Have you ever heard Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν (Ímnos is tin Eleftherían) - “Hymn to Liberty,” the Greek national anthem? The music is beautiful yet imposing. However, the lyrics might seem a bit complicated to anyone learning Greek, regardless of their level, since they are full of old-fashioned words and phrases which aren’t used in modern Greek anymore.  This is mainly because the poem that later became the lyrics of the Greek national anthem was written in Katharevousa, an older form of Greek used from the 18th to the 20th century. Katharevousa was formed as a compromise between ancient Greek and the vernacular language that most people used during these days, called Demotic Greek. Even today, various phrases of Katharevousa have... Show more

Being in a classroom with other students is a great opportunity to communicate in Greek and make friends with whom you can practice and improve together. It’s the perfect environment to test your skills, learn through trial and error, express yourself, help and be helped, and so many more.  In this article, we will explore together more than 30 ready-to-use classroom phrases in Greek, which you can use to get the best out of every class you attend. From how to greet your teacher to explaining an unexpected absence and from understanding your teacher’s instructions to asking for clarifications.For some of you, a few of these Greek words might sound familiar. But in any case, we highly recommend that you take notes and study these phrases... Show more

The time has come to talk about the important stuff: ordering at a Greek restaurant.  Just imagine you are at a Greek taverna by the sea. The sound of the waves mixed with the traditional music is truly mesmerizing. Now and then, a mild smell of garlic and grilled fish reaches your nose, functioning like an appetizer. You’re literally a few moments away from tasting authentic Greek cuisine. Now, you just have to order.  Sounds like a challenge? Well, we have two pieces of good news for you. First and foremost, most Greeks, and especially those who work in tourism, speak English. However, this seems to be a great opportunity to practice your Greek. And the waiter will be happy to hear you speak Greek - even with a foreign accent.... Show more

If you’ve just recently started learning the language, you might have wondered at some point: “What are all these animals called in Greek?” If this question has crossed your mind, then you’re in the right place! Animals are all around us, and the ecosystem of Greece includes many different animal species (including some unique ones). We’ve created for you an extensive list of the most well-known animals in Greek, along with their pronunciation and translation. Feel free to browse through them by category below. Table of Contents At Home (Pets) On the Farm (Farm Animals) In the Wild / Forest / Safari (Mammals) In the Ocean Bugs & Insects Birds Reptiles & Amphibians Animal Body Parts ... Show more

Love has always been an integral part of Greek culture. As such, the sheer number of Greek words for love and their accompanying romantic phrases should come as no surprise!  In ancient Greece, people worshipped Aphrodite—the goddess of beauty and love—as well as Eros, the god of love and lust. There were also the Erotes, a small group of winged gods that carried around their bows and shot at people to make them fall in love.  Many years later, Christianity was spread throughout Greece, leading to a whole new perception of love. The religion taught about having love for each other, not necessarily in a romantic context.  Nowadays, rumor has it that modern Greeks are among the most loving partners. They are often described as... Show more

"Why should I learn Greek?"  If you’re asking this question to yourself right now, let me make this easier for you. Why shouldn’t you learn Greek? I mean, you’ve got nothing to lose, right? In this blog post, we’ll demonstrate all the important reasons why you should start learning Greek today. Table of Contents The Benefits of Learning a New Language Greece, Greeks & Greek Reasons for Learning Greek Is Greek Easy to Learn? How to Learn Greek Conclusion 1. The Benefits of Learning a New Language There are many reasons to learn a new language, but one of the most important reasons is that this process changes your way of thinking. In addition, learning a new language and getting in touch with... Show more

Some people say that proverbs are the accumulated wisdom of a culture. Indeed, most Greek proverbs can be used in a wide variety of situations and can really make a difference when used at the right moment. Greek proverbs also incorporate many cultural elements, so studying them is a great way to dive deeper into the Greek culture and expand your vocabulary. In this blog post, we’ll present you with the most popular Greek proverbs, along with their translations and meanings. Feel free to use them while chatting with your Greek friends—it’s sure to impress them! Table of Contents Animal-Related Greek Proverbs Greek Proverbs About Time Greek Proverbs About Education & Language Greek Proverbs About Caution Miscellaneous... Show more

Locals often refer to Athens as the "cradle of Western civilization." And who could blame us? With a vast and rich history of more than 5,000 years, this is the place where democracy was born—an invaluable gift to modern society.  Whether or not you’re planning to visit Athens soon, this city definitely deserves a place on your bucket list. In this brief Athens travel guide, we’ll share with you valuable travel tips, a range of incredible places you must visit here, and the ten most useful survival phrases in Greek. Table of Contents Travel Tips Must-See Places for a 1-3 Day Trip Highly Recommended Places for a 4-7 Day Trip (or Longer) Greek Survival Phrases for Travelers Conclusion 1. Travel Tips Athens is... Show more

Did you know that learning Greek will involve coming across many familiar English words?Well, since Greece is a member of the European Union and one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, it’s not surprising that the majority of Greeks speak fluent English. In addition, English lessons are integrated into the educational curriculum, so Greek children familiarize themselves with the language from a very young age.  Within this context, there are many English words in Greek that are used in everyday communication. In some cases (such as when technology-related terminology is used), these borrowed English words are even preferred over their Greek equivalents.  As technology has continued to thrive over the past few... Show more

The culture of Greece has evolved over thousands of years. From Cycladic and Minoan civilizations to modern Greek society, each period has shaped and left its footprint on Greek culture as we know it today.  On this page, we’ll explore some of the most important aspects of Greek culture, including philosophy, religion, art, and traditional holidays. Keep reading to enter the fascinating world of modern Greek culture. Table of Contents Philosophy & Religion Family & Work Art Food Holidays & Observances Conclusion 1. Philosophy & Religion Philosophy and religion play a huge role in Greek culture and traditions. Becoming familiar with these aspects of Greek society will not only immerse you in the culture,... Show more