Archive for the 'Speak Greek' Category
November 4, 2022
The Greek National Anthem: Hymn to Liberty
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
October 21, 2022
30+ Common Greek Classroom Phrases
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
September 9, 2022
Greek Restaurant Phrases
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
March 18, 2022
Intermediate Greek Phrases
You have studied so hard over the past few months and are finally approaching the intermediate level. At this point, many of our students ask: "What can I do to expand my vocabulary?"
We hear you! That’s why we’ve created this article, which includes some of the most popular everyday phrases for intermediate-level Greek learners. We have compiled here more than 30 intermediate Greek phrases that will boost your Greek and help you speak like a local.
→ Also, check out our Intermediate Greek Words article to find more than 300 words you should know at the intermediate level.
Grab your notebook and a pen—that’s all you’ll need.
Table of Contents
Talking About Past Events
Making and Changing Plans
Explaining and Listing... Show more
February 17, 2022
Learn Greek Online with Podcasts
Over the past few years, the number of podcasts out there has continued to increase. Now, you can find a podcast on almost any subject that interests you. But did you know that you can use them to improve your Greek?
In this article, we have gathered the best Greek podcasts for each level: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert. Don’t miss all the tips and tricks we share later on, as they’ll help you get the most out of Greek podcasts and really boost your Greek-language skills!
Table of Contents
Benefits of Using Podcasts to Learn Greek
The Top 10 Podcasts for Greek Learners
Tricks to Help You Learn Greek More Effectively with Podcasts
Conclusion
1. Benefits of Using Podcasts to Learn Greek
Listening... Show more
January 28, 2022
Basic Greek Phrases for Beginners
Are you a new Greek learner trying to expand your knowledge? Do you need a quick review of the basics? Or are you planning on traveling to Greece soon? If you’re fascinated by the Greek language, then you’re certainly in the right place.
Beginners often feel lost, especially those who have chosen to take the self-learning route. They have a hard time knowing where to start—a plight we’re quite familiar with due to our many years of teaching experience.
One thing is certain: Regardless of your level, you’ll certainly enjoy finding all the basic Greek phrases for beginners in one place.
In this article, we’ve gathered the most common Greek words and phrases for beginners: greetings and self-introductions, expressions for shopping... Show more
December 16, 2021
150 Advanced Greek Words to Expand Your Vocabulary
Ready to take your Greek to the next level?
If you’re an advanced Greek learner, you might have wondered at times about the Greek equivalents of words belonging to specific terminologies. In this article, we have gathered 150 advanced Greek words in the academic, business, medical, and legal sectors, along with examples of their use.
Moreover, we have also included a few sophisticated verbs, adverbs, and adjectives to use in place of their simpler counterparts. These words will really make a difference in your writing!
If you haven’t done so already, please check out our articles on beginner words and intermediate words, too.
Table of Contents
Advanced Academic Words
Advanced Business Words
Advanced Medical Words
... Show more
November 17, 2021
The Names of Animals in Greek
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
October 7, 2021
Greek Phone Call Phrases
Do you have Greek friends or family?
Maybe you’re planning on visiting Greece or relocating here for work.
Whatever the situation, you’ll certainly have to talk with a Greek on the phone at some point. Here, you’ll learn how to do it like a native speaker!
Making a call or answering the phone in your own language can be scary, but it’s even more so in another language. Each culture has its own rules of etiquette when it comes to talking over the phone, and Greek culture is no exception.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to many ready-to-use Greek phone call phrases that you can start practicing right away. You’ll learn how to pick up the phone, state your name and business, keep the call going, and finally end the... Show more
August 26, 2021
Express Your Love in Greek: Flirting, Romance, and 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