you.”
  • Greek: Μου αρέσει αυτό το βιβλίο.
  • Romanization: Mu arési aftó to vivlío.
  • Translation: “I like this book.”
  • Greek: Μου αρέσει να μαγειρεύω.
  • Romanization: Mu arési na mayirévo.
  • Translation: “I like to cook.”
  • Greek: Μου αρέσει να βλέπω το ηλιοβασίλεμα στην παραλία.
  • Romanization: Mu arési na vlépo to iliovasílema stin paralía.
  • Translation: “I like to watch the sunset at the beach.”

6. Politely Asking Someone to Do Something: Please…

Let’s take a look at some examples of how to form Greek sentences this way: 

  • Greek: Παρακαλώ, καθίστε.
  • Romanization: Parakaló,kathíste.
  • Translation: “Please, sit down.”
  • Greek: Παρακαλώ, περιμένετε στην ουρά.
  • Romanization: Parakaló, periménete stin urá.
  • Translation: “Please, wait in the line.”
  • Greek: Σε παρακαλώ, άκουσέ με.
  • Romanization: Se parakaló, ákusé me.
  • Translation: “Please, listen to me / hear me out.” (informal)

7. Asking for Permission: May I…? / Can I…?


A Woman Studying Greek

Knowing how to ask something politely will surely be useful, whether you’re visiting Greece or talking with your Greek friends. 

Below, you can find some of the most common polite questions. 

  • Greek: Μπορώ να περάσω;
  • Romanization: Boró na peráso?
  • Translation: “May I come in?”
  • Greek: Μπορώ να έχω λίγο νερό;
  • Romanization: Boró na ého lígo neró?
  • Translation: “Can I have some water?”
  • Greek: Μπορώ να έχω τηλέφωνό σου;
  • Romanization: Boró na ého to tiléfonó su?
  • Translation: “Can I have your phone number?”

8. Asking for Information About Something: What is…?

Another important type of question is that used to ask for information about something. The protagonist here is the interrogative pronoun Τι….; (Ti…?), meaning “What…?”

  • Greek: Τι είναι αυτό;
  • Romanization: Ti íne aftó?
  • Translation: “What is this?”
  • Greek: Τι χρώμα είναι το παντελόνι που ήθελες;
  • Romanization: Ti hróma íne to pandelóni pu ítheles?
  • Translation: “What color are the trousers you wanted?”

9. Asking About How Something Is: How is…?

You might be wondering “How do I say this?” Wonder no more – here’s how to ask questions beginning with “How.”

  • Greek: Πώς μπορώ να το πω αυτό;
  • Romanization: Pós boró na to po aftó?
  • Translation: “How can I say this?”
  • Greek: Πώς σε λένε;
  • Romanization: Pos se léne?
  • Translation: “How do they call you?”
  • Meaning: This is the most common way to ask someone for their name. It’s equivalent to “What’s your name?”
  • Greek: Πώς μπορώ να πάω στο ξενοδοχείο;
  • Romanization: Pós boró na páo sto xenodohío?
  • Translation: “How can I get to the hotel?”

10. Asking About the Time: When is…?


A Person Writing Sentences in a Notebook

Being on time is highly appreciated by Greeks. In addition, remembering someone’s birthday is considered a proof of friendship. 

In order to ask questions about when something is, you can follow a general rule: Πότε είναι (Póte íne) + article + noun.

Here are some of the most common relevant questions:

  • Greek: Πότε είναι τα γενέθλιά σου;
  • Romanization: Póte íne ta yenéthliá su?
  • Translation: “When is your birthday?”
  • Greek: Πότε είναι το ραντεβού;
  • Romanization: Póte íne to randevú?
  • Translation: “When is the appointment?”
  • Greek: Πότε είναι η ώρα αναχώρησης της πτήσης μας;
  • Romanization: Póte íne i óra anahórisi tis ptísis mas?
  • Translation: “When is the departure time of our flight?”
  • Greek: Πότε είναι η ώρα άφιξης της πτήσης μας;
  • Romanization: Póte íne i óra áfixis tis ptísis mas?
  • Translation: “When is the arrival time of our flight?”

11. Asking About Location or Position: Where is…?

Last but not least, another useful question is that used to ask where something is. If you’re visiting Greece for the first time, feel free to use the basic questions demonstrated below.

A general rule is: Πού είναι (Pu íne) + article + noun.

  • Greek: Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
  • Romanization: Pu íne i tualéta?
  • Translation: “Where is the restroom?”
  • Greek: Πού είναι το ασανσέρ;
  • Romanization: Pu íne to asansér?
  • Translation: “Where is the elevator?”

12. Conclusion

Simple Greek language sentences, like those we demonstrated above, can be useful in a wide variety of situations. That’s our goal: To provide you with practical knowledge, which can be learned in an easy and fun way. 

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, is there a sentence structure that troubles you? Check out our Must-Know Greek Sentence Structures series. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments, and we’d be happy to help!

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

Top 100 Greek Adverbs: A Comprehensive Guide

Thumbnail

In the Greek language, an adverb is an uninflected part of speech, which normally modifies a verb. However, adverbs can also modify adjectives, nouns, and even entire phrases. 

The good news is that these Greek adverbs remain unchanged, regardless of the case, the number, the tense, or any other grammatical phenomenon. And in Greek, where most parts of speech get inflected, this is definitely an assurance.

The bad news—if any—is that there’s a wide variety of adverbs, and it’s nearly impossible for a novice Greek learner to study all of them.  

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through learning the top 100 most common Greek adverbs, along with useful examples of their use. 

First of all, Greek adverbs are divided into five distinct categories:

  • Temporal adverbs. These denote time and frequency, and answer the question “When?”
  • Locative adverbs. These denote place, and answer the question “Where?”
  • Qualitative adverbs. These denote manner and answer the question “How?”
  • Quantitative adverbs. These denote quantity, and answer the question “How much?”
  • Modal adverbs. These denote how certain we are about something through confirmation, hesitation, or negation.

Now, let’s have a look at each of the aforementioned categories in detail. Without further ado, our Greek adverbs list!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Useful Verbs in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Temporal Adverbs
  2. Locative Adverbs
  3. Qualitative Adverbs
  4. Quantitative Adverbs
  5. Modal Adverbs
  6. Conclusion

1. Temporal Adverbs

Top Verbs

If you’re wondering “When?”, then the first answer that will probably pass through your mind is an adverb. 

In Greek, Πότε; (Pόte?), meaning “When?”, is a very common question in everyday life. From arranging a business appointment to asking for transportation information, temporal adverbs will surely come in handy.

1Greek: σήμερα
Romanization: símera
Translation: “today”
Example:

Greek: Σήμερα δεν κάνει τόσο κρύο.
Romanization: Símera den káni tóso krío.
Translation: “Today is not that cold.”
2Greek: αύριο
Romanization: ávrio
Translation: “tomorrow”
Example:

Greek: Θα πάμε για ψώνια αύριο.
Romanization: Tha páme ya psónia ávrio.
Translation: “We’ll go shopping tomorrow.”
3Greek: μεθαύριο
Romanization: methávrio
Translation: “the day after tomorrow”
Example:

Greek: Εάν δεν μπορείς αύριο, πάμε μεθαύριο.
Romanization: Εán den borís ávrio, páme methávrio.
Translation: “If you can’t tomorrow, let’s go on the day after tomorrow.”
4Greek: χθες
Romanization: hthes
Translation: “yesterday”
Example:

Greek: Χθες ήμουν άρρωστη, αλλά σήμερα είμαι καλύτερα.
Romanization: Hthes ímun árrosti, alá símera íme kalítera.
Translation: “Yesterday I was sick, but today I’m better.”
5Greek: τώρα
Romanization: tóra
Translation: “now”
Example:

Greek: Δεν γίνεται να μιλήσουμε τώρα, γιατί είμαι απασχολημένος.
Romanization: Den yínete na milísume tóra, yiatí íme apasholiménos.
Translation: “We can’t talk now because I am busy.”
6Greek: αργότερα
Romanization: argótera
Translation: “later”
Example:

Greek: Παρακαλώ, προσπαθήστε ξανά αργότερα.
Romanization: Parakaló, prospathíste xaná argótera.
Translation: “Please, try again later.”
7Greek: σύντομα Romanization: síndoma Translation: “shortly” / “soon”Example:

Greek: Θα λάβετε μια απάντηση σύντομα.
Romanization: Tha lávete mia apándisi síndoma.
Translation: “You’ll receive an answer shortly.”
8Greek: τότε
Romanization: tóte
Translation: “then”
Example:

Greek: Έλα το απόγευμα. Τότε θα έχω χρόνο.
Romanization: Éla to apóyevma. Tóte tha ého hróno.
Translation: “Come in the afternoon. I’ll have time then.”
9Greek: αργά
Romanization: argá
Translation: “late”
Example:

Greek: Δεν μπορώ να έρθω, γιατί είναι πολύ αργά.
Romanization: Den boró na értho, yiatí íne polí argá.
Translation: “I can’t come because it’s too late.”
10Greek: νωρίς
Romanization: norís
Translation: “early”
Example:

Greek: Κάθε μέρα ξυπνάω νωρίς το πρωί.
Romanization: Káthe méra xipnáo norís to proí.
Translation: “Every day, I wake up early in the morning.”
11Greek: φέτος
Romanization: fétos
Translation: “this year”
Example:

Greek: Φέτος ξεκίνησα να μαθαίνω ελληνικά.
Romanization: Fétos xekínisa na mathéno eliniká.
Translation: “This year, I began learning Greek.”
12Greek: πέρυσι
Romanization: périsi
Translation: “last year”
Example:

Greek: Πέρυσι ήταν η καλύτερη χρονιά της ζωής μου! 
Romanization: Périsi ítan i kalíteri hroniá tis zoís mu!
Translation: “Last year was the best year of my life!”
13Greek: μόλις
Romanization: mólis
Translation: “as soon as”
Example:

Greek: Απάντησα στο μήνυμά σου μόλις το έλαβα. 
Romanization: Apánisa sto mínimá su mólis to élava.
Translation: “I answered your message as soon as I got it.”
14Greek: μετά
Romanization: metá
Translation: “after”
Example:

Greek: Μπορούμε να πάμε για φαγητό μετά τη δουλειά. Τι λες; 
Romanization: Borúme na páme ya fayitó metá ti duliá. Ti les?
Translation: “We can go for lunch after work. What do you say?”
15Greek: πριν
Romanization: prin
Translation: “before”
Example:

Greek: Θα σε πάρω τηλέφωνο πριν κοιμηθώ.
Romanization: Tha se páro tiléfono prin kimithó.
Translation: “I’ll call you before I go to sleep.”
16Greek: απόψε
Romanization: apópse
Translation: “tonight”
Example:

Greek: Απόψε είναι το πάρτι γενεθλίων μου.
Romanization: Apópse íne to párti yenethlíon mu.
Translation: “Tonight is my birthday party.
17Greek: έγκαιρα / εγκαίρως
Romanization: éngera / engéros
Translation: “in time”
Example:

Greek: Θα σε ειδοποιήσω εγκαίρως.
Romanization: Tha se idopiíso engéros.
Translation: “I’ll notify you in time.”
18Greek: ξανά
Romanization: xaná
Translation: “again”

This is often used as a verb prefix meaning “re-,” such as in “redo,” to denote an action being done again.
Example:

Greek: Εάν δεν είναι σωστό, κάνε το ξανά (or ξανακάνε το).
Romanization: Eán den íne sostó, káne to xaná (or xanakáne to).
Translation: “If it’s not correct, do it again / redo it.”

Useful expressions:

Greek: Ξανά και ξανά.
Romanization: Xaná ke xaná.
Translation: “Over and over again.”

Greek: Ποτέ ξανά!
Romanization: Poté xaná!
Translation: “Never again!”
19Greek: πάλι
Romanization: páli
Translation: “again”

It’s usually used when “again” implies the speaker’s frustration, but never as a verb prefix.
Example:

Greek: Πάλι δεν έκανες τις ασκήσεις σου;
Romanization: Páli den ékanes tis askísis su?
Translation: “You haven’t done your homework again?”

Useful expressions:

Greek: Όχι πάλι!
Romanization: Óhi páli!
Translation: “Not again!”

Greek: Άντε πάλι!
Romanization: Áde páli!
Translation: “There we go again!”
20Greek: ήδη
Romanization: ídi
Translation: “already”
Example:

Greek: Σε έχω συγχωρήσει ήδη πολλές φορές.
Romanization: Se ého sinhorísi ídi polés forés.
Translation: “I have already forgiven you many times.”

1.1 Adverbs of Frequency

Another common time-related question is Πόσο συχνά; (Póso sihná?), meaning “How often?” The answer, in this case, regularly includes some of the following adverbs in Greek.

2122232425
Greek: ποτέ
Romanization: poté
Translation: “never”
Greek: σπάνια / σπανίως
Romanization: spánia / spaníos
Translation: “rarely”
Greek: συχνά
Romanization: sihná
Translation: “often”
Greek: συνήθως
Romanization: siníthos
Translation: “usually”
Greek: πάντα
Romanization: páda
Translation: “always”

You may encounter the above adverbs in questionnaires, so they are really useful. 

Another adverb of frequency is:

26Greek: διαρκώς
Romanization: diarkós
Translation: “constantly”
Example:

Greek: Σταμάτα! Με ενοχλείς διαρκώς.
Romanization: Stamáta! Me enohís diarkós.
Translation: “Stop it! You are constantly bothering me.”

When it comes to the cost of a service, the following adverbs are usually used to determine payment methods.

272829303132
Greek: ωριαίως
Romanization: oriéos
Translation: “hourly”
Greek: ημερησίως
Romanization: imerisíos
Translation: “daily” / “on a daily basis”
Greek: καθημερινά / καθημερινώς
Romanization: kathimeriná / kathimerinós
Translation: “daily” / “every day”
Greek: εβδομαδιαίως
Romanization: evdomadiéos
Translation: “weekly”
Greek: μηνιαίως
Romanization: miniéos
Translation: “monthly”
Greek: ετησίως
Romanization: etisíos
Translation: “annually”

For example:

Greek: Για την υπηρεσία αυτή θα χρεωθείτε ωριαίως / ημερησίως / εβδομαδιαίως / μηνιαίως / ετησίως .

Romanization: Ya tin ipiresía aftí tha hreothíte oriéos / imerisíos / evdomadiéos /  miniéos / etisíos.

Translation: “For this service, you will be charged hourly / daily / weekly / monthly / annually.”

2. Locative Adverbs

In this category fall the adverbs answering the question Πού; (Pu?), or “Where?”

A Map of Greece within Europe
33Greek: εδώ
Romanization: edó
Translation: “here”
Example:

Greek: Έλα εδώ. Θέλω να σου πω κάτι.
Romanization: Éla edó. Thélo na su po káti.
Translation: “Come here. I want to tell you something.”
34Greek: εκεί
Romanization: ekí
Translation: “there”
Example:

Greek: Βλέπεις το μεγάλο βουνό εκεί; Ονομάζεται Όλυμπος.
Romanization: Vlépis to megálo vunó ekí? Onomázete Ólimbos.
Translation: “Do you see that big mountain over there? It’s called Olympus.”
35Greek: παντού
Romanization: pandú
Translation: “everywhere”
Example:

Greek: Στo νησί βλέπεις χαμογελαστούς ανθρώπους παντού.
Romanization: Sto nisí vlépis hamoyelastús anthrópus pandú.
Translation: “On the island, you can see smiling people everywhere.”
36Greek: κάπου
Romanization: kápu
Translation: “somewhere”
Example:

Greek: Έχασα το κινητό μου. Κάπου πρέπει να το ξέχασα.
Romanization: Éhasa to kinitó mu. Kápu prépi na to xéhasa.
Translation: “I have lost my mobile phone. I must have forgotten it somewhere.”
37Greek: πουθενά
Romanization: puthená
Translation: “nowhere” / “somewhere” (in questions)
Examples:

Greek: Δεν μπορώ να το βρω πουθενά.
Romanization: Den boró na to vro puthená.
Translation: “I can’t find it anywhere.”

Greek: Είδες πουθενά τα κλειδιά μου;
Romanization: Ídes puthená ta klidiá mu?
Translation: “Did you see my keys somewhere?”
38Greek: μέσα
Romanization: mésa
Translation: “inside” / “in” / “within”
Examples:

Greek: Έψαξα μέσα και έξω από το σπίτι.
Romanization: Épsaxa mésa ke éxo apó to spíti.
Translation: “I searched inside and outside the house.”

Greek: Το ασανσέρ χάλασε, γιατί πηγαίνει πάνω κάτω χωρίς σταματημό όλη μέρα.
Romanization: To asansér hálase, yatí piyéni páno káto horís stamatimó óli méra.
Translation: “The elevator broke down because it goes up and down without stopping all day long.”

Greek: Όταν περνάω τον δρόμο, κοιτάω δεξιά και αριστερά.
Romanization: Ótan pernáo ton drómo, kitáo dexiá ke aristerá.
Translation: “When I cross the street, I look right and left.”
39Greek: έξω
Romanization: éxo
Translation: “outside” / “out”
40Greek: πάνω
Romanization: páno
Translation: “up” / “over” / “on”
41Greek: κάτω
Romanization: káto
Translation: “down” / “under” / “beneath”
42Greek: δεξιά
Romanization: dexiá
Translation: “right”
43Greek: αριστερά
Romanization: aristerá
Translation: “left”
44Greek: δίπλα
Romanization: dípla
Translation: “next to” / “nearby”
Examples:

Greek: Το ξενοδοχείο είναι δίπλα στην τράπεζα.
Romanization: To xenodohío íne dípla stin trápeza.
Translation: “The hotel is next to the bank.”

Greek: Το ξενοδοχείο είναι εδώ δίπλα.
Romanization: To xenodohío íne edó dípla.
Translation: “The hotel is nearby.”

Greek: Ο Γιάννης είναι δίπλα μου.
Romanization: O Yánis íne dípla mu.
Translation: “John is next to me.”
45Greek: μακριά
Romanization: makriá
Translation: “far”
Example:

Greek: Το σπίτι μου δεν είναι μακριά από το κέντρο της πόλης.
Romanization: To spíti mu den íne makriá apó to kédro tis pólis.
Translation: “My home is not far from the city center.”
46Greek: κοντά
Romanization: kondá
Translation: “near”
Example:

Greek: Το σπίτι μου είναι κοντά στη θάλασσα.
Romanization: To spíti mu íne kondá sti thálasa.
Translation: “My home is near the sea.”
47Greek: απέναντι
Romanization: apénandi
Translation: “across”
Example:

Greek: Απέναντι από το ξενοδοχείο βρίσκεται ένα καλό εστιατόριο.
Romanization: Apénandi apó to xenodohío vrískete éna kaló estiatório.
Translation: “Across from the hotel, there’s a good restaurant.”
48Greek: πίσω
Romanization: píso
Translation: “behind” / “back”
Example:

Greek: Πίσω από το φαρμακείο βρίσκεται ένα ιδιωτικό πάρκινγκ.
Romanization: Píso apó to farmakío vrískete éna idiotikó párking.
Translation: “Behind the pharmacy, there’s private parking.”
49Greek: μπροστά
Romanization: brostá
Translation: “in front of”
Example:

Greek: Μπροστά από το σχολείο βρίσκεται ένα όμορφο πάρκο.
Romanization: Brostá apó to scholío vrískete éna ómorfo párko.
Translation: “In front of the school, there’s a beautiful park.”
50Greek: ψηλά
Romanization: psilá
Translation: “(up) high”
Example:

Greek: Κοίταξα ψηλά στον ουρανό και είδα ένα εξωτικό πουλί.
Romanization: Κítaxa psilá ston uranó ke ída éna exotikó pulí.
Translation: “I looked high up in the sky and I saw an exotic bird.”
51Greek: χαμηλά
Romanization: hamilá
Translation: “(down) low”
Example:

Greek: Κοίταξα χαμηλά και είδα ένα μικρό γατάκι στο πεζοδρόμιο.
Romanization: Κítaxa hamilá ke ída éna gatáki sto pezodrómio.
Translation: “I looked down low and I saw a kitty on the pavement.”
52Greek: μεταξύ
Romanization: metaxí
Translation: “between”

This is followed by a noun in genitive case, as demonstrated in the example.
Example:

Greek: Μεταξύ των δύο σπιτιών υπήρχε ένας φράχτης.
Romanization: Metaxí ton dío spitión ipírhe énas fráhtis.
Translation: “Between the two houses, there was a fence.”
53Greek: ανάμεσα
Romanization: anámesa
Translation: “between”

This adverb is followed by the preposition σε, which is often integrated in the article, becoming στον (masculine) / στη(ν) (feminine) / στο (neutral).
Example:

Greek: Ανάμεσα στα δύο σπίτια υπήρχε ένας φράχτης.
Romanization: Anámesa sta dío spítia ipírhe énas fráhtis.
Translation: “Between the houses, there was a fence.”
54Greek: γύρω
Romanization: yíro
Translation: “around”
Example:

Greek: Γύρω από το δέντρο υπήρχαν πολλές μέλισσες.
Romanization: Υíro apó to déndro ipírhan polés mélises.
Translation: “Around the tree, there were many bees.”
55Greek: αλλού
Romanization: alú
Translation: “someplace else” / “somewhere else”
Example:

Greek: Αυτό το εστιατόριο είναι γεμάτο. Πάμε αλλού.
Romanization: Aftó to estiatório íne yemáto. Páme alú.
Translation: “This restaurant is full. Let’s go someplace else.”
56Greek: βόρεια
Romanization: vória
Translation: “north”
Example:

Greek: Η Ελλάδα είναι ένα σταυροδρόμι πολιτισμών. Ανατολικά συνορεύει με την Τουρκία, δυτικά με την Ιταλία, βόρεια με τη Βουλγαρία, βορειοδυτικά με την Αλβανία και νότια με την Αφρική.
Romanization: I Elláda íne éna stavrodrómi politizmón. Anatoliká sinorévi me tin Turkía, ditiká me tin Italía, vória me ti Vulgaría, vorioditiká me tin Alvanía ke nótia me tin Afrikí.
Translation: “Greece is a crossroad of cultures. It borders Turkey to the east, Italy to the west, Bulgaria to the north, Albania to the northwest, and Africa to the south.”
57Greek: νότια
Romanization: nótia
Translation: “south”
58Greek: ανατολικά
Romanization: anatoliká
Translation: “east”
59Greek: δυτικά
Romanization: ditiká
Translation: “west”
60Greek: βορειοδυτικά
Romanization: ditiká
Translation: “southwest”

If you want to learn more phrases about giving directions in Greek, we highly recommend that you check out our relevant blog post.

3. Qualitative Adverbs

Similarly, the adverbs of this category answer the question Πώς; (Pos?), meaning “How?” 

A Woman Wondering How
61Greek: αργά
Romanization: argá
Translation: “slowly”
Example:

Greek: Οδηγάς πολύ γρήγορα. Πήγαινε πιο αργά.
Romanization: Odigás polí grígora. Píyene pio argá.
Translation: “You are driving very quickly. Go more slowly.”
62Greek: γρήγορα
Romanization: grígora
Translation: “quickly”
63Greek: προσεκτικά
Romanization: prosektiká
Translation: “carefully”
Example:

Greek: Να μη διαβάζεις απρόσεκτα. Να διαβάζεις προσεκτικά, για να καταλαβαίνεις.
Romanization: Na mi diavázis aprósekta. Na diavázis prosektiká, ya na katalavénis.
Translation: “You shouldn’t study without paying attention. You should study carefully in order to understand.”
64Greek: απρόσεκτα
Romanization: aprósekta
Translation: “carelessly” / “without paying attention”
65Greek: ήσυχα
Romanization: ísiha
Translation: “quietly”
Example:

Greek: Το βράδυ προσπαθώ να μπαίνω στο σπίτι ήσυχα, για να μη σε ξυπνήσω.
Romanization: To vrádi prospathó na béno sto spíti ísiha, ya na mi se xipníso.
Translation: “During the night, I try to enter the house quietly so I won’t wake you up.”
66Greek: χαρούμενα
Romanization: harúmena
Translation: “happily”
Example:

Greek: Ο σκύλος με κοιτά χαρούμενα όταν έρχομαι στο σπίτι και λυπημένα όταν φεύγω. 
Romanization: O skílos me kitá harúmena ótan érhome sto spíti ke lipiména ótan févgo.
Translation: “The dog looks at me happily when I come home and sadly when I leave.”
67Greek: λυπημένα
Romanization: lipiména
Translation: “sadly”
68Greek: εύκολα
Romanization: éfkola
Translation: “easily”
Example:

Greek: Μπορείς να μπεις εύκολα σε έναν λαβύρινθο, όμως βγαίνεις δύσκολα
Romanization: Borís na bis éfkola se énan lavírintho, ómos vyénis dískola.
Translation: “You can enter a labyrinth easily, but you get out of it with difficulty.”
69Greek: δύσκολα
Romanization: dískola
Translation: “with difficulty”
70Greek: κυριολεκτικά
Romanization: kiriolektiká
Translation: “literally”
Example:

Greek: Αυτό το είπα μεταφορικά. Δεν μιλούσα κυριολεκτικά.
Romanization: Aftó to ípa metaforiká. Den milúsa kiriolektiká.
Translation: “I said this metaphorically. I wasn’t talking literally.”
71Greek: μεταφορικά
Romanization: metaforiká
Translation: “metaphorically”
72Greek: έτσι
Romanization: étsi
Translation: “this/that way” “like this/that”
Example:

Greek: ⁠—Πώς θέλετε να σας κόψω τα μαλλιά; —Έτσι.
Romanization: Pós thélete na sas kópso ta maliá? Étsi. 
Translation: “—How would you like me to cut your hair? —This way.”
73Greek: κάπως
Romanization: kápos
Translation: “somehow”
Example:

Greek: Κάπως πρέπει να συναντηθούμε.
Romanization: Κápos prépi na sinadithúme. 
Translation: “We have to meet somehow.”
74Greek: καλά / καλώς
Romanization: kalá / kalós
Translation: “well” / “good”
Example:

Greek: —Το ραντεβού σας είναι αύριο το απόγευμα. —Καλώς.
Romanization: To randevú sas íne ávrio to apóyevma. Kalós.
Translation: “Your appointment is for tomorrow afternoon. – Good.”
75Greek: κακά / κακώς
Romanization: kaká / kakós
Translation: “badly” / “bad”
Example:

Greek: Κακώς δεν του είπες ότι θα αργήσεις.
Romanization: Kakós den tu ípes óti tha aryísis.
Translation: “It was bad that you didn’t tell him you’ll be late.”
76Greek: ξαφνικά
Romanization: xafniká
Translation: “suddenly”
Example:

Greek: Ξαφνικά ο ουρανός σκοτείνιασε και άρχισε να βρέχει.
Romanization: Χafniká o uranós skotíniase ke árhise na vréhi.
Translation: “Suddenly, the sky darkened and it started raining.”
77Greek: ωραία
Romanization: oréa
Translation: ” nicely” / “nice”
Example:

Greek: Αυτή τη φορά πέρασα πολύ ωραία στην εκδρομή μας. Την προηγούμενη φορά ήμουν άρρωστος και πέρασα πολύ άσχημα
Romanization: Aftí ti forá pérasa polí oréa stin ekdromí mas. Tin proigúmeni forá ímun árostos ke pérasa polí áshima.
Translation: “This time, I had a nice time on our excursion. Last time, I was sick and I had a bad time.”
78Greek: άσχημα
Romanization: áshima
Translation: “badly” / “bad”
79Greek: μαζί
Romanization: mazí
Translation: “together”
Example:

Greek: Πήγατε μαζί σινεμά;
Romanization: Pígate mazí sinemá?
Translation: “Did you go to the cinema together?”
80Greek: ευτυχώς
Romanization: eftihós
Translation: “fortunately” / “luckily”
Example:

Greek: Ευτυχώς η άσκηση ήταν εύκολη, όμως δεν πρόλαβα να την κάνω δυστυχώς.
Romanization: Eftihós i áskisi ítan éfkoli, ómos den prólava na tin káno distihós.
Translation: “Fortunately, the assignment was easy; but unfortunately, I didn’t get it done. “
81Greek: δυστυχώς
Romanization: distihós
Translation: “unfortunately”

4. Quantitative Adverbs

As you might have guessed, adverbs of quantity answer the question Πόσο; (Póso), or “How much?”

A Plate with Three Peas

Here are some of the most popular answers:

82838485868788
Greek: τόσο
Romanization: tóso
Translation: “that much
Greek: λίγο
Romanization: lígo
Translation: “(a) little”
Greek: πολύ
Romanization: polí
Translation: “very” / “much” / “too”
Greek: αρκετά
Romanization: arketá
Translation: “enough”
Greek: λιγότερο
Romanization: ligótero
Translation: “less”
Greek: περισσότερο
Romanization: perisótero
Translation: “more”
Greek: καθόλου
Romanization: kathólu
Translation: “(not) at all”

Now, let’s have a look at some more adverbs of quantity, along with some examples.+

89Greek: μόνο
Romanization: móno
Translation: “only” / “just”

This adverb is usually accompanied by other relevant adverbs of quantity, such as τόσο (tóso) and λίγο (lígo).
Example:

Greek: Έφαγα λίγο μόνο και δεν χόρτασα.
Romanization: Éfaga lígo móno ke den hórtasa.
Translation: “I ate just a little and I didn’t get full.”
90Greek: περίπου
Romanization: perípu
Translation: “approximately” / “about”

This adverb is usually accompanied by other relevant adverbs of quantity, such as τόσο (tóso).
Example:

Greek: Έφαγα τόσο περίπου και δεν χόρτασα.
Romanization: Éfaga tóso perípu ke den hórtasa.
Translation: “I ate about that much and I didn’t get full.” (while demonstrating the quantity)
91Greek: σχεδόν
Romanization: shedón
Translation: “almost” / “nearly”

This adverb is usually accompanied by other relevant adverbs of quantity, such as τόσο (tóso).
Example:

Greek: Έφαγε σχεδόν όλα τα μπισκότα.
Romanization: Éfaye schedón óla ta biskóta.
Translation: “He ate almost all the cookies.”

5. Modal Adverbs

Adverbs denoting confirmation, hesitation, or negation typically answer Yes/No questions, or they can be used to express agreement or disagreement in general.

A Woman Holding Yes and No Signs

5.1 Confirmation Adverbs

92939495
Greek: ναι
Romanization: ne
Translation: “yes”
Greek: σίγουρα
Romanization: sígura
Translation: “surely” / “for sure”
Greek: βέβαια / βεβαίως
Romanization: vévea / vevéos
Translation: “certainly”
Greek: μάλιστα
Romanization: málista
Translation: “indeed”

5.2 Hesitation Adverbs

9697
Greek: ίσως
Romanization: ísos
Translation: “maybe”
Greek: πιθανόν
Romanization: pithanón
Translation: “perhaps” / “probably”

5.3 Negation Adverbs

9899100
Greek: όχι
Romanization: óhi
Translation: “no”
Greek: δεν
Romanization: den
Translation: “not” (with a verb in the indicative mood)
Greek: μη(ν)
Romanization: min
Translation: “not” (with a verb in the subjunctive mood)

6. Conclusion

Learning how to describe various actions is an integral part of your studies. In this article, we’ve tried to cover a wide range of modern Greek adverbs which will be useful in everyday life.

GreekPod101.com offers you high-quality, practical knowledge about the Greek language.  

On GreekPod101.com, we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about 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 tutor, who will answer any questions you might have!

In the meantime, can you think of another adverb not included in this list? Let us know in the comments and we’ll surely inform you about its Greek equivalent!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Useful Verbs in Greek

Greek Verb Conjugations: A Mystery of Tenses, Voices & Moods Unraveled

Thumbnail

Do you know why Greek is considered a hard language to learn?

(Yes, we know that you might be thinking of many different answers!)

Nevertheless, a perfectly acceptable answer here would be: Verb conjugation!

Greek verbs tend to change according to the person(s) they refer to, the number, the tense, the mood, the voice, and the conjugation group they belong to. Greek verb conjugation is difficult—we get it. However, it’s not a true mystery. There are several rules that can help you categorize regular verbs and conjugate them correctly, but at the same time, there are several irregular verbs you should probably learn by heart.

In this blog post, we’ll focus on the regular Greek verbs’ conjugations, presenting you with tips, tricks, and examples.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Useful Verbs in Greek Table of Contents
  1. What is Conjugation?
  2. Verb Conjugation Groups
  3. Conjugation Examples
  4. It’s Quiz Time!
  5. Conclusion

1. What is Conjugation?

Top Verbs
Conjugation is a phenomenon describing various changes happening to a verb, commonly based on the person(s), the number, the tense, the mood, and the voice. These changes create different pattern sets called conjugation groups, and verbs are categorized according to those groups.

In Greek, adjectives, pronouns, nouns, and articles change as well. However, in this article, we’ll focus on the Greek verbs and their conjugation, which is one of the most complicated chapters of Greek grammar. 

1.1 The Person(s) and Numbers

A Smart Kid

Before we begin, take a look at this brief Greek conjugation chart:

GreekRomanizationTranslation
1st Person Singularεγώegó“I”
2nd Person Singularεσύesí“you”
3rd Person Singularαυτός / αυτή / αυτόaftós / aftí / aftó“he” / “she” / “it”
1st Person Pluralεμείςemís“we”
2nd Person Pluralεσείςesís“you”
3rd Person Pluralαυτοί / αυτές / αυτάaftí / aftés / aftá“they” (male / female / neutral)

Our first stop on the journey of modern Greek verb conjugation is the person(s) and numbers. Greek verbs, just like English verbs, get conjugated according to the first, second, and third person in the singular and plural. To create all these different verb forms, the only thing you need to do is change its suffix (i.e. its ending). 

For example: 

  • εγώ λύνω (egó líno) — “I solve”
  • εσύ λύνεις (esí línis) —  “you solve”

As you might have noticed, this change can be very tricky for English-speakers, since the verb in English remains unchanged, regardless of the person. That’s surely one major difference between Greek and English grammar, so you’ll need time and a lot of practice to get used to this.

1.2 The Tenses

A Road Sign Showing the Present, the Past, and the Future

Lucky for you, the Greek tenses have many similarities with those in English. Let’s have a look at the table below.

Greek TenseRomanizationCorresponding English TenseUsage
ΕνεστώταςEnestótasSimple Present & 
Present Continuous
For an action that is happening in the present, either continuously or repeatedly, or just once.
ΠαρατατικόςParatatikósPast ContinuousFor an action that was happening continuously or repeatedly in the past.
ΑόριστοςAóristosSimple PastFor an action that happened in the past once or momentarily.
Στιγμιαίος ΜέλλονταςStigmiéos MélondasSimple FutureFor an action that will happen in the future just once or momentarily.
Εξακολουθητικός ΜέλλονταςExakoluthitikós MélondasFuture ContinuousFor an action that will be happening in the future continuously or repeatedly.
ΠαρακείμενοςParakímenosPresent PerfectFor an action that began in the past and has been completed by the present time.
ΥπερσυντέλικοςIpersidélikosPast PerfectFor an action that began in the past and was completed before a specific moment (or other action) in the past.
Συντελεσμένος ΜέλλονταςSindelezménos MélondasFuture PerfectFor an action that will have been completed by a specific time in the future.

For example:

  • εγώ προσπαθώ (egó prospathó) — “I try” / “I am trying” | ενεστώτας (enestótas, “present tense”)
  • εγώ προσπάθησα (egó prospáthisa) — “I tried” | αόριστος (aóristos, “simple past tense” or “aorist tense”)

All future tenses (στιγμιαίος, εξακολουθητικός & συντελεσμένος μέλλοντας) make use of the particle θα (tha), meaning “will. Moreover, Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας & Παρακείμενος make use of the auxiliary verb έχω (ého), meaning “have, whereas Υπερσυντέλικος makes use of είχα (íha), meaning “had.

1.3 The Moods

In Greek, there are five distinct verb moods, which have to do with how the verb’s action is presented in order to show the intention of the speaker. The Greek moods and their usage are demonstrated in the table below.

Greek MoodsRomanizationTranslationUsage
Οριστική

e.g. Εγώ παίζω.
Oristikí

e.g. Egó pézo.
Indicative

E.g. “I play.”
Indicates that the action is something certain, real, a fact.
Υποτακτική

e.g. Εσύ πρέπει να κοιμηθείς.
Ipotaktikí

e.g. Esí prépi na kimithís.
Subjunctive

e.g. “You must sleep.”
Indicates that the action is something wanted or expected, such as a wish, a desire, or an intention.
Προστακτική

e.g. Πήγαινε τώρα!
Prostaktikí

e.g. Píyene tóra!
Imperative

E.g. “Go now!”
Indicates a command, an order, or a request.
Μετοχή

A) e.g. Παίζοντας πέρασε γρήγορα η ώρα.

B) e.g. Τα πιάτα είναι πλυμένα.
Metohí

A) e.g. Pézondas pérase grígora i óra.


B) e.g. Ta piáta íne pliména.
Participle

A) e.g. “By playing, the time passed quickly.”

B) e.g. “The dishes are washed.”
A) An uninflected verb form commonly used as an adverb to indicate time, manner, cause, condition, etc.

B) An inflected verb form commonly used as an adjective, giving a noun, pronoun, or name a certain attribute.
Απαρέμφατο

e.g. Έχω διαβάσει αυτό το βιβλίο.
Aparémfato

e.g. Ého diavási aftó to vivlío.
Infinitive

e.g. “I have read this book.”
An uninflected verb form used as a verb formation element in the present perfect, past perfect, and the future perfect tense.

Please, keep in mind that the mood υποτακτική (Ipotaktikí) usually makes use of the particle να, among other words, in order to be formed as shown in the relative example.

1.4 The Voices

As in English, there are two voices in Greek:

Greek VoicesRomanizationCorresponding English Voice
Ενεργητική φωνήEneryitikí foníActive voice
Παθητική φωνήPathitikí foníPassive voice

For example:

  • Active Voice:
    Η αδερφή μου αγόρασε το μήλο. (I aderfí mu agórase to mílo.) — “My sister bought the apple.
  • Passive Voice:
    Το μήλο αγοράστηκε από την αδερφή μου. (To mílo agorástike apó tin aderfí mu.) — “The apple was bought by my sister.”

2. Verb Conjugation Groups

A List of English Conjugations

Now, for conjugation in Greek, there are two major conjugation groups: Conjugation A and Conjugation B.

Conjugation A includes verbs ending in:

  • | Active Voice
  • -ομαι | Passive Voice

For example: λύν / λύν-ομαι (líno / línome) — “to solve” / “to be solved”

Conjugation Β includes verbs ending in:

  • | Active Voice
  • -ιέμαι [first class] / -ούμαι, -άμαι, or -ώμαι [second class] | Passive Voice

For example: 

  • Conjugation B [first class]:
    αγαπ / αγαπ-ιέμαι (agapó / agapiéme) — “to love” / “to be loved”
  • Conjugation B [second class]:
    θεωρ / θεωρ-ούμαι (theoró / theorúme) — “to think” / “to be thought”
    κοιμ-άμαι (kimáme) — “to sleep” (in the passive voice only)
    διερωτ-ώμαι (dierotóme) — “to ask myself” (in the passive voice only)

As you saw above, Conjugation B verbs are divided into two classes: those conjugating like αγαπώ [first class] and those like θεωρώ [second class].

Indeed, these two major conjugation groups act as a rule for the majority of regular verbs. When it comes to determining to which category each verb belongs, a rule of thumb is to notice whether the -ω at the end of the verb in the active voice is accentuated. If there’s no accent mark, then the verb follows the Conjugation A model. Otherwise, if the -ώ is accentuated, it follows the Conjugation B model.

Greek verb conjugation is not that easy. There are many irregular verbs and many verb forms, some of which were integrated into modern Greek from ancient Greek. Therefore, in practice, learning how to conjugate verbs according to the two conjugation groups only won’t cover all cases. It’s really necessary to study Greek verb conjugation rules for irregular verbs as well. 

3. Conjugation Examples

A Woman Thinking about Something

In the following sections, we’ll be looking at a few Greek conjugation tables to give you a good idea of what to expect.

3.1 Conjugation A

In this category, we find Greek verbs ending in in the active voice, and -ομαι in the passive voice. Below, you can find the complete conjugation of the verb λύνω (líno), meaning “to solve.”

Other Conjugation A verbs that are conjugated in the same way are: 

  • χάνω (háno) — “to lose”
  • πληρώνω (pliróno) — “to pay”
  • ντύνω (díno) — “to dress”

Active Voice

Indicative
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώλύνωέλυναέλυσαθα λύσωθα λύνωθα έχω λύσειέχω λύσειείχα λύσει
εσύλύνειςέλυνεςέλυσεςθα λύσειςθα λύνειςθα έχεις λύσειέχεις λύσεείχες λύσει
 αυτή / αυτόλύνειέλυνεέλυσεθα λύσειθα λύνειθα έχει λύσειέχει λύσειείχε λύσει
εμείςλύνουμελύναμελύσαμεθα λύσουμεθα λύνουμεθα έχουμε λύσειέχουμε λύσειείχαμε λύσει
εσείςλύνετελύνατελύσατεθα λύσετεθα λύνετεθα έχετε λύσειέχετε λύσειείχατε λύσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάλύνουν(ε)έλυναν
or λύνανε
έλυσαν
or λύσανε
θα λύσουν(ε)θα λύνουν(ε)θα έχουν(ε) λύσειέχουν(ε) λύσειείχαν(ε) λύσει
Subjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώνα λύνωνα λύσωνα έχω λύσει
εσύνα λύνειςνα λύσειςνα έχεις λύσει
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόνα λύνεινα λύσεινα έχει λύσει
εμείςνα λύνουμενα λύσουμενα έχουμε λύσει
εσείςνα λύνετενα λύσετενα έχετε λύσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάνα λύνουν(ε)να λύσουν(ε)να έχουν(ε) λύσει
ImperativeThe participleThe infinitive
PresentSimple PastPresentSimple Past
εσύλύνελύσελύνονταςλύσει
εσείςλύνετελύστε

Passive Voice

Indicative
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώλύνομαιλυνόμουν(α)λύθηκαθα λυθώθα λύνομαιθα έχω λυθείέχω λυθείείχα λυθεί
εγώλύνεσαιλυνόσουν(α)λύθηκεςθα λυθείςθα λύνεσαιθα έχεις λυθείέχεις λυθείείχες λυθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόλύνεταιλυνόταν(ε)λύθηκεθα λυθείθα λύνεταιθα έχει λυθείέχει λυθείείχε λυθεί
εμείςλυνόμαστελυνόμαστανλυθήκαμεθα λυθούμεθα λυνόμαστεθα έχουμε λυθείχουμε λυθείείχαμε λυθεί
εσείςλύνεστε
or λυνόσαστε
λυνόσαστανλυθήκατεθα λυθείτεθα λύνεστε
or
θα λυνόσαστε
θα έχετε λυθείέχετε λυθείείχατε λυθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάλύνονταιλύνονταν
or λυνόντουσαν
λύθηκαν
or
λυθήκανε
θα λυθούν(ε)θα λύνονταιθα έχουν(ε) λυθείέχουν(ε) λυθείείχαν(ε) λυθεί
Subjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώνα λύνομαινα λυθώνα έχω λυθεί
εσύνα λύνεσαινα λυθείςνα έχεις λυθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόνα λύνεταινα λυθείνα έχει λυθεί
εμείςνα λυνόμαστενα λυθούμενα έχουμε λυθεί
εσείςνα λύνεστε
or
να λυνόσαστε
να λυθείτενα έχετε λυθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάνα λύνονταινα λυθούν(ε)να έχουν(ε) λυθεί
ImperativeThe participleThe infinitive
PresentSimple PastPresentSimple Past
εσύλύσουλυμμένος / / -ολυθεί
εσείςλυθείτε

3.2 Conjugation B

First Class

In this category are the Greek verbs ending in in the active voice, and -ιέμαι in the passive voice. Below, you can find the complete conjugation of the verb αγαπώ (agapó), meaning “to love.”

Other Conjugation Β [first class] verbs that are conjugated in the same way are:

  • απαντώ (apandó) — “to answer”
  • μιλώ (miló) — “to talk”
  • ρωτώ (rotó) — “to ask”

Active Voice

Indicative
Present Past Continuous Simple Past Simple Future Future Continuous Future PerfectPresent Perfect Past Perfect
εγώ αγαπάω or αγαπώ αγαπούσα αγάπησα θα αγαπήσω θα αγαπάω or αγαπώ θα έχω αγαπήσει έχω αγαπήσει είχα αγαπήσει
εσύαγαπάςαγαπούσεςαγάπησεςθα αγαπήσεις θα αγαπάςθα έχεις αγαπήσειέχεις αγαπήσειείχες αγαπήσει
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόαγαπάει or αγαπάαγαπούσεαγάπησεθα αγαπήσειθα αγαπάει or αγαπάθα έχει αγαπήσειέχει αγαπήσειείχε αγαπήσει
εμείςαγαπάμε or αγαπούμεαγαπούσαμεαγαπήσαμεθα αγαπήσουμεθα αγαπάμε or αγαπούμεθα έχουμε αγαπήσειέχουμε αγαπήσειείχαμε αγαπήσει
εσείςαγαπάτεαγαπούσατεαγαπήσατεθα αγαπήσετεθα αγαπάτεθα έχετε αγαπήσειέχετε αγαπήσειείχατε αγαπήσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάαγαπάνε or αγαπούν(ε)αγαπούσαν(ε)αγάπησανθα αγαπήσουν(ε)θα αγαπάνε or αγαπούν(ε)θα έχουν(ε) αγαπήσειέχουν(ε) αγαπήσειείχαν(ε) αγαπήσει
Subjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώνα αγαπάω or
να αγαπώ
να αγαπήσωνα έχω αγαπήσει
εσύνα αγαπάςνα αγαπήσειςνα έχεις αγαπήσει
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόνα αγαπάει or
να αγαπά
να αγαπήσεινα έχει αγαπήσει
εμείςνα αγαπάμε or
να αγαπούμε
να αγαπήσουμενα έχουμε αγαπήσει
εσείςνα αγαπάτενα αγαπήσετενα έχετε αγαπήσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάνα αγαπάνε or
να αγαπούν(ε)
να αγαπήσουν(ε)να έχουν(ε) αγαπήσει
ImperativeThe participleThe infinitive
PresentSimple PastPresentSimple Past
εσύαγάπααγάπησεαγαπώνταςαγαπήσει
εσείςαγαπάτεαγαπήστε

Passive Voice

Indicative
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώαγαπιέμαιαγαπιόμουν(α)αγαπήθηκαθα αγαπηθώθα αγαπιέμαιθα έχω αγαπηθείέχω αγαπηθείείχα αγαπηθεί
εσύαγαπιέσαιαγαπιόσουν(α)αγαπήθηκεςθα αγαπηθείςθα αγαπιέσαιθα έχεις αγαπηθείέχεις αγαπηθείείχες αγαπηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόαγαπιέταιαγαπιόταν(ε)αγαπήθηκεθα αγαπηθείθα αγαπιέταιθα έχει αγαπηθείέχει αγαπηθείείχε αγαπηθεί
εμείςαγαπιόμαστεαγαπιόμασταν / αγαπιόμαστεαγαπηθήκαμεθα αγαπηθούμεθα αγαπιόμαστεθα έχουμε αγαπηθείέχουμε αγαπηθείείχαμε αγαπηθεί
εσείςαγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστεαγαπιόσασταν or αγαπιόσαστεαγαπηθήκατεθα αγαπηθείτεθα αγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστεθα έχετε αγαπηθείέχετε αγαπηθείείχατε αγαπηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάαγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστεαγαπιούνταν(ε)αγαπήθηκανθα αγαπηθούν(ε)θα αγαπιούνταιθα έχουν(ε) αγαπηθείέχουν(ε) αγαπηθείείχαν(ε) αγαπηθεί
Subjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectFuture PerfectPast Perfect
εγώνα αγαπιέμαινα αγαπηθώνα έχω αγαπηθεί
εσύνα αγαπιέσαινα αγαπηθείςνα έχεις αγαπηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόνα αγαπιέταινα αγαπηθείνα έχει αγαπηθεί
εμείςνα αγαπιόμαστενα αγαπηθούμενα έχουμε αγαπηθεί
εσείςνα αγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστενα αγαπηθείτενα έχετε αγαπηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάνα αγαπιούνταινα αγαπηθούν(ε)να έχουν(ε) αγαπηθεί
ImperativeThe participleThe infinitive
PresentSimple PastPresentSimple Past
εσύαγαπήσουαγαπημένος / / -οαγαπηθεί
εσείςαγαπιέστεαγαπηθείτε

Second Class

Included in this category are the Greek verbs ending in in the active voice, and -ούμαι, -άμαι, or -ώμαι in the passive voice. Below, you can find the complete conjugation of the verb θεωρώ (theoró), meaning “to think” or “to consider.”

Other Conjugation Β [second class] verbs that are conjugated in the same way are:

  • μπορώ (boró) — “can” / “to be able to”
  • ζω (zo) — “to live”
  • παρακαλώ (parakaló) — “to request” / “to beg”

Active Voice

Indicative
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώθεωρούμαιθεωρήθηκαθα θεωρηθώθα θεωρούμαιθα έχω θεωρηθείέχω θεωρηθείείχα θεωρηθεί
εσύθεωρείσαιθεωρήθηκεςθα θεωρηθείςθα θεωρείσαιθα έχεις θεωρηθείέχεις θεωρηθείείχες θεωρηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόθεωρείταιθεωρούνταν(ε)θεωρήθηκεθα θεωρηθείθα θεωρηθείθα έχει θεωρηθείέχει θεωρηθείείχε θεωρηθεί
εμείςθεωρούμαστεθεωρηθήκαμεθα θεωρηθούμεθα θεωρηθούμεθα έχουμε θεωρηθείέχουμε θεωρηθείείχαμε θεωρηθεί
εσείςθεωρείστεθεωρηθήκατεθα θεωρηθείτεθα θεωρηθείτεθα έχετε θεωρηθείέχετε θεωρηθείείχατε θεωρηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάθεωρούνταιθεωρούνταν(ε)θεωρήθηκαν(ε)θα θεωρηθούν(ε)θα θεωρηθούν(ε)θα έχουν(ε) θεωρηθείέχουν(ε) θεωρηθείείχαν(ε) θεωρηθεί
Subjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώνα θεωρούμαινα θεωρηθώνα έχω θεωρηθεί
εσύνα θεωρείσαινα θεωρηθείςνα έχεις θεωρηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόνα θεωρείταινα θεωρηθείνα έχει θεωρηθεί
εμείςνα θεωρούμαστενα θεωρηθούμενα έχουμε θεωρηθεί
εσείςνα θεωρείστενα θεωρηθείτενα έχετε θεωρηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάνα θεωρούνταινα θεωρηθούν(ε)να έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί
ImperativeThe participleThe infinitive
PresentSimple PastPresentSimple Past
εσύθεωρήσουθεωρημένος / / -οθεωρηθεί
εσείςθεωρηθείτε

Passive Voice

Indicative
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώθεωρούμαιθεωρήθηκαθα θεωρηθώθα θεωρούμαιθα έχω θεωρηθείέχω θεωρηθείείχα θεωρηθεί
εσύθεωρείσαιθεωρήθηκεςθα θεωρηθείςθα θεωρείσαιθα έχεις θεωρηθείέχεις θεωρηθείείχες θεωρηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόθεωρείταιθεωρούνταν(ε)θεωρήθηκεθα θεωρηθείθα θεωρείταιθα έχει θεωρηθείέχει θεωρηθείείχε θεωρηθεί
εμείςθεωρούμαστεθεωρηθήκαμεθα θεωρηθούμεθα θεωρούμαστεθα έχουμε θεωρηθείέχουμε θεωρηθείείχαμε θεωρηθεί
εσείςθεωρείστεθεωρηθήκατεθα θεωρηθείτεθα θεωρείστεθα έχετε θεωρηθείέχετε θεωρηθείείχατε θεωρηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάθεωρούνταιθεωρούνταν(ε)θεωρήθηκαν(ε)θα θεωρηθούν(ε)θα θεωρούνταιθα έχουν(ε) θεωρηθείέχουν(ε) θεωρηθείείχαν(ε) θεωρηθεί
Subjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousSimple PastSimple FutureFuture ContinuousFuture PerfectPresent PerfectPast Perfect
εγώνα θεωρούμαινα θεωρηθώνα έχω θεωρηθεί
εσύνα θεωρείσαινα θεωρηθείςνα έχεις θεωρηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόνα θεωρείταινα θεωρηθείνα έχει θεωρηθεί
εμείςνα θεωρούμαστενα θεωρηθούμενα έχουμε θεωρηθεί
εσείςνα θεωρείστενα θεωρηθείτενα έχετε θεωρηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάνα θεωρούνταινα θεωρηθούν(ε)να έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί
ImperativeThe participleThe infinitive
PresentSimple PastPresentSimple Past
εσύθεωρήσουθεωρημένος / / -οθεωρηθεί
εσείςθεωρηθείτε

Verbs ending in -ώμαι and -άμαι follow the traditional conjugation model of -ούμαι ending verbs, except for certain forms which we’ll see below. The participles may or may not vary from the traditional model.

Let’s see the forms in which the verb εγγυώμαι (engióme), meaning “to guarantee,” varies.

IndicativeSubjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousFuture ContinuousPresent
εγώεγγυώμαιεγγυόμουνθα εγγυώμαινα εγγυώμαι
εσύεγγυάσαιεγγυόσουνθα εγγυάσαινα εγγυάσαι
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόεγγυάταιεγγυότανθα εγγυάταινα εγγυάται
εμείςεγγυόμαστε or
εγγυώμεθα (archaic)
εγγυόμαστανθα εγγυόμαστε or
θα εγγυώμεθα (archaic)
να εγγυόμαστε or
να εγγυώμεθα (archaic)
εσείςεγγυάστε or
εγγυάσθε (archaic)
εγγυόσαστανθα εγγυάστε or
θα εγγυάσθε (archaic)
να εγγυάστε or
να εγγυάσθε (archaic)
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάεγγυούνται or
εγγυώνται (archaic)
εγγυόνταν or
εγγυούνταν
θα εγγυούνται or
θα εγγυώνται (archaic)
να εγγυούνται or
να εγγυώνται (archaic)

And lastly, let’s see the forms in which the verb κοιμάμαι (kimáme), meaning “to sleep,” varies.

IndicativeSubjunctive
PresentPast ContinuousFuture ContinuousPresent
εγώκοιμάμαι or
κοιμούμαι
κοιμόμουν(α)θα κοιμάμαι or
θα κοιμούμαι
να κοιμάμαι or
να κοιμούμαι
εσύκοιμάσαικοιμόσουν(α)θα κοιμάσαινα κοιμάσαι
αυτός / αυτή / αυτόκοιμάταικοιμόταν(ε)θα κοιμάταινα κοιμάται
εμείςκοιμόμαστε or
κοιμούμαστε
κοιμόμαστανθα κοιμόμαστε or
θα κοιμούμαστε
να κοιμόμαστε or
να κοιμούμαστε
εσείςκοιμάστε or
κοιμόσαστε
κοιμόσαστανθα κοιμάστε or
θα κοιμόσαστε
να κοιμάστε or
να κοιμόσαστε
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτάκοιμούνταικοιμ-ούνταν or
κοιμόντουσαν
also κοιμ-όντανε (colloquial, rare)
θα κοιμούνταινα κοιμούνται

4. It’s Quiz Time!

A Woman Thinking of How to Answer Questions

How much do you remember about the conjugation of Greek verbs? If you feel like testing your knowledge, please go ahead and answer the following multiple choice questions. 

Θέλω να __________ (λύνω) αυτήν την άσκηση τώρα.
a. λύνω
b. λύσω
c. είχα λύσει
d. έχω λύσει

Εμείς _________ (μένω) στο ξενοδοχείο Athina Hotel.
a. μένουν
b. μένω
c. έμενα
d. μένουμε

Εγώ σε ________ (αγαπώ) πολύ.
a. αγάπη
a. αγάπη
a. αγάπη
a. αγάπη

Αυτός _______________ (ταξιδεύω) σε πολλές χώρες.
a. έχω ταξιδέψει
b. έχει ταξιδέψει
c. είχα ταξιδέψει
d. ταξιδέψαμε

Εσύ _________(πιστεύω) ότι πρέπει να πάμε πιο νωρίς στο σινεμά;
a. πιστεύεις
b. πίστευα
c. πιστεύετε
d. πιστέψαμε

Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

5. Conclusion

Feeling overwhelmed? Just take one step at a time.

This article aimed to cover the conjugation of Greek regular verbs. We also gave you a short presentation of the verb properties, such as the person, number, tense, mood, voice, and conjugation group. All of these verb properties are at the core of this chapter of Greek grammar. For more information on verb conjugation, check out the Intermediate and Upper Intermediate series on GreekPod101.com.

Greek grammar is vast indeed, and we get that you might feel a little dizzy after reading all this new information. So, how would you feel if you had a personal teacher to guide you all the way through this grammar labyrinth? In addition to our great selection of free learning resources, we also offer a personalized premium service, MyTeacher, where you can enjoy a unique one-on-one learning experience!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Useful Verbs in Greek

Top 100 Common Greek Verbs: A Complete Handbook

Thumbnail

When it comes to Greek verbs, many people focus only on the grammar aspect, neglecting to really expand their vocabulary. 

In this blog post, we aim to provide you with the top 100 most essential Greek verbs. In order to achieve this, we’ve divided the verbs into meaningful categories and have provided an example of how to use each one. 

This is your ultimate guide to the huge variety of Greek verbs! 

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Useful Verbs in Greek Table of Contents
  1. An Introduction to Greek Verbs Usage
  2. Greek Verbs of Motion
  3. Sport-Related Verbs
  4. Verbs of Communication
  5. Study-Related Verbs
  6. Verbs of the Mind
  7. Verbs of Sentiments
  8. Auxiliary Verbs
  9. Linking (or Copular) Verbs
  10. Conclusion

1. An Introduction to Greek Verbs Usage

Top Verbs

From a grammar perspective, Greek verbs present two major conjugations: Conjugation A and Conjugation B. 

Conjugation A includes verbs ending in:

  • -ω | Active Voice
  • -ομαι | Passive Voice

e.g. λύν-ω / λύν-ομαι

Conjugation B includes verbs ending in: 

  • -ώ | Active Voice
  • -ιέμαι / – ούμαι | Passive Voice

e.g. αγαπ-ώ / αγαπ-ιέμαι | θεωρώ / θεωρ-ούμαι

In order to understand the Greek verb conjugation rules in depth, you can take a look at our relevant article.

From a syntax perspective, Greek verbs are placed similarly to how they are in English syntax, following the SVO (Subject – Verb – Object) rule. However, what intrigues most students is that the subject may be omitted, especially if it’s a personal pronoun. This phenomenon is very common in the Greek language since the suffix of the verb usually reveals the subject. 

In the examples demonstrated below, you’ll be able to familiarize yourself with Greek language verb conjugation, as well as the syntax of each sentence.

2. Greek Verbs of Motion

More Essential Verbs
1Greek: πηγαίνω
Romanization: piyéno
Translation: “to go”
Example:

Greek: Κάθε μέρα πηγαίνω στη δουλειά.
Romanization: Káthe méra piyéno sti duliá.
Translation: “Every day, I go to work.”
2Greek: παίρνω
Romanization: pérno
Translation: “to get” / “to take”
Example:

Greek: Παίρνω παντού το κινητό μου μαζί μου.
Romanization: Pérno padú to kinitó mu mazí mu.
Translation: “I take my mobile phone everywhere with me.”
3Greek: φτιάχνω
Romanization: ftiáhno
Translation: “to make”
Example:

Greek: Η μητέρα μου φτιάχνει τυρόπιτα.
Romanization: I mitéra mu ftiáhni tirópita.
Translation: “My mother is making cheese pie.”
4Greek: κάνω
Romanization: káno
Translation: “to do”
Example:

Greek: Θα κάνω ό,τι μου πεις.
Romanization: Tha káno ó,ti mu pis.
Translation: “I will do whatever you tell me.”
5Greek: δουλεύω
Romanization: dulévo
Translation: “to work”
Example:

Greek: Συνήθως δουλεύω πέντε ημέρες την εβδομάδα.
Romanization: Siníthos dulévo pénde iméres tin evdomáda.
Translation: “Normally, I work five days per week.”
6Greek: βάζω
Romanization: vázo
Translation: “to put”
Example:

Greek: Βάλε το παγωτό στην κατάψυξη.
Romanization: Vále to pagotó stin katápsixi.
Translation: “Put the ice cream in the freezer.”
7Greek: βοηθώ
Romanization: voithó
Translation: “to help”
Example:

Greek: Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις λίγο;
Romanization: Borís na me voithísis lígo?
Translation: “Could you help me a bit?”
8Greek: μετακινώ
Romanization: metakinó
Translation: “to move something”
Example:

Greek: Αν μετακινήσουμε λίγο το τραπέζι, θα υπάρχει περισσότερος χώρος.
Romanization: An metakinísume lígo to trapézi, tha ipárhi perisóteros hóros.
Translation: “If we move the table a bit, there will be more space.”
9Greek: ακολουθώ
Romanization: akoluthó
Translation: “to follow”
Example:

Greek: Παρακαλώ ακολουθήστε με, για να σας δείξω το δωμάτιό σας.
Romanization: Parakaló akoluthíste me, ya na sas díxo to domátió sas.
Translation: “Please follow me so I can show you your room.”
10Greek: αλλάζω
Romanization: alázo
Translation: “to change”
Example:

Greek: Ο καιρός άλλαξε πολύ γρήγορα.
Romanization: O kerós álaxe polí grígora.
Translation: “The weather changed very quickly.”
11Greek: ψάχνω
Romanization: psáhno
Translation: “to search” / “to look for”
Example:

Greek: Αυτό που ψάχνω είναι καλά κρυμμένο.
Romanization: Aftó pu psáhno íne kalá kriméno.
Translation: “What I am looking for is well-hidden.”
12Greek: οργανώνω
Romanization: organóno
Translation: “to organize”
Example:

Greek: Οργάνωσα τα ρούχα στην ντουλάπα μου.
Romanization: Orgánosa ta rúha stin dulápa mu.
Translation: “I organized the clothes in my wardrobe.”
13Greek: πιάνω
Romanization: piáno
Translation: “to catch” / “to grip”
Example:

Greek: Πιάσε με, αν μπορείς!
Romanization: Piáse me, an borís!
Translation: “Catch me if you can!”
14Greek: ακουμπάω / ακουμπώ
Romanization: akumbáo / akumbó
Translation: “to touch”
Example:

Greek: Δεν μου αρέσει να με ακουμπάνε.
Romanization: Den mu arési na me akumbáne.
Translation: “I don’t like to be touched.”
15Greek: κάθομαι
Romanization: káthome
Translation: “to sit”
Example:

Greek: Στον κινηματογράφο μου αρέσει να κάθομαι στην τελευταία σειρά.
Romanization: Ston kinimatográfo mu arési na káthome stin teleftéa sirá.
Translation: “At the cinema, I like to sit in the last row.”
16Greek: σηκώνομαι
Romanization: sikónome
Translation: “to get/stand up”
Example:

Greek: Τώρα θα σηκωθώ, για να πάω για τρέξιμο.
Romanization: Τóra tha sikothó, ya na páo ya tréximo.
Translation: “Now I will get up in order to go running.”
17Greek: ανοίγω
Romanization: anígo
Translation: “to open”
Example:

Greek: Μπορείς να ανοίξεις το παράθυρο, σε παρακαλώ;
Romanization: Borís na aníxis to paráthiro, se parakaló?
Translation: “Can you open the window, please?”
18Greek: κλείνω
Romanization: klíno
Translation: “to close”
Example:

Greek: Μπορείς να κλείσεις την πόρτα, σε παρακαλώ;
Romanization: Borís na klísis tin pórta, se parakaló?
Translation: “Can you close the door, please?”
19Greek: κόβω
Romanization: kóvo
Translation: “to cut”
Example:

Greek: Όταν μαγειρεύω, κόβω τα λαχανικά σε μικρά κομμάτια.
Romanization: Ótan mayirévo, kóvo ta lahaniká se mikrá komátia.
Translation: “When I cook, I cut the vegetables into small pieces.”
20Greek: κουβαλάω / κουβαλώ
Romanization: kuvaláo / kuvaló
Translation: “to carry”
Example:

Greek: Αυτό είναι πολύ βαρύ. Θα με βοηθήσεις να το κουβαλήσουμε;
Romanization: Aftó íne polí varí. Tha me voithísis na to kuvalísume?
Translation: “This is too heavy. Will you help me carry it?”
21Greek: κρατώ
Romanization: krató
Translation: “to hold” / “to keep”
Example:

Greek: Το παιδί κρατούσε σφιχτά το χέρι της μητέρας του.
Romanization: To pedí kratúse sfihtá to héri tis mitéras tu.
Translation: “The kid was holding tight to his mother’s hand.”
22Greek: πατάω / πατώ
Romanization: patáo / pató
Translation: “to press”
Example:

Greek: Πατήστε οποιοδήποτε κουμπί, για να συνεχίσετε.
Romanization: Patíste opiodípote kubí, ya na sinehísete.
Translation: “Press any button to continue.”
23Greek: πέφτω
Romanization: péfto
Translation: “to fall”
Example:

Greek: Αν πέσεις από εκεί, θα τραυματιστείς.
Romanization: An pésis apó ekí, tha travmatistís.
Translation: “If you fall from there, you’ll get injured.”
24Greek: τρώω
Romanization: tróo
Translation: “to eat”
Example:

Greek: Από κρέας τρώω μόνο κοτόπουλο.
Romanization: Apó kréas tróo móno kotópulo.
Translation: “As for meat, I only eat chicken.”
25Greek: πίνω
Romanization: píno
Translation: “to drink”
Example:

Greek: Δεν πίνω αλκοόλ.
Romanization: Den píno alkoól.
Translation: “I don’t drink alcohol.”

3. Sport-Related Verbs

Kids in Sports Clothes Running in a Field
26Greek: περπατάω / περπατώ
Romanization: perpatáo / perpató
Translation: “to walk”
Example:

Greek: Στόχος μου είναι να περπατώ για τουλάχιστον δύο χιλιόμετρα κάθε μέρα.
Romanization: Stóhos mu íne na perpató ya tuláhiston dío hiliómetra káthe méra.
Translation: “My goal is to walk for at least two kilometers every day.”
27Greek: τρέχω
Romanization: trého
Translation: “to run”
Example:

Greek: Μου αρέσει να τρέχω στην εξοχή.
Romanization: Mu arési na trého stin exohí.
Translation: “I like running in the countryside.”
28Greek: πηδάω / πηδώ
Romanization: pidáo / pidó
Translation: “to jump”
Example:

Greek: Ο αθλητής πηδούσε τα εμπόδια με ευκολία.
Romanization: O athlitís pidúse ta embódia me efkolía.
Translation: “The athlete was jumping over the obstacles with ease.”
29Greek: παίζω
Romanization: pézo
Translation: “to play”
Example:

Greek: Ο γιος μου μπορεί να παίζει ποδόσφαιρο όλη μέρα.
Romanization: O yos mu borí na pézi podósfero óli méra.
Translation: “My son could play football all day long.”
30Greek: σκαρφαλώνω
Romanization: skarfalóno
Translation: “to climb”
Example:

Greek: Όταν ήμουν μικρός, μου άρεσε να σκαρφαλώνω σε δέντρα.
Romanization: Ótan ímun mikrós, mu árese na skarfalóno se dédra.
Translation: “When I was young, I used to like climbing on trees.”
31Greek: κολυμπάω / κολυμπώ
Romanization: kolimbáo / kolimbó
Translation: “to swim”
Example:

Greek: Το καλοκαίρι κολυμπάω στη θάλασσα κάθε μέρα.
Romanization: To kalokéri kolimbáo sti thálasa káthe méra.
Translation: “During the summer, I swim in the sea every day.”
32Greek: αθλούμαι
Romanization: athlúme
Translation: “to exercise”
Example:

Greek: Αθλούμαι καθημερινά, για να διατηρούμαι σε φόρμα.
Romanization: Athlúme kathimeriná, ya na diatirúme se fórma.
Translation: “I exercise everyday in order to stay fit.”
33Greek: κερδίζω
Romanization: kerdízo
Translation: “to win”
Example:

Greek: Η ομάδα που θα κερδίσει θα περάσει στον τελικό.
Romanization: I omáda pu tha kerdísi tha perási ston telikó.
Translation: “The team that wins will proceed to the finals.”
34Greek: χάνω
Romanization: háno
Translation: “to lose”
Example:

Greek: Η ομάδα που θα χάσει θα αποκλειστεί.
Romanization: I omáda pu tha hási tha apoklistí.
Translation: “The team that loses will be eliminated.”

4. Verbs of Communication

A Man in Casual Clothes Explaining Something to Another Man
35Greek: επικοινωνώ
Romanization: epikinonó
Translation: “to communicate”
Example:

Greek: Η δουλειά μου είναι να επικοινωνώ καθημερινά με πελάτες.
Romanization: I duliá mu íne na epikinonó kathimeriná me pelátes.
Translation: “My job is to communicate with customers daily.”
36Greek: λέω
Romanization: léo
Translation: “to tell”
Example:

Greek: Πάντα λέω αυτό που σκέφτομαι.
Romanization: Pánda léo aftó pu skéftome.
Translation: “I always say what I am thinking.”
37Greek: μιλάω / μιλώ
Romanization: miláo / miló
Translation: “to talk”
Example:

Greek: Πρέπει να μιλήσουμε.
Romanization: Prépi na milísume.
Translation: “We need to talk.”
38Greek: ρωτάω / ρωτώ
Romanization: rotáo / rotó
Translation: “to ask”
Example:

Greek: Αν δεν καταλαβαίνεις κάτι, απλώς ρώτα με.
Romanization: An den katalavénis káti, aplós róta me.
Translation: “If you don’t understand something, just ask me.”
39Greek: συζητάω / συζητώ
Romanization: sizitáo / sizitó
Translation: “to discuss”
Example:

Greek: Θα πρέπει να συζητάμε όλα τα προβλήματα και να βρίσκουμε λύσεις.
Romanization: Tha prépi na sizitáme óla ta provlímata ke na vrískume lísis.
Translation: “We will have to discuss all problems and find solutions.”
40Greek: φωνάζω
Romanization: fonázo
Translation: “to yell”
Example:

Greek: Δεν χρειάζεται να φωνάζεις. Το κατάλαβα.
Romanization: Den hriázete na fonázis. To katálava.
Translation: “There’s no need to yell. I got it.”
41Greek: ανακοινώνω
Romanization: anakinóno
Translation: “to announce”
Example:

Greek: Θα θέλαμε να σας ανακοινώσουμε ότι παντρευόμαστε.
Romanization: Tha thélame na sas anakinósume óti pandrevómaste.
Translation: “We would like to announce that we’re getting married.”
42Greek: απαντάω / απαντώ
Romanization: apandáo / apandó
Translation: “to reply” / “to answer”
Example:

Greek: Θα σας απαντήσω το συντομότερο δυνατόν.
Romanization: Tha sas apandíso to sindomótero dinatón.
Translation: “I will answer you as soon as possible.”
43Greek: παρουσιάζω
Romanization: parusiázo
Translation: “to present”
Example:

Greek: Σας παρουσιάζω τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνάς μου.
Romanization: Sas parusiázo ta apotelézmata tis érevnás mu.
Translation: “I am presenting you with the results of my research.”
44Greek: ενημερώνω
Romanization: enimeróno
Translation: “to inform”
Example:

Greek: Θα ήθελα να σας ενημερώσω ότι θα είμαι σε επαγγελματικό ταξίδι την επόμενη εβδομάδα.
Romanization: Tha íthela na sas enimeróso óti tha íme se epangelmatikó taxídi tin epómeni evdomáda.
Translation: “I would like to inform you that I will be on a business trip next week.”
45Greek: καλώ
Romanization: kaló
Translation: “to call”
Example:

Greek: Εάν έχετε οποιαδήποτε απορία, καλέστε μας στο +30 2101234567.
Romanization: Eán éhete opiadípote aporía, kaléste mas sto +30 2101234567.
Translation: “If you have any questions, call us at +30 2101234567.”

5. Study-Related Verbs

A Woman Studying
46Greek: διαβάζω
Romanization: diavázo
Translation: “to read”
Example:

Greek: Διαβάστε το κείμενο πολλές φορές πριν απαντήσετε τις ερωτήσεις.
Romanization: Diaváste to kímeno polés forés prin apandísete tis erotísis.
Translation: “Read the text many times before you answer the questions.”
47Greek: διδάσκω
Romanization: didásko
Translation: “to teach”
Example:

Greek: Η κυρία Άννα διδάσκει ελληνικά.
Romanization: I kiría Ánna didáski eliniká.
Translation: “Mrs. Anna teaches Greek.”
48Greek: μαθαίνω
Romanization: mathéno
Translation: “to learn”
Example:

Greek: Μου αρέσει να μαθαίνω ξένες γλώσσες.
Romanization: Mu arési na mathéno xénes glóses.
Translation: “I like learning foreign languages.”
49Greek: μελετάω / μελετώ
Romanization: meletáo / meletó
Translation: “to study”
Example:

Greek: Μελετάω τουλάχιστον δύο ώρες κάθε μέρα.
Romanization: Meletáo tuláhiston dío óres káthe méra.
Translation: “I study at least two hours per day.”
50Greek: γράφω
Romanization: gráfo
Translation: “to write”
Example:

Greek: Αυτήν τη φορά γράφω ένα μυθιστόρημα.
Romanization: Aftín ti forá gráfo éna mithistórima.
Translation: “This time I am writing a novel.”
51Greek: σβήνω
Romanization: zvíno
Translation: “to erase” / “to delete”
Example:

Greek: Έσβησα όλη την άσκηση, γιατί δεν ήταν σωστή.
Romanization: Ézvisa óli tin áskisi, yatí den ítan sostí.
Translation: “I erased the whole exercise because it was not correct.”
52Greek: διορθώνω
Romanization: diorthóno
Translation: “to correct”
Example:

Greek: Πρέπει να διορθώσεις τα λάθη σου.
Romanization: Prépi na diorthósis ta láthi su.
Translation: “You must correct your mistakes.”
53Greek: λύνω
Romanization: líno
Translation: “to solve” / “to untie”
Example:

Greek: Πρέπει να λύσεις όλες τις ασκήσεις σου.
Romanization: Prépi na lísis óles tis askísis su.
Translation: “You should solve all your exercises.”
54Greek: αποστηθίζω
Romanization: apostithízo
Translation: “to learn by heart” / “memorize”
Example:

Greek: Πρέπει να αποστηθίσεις τα πιο σημαντικά κομμάτια.
Romanization: Prépi na apostithísis ta pio simandiká komátia .
Translation: “You should memorize the most important parts.”
55Greek: βελτιώνω / βελτιώνομαι
Romanization: veltióno / veltiónome
Translation: “to improve” / “to be improved”
Example:

Greek: Χαίρομαι που βελτιώνεσαι μέρα με τη μέρα.
Romanization: Hérome pu veltiónese méra me ti méra.
Translation: “I am glad you are improving day by day.”
56Greek: εκτυπώνω
Romanization: ektipóno
Translation: “to print”
Example:

Greek: Θα ήθελα να εκτυπώσω αυτές τις δύο σελίδες.
Romanization: Tha íthela na ektipóso aftés tis dío selídes.
Translation: “I would like to print these two pages.”
57Greek: αξιολογώ / αξιολογούμαι
Romanization: axiologó / axiologúme
Translation: “to assess” / “to be assessed”
Example:

Greek: Θα αξιολογηθείτε μέχρι το τέλος του μαθήματος.
Romanization: Tha axioloyithíte méhri to télos tu mathímatos.
Translation: “You will be assessed by the end of the lesson.”

6. Verbs of the Mind

A Woman Meditating
58Greek: σκέφτομαι
Romanization: skéftome
Translation: “to think” / “to consider”
Example:

Greek: Σκέφτομαι να τα παρατήσω.
Romanization: Skéftome na ta paratíso.
Translation: “I am thinking about quitting.”
59Greek: νομίζω
Romanization: nomízo
Translation: “to think”
Example:

Greek: Νομίζω πως έχεις δίκιο.
Romanization: Nomízo pos éhis díkio.
Translation: “I think you are right.”
60Greek: πιστεύω
Romanization: pistévo
Translation: “to believe”
Example:

Greek: Πιστεύω στον Θεό.
Romanization: Pistévo ston Theó.
Translation: “I believe in God.”
61Greek: αισθάνομαι
Romanization: esthánome
Translation: “to feel”
Example:

Greek: Αισθάνομαι λίγο ζαλισμένος.
Romanization: Esthánome lígo zalizménos.
Translation: “I feel a bit dizzy.”
62Greek: ξέρω / γνωρίζω
Romanization: xéro / gnorízo
Translation: “to know”
Example:

Greek: Το ξέρω ότι είσαι κουρασμένος.
Romanization: To xéro óti íse kurazménos.
Translation: “I know you are tired.”
63Greek: θέλω
Romanization: thélo
Translation: “to want”
Example:

Greek: Θέλω να πάμε διακοπές στην Ελλάδα.
Romanization: Thélo na páme diakopés stin Eláda. 
Translation: “I want us to go for vacation in Greece.”
64Greek: αμφισβητώ
Romanization: amfizvitó
Translation: “to doubt”
Example:

Greek: Το ξέρω ότι έχεις δίκιο. Δεν το αμφισβητώ.
Romanization: To xélo óti éhis díkio. Den to amfizvitó. 
Translation: “I know you are right. I don’t doubt this.”
65Greek: καταλαβαίνω
Romanization: katalavéno
Translation: “to understand”
Example:

Greek: Σε παρακαλώ, μίλα αργά, για να σε καταλαβαίνω.
Romanization: Se parakaló, míla argá, ya na se katalavéno. 
Translation: “Please, talk slowly so I can understand you.”
66Greek: θυμάμαι
Romanization: thimáme
Translation: “to remember”
Example:

Greek: Θυμάσαι εκείνο το ξενοδοχείο στη Μύκονο;
Romanization: Thimáse ekíno to xenodohío sti Míkono? 
Translation: “Do you remember that hotel in Mykonos?”
67Greek: ξεχνάω / ξεχνώ
Romanization: xehnáo / xehnó
Translation: “to forget”
Example:

Greek: Ξέχασα να κάνω εκείνη την άσκηση. 
Romanization: Xéhasa na káno ekíni tin áskisi. 
Translation: “I forgot to do that exercise.”

7. Verbs of Sentiments

A Love Letter
68Greek: αγαπάω / αγαπώ
Romanization: agapáo / agapó
Translation: “to love”
Example:

Greek: Σε αγαπώ πολύ.
Romanization: Se agapó polí. 
Translation: “I love you very much.”
69Greek: λατρεύω
Romanization: latrévo
Translation: “to adore”
Example:

Greek: Σε λατρεύω.
Romanization: Se latrévo. 
Translation: “I adore you.”
70Greek: θαυμάζω
Romanization: thavmázo
Translation: “to admire”
Example:

Greek: Θαυμάζω τον δάσκαλό μου για την υπομονή του.
Romanization: Thavmázo ton dáskaló mu ya tin ipomoní tu. 
Translation: “I admire my teacher for his patience.”
71Greek: φοβάμαι
Romanization: fováme
Translation: “to be afraid”
Example:

Greek: Φοβάμαι μην σε χάσω.
Romanization: Fováme min se háso. 
Translation: “I am afraid to lose you.”
72Greek: μισώ
Romanization: misó
Translation: “to hate”
Example:

Greek: Μισώ όλα όσα τον θυμίζουν.
Romanization: Misó óla ósa ton thimízun.
Translation: “I hate everything that reminds me of him.”
73Greek: λυπάμαι
Romanization: lipáme
Translation: “to be sorry”
Example:

Greek: Λυπάμαι γι’ αυτό που σου συνέβη.
Romanization: Lipáme yi’ aftó pu su sinévi. 
Translation: “I am sorry for what happened to you.”
74Greek: δακρύζω
Romanization: dakrízo
Translation: “to tear up”
Example:

Greek: Αυτή η ταινία με έκανε να δακρύσω λίγο.
Romanization: Aftí i tenía me ékane na dakríso lígo.
Translation: “This movie made me tear up a bit.”
75Greek: κλαίω
Romanization: kléo
Translation: “to cry”
Example:

Greek: Όσο μεγαλώνουμε, κλαίμε όλο και πιο σπάνια.
Romanization: Óso megalónume, kléme ólo ke pio spánia.
Translation: “As we grow up, we cry less and less.”
76Greek: στεναχωριέμαι
Romanization: stenahoriéme
Translation: “to be sad”
Example:

Greek: Μην στεναχωριέσαι. Όλα θα πάνε καλά.
Romanization: Min stenahoriése. Óla tha páne kalá.
Translation: “Don’t be sad. Everything’s going to be alright.”
77Greek: χαίρομαι
Romanization: hérome
Translation: “to be happy”
Example:

Greek: Χάρηκα πολύ που πήρες προαγωγή.
Romanization: Hárika polí pu píres proagoyí.
Translation: “I am very happy that you got promoted.”
78Greek: απολαμβάνω
Romanization: apolamváno
Translation: “to enjoy”
Example:

Greek: Το καλοκαίρι απολαμβάνω τη θάλασσα.
Romanization: To kalokéri apolamváno ti thálasa.
Translation: “During the summer, I enjoy the sea.”
79Greek: γοητεύω
Romanization: goitévo 
Translation: “to charm” / “to fascinate”
Example:

Greek: Αυτή η γυναίκα με γοήτευσε.
Romanization: Aftí i yinéka me goítefse.
Translation: “This woman fascinated me.”
80Greek: απογοητεύω / απογοητεύομαι
Romanization: apogoitévo / apogoitévome
Translation: “to disappoint” / “to be disappointed”
Example:

Greek: Μην απογοητεύεσαι. Μπορείς πάντα να ξαναπροσπαθήσεις.
Romanization: Min apogoitévese. Borís pánda na xanaprospathísis,
Translation: “Don’t be disappointed. You can always try again.”
81Greek: γελάω / γελώ
Romanization: yeláo / yeló
Translation: “to laugh”
Example:

Greek: Γέλασα πολύ με αυτήν την κωμωδία.
Romanization: Yélasa polí me aftín tin komodía.
Translation: “I laughed a lot with this comedy.”
82Greek: χαμογελάω / χαμογελώ
Romanization: hamoyeláo / hamoyeló
Translation: “to smile”
Example:

Greek: Χαμογελάω πάντα το πρωί στον καθρέφτη και γεμίζω με θετική ενέργεια.
Romanization: Hamoyeláo pánda to proí ston kathréfti ke yemízo me thetikí enéryia.
Translation: “I always smile at the mirror in the morning and I get charged with positive energy.”
83Greek: θυμώνω
Romanization: thimóno
Translation: “to get angry”
Example:

Greek: Ο πατέρας μου θυμώνει πολύ εύκολα.
Romanization: O patéras mu thimóni polí éfkola.
Translation: “My father gets angry very easily.”

8. Auxiliary Verbs

There are only two Greek auxiliary verbs: έχω (ého), meaning “to have,” and είμαι (íme), meaning “to be.” They’re called “auxiliary” because apart from their individual use, they can help (hence the term “auxiliary”) form various Greek verb forms. More specifically, the verb έχω (ého) can also be used as a formation element of verbs in the perfect tenses, while είμαι (íme) can also be used before a passive voice participle to form various verb forms.

84Greek: έχω
Romanization: ého
Translation: “to have”
Example:

Greek: Θα έχω τελειώσει τα μαθήματά μου μέχρι τότε.
Romanization: Tha ého teliósi ta mathímatá mu méhri tóte.
Translation: “I will have finished my homework by then.”
85Greek: είμαι
Romanization: íme
Translation: “to be”
Example:

Greek: Είμαι ικανοποιημένος με το αποτέλεσμα.
Romanization: Íme ikanopiiménos me to apotélezma.
Translation: “I am satisfied with the result.”

9. Linking (or Copular) Verbs

Negative Verbs

A linking verb connects the subject or the object with a word or phrase that gives more information

about it. The verb είμαι (íme), meaning “to be,” that we saw above as an auxiliary verb, is also a linking verb.

Greek: είμαι
Romanization: íme
Translation: “to be”
Example:

Greek: Είναι πολύ όμορφος.
Romanization: Íne polí ómorfos.
Translation: “He is very handsome.”

Some groups of linking verbs are:

9.1 Verbs of Existence

86Greek: γίνομαι
Romanization: yínome
Translation: “to become”
Example:

Greek: Γίνομαι όλο και πιο οργανωμένος όσο περνά ο καιρός.
Romanization: Yínome ólo ke pio organoménos óso perná o kerós.
Translation: “I am becoming more and more organized as time passes by.”
87Greek: γεννιέμαι
Romanization: yeniéme
Translation: “to be born”
Example:

Greek: Γεννήθηκα έτοιμος γι’ αυτό.
Romanization: Yeníthika étimos yi’ aftó.
Translation: “I was born ready for this.”
88Greek: υπάρχω
Romanization: ipárho
Translation: “to exist” / “(to happen) to be”
Example:

Greek: Υπήρξα απρόσεκτος στο παρελθόν.
Romanization: Ipírxa aprósektos sto parelthón.
Translation: “I happened to be/was careless in the past.”
89Greek: στέκομαι
Romanization: stékome
Translation: “to stand up” (literally) / “(to happen) to be” (secondary meaning, usually in the past tense)
Example:

Greek: Στάθηκα τυχερός κατά το παρελθόν.
Romanization: Státhika tiherós katá to parelthón.
Translation: “I happened to be/was lucky in the past.”

9.2 Verbs of Reckoning

90Greek: φαίνομαι
Romanization: fénome
Translation: “to look” / “to seem
Example:

Greek: Φαίνεται έξυπνος, αλλά μερικές φορές κάνει τον χαζό.
Romanization: Fénete éxipnos, alá merikés forés káni ton hazó.
Translation: “He seems to be smart, but sometimes he acts dumb.”
91Greek: θεωρούμαι
Romanization: theorúme
Translation: “to be considered (as)”
Example:

Greek: Θεωρείται έξυπνος, αλλά στην ουσία δεν είναι.
Romanization: Theoríte éxipnos, allá stin usía den íne.
Translation: “Ηe is considered to be smart, but in reality he is not.”

9.3 Verbs of Reference

92Greek: βρίσκομαι
Romanization: vrískome
Translation: “to be located” / “to be”
Example:

Greek: Βρίσκομαι στο αεροδρόμιο αυτήν τη στιγμή.
Romanization: Vrískome sto aerodrómio aftín ti stigmí.
Translation: “I am at the airport right now.”
93Greek: μοιάζω
Romanization: miázo
Translation: “to look like” / “to seem to be”
Example:

Greek: Μοιάζεις πολύ με τον μπαμπά σου.
Romanization: Miázis polí me ton babá su.
Translation: “You look a lot like your father.”
94Greek: αποδεικνύομαι
Romanization: apodikníome
Translation: “to prove to be”
Example:

Greek: Η άσκηση που έλυσα αποδείχθηκε λάθος.
Romanization: I áskisi pu élisa apodíhthike láthos.
Translation: “The exercise I solved was proven to be wrong.”

9.4 Vocative Verbs

95Greek: λέγομαι
Romanization: légome
Translation: “to be said/called”
Example:

Greek: Πώς λέγεσαι;
Romanization: Pós léyese?
Translation: “What’s your name?” (lit. “How are you called?”)
96Greek: ονομάζω / ονομάζομαι
Romanization: onomázo / onomázome
Translation: “to name” / “to be named” (= “my name is”)
Example:

Greek: Ονομάζομαι Γιώργος. Εσένα πώς σε λένε;
Romanization: Onomázome Yórgos. Eséna pós se léne?
Translation: “My name is George. What’s your name?”
97Greek: καλώ / καλούμαι
Romanization: kaló / kalúme
Translation: “to call” / “to be called”
Example:

Greek: Aν συνεχίσετε τη φασαρία, θα καλέσω την αστυνομία!
Romanization: An sinehísete ti fasaría, tha kaléso tin astinomía!
Translation: “If you continue this racket, I’m going to call the police!”

9.5 Verbs of Election

98Greek: διορίζω / διορίζομαι
Romanization: diorízo / diorízome
Translation: “to appoint” / “to be appointed”
Example:

Greek: Διορίστηκε δάσκαλος σε ένα μικρό ελληνικό νησί. 
Romanization: Diorístike dáskalos se éna mikró elinikó nisí.
Translation: “He was appointed teacher on a small Greek island.”
99Greek: εκλέγω / εκλέγομαι
Romanization: eklégo / eklégome
Translation: “to elect” / “to be elected”
Example:

Greek: Εκλέχθηκε δήμαρχος της πόλης. 
Romanization: Ekléhthike dímarhos tis pólis.
Translation: “He was elected mayor of the city.”
100Greek: κρίνομαι
Romanization: krínome
Translation: “to be deemed”
Example:

Greek: Το κτίριο κρίθηκε μη ασφαλές μετά τον σεισμό. 
Romanization: To ktírio kríthike mi asfalés metá ton sizmó.
Translation: “The building was deemed unsafe after the earthquake.”

10. Conclusion

This was just the beginning: A comprehensive guide for the top 100 most essential Greek verbs. 

There’s still a lot to learn after you memorize this Greek verbs list. If you feel ready to dig into Greek verbs a little bit more, check out our article about how to conjugate Greek verbs that we linked to earlier. Otherwise, we encourage you to read our Top 100 Nouns and Top 100 Adjectives articles, which will be quite useful in expanding your vocabulary. 

In the meantime, is there a verb that troubles you or a Greek verb we didn’t mention? 

Let us know in the comments section below!

On GreekPod101.com, we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about the Greek language in a fun and interesting way. Articles like this one, word lists, grammar tips, and even YouTube videos are waiting for you to discover them! And if you prefer a one-on-one learning experience, you can use our MyTeacher Messenger before heading over to our online community to discuss lessons with other students.

It’s easy, too! Start your free, lifetime account today.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Useful Verbs in Greek

All About Greek Pronouns: Ultimate Greek Pronouns List

Thumbnail

Pronouns are such useful little words! They normally substitute nouns, making written and verbal language less boring by enhancing their flow. 

If we could choose one thing to begin studying when you first start learning any new language, it would probably be its pronouns. They’re so useful that you’d find it difficult to construct a full sentence in any language without using them. 

In Greek, as in English, the pronouns are divided into various categories. So, in this article, we’ll demonstrate all the tips and tricks about personal, demonstrative, interrogative, and indefinite Greek pronouns, setting the base for your further studies.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Greek Table of Contents
  1. Personal Pronouns in Greek
  2. Demonstrative Pronouns in Greek
  3. Interrogative Pronouns in Greek
  4. Indefinite Pronouns in Greek
  5. Relative Pronouns in Greek
  6. Conclusion

1. Personal Pronouns in Greek

An Owl Pointing at Another Owl

Image Description: An owl pointing at another owl

One of the first things you need to know when you begin studying the Greek language is the use of Greek personal pronouns. From a syntax perspective, personal pronouns are most commonly used as a subject or an object within a sentence. Therefore, it’s almost impossible to engage in a simple dialogue without them.

Let’s have a look at some Greek pronouns in the nominative case, which can be used as a subject within a sentence.

  • εγώ (egó) — “I”
  • εσύ (esí) — “you”
  • αυτός (aftós) — “he”
  • αυτή (aftí) — “she”
  • αυτό (aftó) — “it”
  • εμείς (emís) — “we”
  • εσείς (esís) — “you”
  • αυτοί (aftí) — “they” (masculine)
  • αυτές (aftés) — “they” (feminine)
  • αυτά (aftá) — “they” (neutral)

As you might have noticed, there are three different third-person forms of the personal pronoun in plural, according to the gender of the name or noun that’s substituted. Indeed, when the word that’s substituted is masculine, for example άνδρες (ándres), meaning men, then αυτοί should be used. Similarly, when the word is feminine, for example γυναίκες (ginékes), meaning “women,” then αυτές should be used. Last, but not least, when the word is neutral, for example παιδιά (pediá), meaning “children,” then αυτά should be used.

Now, let’s study some more-complex example sentences, which demonstrate the use of Greek personal pronouns in the nominative case.

Examples:

Greek: Εμείς μένουμε στο ξενοδοχείο, Ελένη. Εσείς που μένετε;

Romanization: Emís ménume sto xenodohío, Eléni. Esís pu ménete?

Translation: “We are staying at the hotel, Eleni. Where are you staying?”

Greek: Αυτοί θέλουν να πάνε σε μια ταβέρνα, όμως εμείς θέλουμε να πάμε για μπάνιο.

Romanization: Aftí thélun na páne se mia tavérna, ómos emís thélume na páme ya bánio.

Translation: “They want to go to a restaurant, but we want to go swimming.”

Greek: Τα παιδιά φορούσαν ελληνικές παραδοσιακές στολές και χόρευαν. Αυτά φαίνονταν πολύ χαρούμενα.

Romanization: Ta pediá forúsan ellinikés paradosiakés stolés ke hórevan. Aftá fénodan polí harúmena.

Translation: “Children were wearing traditional Greek suits and were dancing. They seemed very happy.”

Note that in sentences like in the example above, the pronoun Αυτά (Aftá) can also be omitted when it’s understood by the context whom we’re talking about. While in English, it’s indispensable to use the pronoun “they,” in Greek, it can be omitted. This is because the form of the verb indicates what person we’re talking about, in this case the third-person plural.

A characteristic of these pronouns is that they can stand alone in speech, just like in the second sentence of the following example.

Greek: 

  • Ποιος θα πάει να φέρει ψωμί; 
  • Εγώ.

Romanization: 

  • Pios tha pái na féri psomí? 
  • Egó.

Translation: 

  • “Who’s going to get some bread?” 
  • “I will.”
Introducing Yourself


Now, what happens when we need to use these personal pronouns as the object of a verb within a sentence? The answer lies below, where the Greek personal pronouns are demonstrated in the objective cases, that is the accusative case (used more often for objects) and the genitive case (used less often for objects) accordingly.

  • εμένα (eména) — “me” in both cases
  • εσένα (eséna) — “you” in both cases
  • αυτόν (aftón) / αυτού (aftú) — “him”
  • αυτή(ν) (aftí(n)) / αυτής (aftís) — “her”
  • αυτό (aftó) / αυτού (aftú) — “it”
  • εμάς (emás) — “us” in both cases
  • εσάς (esás) — “you” in both cases
  • αυτούς (aftús) / αυτών (aftón) — “them” (masculine)
  • αυτές (aftés) / αυτών (aftón) — “them” (feminine)
  • αυτά (aftá) / αυτών (aftón) — “them” (neutral)

Examples: 

Greek: Η γυναίκα είπε αυτής να φύγει.

Romanization: I yinéka ípe aftís na fíyi.

Translation: “The woman told her to leave.”

Greek: Μην ακούς αυτούς. Εμένα να ακούς.

Romanization: Min akús aftús. Eména na akús.

Translation: “Don’t listen to them. Listen to me.”

Greek: Ο διευθυντής επέλεξε εμένα, για να κάνω αυτή τη δουλειά.

Romanization: O diefthindís epélexe eména, ya na káno aftí ti duliá.

Translation: “The director chose me to do this job.”

Greek: Ποιον επέλεξε; Εμένα.

Romanization: Pion epélexe? Eména.

Translation: “Whom did he choose? Me.”

As you can see in the second sentence of the last example, these pronouns can also stand alone in speech. The forms of the personal pronouns that we saw are called “strong” forms for that reason—they’re strong enough to maintain themselves alone in a sentence. They’re also called “emphatic,” as they’re used to emphasize a specific person as opposed to someone else. (“He chose me. Not someone else.”)

You might be wondering that since there are strong forms of the Greek personal pronouns, there might be “weak” forms as well. Well, there are, and these are used more often in speech but never alone; they need a verb to sustain themselves. In the accusative and genitive cases respectively, those are:

  • με (me) / μου (mu) — “me”
  • σε (se) / σου (su) — “you”
  • τον (ton) / του (tu) — “him”
  • τη(ν) (tin(n)) / της (tis) — “her”
  • το (to) / του (tu) — “it”
  • μας (mas) / μας (mas) — “us”
  • σας (sas) / σας (sas) — “you”
  • τους (tus) / τους (tus) — “them”
  • τις  or τες* (tis or tes) / τους (tus) — “them”
  • τα (ta) / τους (tus) — “them”


* τις is used before a verb, τες after a verb.

Greek: Σε βλέπω!

Romanization: Se vlépo!

Translation: “I see you!”

Greek: Της μιλάει.

Romanization: Tis milái.

Translation: “He is talking to her.”

However, what happens when we need to express possession? Then, we use the above weak personal pronouns in the genitive case to create Greek possessive pronouns:

Greek: Το φαγητό μου.

Romanization: To fayitó mu.

Translation: “My food.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το σπίτι σας.

Romanization: Aftó íne to spíti sas.

Translation: “This is your house.”

To make these weak possessive forms strong and emphatic so they can stand alone in speech, we need to add the adjective δικός / -ή / -ό (dikós / -í / -ó) in front of them in the masculine, feminine, and neuter gender respectively. This depends on the gender of the person, animal, or thing that we’re talking about.

  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) μου (dikós / -í / -ó mu) — “my” (weak) / “mine” (strong)
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) σου (dikós / -í / -ó su) — “your” (weak) / “yours”
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) του (dikós / -í / -ó tu) — “his” (weak and strong)
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) της (dikós / -í / -ó tis) — “her” (weak) / “hers” (strong)
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) του (dikós / -í / -ó tu) — “its” (weak and strong)
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) μας (dikós / -í / -ó mas) — “our” (weak) / “ours” (strong)
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) σας (dikós / -í / -ó sas) — “your” (weak) / “yours” (strong)
  • (δικός / -ή / -ό) τους (dikós / -í / -ó tus) — “their” (weak) / “theirs” (strong)

Compare the following examples with the two previous ones to understand their exact use and differences.

Greek: Το φαγητό είναι δικό μου.

Romanization: To fayitó íne dikó mu.

Translation: “The food is mine.” (and no one else’s, emphatic)

Greek: Αυτό το σπίτι είναι δικό σας.

Romanization: Aftó to spíti íne dikó sas.

Translation: “This house is yours.” (it doesn’t belong to anyone else, emphatic)

It’s pretty clear, right? Mind, however, the following two examples:

Greek: Το δικό μου φαγητό είναι ανάλατο.

Romanization: To dikó mu fayitó íne análato.

Translation: “My food is unsalted.” (my food as opposed to someone else’s, emphatic)

Greek: Το δικό σας σπίτι είναι πολύ καθαρό.

Romanization: To dikó sas spíti íne polí katharó.

Translation: “Your house is very clean.” (your house as opposed to someone else’s, emphatic)

When the strong possessive pronoun goes before the noun, it’s translated using the weak English possessive pronoun.

2. Demonstrative Pronouns in Greek

A Finger Pointing at Something

Pointing at an object by extending your index is totally fine in Greece as a gesture. However, when it comes to pointing at people, it’s considered rude, and you should probably avoid this. If you’re into learning more about gestures in Greek culture, you can read our related article.

Here are some useful Greek demonstrative pronouns:

  • Greek: αυτός (masculine); αυτή (feminine); αυτό (neutral)
  • Romanization: aftós; aftí; aftó
  • Translation: “this”
  • Greek: αυτοί (masculine plural); αυτές (feminine plural); αυτά (neutral plural)
  • Romanization: aftí; aftés; aftá
  • Translation: “these”
  • Greek: εκείνος (masculine); εκείνη (feminine); εκείνο (neutral)
  • Romanization: ekínos; ekíni; ekíno
  • Translation: “that”
  • Greek: εκείνοι (masculine plural); εκείνες (feminine plural); εκείνα (neutral plural)
  • Romanization: ekíni; ekínes; ekína
  • Translation: “those”

Example:

Greek: Αυτός ο δάσκαλος φαίνεται πολύ αυστηρός, ενώ εκείνη η δασκάλα είναι πολύ γλυκιά.

Romanization: Aftós o dáskalos fénete polí afstirós, enó ekíni i daskála íne polí glikiá.

Translation: “This (male) teacher seems very strict, whereas that (female) teacher is very sweet.”

3. Interrogative Pronouns in Greek

Basic Questions

Almost every question includes an interrogative word. This statement alone highlights the importance of interrogative pronouns, not only in Greek, but in every language. The use of Greek interrogative pronouns is quite similar to the use of their English equivalents in terms of syntax and grammar.

Let’s begin with the basics.

  • Greek: Τι;
  • Romanization: Ti?
  • Translation: “What?”

Examples: 

Greek: Τι είναι αυτό εκεί;

Romanization: Ti íne aftó ekí?

Translation: “What is that over there?”

Greek: Τι συμβαίνει;

Romanization: Ti simvéni?

Translation: “What is going on?”

However, if you had to choose from a variety of objects, you would use “which,” right? Here is its Greek equivalent. 

  • Greek: Ποιο;
  • Romanization: Pio?
  • Translation: “Which?”

Example: 

Greek: Ποιο παντελόνι μου πηγαίνει καλύτερα;

Romanization: Pio pandelóni mu piyéni kalítera?

Translation: “Which trousers suit me better?”

A slight change is observed when asking “who.” In Greek, there are two forms, one for men and one for women. The one you use depends on the gender of the corresponding noun or name.

  • Greek: Ποιος (masculine) / Ποια (feminine);
  • Romanization: Pios / Pia?
  • Translation: “Who?”

Example: 

Greek: Ποιος μπορεί να με βοηθήσει;

Romanization: Pios borí na me voithísi?

Translation: “Who can help me?”

When asking a general question, the masculine form is preferred, as shown in the example above. In this case, the answer is either a woman or a man.

  • Greek: Ποιου/Ποιανού (masculine & neutral) / Ποιας/Ποιανής (feminine);
  • Romanization: Piu/Pianú / Pias/Pianís ?
  • Translation: “Whose…?”

So, this part might be a bit tricky. When referring to the interrogative pronoun “whose” in Greek, there are two types that can be used. The first one (ποιου, ποιας) is the more formal type, whereas the second one (ποιανού, ποιανής) is an informal type that’s mainly used in oral speech. Both types are correct and can be used interchangeably based on the occasion. Let’s have a look at some examples below.

Greek: Ποιου/Ποιανού είναι αυτό το παντελόνι;

Romanization: Piu/Pianú íne aftó to padelóni?

Translation: “Whose trousers are these?”

In questions like this one, we use the generic masculine type (ποιου, ποιανού), regardless of whether the answer refers to a male or a female. Therefore, “these trousers” could belong to either a man or a woman. 

Another important note on the above example, which isn’t related to pronouns, is that the word παντελόνι in Greek is singular, although in English it’s plural.

  • Greek: Ποιον (masculine) / Ποια (feminine);
  • Romanization: Pion / Pia ?
  • Translation: “Whom…?”

Greek: Σε ποιον θέλεις να αναθέσεις αυτήν την εργασία;

Romanization: Se pion thélis na anathésis aftín tin ergasía?

Translation: “To whom would you like to assign this?”

Again, in this case, the masculine form is used as a generic form.

4. Indefinite Pronouns in Greek

Two Girls Holding a Notebook

Now, here’s a quick list of Greek indefinite pronouns you can use when you don’t need to be very specific. 

  • Greek: κάποιος
  • Romanization: kápios
  • Translation: “someone” (masculine)
  • Greek: κάποια
  • Romanization: kápia
  • Translation: “someone” (feminine)
  • Greek: κάποιο
  • Romanization: kápio
  • Translation: “someone” / “something” (neutral)
  • Greek: κάτι
  • Romanization: káti
  • Translation: “something”

Example: 

Greek: Κάποιος πρέπει να κάνει κάτι.

Romanization: Kápios prépi na káni káti.

Translation: “Someone has to do something.”

  • Greek: κανείς / κανένας
  • Romanization: kanís / kanénas
  • Translation: “no one” / “nobody” (masculine)
  • Greek: καμιά / καμία
  • Romanization: kamiá / kamía
  • Translation: “nobody” (feminine)
  • Greek: κανένα
  • Romanization: kanéna
  • Translation: “nobody” (neutral)

Example:

Greek: Κανένας άνδρας, καμία γυναίκα και κανένα παιδί δεν πρέπει να πεινούν.

Romanization: Kanénas ándras, kamía yinéka ke kanéna pedí den prépi na pinún.

Translation: “No man, no woman, and no child should be left starving.”

  • Greek: τίποτα
  • Romanization: típota
  • Translation: “nothing,” “anything,” “something,” “any”

Example:

Greek: Δεν θέλει τίποτα.

Romanization: Den théli típota.

Translation: “He doesn’t want anything.”

5. Relative Pronouns in Greek

Again, in the case of Greek relative pronouns, there’s a distinction when it comes to different genders. 

  • Greek: ο οποίος
  • Romanization: o opíos
  • Translation: “who” (masculine)

Example: 

Greek: Αυτός είναι ο άνδρας ο οποίος με βοήθησε να κουβαλήσω τη βαλίτσα μου.

Romanization: Aftós íne o ándras o opíos me voíthise na kuvalíso ti valítsa mu.

Translation: “This is the man who helped me carry my suitcase.”

  • Greek: η οποία
  • Romanization: i opía
  • Translation: “who” (feminine)

Example: 

Greek: Η Μαρία είναι κοπέλα η οποία δουλεύει στο ξενοδοχείο.

Romanization: I María íne i kopéla i opía dulévi sto xenodohío.

Translation: “Maria is the girl who works at the hotel.”

  • Greek: το οποίο
  • Romanization: to opío
  • Translation: “whο” (neutral) / “which”

Examples:

Greek: Αυτό είναι το παιδί το οποίο γλίστρησε και χτύπησε στην παιδική χαρά.

Romanization: Aftó íne to pedí, to opío glístrise ke htípise stin pedikí hará.

Translation: “This is the child who slipped and fell over at the playground.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το σπίτι το οποίο είχαμε νοικιάσει πέρυσι.

Romanization: Aftó íne to spíti, to opío íhame nikiási périsi.

Translation: “This is the house which we rented last year.”

Feeling a bit confused? 

Not sure which type you should use in each case?

We’ve got the solution for you: The magic word is που (pu), which means “that,” and is often used to substitute ο οποίος / η οποία / το οποίο, offering the advantage that it doesn’t change according to the gender of the noun.

  • Greek: που
  • Romanization: pu
  • Translation: “that” (for all genders)

Now, let’s adjust the above examples by using the word που. 

Greek: Αυτός είναι ο άνδρας που με βοήθησε να κουβαλήσω τη βαλίτσα μου.

Romanization: Aftós íne o ándras pu me voíthise na kuvalíso ti valítsa mu.

Translation: “This is the man that helped me carry my suitcase.”

Greek: Η Μαρία είναι κοπέλα που δουλεύει στο ξενοδοχείο.

Romanization: I María íne i kopéla pu dulévi sto xenodohío.

Translation: “Maria is the girl that works at the hotel.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το παιδί που γλίστρησε και χτύπησε στην παιδική χαρά.

Romanization: Aftó íne to pedí pu glístrise ke htípise stin pedikí hará.

Translation: “This is the child that slipped and fell over at the playground.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το σπίτι που είχαμε νοικιάσει πέρυσι.

Romanization: Aftó íne to spíti pu íhame nikiási périsi.

Translation: “This is the house that we rented last year.”

And here are some more Greek relative pronouns: 

  • Greek: οποιοσδήποτε
  • Romanization: opiosdípote
  • Translation: “anyone” (masculine)
  • Greek: οποιαδήποτε
  • Romanization: opiadípote
  • Translation: “anyone” (feminine)
  • Greek: οποιοδήποτε
  • Romanization: opiodípote
  • Translation: “anyone” (neutral)
  • Greek: οτιδήποτε
  • Romanization: otidípote
  • Translation: “anything”

6. Conclusion

Improve Listening

Greek pronouns are part of the core of the language. By learning them, you’ll definitely find it easier to express yourself in Greek and you’ll be able to construct meaningful sentences in no time. 

So, what else will you probably need in order to enhance your vocabulary? Nouns and adjectives, of course. We’ve got you covered on this, as well. Just take a look at our Greek Nouns and Greek Adjectives articles and learn everything you need to know.

Did our Greek language pronouns guide help you out? Is there a pronoun that troubles you, or one we forgot?

Let us know in the comments section below!

At GreekPod101.com, we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about the Greek language in a fun and interesting way. Articles like this one, word lists, grammar tips, and even YouTube videos are waiting for you to discover them! And if you prefer a one-on-one learning experience, you can use our MyTeacher Messenger before heading over to our online community to discuss lessons with other students.

It’s easy, too! Create your free, lifetime account today.

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