Greek word that begins with you

Subjects>Hobbies>Toys & Games

User Avatar

Wiki User

∙ 7y ago


Best Answer

Copy

In Greek mythology Uranus was the
Greek god of the heavens.

User Avatar

Wiki User

∙ 7y ago

This answer is:

User Avatar

Study guides

Add your answer:

Earn +

20

pts

Q: Ancient greek words beginning with the letter u?

Write your answer…

Submit

Still have questions?

magnify glass

imp

Related questions

People also asked

Greek words

Greece is one of the unique places with its mythological history, pleasing streets, warm people and delicious food, which visually satisfies our souls. It always arouses curiosity with its language and historical texture. In terms of the appearance of Greek letters Although it may seem incomprehensible, it is actually a pleasant language that leaves a sweet sound in the ear. Moreover, Greek and Greek words are very rich in terms of expressions and meanings. It is one of the oldest languages in the Indo-European family. If we look at its history, it has a rich and varied history with its writing system inspired by the Phoenician alphabet. The history of the Greek language spans more than 2,000 years and various periods, from the Archaic Period (900-600 BC) to the Hellenistic Period (323-30 BC), but its written tradition dates back to the 1st century BC. It begins with epic poetry at the beginning of the millennium.

One of the most fascinating things about the Greek language is its ancient roots. The Greeks have been speaking a unique language for over 3000 years! As we all know, alphabets were used in Ancient Greece and were taken as a part of cultural heritage by many countries colonized by the Greeks. Fortunately, being influenced by other languages does not change one’s roots; it just makes them stronger.

The dialect of Greece is a very poetic dialect. It has a soothing voice that makes it easy to learn and can be memorized effortlessly. Unlike other languages, Greek makes use of visual images in the meaning of words. So besides their true meaning, certain features such as colours, sounds and causes make them unique. Greek has been spoken for over three and a half thousand years, making it the oldest of the Indo-European languages – hence its nickname “the mother of western languages”. Only 13.5 million people speak Greek as their mother tongue, but the global impact is huge. Most of the major foundational texts in Western philosophy – think Plato and Aristotle. And Greek is the foundation of grammar and syntax rules, as well as words and phrases in languages spoken around the world, so don’t be surprised if some of these words sound familiar to you.

We have compiled the meanings of some of the most beautiful words in modern Greek for you. Here are some beautiful Greek words that will make you wonder what I’m waiting for to discover the history of this poetic language and its effects on languages in the world. Happy reading…


1) Charmolypi | χαρμολύπη

The first word in our list of Greek words is charmolypi. The expression Charmolipi etymologically refers to the word “joy and sorrow”. It is basically a compound word consisting of the terms joy and grief or sadness. It’s hard to translate, but conveys the idea of bittersweetness and having mixed feelings about something. It is more practical to say that chrematoli can be written as Chara (joy) or Molos (sadness). The word Charmolipi cannot be translated exactly but still it is wonderful and full of meaning. Composed of two Greek terms, one for joy and the other for grief, charmolipi encompasses all of what life means. After all, isn’t it a stunning mix of joy and sorrow?


2) Elpida | ελπίδα

This beautiful word has an equally wonderful meaning. Derived from the word Elpis, Elpida means hope. In Greek mythology, Elpis was considered the spirit and embodiment of hope, and was usually represented by a young woman bearing fertility. Elpida comes from the ancient Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) and is the personification and spirit of hope in Greek mythology, often depicted as a young woman bearing flowers or fertility. Today, Elpida is actually a popular name for women.


3) Ygeia | ὑγίεια

Hygieia

Today’s medical care has its roots in ancient Greece. The word Ygeia extends from these roots to the present day. The word associated with Hygieia, the goddess of health and cleanliness, is derived from the word “hygiene”. Before it became colloquial, the Modern Greek phrase “Geia sou or Geia sas”—meaning “your health”—was used to wish someone well. Ygeia is also part of the Greek greeting Yia Sou, which is a wish for health.


4) Philoxenia | φιλοξενία

We’re sure you’ve heard how hospitable the Greeks are. But did you know that this hospitality dates back to ancient Greece? True, the ancestors of the Greeks thought that Zeus sent strangers on their way and they had a moral obligation to offer everything they could to outsiders, who were considered holy persons. Okay, maybe your hotel owner or a stranger you ask for directions on the street won’t consider you exactly holy today, but they will definitely be really friendly to you and treat you like a guest of their country. Also, the word they use to describe their hospitality is the same as the Greeks used in antiquity: “filoxenia”[filokseniːa] , literally being friends with strangers.


5) Kalon | καλόν

The word kalon means beautiful in Greek. It does not only express the visible beauty, but also expresses the invisible beauty by looking at the skin. It is used to describe someone who is not only outwardly great, but also has noble intentions and an honorable character. Greek words fascinate us all with the meanings of their roots as they reach our days, right?


6) Filia | φιλία

Greek words

Many languages use a word meaning “kisses” and “filia” as their tradition of saying goodbye.[filiaː] This is exactly what it means in Greek. Contrary to what you might imagine, it doesn’t usually mean intimacy, although it’s obvious that you’d just call someone you know pretty well “filia”, whether when you’re leaving or before you hang up. The “sweeter” version is “filakia” (literally little kisses) in which younger women sing more often. The Greek word for “kiss” is “friendship”[filiːa] You also need to make sure you don’t confuse it with


7) Curiosity | µεράκι

This word is one of the most difficult to translate; Doing something out of curiosity means adding “a piece of your soul” to what you do. The root of this term is curiosity, which means doing something with pleasure or “labor of love” in Turkish. In usage, this word expresses a passion, an absolute devotion. When you do something with Meraki, you put your soul into it. Surprisingly, this widely used modern Greek word comes across as the term “curiosity” in Turkish. Well, curiosity breeds passion, and passion breeds labor and love. Doesn’t the thought in Turkish sound great to you too?


8) Peratzatha | Περατζάδα

Greek words

“peratzatha”, one of many words that can tell you something about Greek culture[peratzaːða] refers to the idle but extremely relaxing activity of people watching. Many Greeks consider this one of the most fun things to do in life, so if you’ve been to Greece before, you’ve probably noticed that many Athenian bars and cafes have tables outside. This is to take advantage of the gorgeous weather that Greece is proud of, of course, but also because there’s something strangely hypnotic about watching people pass by while you sip your coffee or drink. So, if an authentic travel experience of Greece is what you are looking for, we have not only taught you a really great Greek vocabulary, but also a very Greek alternative to the local activities that most local city tours require.


9) Eudaimonia | ευδαιμονία

This word is formed from the root eu meaning good and tyhi meaning “luck”. It can also be translated as “contentment,” which some might say is the most genuine and most consistent form of happiness. Also spelled as Eudaemonia, the term refers to the state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous. Simply put, it means the state in which a person truly develops. We have to thank Aristotle for this term – a single term that effortlessly explains something so broad and profound.


10) Aionia | αιώνια

The word comes from the ancient Greek term aion, meaning “age,” and gives English an indefinite but long period of time, aeon, or describes a large part of geological time. In astronomy and less formal contexts, an aeon denotes a time span of one billion years, while its full Turkish equivalent is infinity.


11) Paracosm | παρακοσμικος

Greek words

Paracosm comes from the ancient Greek words παρά (pará, ‘beside’, ‘beside’) and κόσμος (kósmos, ‘earth’, ‘universe’). The dictionary meaning of this word, also known as parakosmikos, can be defined as extraterrestrial. Together, these two expressions form the paracosm, an elaborate fantasy world woven especially by children. It is so fascinating that there is a separate Greek word for this wonderful thing that children do!


12) Agapi | Aγάπη

With ancient Greek words, love is defined by many different words. Agapi is considered the highest form of love – the love of two partners for each other, the love that unites parents and their children, or even people’s love for God and vice versa. The term erotas (έρωτας) in modern Greek words means sincere love of a more romantic or sexual nature, while filia (φιλία) means love and friendship. It can be thought of how it differs from agapi in terms of meaning. What sets Agapi apart from others is that she is the purest form of love. Agapi or a-ga-pee is one of many beautiful Greek words for love.


13) Kairos | καιρός

Closely related to the Greek word for time, chronos, kairos is the acknowledgment of a special moment in less than a measure of hours and years. It is the idea of the perfect moment, ripe for action. Kairos is the right moment, at the right time and in the right place, creating the perfect atmosphere for everything to fall into place effortlessly. While the English term serendipity is a fortunate development, Kairos capitalizes on coincidence. Isn’t it fascinating how everything is connected!


14) Yia Mas | Για εμάς

Greek words

As you can probably guess, “yia mas”[jaː mas] It is also a wish for health, but this time it is ours. Unlike yia soun, “yia mas” is not a greeting, but the standard toast we Greeks do before sipping a glass of alcohol in hand. So if you’re planning to explore the world-famous Athens nightlife, this is a phrase you’ll likely hear a lot. If someone offers you a toast saying “yia mas”, respond and enjoy. Pretty easy, right? You’ll enjoy Athens’ nightlife and bar hopping – and you’ll probably hear and sing about Yia Mas over and over!


15) Philoteimos | φιλότιμο

Another difficult-to-translate word is filotimo, which encompasses a number of virtues: honor, dedication, duty, courage, pride, and honesty. Filotimo, meaning “friend of honor” or “love of honor”, refers to the once honorable and virtuous, even if it is not in his own interest. Although long counted among the highest of Greek virtues, it carried negative connotations in early writings.


16) Chalara | χαλαρά

In its most general sense, halara means “keep calm”. When looking at the dictionary meaning, it means to relax, to relax. Often associated with the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki – known for its chilly atmosphere compared to Athens – chalara denotes a way of life meaning “relaxed” and “relaxed”.


17) Nostalgia | Νοσταλγία

Greek words

Nostalgia is one of the Greek words derived from nostos meaning returning home and algos meaning pain of something.
The meaning it gives is a combination of nostos, which means returning home, and algos, which means a dull pain, longing. Together, they create nostalgia, which refers to a deep nostalgia or sad love for the past—especially when talking about or commemorating something that was had but no longer has. Oh nostalgia!


18) Petricho | πετρίκο

We continue our list of Greek words with a very familiar word that has been adopted in every language: petríko. It means the smell of earth where the first drop of rain touches it. Close your eyes and imagine that the rain has just started. When the first drops of rain hit the dry ground, an earthy scent comes to your senses – does it sound familiar? This wonderful earthy aroma is called petrichor and is composed of the Greek word for stone, petra, and īchōr, the blood of the mythological Greek gods. It refers to the pleasant earthy smell produced when it rains on dry ground, especially after a long period of drought. The word comes from the Greek words petra (stone) and īchōr (blood of the Greek gods).


19) Eleftheria | Ελευθερία

Eleftheria, meaning “freedom”, specifically refers to the state of being freed from slavery. In essence, Eleftheria is gentle and pleasant; He is free-spirited and cannot be easily crushed. He doesn’t appreciate people with limited minds and attitudes. You can see this word in the Greek national slogan – Eleftheria i thanatos (Liberty or death) which is the subject of the songs of the Greek resistance against Ottoman rule.


20) Philocalist | Φιλοκαλιστ

yunan heykel

Philokalist or Philocalist is a Greek term used to describe a person who is able to see beauty in everything. The philologist is essentially a lover of beauty, someone who appreciates the beauty of the little things that make life worthwhile. It may not be a person found beautiful, but a tree, building or landscape. In short, this term tells us that we are in love with everything that looks beautiful. Wonderful!


21) Eucharist | Ευχαριστω

The eucharist is a Greek word meaning ‘thank you’. Efharisto is a word you can use when you sincerely want to express your gratitude and appreciation for what has been given. If you’re traveling to Greece and just need to learn a word, let this be it. This will open up new conversations with the locals and let them know that you are enjoying all the philoxenia the Greeks shower on you!


22) Calimera | Καλημέρα

“Calimera”[kalimeːra] another super useful and beautiful greek word. This is probably the clearest word we know of Greek. Kalimera literally means “have a nice day”. Technically, you have to use it until 12:00, after that “kalispera”[kalispeːra] – so it is preferable to say “have a nice day”. This distinction can be thought of as the difference between the English Good Morning and Good Afternoon. Both words are fairly easy to pronounce, so if you’re looking to impress your Athens tour guide or the Greek restaurant owner you just met, throwing a casual ‘kalimera’ or ‘kalispera’ into the conversation will likely get you patted on the back.


23) Ataraxia | Aταραξία

The literal translation of Ataraxia is a state of calm calm. But the literal translation of the Greek word ataraxia is indifference. Its usage is used to express a state of ultimate freedom in which the mind is freed from the shackles of emotional disturbances such as stress and anxiety. Oh, dream!


24) Parakalo | παρακαλο

Greek words

The response to the Eucharist, parakalo, is the modern Greek word for “welcome”. But that’s not all! The Greeks like to attach several meanings to a single term. So parakalo means please along with the meaning of welcome. Between the eucharist and the parakalo, you can now say thank you, welcome and please – the holy trinity of a polite tourist!


25) Empyrean | Ουράνιος

Yes, we have come to the end of our list of Greek words. We chose a great word for closing: Empyrean. It takes its origin from the modern Greek word empyros, which is on fire or burning. Its use comes from the Ancient Greek cosmology, the highest place in heaven called Empyrean. Although it is defined as heaven in the most basic sense, it is also referred to as the highest point of the sky, the sky dome in some sources. The term itself evokes a cosmic emotion, doesn’t it?

26)Philosophia | Φιλοσοφία

Philosophy” comes from the Greek word “philosophia,” which means “love of wisdom.” This word is derived from the combination of “philo,” meaning “love,” and “sophia,” meaning “wisdom.”

27)Theoria | Θεωρία

“Theory” comes from the Greek word “theoria,” which means “contemplation” or “a looking at.” This word is derived from the combination of “thea,” meaning “a viewing,” and “horao,” meaning “to gaze at.”

28)Klinike | Κλινική

“Clinic” comes from the Greek word “klinike,” which means “bed” or “infirmary.” This word is derived from the root “kline,” meaning “bed,” which is also the origin of the English word “incline.”

29)Krisis | Κρίσις

“Crisis” comes from the Greek word “krisis,” which means “decision” or “judgment.” This word is derived from the root “krin,” meaning “to separate” or “to decide.”

30)Khaos

“Chaos” comes from the Greek word “khaos,” which means “void” or “emptiness.” This word is derived from the root “kha,” which means “to gape” or “to be wide open.”

31)Kosmos | Κόσμος

“Cosmos” comes from the Greek word “kosmos,” which means “order” or “harmony.” This word is derived from the root “kosm,” meaning “to order” or “to arrange.”

32)Ekleipsis | Εκλειψις

“Eclipse” comes from the Greek word “ekleipsis,” which means “an abandonment” or “a failure to appear.” This word is derived from the combination of “ek,” meaning “out of,” and “leip,” meaning “to leave.”

33)Heureka

“Eureka” comes from the Greek exclamation “heureka,” which means “I have found it!” This word is derived from the combination of “eu,” meaning “well,” and “heurisk,” meaning “to find.”

34)Hyperbole | Υπερβολή

“Hyperbole” comes from the Greek word “hyperbole,” which means “excess” or “overstatement.” This word is derived from the combination of “hyper,” meaning “over,” and “bole,” meaning “to throw.”

35)Odysseia | Οδύσσεια

“Odyssey” comes from the Greek word “odysseia”

This post is also available in:
Türkçe

··········· Table of Contents ···········

  • Warm Up
  • ABC
  • Start Here
  • Forms of S_
  • The S Triad
  • Articles_
  • Which the ?
  • Stretching
  • Go
  • Basics 1
  • Common Phrases
  • Self-Introduction
  • Basics 2
  • Introducing Οthers
  • Plurals 1
  • People 1
  • Possessives
  • A Walk in Town
  • At a Bar
  • Family 1
  • Parts of Speech
  • Belongings
  • Gratitude
  • Days of the Week
  • Family 2
  • Auxiliary Verbs
  • Food
  • Plurals
  • Animals 1
  • Plurals 2
  • Clothing
  • Questions
  • Revision: Present Tense Conjugation
  • Accusative Case
  • Present Simple 1
  • Colors
  • Determiners
  • Personal objective pronouns
  • Genitive Case
  • Prepositions
  • Numbers
  • Adjectives 1
  • Dates and Time
  • Verbs:Past 1
  • Occupations
  • Conjunctions
  • Present 2
  • Verbs: Imperative
  • Reflexive & Definite Pronouns
  • Present 3
  • Household
  • Present 2
  • Verbs: Present Passive
  • Verbs: Subjunctive Present
  • Verbs: Past 2
  • Indefinite Pronouns
  • Present 3
  • Adjectives-inflexion
  • Adverbs
  • Simple Past 1
  • Present Perfect
  • Imperative (Active Voice)
  • Subjunctive Aorist
  • Pronouns Reflexive
  • Active Participles
  • People 2
  • Present Passive
  • Gerund
  • Adverbs 2
  • Future Continuous (Active & Passive)
  • Countries & Nationalities
  • Past Simple 2
  • Adverbs 2
  • Adjectives 2
  • Pronouns relative
  • Verbs: Phrasal Future Tense
  • Adjectives-comparison
  • Past Simple Passive
  • Participles Passive
  • Adverbs Comparison
  • Past Continuous
  • Nature
  • Education
  • Imperative Passive
  • Past Continuous Passive
  • Subjunctive Passive
  • Verbs: Conditional Perfect
  • Future Simple (Active)
  • Present Perfect (Active & Passive)
  • Future Simple Passive
  • Past Perfect (Active & Passive)
  • Weather 2
  • Verbs: Conditional
  • Events

Warm Up #3 · 2020-12-08 ^

Welcome to the Modern Greek course!

Of the 24 letters in the Greek alphabet, 13 are the same in appearance as the English alphabet when capitalized and use the same key on a QWERTY keyboard.
Α α, Β β, Ε ε, Η η, Ι ι, Κ κ, Μ μ, Ν ν, Ο ο, Τ τ, Υ υ, Χ χ, Ζ ζ.

Ρ ρ is also familiar, but makes an [r] sound, and is on «R» key on a QWERTY (English) keyboard.
So when you have conquered this skill you will be able to use over half of the Greek alphabet! Duo9
NOTE: The Greek letter names are different to English names for the alphabet.

Letters / Sounds in this skill

Greek IPA, notes
Α α [a] Άννα : Anna (as in «Anna«) :
αι [ai̯] ναι : yes (as in «hail.»)
Β β [v] βάζο : vase (similar to «vase»)
Ε ε [e] ζέβρα (as in «zebra»)
εί [i] είναι : it is/are (as in «machine») See Ι ι.
Ι ι [i] ρύζι : rice (as in «»machine, Icarus»)
Κ κ [k] καρότο : carrot (as in «carrot»)
Μ μ [m] μαμά : mom (as in «mom»)
Ν ν [n] νερό : water, ναι : yes (as in «nine»)
Ο ο [o] βάζο : vase (similar to » soft»)
Ρ ρ [r] ρύζι : rice (as in «rice») On the «R» key of a QWERTY keyboard.
Τ τ [t] καρότο : carrot (as in «train) : τρένο
Υ υ [i] ρύζι : rice (as in «machine», «Icarus») See Ι ι.
Ζ ζ [z] ζέβρα : zebra (as in «zebra»)

You will need to use a Greek keyboard.

Mini Introduction


ADDING THE GREEK ALPHABET TO YOUR KEYBOARD
Links to change your keyboard to use both Latin and Greek characters. :
Win.7,8 —
Win 10 —
Mac

Accents

Modern Greek has only ONE accent mark and it is only on vowels.
i.e. ά, έ, ή, ί, ό, ύ, ώ.
The accent goes on one of the three last syllables.
Accents indicate where to put the emphasis when saying the word. Most one syllable words do not have accents.
Do note, there some cases where you DO need an accent as it makes a huge difference in the meaning.
To use the accent mark : press the semicolon key and then the vowel.

Μαρία (like marEEa)
καρότο‘ (like karooto) : carrot

Capital letters have accents ONLY on the first letter of a word.
Άννα
Accents for capital letters are omitted for all other places..
καρότο/ ΚΑΡΟΤΟ : carrot
βάζο / ΒΑΖΟ : vase.

Punctuation Marks

The Period or full stop, the comma and the exclamation mark are the same as English.
The Greek question mark looks just like the English semicolon ; and can be found on the Q key when you are on the Greek keyboard.

Useful words

και : and
ναι : yes
είναι : it is

Note

Modern Greek is pronounced differently to the varieties of ancient Greek. This course teaches modern Greek.

ABC #2 · 2020-09-23 ^

MODERN GREEK

Mini Introduction

HOW TO ADD THE GREEK ALPHABET TO YOUR KEYBOARD

Here are some links to easily convert your keyboard to enable you to use both Latin and Greek characters as you need.

ForWindows

(https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17424/windows-change-keyboard-layout)

(https://www.conversationexchange.com/resources/keyboard-language.php?lg=en)

For Mac

(http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Keyboard-Language-of-a-Mac)

To put the accent mark, press the semicolon key and then the vowel.

THE FORUMS

(https://www.duolingo.com/topic/936)(https://www.duolingo.com/comment/17556409)

Welcome to Modern Greek course for English speakers! Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European language family. It has the longest documented history of any existing Indo-European language. From antiquity to present the language has presented many important changes resulting in its current form. Modern Greek (the language of our course) is spoken by 13 million people, it is the official language of Greece and one of the official languages of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union.

The word »alphabet» comes from the first two letters of the Greek Alphabet, alpha, and beta (Α and Β). The Greek Alphabet has 24 letters, which are the same as Classical Greek. However, their pronunciation is completely different.

«««««««««««««««««««««««««

The alphabet as used in this lesson

Greek: Upper Case-Lower Case Name// English Name Νearest pronunciation
Α-α Άλφα // Alpha A as in Ant
Β-β Βήτα // Veeta V as in Vase
Γ-γ Γάμμα (Γάμα) //Gama γ
Δ-δ Δέλτα //Delta ð as in THe
Ε-ε Εψίλον //Epsilon E as in Element
Ζ-ζ Ζήτα //Ζεετα Z as in Zoo
Η-η* Ήτα //Eeta EE as in «sEE»
Θ-θ Θήτα //theta
Ι-ι* Ιώτα (γιώτα)//Iota EE as in «sEE»
Κ-κ Κάππα (κάπα)/Kapa K as inCow
Λ-λ Λάμδα//Lambda L as in Lemon
Μ-μ Μυ (μι) //Mee M as in Mother
Ν-ν Νυ (Νι) //Nee N as in North
Ξ-ξ Ξει (Ξι) //Ksee X as in «foX»
Ο-ο* Όμικρον// Omicron O as in Organ
Π-π Πει (Πι) //Pee P as in Pet
Ρ-ρ Ρω (ρο/Row R as in Rhapsody
Σ-σ/ς* Σίγμα Sigma
Τ-τ Ταυ // Taf T as in Table
Υ-υ* Ύψιλον//Ypsilon EE as in sEE
Φ-φ Φει (φι) //Fee F as in Fun
Χ-χ Χει (Χι) //Chee H as in Hurry
Ψ-ψ ψει (ψι) /Psee PS as in liPStick
Ω-ω* Ωμέγα //Omega O as in Organ

Note:
* Η/η, Ι/ι, Υ/υ, Οι/οι, Ει/ ει = are all pronounced ee as in «SEE»

  • Ο-ο and Ω-ω have the same pronunciation (»o»)

  • The pronunciations and their examples shown above are the nearest (not the exact) pronunciations in Modern Greek. The sound of some letters varies depending on the letter that follows.

WHERE TO FIND THE GREEK LETTERS ON YOU QWERTY KEYBOARD

**Of the 24 letters in the Greek alphabet 13 are exactly the same in appearance as the Latin.

These are A, B, E, H, I, K, M, N, O, T, X, Y, Z (They are not always pronounced the same but they are typed on the same key.

7 keys have the same sound: And are found on that key.

Φ = F

Λ = L

Π = P

Ρ = R

Σσ = S (ς = found on W)

2 have similar sound:

Γ = G

Δ = D

That leaves only 4 Greek letters with places you have to learn.

Here is where you’ll find them:

Θ = U

Ξ = J

Ψ = C

Ω = V

Σ = S σ/ς Sigma has two different types in the lower case. When it is at the beginning of or inside the word it is written as σ but when it is at the end of a word it is written as ς this can be found at w**

Diphthongs#

ΑΙ αι = sounds like E-ε as

ΕΙ ει = sounds like Η-η, Ι-ι, Υ-υ /ee as in «see»

ΟΙ οι = sounds just like Η-η, Ι-ι, Υ-υ / ee as in «see»

ΥΙ υι = sounds just like Η-η, Ι-ι, Υ-υ / ee as in «see»

ΑΥ αυ= sounds like “av” or “af”

ΕΥ ευ= sounds like “ev” or “ef”

ΟΥ ου = sounds like «u» as in «soup».

Double consonants

ΜΠ μπ = sounds like b

ΝΤ ντ = sounds like «d»

ΓΚ γκ = sounds like «g»

ΓΓ γγ = sound like «ng»

ΤΣ τσ = sounds like «ts»

ΤΖ τζ = sounds like «tz»

Accents

Modern Greek has only ONE accent, that is placed above the accented vowels, and it looks like this: ά,έ, ή, ί, ό, ύ, ώ. The accent goes on one of the three last syllables. Accents help you emphasize the right syllable. For example: «μαμά» «maMA, “βιβλίο” (veevLEEo), »μιλώ» (meeLO) etc.

  • Capital letters can take accents ONLY on the first letter. However, it can be omitted. E.g ΌΧΙ / ΟΧΙ (Ohee), but ΕΣΥ (eSEE).

Punctuation Marks

The Period, or full stop, the comma, and the exclamation mark are the same as English.

The Greek question mark looks just like the English semicolon ; and can be found on the Q when you are on the Greek keyb

Start Here #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Welcome to the Modern Greek course!

Of the 24 letters in the Greek alphabet, 13 are the same in appearance as the English alphabet when capitalized and use the same key on a QWERTY keyboard.
Α α, Β β, Ε ε, Η η, Ι ι, Κ κ, Μ μ, Ν ν, Ο ο, Τ τ, Υ υ, Χ χ, Ζ ζ.

Ρ ρ is also familiar, but makes an [r] sound, and is on «R» key on a QWERTY (English) keyboard.
So when you have conquered this skill you will be able to use over half of the Greek alphabet! Duo9
NOTE: The Greek letter names are different to English names for the alphabet.

Letters / Sounds in this skill

Greek IPA, notes
Α α [a] Άννα : Anna (as in «Anna«) :
αι [ai̯] ναι : yes (as in «hail.»)
Β β [v] βάζο : vase (similar to «vase»)
Ε ε [e] ζέβρα (as in «zebra»)
εί [i] είναι : it is/are (as in «machine») See Ι ι.
Ι ι [i] ρύζι : rice (as in «»machine, Icarus»)
Κ κ [k] καρότο : carrot (as in «carrot»)
Μ μ [m] μαμά : mom (as in «mom»)
Ν ν [n] νερό : water, ναι : yes (as in «nine»)
Ο ο [o] βάζο : vase (similar to » soft»)
Ρ ρ [r] ρύζι : rice (as in «rice») On the «R» key of a QWERTY keyboard.
Τ τ [t] καρότο : carrot (as in «train) : τρένο
Υ υ [i] ρύζι : rice (as in «machine», «Icarus») See Ι ι.
Ζ ζ [z] ζέβρα : zebra (as in «zebra»)

You will need to use a Greek keyboard.

Mini Introduction


ADDING THE GREEK ALPHABET TO YOUR KEYBOARD
Links to change your keyboard to use both Latin and Greek characters. :
Win.7,8 —
Win 10 —
Mac

Accents

Modern Greek has only ONE accent mark and it is only on vowels.
i.e. ά, έ, ή, ί, ό, ύ, ώ.
The accent goes on one of the three last syllables.
Accents indicate where to put the emphasis when saying the word. Most one syllable words do not have accents.
Do note, there some cases where you DO need an accent as it makes a huge difference in the meaning.
To use the accent mark : press the semicolon key and then the vowel.

Μαρία (like marEEa)
καρότο‘ (like karooto) : carrot

Capital letters have accents ONLY on the first letter of a word.
Άννα
Accents for capital letters are omitted for all other places..
καρότο/ ΚΑΡΟΤΟ : carrot
βάζο / ΒΑΖΟ : vase.

Punctuation Marks

The Period or full stop, the comma and the exclamation mark are the same as English.
The Greek question mark looks just like the English semicolon ; and can be found on the Q key when you are on the Greek keyboard.

Useful words

και : and
ναι : yes
είναι : it is

Note

Modern Greek is pronounced differently to the varieties of ancient Greek. This course teaches modern Greek.

Forms of S_ #6 · 2022-05-18 ^

The letter «S» in Greek is the only letter with 3 different forms :

  • Σ , σ .
  • And when there is an «s» at the end of a word, it uses the form : ς

On the QWERTY (English) keyboard, the ς is on the «w» key.

Useful words

με : with
στο : at the
αυτός κάνει : he makes


Duo Show
Βίντεο και σνακ : A video and a snack
is one of the key sentences here.
We hope you enjoy the show.

Duo museum

The S Triad #2 · 2020-12-08 ^

The letter «S» in Greek is the only letter with 3 different forms :

  • Σ , σ .
  • And when there is an «s» at the end of a word, it uses the form : ς

On the QWERTY (English) keyboard, the ς is on the «w» key.

Useful words

με : with
στο : at the
αυτός κάνει : he makes


Duo Show
Βίντεο και σνακ : A video and a snack
is one of the key sentences here.
We hope you enjoy the show.

Duo museum

Articles_ #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

New Letters / Sounds in this skill

Greek IPA, notes
Η η [i] ρύζι : rice (as in «machine», «Icarus») See Ι ι.
Χ χ [kʰ] Όχι : no (ch as in Scottish «loch» ~ h as in English «hue»)
Γ γ [ɣ] Γεια σου : hi (g as in Spanish » lago» or y as in English » yellow» , ng as in English «long» or ñ in Spanish, niño». On the «g» key of a QWERTY keyboard.)

Genders

In Modern Greek there are three genders :

  • neuter i.e. το βάζο. : the vase.
  • masculine i.e ο άντρας : the man
  • feminine i.e. η γυναίκα : the woman

As with many Indo-European languages, every noun has a gender. For some nouns this is obvious, but for some it is less obvious. The endings of nouns often help to identify the gender. Though there are many exceptions. And even inanimate objects can have different genders, and different articles are used for the different grammatical genders.

Useful words

Γεια σου : hi
όχι : no

Which the ? #3 · 2021-10-24 ^

New Letters / Sounds in this skill

Greek IPA, notes
Η η [i] ρύζι : rice (as in «machine», «Icarus») See Ι ι.
Χ χ [kʰ] Όχι : no (ch as in Scottish «loch» ~ h as in English «hue»)
Γ γ [ɣ] Γεια σου : hi (g as in Spanish » lago» or y as in English » yellow» , ng as in English «long» or ñ in Spanish, niño». On the «g» key of a QWERTY keyboard.)

Genders

In Modern Greek there are three genders .

  • neuter i.e. το βάζο. : the vase.
  • masculine i.e **ο τίτλος (the title)
    https://www.duolingo.com/dictionary/Greek/%CF%84%CE%AF%CF%84%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%82/c9fa9605b9e0f8ea24e8f8af03c55676

  • feminine i.e. η καρέκλα (the chair)
    https://www.duolingo.com/dictionary/Greek/%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AD%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B1/fae274ddae5ad2a206601cb0510074f7

  • H [γυναίκα] (the woman)
    https://www.duolingo.com/dictionary/Greek/%CE%B3%CF%85%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B1/dc5bd84a804e585a60fb6ae15ffc2369)** : the woman

As with many Indo-European languages, every noun has a gender. For some nouns this is obvious, but for some it is less obvious.

The gender is just a grammatical way to define how to use the word they DO NOT REFER TO THE ACTUAL PEOPLE OR OBJECTS. And even inanimate objects can have different genders, and different articles are used for the different grammatical genders.

The endings of nouns often help to identify the gender. Though there are many exceptions.

Useful words

Γεια σου : hi
όχι : no

Stretching #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Letters for this Skill

Greek IPA, notes
Δ δ [ð] (th as in English «then»)
Λ λ [l] l (as in English «lemon»)
Θ θ [θ] θρόνος : throne (th as in English «thin»)
Π π [p] (p as in English «top«)

Duolingo Throne

Useful words

Θα ήθελα : I would like


skeleton Duo Σκελετός

Go #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

Duo38

Final FOUR Letters

Greek IPA, notes
Ξ ξ [ks] (x as in English «fox«)
Ψ ψ [ps] (ps as in English «lapse»)
Ω ω [o] (similar to British English «soft»)
Φ φ [f] (f as in English «five»)

Useful words

ευχαριστώ : thanks
παρακαλώ : please


You’ve done it, covered all the letters of the Greek Alphabet !

Basics 1 #2 · 2021-02-21 ^

HOW TO ADD THE GREEK ALPHABET TO YOUR KEYBOARD

For Windows

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17424/windows-change-keyboard-layout
https://www.conversationexchange.com/resources/keyboard-language.php?lg=en
For Mac
http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Keyboard-Language-of-a-Mac
https://www.duolingo.com/topic/936

AND the Forum:
HOW TO TYPE IN GREEK, and How to add accents, where to find the letters on your

SEE THIS LINK
https://forum.duolingo.com/comment/23430853

A list of verbs used in this skill and variations between conjugations are given below:

be — είμαι

drink — πίνω

eat — τρώω

Definite Articles

Definite articles in Greek are equivalent to the English word »the», however, in Greek, they vary depending on the gender and number of the word that follows. .

Greek like Polish, Russian, and many other languages uses 3 grammatical genders to describe nouns. While English though, has «the» for every gender and number, Greek has six possible articles.

Number and Gender in Nominative Article Example
Singular masculine ο ο άντρας = the man
Plural masculine οι οι άντρες = the men
Singular feminine η η γυναίκα = the woman
Plural feminine οι οι γυναίκες = the women
Singular neuter το το παιδί = the child
Plural neuter τα τα παιδιά = the children

Cases in Masculine and Feminine Gender

Modern Greek has four cases in each number (Nominative, Genitive, Accusative, Vocative). The suffix shows the changes.

Cases and Numbers Example Masculine Example Feminine Example Neuter
Nominative singular ο άντρας = the man η γυναίκα = the woman
Genitive singular του άντρα = of the man της γυναίκας = of the woman
Accusative singular τον άντρα = the man τη γυναίκα = the woman
Vocative singular άντρα = man γυναίκα = woman
Nominative Plural οι άντρες = the men οι γυναίκες = the women
Genitive plural των αντρών = of the men των γυναικών = of the women
Accusative Plural τους άντρες = the men τις γυναίκες = the women
Vocative Plural άντρες=men γυναίκες=women

Cases in Neuter Gender

Cases and Numbers Example Neuter 1 Example Neuter 2
Nominative singular το παιδί = the child το βιβλίο = the book
Genitive singular του παιδιού = of the child του βιβλίου = of the book
Accusative singular το παιδί = the child το βιβλίο = the book
Vocative singular παιδί = child βιβλίο = book
Nominative Plural τα παιδιά = the children τα βιβλία = the books
Genitive plural των παιδιών= of the children των βιβλίων = of the books
Accusative Plural τα παιδιά = the children τα βιβλία = the books
Vocative Plural παιδιά = children βιβλία = books

INDEFINITE ARTICLES

For the Indefinite articles (A/AN/ONE in English) Greek has 3 possible types according to the gender of the word that follows.

Singular Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Neuter
NOMINATIVE: ένας μία or μια ένα
GENITIVE: ενός μίας or μιας ενός
ACCUSATIVE: ένα or έναν μία or μια ένα
VOCATIVE: —

Examples:

  • Ένας ελέφαντας (masculine) = An / one elephant

  • Μία γάτα (feminine) = A / one cat

  • Ένα φίδι (neuter) = A / one snake

The indefinite articles ένας, μία, ένα can be omitted when:

  • The meaning of the sentence is general.

  • The subject of the sentence can only be one.

  • The number of subjects does not matter.

Examples:

The cat is an animal — Η γάτα είναι ζώο.

These two are not a couple — Αυτοί οι δύο δεν είναι ζευγάρι.

Examples:
To BE

(Εγώ) είμαι = I am

(Εσύ) είσαι = you are (singular)

(Αυτός, αυτή, αυτό) είναι = he, she or it is

(Εμείς) είμαστε = we are

(Εσείς) είσαστε = you are(plural) (or είστε)

(Αυτοί, αυτές, αυτά) είναι =they are

Important note: the pronoun (Εγώ, εσύ …is not always needed.)

Pronouns Example
1st person singular εγώ = I
2nd person singular εσύ = you
3rd person singular αυτός/αυτή/αυτό = he/she/it
1st person plural εμείς = we
2nd person plural εσείς = you
3rd person plural αυτοί/αυτές = they (masculine/feminine)

Note that they has two types. If it refers to a group all males or male and female or its gender composition is unknown, αυτοί is used. If the group is composed of only females, αυτές is used instead.

Keep in mind that in Greek the personal pronoun (I, you etc) is not needed before the verb to define which person it is (as in English).

The verb ending shows the person so for example:

Πίνω I drink.

Πίνεις You drink (singular)

Πίνει He/She/It drinks.

Πίνουμε & We drink

Πίνετε You drink (plural

Πίνουν & πίνουνε oral. They drink

Spelling Note

  • The word άντρας can also be written as άνδρας. This can happen in all types of this word, just by replacing the letter τ with the δ. Note: in listening exercises, you need to write what is said. Usually, it is άντρας.

Common Phrases #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

HOW TO ADD THE GREEK ALPHABET TO YOUR KEYBOARD
Here are some links to easily convert your keyboard to enable you to use both Latin and Greek characters as you need. We have found these easy to install and simple to use. If you have any other links please share them with the community.

For Windows

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17424/windows-change-keyboard-layout

https://www.conversationexchange.com/resources/keyboard-language.php?lg=en

For Mac

http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Keyboard-Language-of-a-Mac

AND the Forum: >https://www.duolingo.com/topic/936

Most useful phrases in Greek

Greek English
Καλημέρα Good Morning
Καληνύχτα / Καλό βράδυ Good night
Καλησπέρα Good evening
Όχι No
Ναι Yes
Ευχαριστώ Thanks / Thank you
Παρακαλώ Please / You are welcome
Λυπάμαι I am sorry
Συγνώμη Sorry / Excuse me
Αντίο Goodbye
Σ’ αγαπώ / Σε αγαπώ I love you
Γεια Hi / Hello
Τι κάνεις; How are you? / What are you doing?
Πόσο κάνει; / Πόσο κοστίζει; How much does it cost?
Εγώ είμαι ο / η ….. I am ….
Εγώ μένω στην …. I live in …..

Self-Introduction #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Self-Introduction

This skill teaches essential phrases such as
— Είμαι ο Μαρκ. = I am Mark.
— Είμαι γιατρός. = I am a doctor. (Note that the «a» almost always gets dropped in Greek)
— Είμαι από την Αμερική. = I am from America.
— Μένω στην Ελλάδα. = I live in Greece.
— Δουλεύω για το Duolingo. = I work for Duolingo.

You will also learn how to ask questions about these topics. The questions use formal or informal verb forms, e.g.
— Πού μένετε, κύριε Ανδρέου; = Where do you live, Mr Andreou?
— Πού μένεις, Άννα; = Where do you live, Anna?

This means that you will also learn and practice the following part of the regular verb conjugation in Greek:
μέν-ω = I live
μέν-εις = you live (informal)
μέν-ετε = you live (in formal contexts or when talking to several people)

Basics 2 #8 · 2021-02-15 ^

HOW TO ADD THE GREEK ALPHABET TO YOUR KEYBOARD

Here are some links to easily convert your keyboard to enable you to use both Latin & Greek characters as you need. We have found these easy to install and simple to use. If you have any other links please share them with the community.

For Windows

https://billmounce.com/freegreekfont/unicode-windows

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17424/windows-change-keyboard-layout

https://www.conversationexchange.com/resources/keyboard-language.php?lg=en

For Mac

http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Keyboard-Language-of-a-Mac

HINT Check the hover drop-down hints for ideas. Remember they are like a dictionary and not all ideas may suit each sentence always us the top choice.

Indefinite articles

For the Indefinite articles (a/an/one in English) Greek has 3 possible types according to the gender of the word that follows.

It’s import to remember that:

Gender refers to the grammatical pattern used by the word, it is not the actual gender of the person or thing. For example in Greek, «girl» is neuter, but «chair» is feminine. So, be sure to learn the gender of each word from the start.

Singular Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Neuter
NOMINATIVE: ένας μία or μια ένα
GENITIVE: ενός μίας or μιας ενός
ACCUSATIVE: ένα or έναν μία or μια ένα
VOCATIVE: —

Examples:

  • Ένας ελέφαντας (masculine) = An / one elephant

  • Μία γάτα (feminine) = A / one cat

  • Ένα φίδι (neuter) = A / one snake

Indefinite Article Omission

The indefinite articles ένας, μία, ένα can be omitted when:

  • The meaning of the sentence is general.

  • The subject of the sentence can only be one.

  • The number of subjects does not matter.

Examples:

The cat is an animal — Η γάτα είναι ζώο.

These two are not a couple — Αυτοί οι δύο δεν είναι ζευγάρι.

Do you have a car? — Έχεις αυτοκίνητο;

I’m eating an orange — Τρώω πορτοκάλι.

In plural numbers, Greek uses pronouns, ΝΟΤ articles (like «some» in English). These words are:

  • Plural masculine: Μερικοί some/a few/a couple etc

  • Plural feminine: Μερικές

  • Plural neuter: Μερικά

Plural Masculine Plural Feminine Plural Neuter
NOMINATIVE: μερικοί μερικές μερικά
GENITIVE: μερικών μερικών μερικών
ACCUSATIVE: μερικούς μερικές μερικά
VOCATIVE: μερικοί μερικές μερικά

Personal Pronouns

Person and Number Pronouns Example
1st person singular εγώ = I εγώ τρώω = I eat
2nd person singular εσύ = you εσύ τρως = you eat
3rd person singular αυτός/αυτή/αυτό = he/she/it αυτός τρώει = he eats
1st person plural εμείς = we εμείς τρώμε = we eat
2nd person plural εσείς = you εσείς τρώτε = you eat
3rd person plural αυτοί/αυτές = they (masculine/feminine) αυτοί τρώνε = they eat

Note that they has two types. If it refers to a group all males or male and female or its gender composition is unknown, αυτοί is used. If the group is composed of only females, αυτές is used instead.

Keep in mind that in Greek the personal pronoun (I, you etc) is not needed before the verb to define which person it is (as in English). So for example instead of writing: Εγώ τρώω, you can write simply Τρώω
Likewise Εσύ πίνεις can be written as Πίνεις

Introducing Οthers #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Full regular conjugation

This lesson introduces the remaining forms of the regular present tense. The complete picture is:

μέν-ω = I live
μέν-εις = you live (singular)
μέν-ει = he/she/it lives
μέν-ουμε = we live
μέν-ετε = you all live (plural or formal)
μέν-ουν = they live

Female professions

Many names of professions are the same for men and women, e.g.
ο ηθοποιός — η ηθοποιός (the actor, the actress)
ο αρχιτέκτονας — η αρχιτέκτονας (the male/female architect)
Professions that end in -tis however will have a female form that ends in -tria:
ο πωλητής — η πωλήτρια (the salesman, the saleswomen)

Plural

This lesson also shows you a few plural forms. A lot of masculine and feminine Greek words will change their ending to -es for plural:
η γυναίκα -> οι γυναίκες
η γάτα -> οι γάτες
ο μαθητής -> οι μαθητές
ο άντρας -> οι άντρες

Plurals 1 #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

In the «Introducing Others» skill, you’ve seen that a lot of Greek plurals end in -es, e.g.
η γυναίκα — οι γυναίκες
ο πωλητής — οι πωλητές

Now, you will encounter two more types of plurals:
1) Words that end in -os in singular (mostly masculine words) will end in -oi in plural, e.g. ο γιατρός — οι γιατροί
2) Words that end in -o in singular (mostly neuter words) will end in -a in plural, e.g. το θέατρο — τα θέατρα

People 1 #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

This unit does not present new grammar. You just learn some extra words that may help you in introducing yourself or understanding others’ introductions.

Note that when you are talking about a female person from a particular country, the word will usually end in -ίδα:
ο Αμερικανός — η Αμερικανίδα
ο Γερμανός — η Γερμανίδα

Alternatively, sometimes the word ending will change to -α or -η:
ο Κινέζος — η Κινέζα
ο δάσκαλος — η δασκάλα
ο Αυστραλός — η Αυστραλή
ο χριστιανός — η χριστιανή

Possessives #2 · 2021-02-15 ^

Possessives in Greek

Person Possessive Pronoun (Single object owned) Possessive Pronoun (Many objects owned) English translation
1st person singular (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) μου (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) μου My
2nd person singular (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) σου (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) σου Your
3rd person singular (masculine) (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) του (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) του His
3rd person singular (feminine) (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) της (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) της Her
3rd person singular (neuter) (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) του (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) του Its
1st person plural (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) μας (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) μας Our
2nd person plural (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) σας (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) σας Your
3rd person plural (Δικός/Δική/Δικό) τους (Δικοί/Δικές/Δικά) τους Their

EXAMPLES:
Ο άντρας μου=My husband
Ο δικός μου άντρας= My own husband (emphatic).

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Δικός, δική, δικό?

Δικός is used if the owned object is of masculine gender: Ο άντρας είναι δικός μου=The man is mine.

Δικός becomes δικοί when the owned object of masculine gender is in plural.
So, οι άντρες είναι δικοί μου=the men are mine.

Δική is used if the owned object is of feminine gender:
Η γυναίκα είναι δική μου=The woman is mine.

Δική becomes δικές when the owned object of feminine gender is in plural.
So, οι γυναίκες είναι δικές μου=the women are mine.

Δικό is used if the owned object is of neuter gender: Το παιδί είναι δικό μου=The kid is mine.

Δικό becomes δικά when the owned object of neuter gender is in plural.
So, τα παιδιά είναι δικά μου=the children are mine.

THE DOUBLE ACCENT RULE
When μου,σου,του,της,μας,σας,τους comes after a word that is accented on the antepenultimate (third syllable from the end e.g. αυτοκίνητο), then it is accented also on the last syllable.

Example:
το αυτοκίνητό μου=my car
το ραδιόφωνό της= her radio
η τσάντα του=his bag (no double accent here because the word τσάντα is not accented on the antepenult!)

A Walk in Town #1 · 2022-05-18 ^

Accusative

This unit introduces the Accusative, a key concept in Greek. In the initial lessons you’ll encounter the Accusative personal pronouns (me, him, her etc.) that you are familiar with in English. Later, the same concept is applied to nouns:

Με βλέπεις; — Do you see me?
Την βλέπεις; — Do you see her?
Βλέπεις την γυναίκα; — Do you see the woman?

(You don’t have to learn it all now; the following skills are also designed to let you practice the Accusative)

Accusative pronouns

με — me
σε — you (singular, informal)
τον, την, το — him, her, it
μας — us
σας — you (plural or formal)
τους, τις, τα — them (mixed groups, groups of women, things)
Note that these pronouns are placed BEFORE the verb.

Accusative articles

The articles are usually the same as the pronouns:
Βλέπω τον γιατρό. (τον = him)
Βλέπω την γυναίκα. (την = her)
Βλέπω το μουσείο. (το = it)
Βλέπω τους γιατρούς. (τους = them)
Βλέπω τις γυναίκες.
Βλέπω τα μουσεία.

Demonstratives

The demonstrative αυτό (this) will generally have the same ending as the definite article, so that it sounds like an echo: αυτό το μουσείο, αυτή η γυναίκα, αυτοί οι γιατροί, αυτά τα μουσεία… only the masculine Nominative form ends in -os like the noun rather than -o like the article: αυτός ο άντρας.

At a Bar #7 · 2022-05-18 ^

This skill allows you to practice the Accusative some more, because Greek uses the Accusative, not Nominative, when ordering things:
Θέλω τον καφέ. = I want the coffee.
Τον καφέ, παρακαλώ. = The coffee, please.
Ο καφές είναι κρύος. = The coffee is cold.

The indefinite articles μία, ένα for feminine and neuter stay the same for Accusative, while ένας changes to έναν.

You also learn to ask questions with Which. This word adapts to the noun, i.e. it’s ποιο for neuter nouns:
Ποιό κρασί θελετε; = Which wine do you want?
… and ποια for feminine nouns:
Ποιά γυναίκα; = Which woman?
And there are also other forms, but these two will be enough for most situations.

Family 1 #7 · 2022-05-18 ^

Possessives in Greek

The possessive pronouns in Greek have the same first letter as the object pronouns that you already know.
Some are even completely identical. Here’s a comparison:
μου — my | με — me
σου — your | σε — you (as in «I see you»)
του — his | τον — him
της — her (as in «her car») | την — her (as in «I see her»)
μας — our | μας — us
σας — your | σας — you all
τους — their | τους — them

The most common use for these is when talking about members of your family (η μητέρα μου, ο αδελφός μου) and your friends (οι φίλοι μου). The Greek equivalent of «Darling» is «Αγάπη μου», literally meaning «my love».

One little quirk: if the Greek noun has its accent on the third syllable from the right, as in ο δάσκαλος (the teacher), and you add one of these pronouns, then an additional accent will appear on the last syllable, in order to ensure that the two words are pronounced together:
ο δάσκαλός μου (my teacher).

Parts of Speech #3 · 2020-02-13 ^

These are the parts of speech in Greek:

λέξη = word

άρθρο = article

επίθετο = adjective

ουσιαστικό= noun

λόγος = speech

μέρος = part

ρήμα = verb

μετοχή = participle

πρόθεση = preposition

σύνδεσμος = conjunction

επίρρημα = adverb

αντωνυμία = pronoun

επιφώνημα = interjection

We are going now to analyze a simple Greek sentence in order to teach you the basic parts of speech.

So, we have the sentence «‘Ο άντρας τρώει το κόκκινο μήλο.» In this particular sentence, there are two articles «ο» and «το», which are respectively the articles for the male and the neuter nouns, there are also two nouns «άντρας» and «μήλο» which mean man and apple respectively. Finally, there is a verb «τρώει» which means eats / is eating. Κόκκινο which shows «what kind» is an adjective.

The definite article:
Depending on the gender, number, and case the definite article in Greek varies.

Singular Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative ο η το
Genitive του της του
Accusative τον τη(ν) το
Plural Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative οι οι τα
Genitive των των των
Accusative τους τις τα

(!) Vocative has no article

(!)The -ν of την is preserved if the following word begins with κ, π, τ, ψ, ξ, γκ , μπ, ντ, τζ, τσ or a vowel.
So the accusative for γυναίκα and κότα is:
Τη γυναίκα.
Την κότα.
Note that this rule also applies to the negatives δεν, μην also to στην & αυτήν (accusative of αυτή), but not to τον, στον etc

NB: The gender does not reflect the actual person or item (grammatical gender does not match natural gender) but is only a means of classifying nouns. For example: ο άντρας is masculine. But: το αγόρι (the boy is neuter) and η καρέκλα (the chair is feminine).

Belongings #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

The verb «To Have»

Unlike in difficult languages like French or Spanish, the verb to have is completely regular in Greek:
έχω — I have
έχεις — you have
έχει — he/she/it has
έχουμε — we have
έχετε — you have (plural or formal)
έχουν — they have

More about possessives in Greek

When you want to really emphasize that something is yours, you use the word «own» in English and δικός in Greek («my own daughter», «your own fault» and so on). Note that the μου, σου etc. will follow after δικός, not after the noun anymore:
ο γιος μου (my son) -> ο δικός μου γιος (my own son)

Δικός + possessive pronoun is also used for sentences of the type «… is mine/yours/his»:
Ο καφές είναι δικός μου. = The coffee is mine.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Δικός, δική, δικό?

Δικός behaves like an adjective in that the ending must match the noun that you are describing:
ο δικός μου γιατρός — my own doctor
η δική μου κόρη — my own daughter
το δικό μου σπίτι — my own house
οι δικοί μου γιατροί — my own doctors
οι δικές μου κόρες — my own daughters
τα δικά μου σπίτια — my own houses
(And same for σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους)

Δικός is used if the owned object is of masculine gender: Ο άντρας είναι δικός μου=The man is mine.

Δικός becomes δικοί when the owned object of masculine gender is in plural.
So, οι άντρες είναι δικοί μου=the men are mine.

Δική is used if the owned object is of feminine gender:
Η γυναίκα είναι δική μου=The woman is mine.

Δική becomes δικές when the owned object of feminine gender is in plural.
So, οι γυναίκες είναι δικές μου=the women are mine.

Δικό is used if the owned object is of neuter gender: Το παιδί είναι δικό μου=The kid is mine.

Δικό becomes δικά when the owned object of neuter gender is in plural.
So, τα παιδιά είναι δικά μου=the children are mine.

Gratitude #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

2nd conjugation

This lesson introduces several verbs that end in -άω. These have slightly different endings than the ones you have seen previously, mainly in that the vowel A occurs more often. Here are the two conjugations side by side:

μιλ-άω + / μέν-ω
μιλ-άς / μέν-εις
μιλ-άει or μιλ-ά / μέν-ει
μιλ-άμε + / μέν-ουμε
μιλ-άτε / μέν-ετε
μιλ-άνε + / μέν-ουν

The border between the two conjugations is somewhat fluid in everyday Greek. In the forms marked with a plus, you may also hear Greeks using the other conjugation’s forms, i.e. μιλώ, μιλούμε, μιλούν, or even a halfway form like μιλάν. This depends on the region and the level of informality, e.g. μιλούν sounds bookish to most, while μιλάνε may be considered more colloquial than μιλάν. We recommend learning the forms as listed above and then adapting to your interlocutors if you spend a lot of time in a particular Greek region.

Days of the Week #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

The names of the days of the week are:
Δευτέρα — Monday («the second»)
Τρίτη — Tuesday («the third»)
Τετάρτη — Wednesday («the fourth»)
Πέμπτη — Thursday («the fifth»)
Παρασκευή — Friday («preparation»)
Σάββατο — Saturday («Sabbath»)
Κυριακή — Sunday («the Lord’s»)

Σάββατο is neuter and the rest of them are all feminine. Instead of the English «on Tuesday» or «on Saturday», Greek just uses the Accusative: την Τρίτη, το Σάββατο. «on Tuesdays» / «on Saturdays» uses the plural Accusative: τις Τρίτες, τα Σάββατα.

You may notice that the final -n of την may get dropped for Δευτέρα (τη Δευτέρα), just as the final -n of δεν, στην, τον, στον may get dropped when the next word starts with a non-plosive consonant (a consonant other than κ, π, τ, ξ, ψ or combinations including one of these letters, like ντ or τσ). This is an optional rule in the sense that many Greeks have stopped observing it, but you may get tested on it at school or when applying to work at a newspaper, so most of our sentences will observe this rule.

Family 2 #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

No new grammar here, just a bunch of extra words for family members.

Auxiliary Verbs #2 · 2018-10-25 ^

Verbs in Modern Greek have two voices (Active Voice and Passive Voice) and 8 tenses.

These tenses are:

1) Ενεστώτας ( Present Simple and Present Continuous e.g. I play / I am playing),

2) Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας (Future Simple e.g. I will play),

3) Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας ( Future Continuous e.g. I will be playing)

4) Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας (Future Perfect e.g. I will have played

5) )Αόριστος (Past Simple e.g. I played),

6) Παρακείμενος ( Present Perfect e.g. I have played),

7) Υπερσυντέλικος (like Past Perfect e.g. I had played),

8) Παρατατικός (Past continuous e.g I was playing),

είμαι — I am

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός** Μέλλοντας Στιγμιαίος
(εγώ) είμαι (εγώ) ήμουν (εγώ) θα είμαι
(εσύ) είσαι (εσύ) ήσουν (εσύ) θα είσαι
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) είναι (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) ήταν (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) θα είναι
(εμείς) είμαστε (εμείς) ήμασταν/ήμαστε (εμείς) θα είμαστε
(εσείς) είσαστε/είστε (εσείς) ήσασταν/ήσαστε (εσείς) θα είσαστε/είστε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά*) είναι (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) ήταν (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) θα είναι

(Equal Matrix in English)

Present Simple Past Continuous** Future Simple
I am I was I will be
You are You were You will be
He/She/It is He/She/It was He/She/It will be
We are We were We will be
You are You were You will be
They are They were They will be

έχω — I have

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός Μέλλοντας Στιγμιαίος
(εγώ) έχω (εγώ) είχα (εγώ) θα έχω
(εσύ) έχεις (εσύ) είχες (εσύ) θα έχεις
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έχει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) είχε (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) θα έχει
(εμείς) έχουμε (εμείς) είχαμε (εμείς) θα έχουμε
(εσείς) έχετε (εσείς) είχατε (εσείς) θα έχετε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά*) έχουν/έχουνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) είχαν/είχανε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) θα έχουν/έχουνε

(Equal Matrix in English)

Present Simple Past Continuous** Future Simple
I have I had I will have
You have You had You will have
He/She/It is He/She/It has He/She/It will have
We have We had We will have
You have You had You will have
They have They had They will have

*Αυτοί for male pl., αυτές for feminine pl, and αυτά for neuter pl.

**Past Continuous and Simple are the same for the verbs είμαι and έχω. The same goes for Present Simple and Continuous.

“HAVE” AND “BE” AS AUXILIARY VERBS

ΕΧΩ

  • The verb έχω (have) is used as an auxiliary verb in Greek in Perfect Tenses:

Έχω (have) + παθητική μετοχή (past participle) -> Present Perfect Simple (Παρακείμενος)

Είχα (had) + παθητική μετοχή (past participle) -> Past Perfect Simple (Υπερσυντέλικος)

Θα έχω (will have) + παθητική μετοχή (past participle) -> Future Perfect Simple (Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας)

ΕΙΜΑΙ

  • Τhe verb είμαι (be) is used as an auxiliary verb in English, but there is no equivalent for it in Greek in Continuous (Progressive) Tenses:

Present Continuous (same with Present Simple), Ενεστώτας: I am reading this book – Εγώ διαβάζω αυτό το βιβλίο (no auxiliary verb used.)

Past Continuous, Παρατατικός: I was reading this book – Εγώ διάβαζα αυτό το βιβλίο (no auxiliary verb used.)

Future Continuous, Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας: I will be reading this book – Εγώ θα διαβάζω αυτό το βιβλίο (no auxiliary verb used.)

Have/Having

The verb have, as well as its progressive form having is in some cases used ‘idiomatically’ in English, instead of other verbs. Such cases include pregnancy, food, medical conditions that last for a few moments (i.e. heart attacks), mental states or personal experiences, hosting events with a future intent etc. In Greek, έχω is not used like so.

Exp.
I am having/have lunch (instead of eating/eat) – Εγώ τρώω μεσημεριανό.

I am having a baby (instead of expecting) – Εγώ περιμένω μωρό/παιδί.

I am having/have fun – Εγώ διασκεδάζω.

He is having a stroke. – Αυτός παθαίνει εγκεφαλικό.

I am having a beer/drink – Εγώ πίνω μια μπύρα/ένα ποτό.

A few exceptions to this rule are:

I have/I’m having a headache. – Έχω πονοκέφαλο.

I’m having trouble with this. – Έχω πρόβλημα με αυτό.

!Having can only be used as a participle.

!Remember! Some Progressive tenses do not have directly equivalent tenses in greek.

Present Continuous – Ενεστώτας

Present Perfect Continuous – Ενεστώτας/Παρατατικός

Past Perfect Continuous – Παρατατικός

Future Perfect Continuous – Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας

Food #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Mini Introduction

Greek cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine, having common characteristics with the traditional cuisines of Italy, Turkey and the Balkans

Greek cuisine uses vegetables, olive oil, olives, wine, meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Many food items are wrapped in Filo pastry such as η κοτόπιτα | ko-to-pee-ta (chicken pie), η σπανακοτυρόπιτα | spa-na-ko-tee-ro-pee-ta (spinach and cheese pie), η κρεατόπιτα | kre-a-to-pee-ta (meat pie) etc.

Some very popular Greek foods and salads are ο γύρος | yee-ros (slices of pork roasted on a spit and served with sauce and garnishes, such as tomato and onions on pita bread), το σουβλάκι | su-vla-kee (grilled small pieces of meat, usually pork, but also chicken, served on the skewer for eating out of hand, or served as a sandwich wrapped in pita bread together with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and ketchup; It is also called το καλαμάκι | ka-la-ma-kee mainly in Athens), ο ντάκος | da-kos (Cretan salad consisting of a slice of bread or barley rusk / paximadi, topped with tomatoes and feta cheese), η φασολάδα | fa-so-la-da (bean soup) and ο μουσακάς — mu-sa-kas (meat and eggplant casserole, topped with a savory custard which is then browned in the oven).

Popular beverages are coffee, wine, beer and ouzo ( anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus).

Useful vocabulary

Greek word Nearest pronunciation English translation
το ψωμί pso-mee bread
το τυρί tee-ree cheese
η τομάτα / ντομάτα to-ma-ta / do-ma-ta tomato
το αγγούρι a-gu-ree cucumber
το κρεμμύδι kre-mee-ðee onion
η σαλάτα sa-la-ta salad
το φαγητό fa-yee-to food
η σουβλάκι / καλαμάκι su-vla-kee / ka-la-ma-kee suvlaki
ο γύρος yee-ros gyros
το κουτάλι ku-ta-lee spoon
το μαχαίρι ma-he-ree knife
το πιρούνι pee-ru-nee fork
πιάτο pia-to dish / plate
καλή όρεξη ka-lee o-re-ksee bon appetit
ένα ποτήρι … e-na po-tee-ree … a glass of …
το νερό ne-ro water
το κρασί kra-see wine
η μπίρα / μπύρα bee-ra beer
το ούζο u-zo ouzo
Στην υγειά σου / Στην υγειά μας steen ee-yeeah su / steen ee-yeeah mas Cheers

ASTERISKS

For ð and ɣ, see pronunciation on http://www.internationalphoneticalphabet.org/ipa-sounds/ipa-chart-with-sounds/

Plurals #4 · 2021-02-15 ^

While in English, the plural is formed by adding ‘s’ to the singular, in Modern Greek, to form the plural of nouns we have to take into account the gender of the word and change the singular suffix accordingly. Here are some examples for each gender:

Masculine in Nominative

-ος becomes –οι, for example: ένας φίλος (one friend) becomes δύο φίλοι (two friends)

-ής becomes –ές, ένας μαθητής (one pupil) becomes δύο μαθητές (two pupils)

-ας becomes –ες, ένας αγώνας (one race) becomes δύο αγώνες (two races)

-ούς becomes –ούδες, ένας παππούς (one grandfather) becomes δύο παππούδες (two grandfathers)

-ές becomes –έδες, ένας καφές (one coffee) becomes δύο καφέδες (two coffees)

Feminine in Nominative

becomes –ες, for example: μία κόρη (one daughter) becomes δύο κόρες (two daughters)

α become –ες, μία χώρα (one country) becomes δύο χώρες (two countries)

-ος becomes –οι, μία οδός (one street) becomes δύο οδοί (two streets)

-ού becomes -ούδες, μία αλεπού (one fox) becomes δύο αλεπούδες (two foxes)

Neuter in Nominative

-ο becomes –α, ένα δώρο (one gift) becomes δύο δώρα (two gifts)

becomes –ια, ένα παιδί (one child) becomes δύο παιδιά (two children)

-μα becomes –ματα, ένα σώμα (one body) becomes δύο σώματα (two bodies)

-ος becomes –η, ένα δάσος (one forest) becomes δύο δάση (two forests)

-ας becomes –ατα, ένα τέρας (one monster) becomes δύο τέρατα (two monsters)

ASTERISKS

Note that these rules only apply to the Nominative case of nouns. The other three cases (Genitive, Accusative and Vocative) have their own suffixes.
Also, foreign words (such as σάντουιτς, χάμπουργκερ) are not declined ie they stay the same no matter their case.

Animals 1 #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

List of animals

Greek word Nearest pronunciation English translation
σκύλος / σκυλί skee-los / skee-lee dog
γάτα ɣa-ta cat
ποντίκι po-dee-kee mouse
μέλισσα me-lee-sa bee
πεταλούδα pe-ta-lu-ða butterfly
αρκούδα ar-ku-ða bear
λύκος lee-kos wolf
καμήλα ka-mee-la camel
πουλί pu-lee bird
αετός a-e-tos eagle
γεράκι ye-ra-kee hawk
δελφίνι ðe-lfee-nee dolphin
φάλαινα fa-le-na whale
καρχαρίας kar-ha-ree-as shark
άλογο a-lo-ɣo horse
ελέφαντας e-le-fa-das elephant
χελώνα he-lo-na turtle
πάπια pa-pia duck
καβούρι ka-voo-ree crab
αράχνη a-ra-chni spider
πελεκάνος pe-le-ka-nos pelican
κουτάβι koo-ta-vee puppy
καμηλοπάρδαλη ka-mi-lo-par-ða-li giraffe
κότα ko-ta hen
χάμστερ ham-ster hamster
πίθηκος pee-thee-kos ape/monkey
αλεπού a-le-pu fox
λιοντάρι lio-da-ree lion
τίγρης tee-ɣris tiger
λαγός la-ɣos hare

ASTERISKS

For ð and ɣ, see pronunciation on http://www.internationalphoneticalphabet.org/ipa-sounds/ipa-chart-with-sounds/

Plurals 2 #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

While in English, the plural is formed by adding ‘s’ to the singular, in Modern Greek, to form the plural of nouns we have to take into account the gender of the word and change the singular suffix accordingly. Here are some examples for each gender:

Masculine in Nominative

-ος becomes –οι, for example: ένας φίλος (one friend) becomes δύο φίλοι (two friends)

-ής becomes –ές, ένας μαθητής (one pupil) becomes δύο μαθητές (two pupils)

-ας becomes –ες, ένας αγώνας (one race) becomes δύο αγώνες (two races)

-ούς becomes –ούδες, ένας παππούς (one grandfather) becomes δύο παππούδες (two grandfathers)

-ές becomes –έδες, ένας καφές (one coffee) becomes δύο καφέδες (two coffees)

Feminine in Nominative

becomes –ες, for example: μία κόρη (one daughter) becomes δύο κόρες (two daughters)

α become –ες, μία χώρα (one country) becomes δύο χώρες (two countries)

-ος becomes –οι, μία οδός (one street) becomes δύο οδοί (two streets)

-ού becomes -ούδες, μία αλεπού (one fox) becomes δύο αλεπούδες (two foxes)

Neuter in Nominative

-ο becomes –α, ένα δώρο (one gift) becomes δύο δώρα (two gifts)

becomes –ια, ένα παιδί (one child) becomes δύο παιδιά (two children)

-μα becomes –ματα, ένα σώμα (one body) becomes δύο σώματα (two bodies)

-ος becomes –η, ένα δάσος (one forest) becomes δύο δάση (two forests)

-ας becomes –ατα, ένα τέρας (one monster) becomes δύο τέρατα (two monsters)

ASTERISKS

Note that these rules only apply to the Nominative case of nouns. The other three cases (Genitive, Accusative and Vocative) have their own suffixes.
Also, foreign words (such as σάντουιτς, χάμπουργκερ) are not declined ie they stay the same no matter their case.

Clothing #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Useful vocabulary

Greek word Nearest pronunciation English translation
καπέλο ka-pe-lo hat
κασκόλ ka-skol scarf
σκούφος sku-fos skull cap
μπλούζα blu-za blouse
πουκάμισο pu-ka-mee-so shirt
ζακέτα za-ke-ta jacket / sweater
φανέλα fa-ne-la jersey
παντελόνι pa-de-lo-nee trousers / pants
τζιν jeen jeans
παπούτσι / παπούτσια pa-pu-tsee / pa-pu-tseea shoe / shoes
κάλτσα / κάλτσες kal-tsa / kal-tses sock / socks
γάντι / γάντια ɣa-dee / ɣa-deea glove / gloves

ASTERISKS

For ð and ɣ, see pronunciation on http://www.internationalphoneticalphabet.org/ipa-sounds/ipa-chart-with-sounds/

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ# I like… note this form that will appear unusual for English speakers.

We only use…αρέσει singular and αρέσουν plural

To say: I like the puppy. we say:

«Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι.«

This technically translates as: *To me is liked the puppy.»/ «The puppy is liked by me.» which translates to

«I like the puppy.»

For other persons, you simply use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της, etc) . «αρέσει» does not change.

Questions #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

English Questions Greek Questions
questions ερωτήσεις
what τι
when πότε
where πού
why γιατί
how πώς
who (m/f/n) (sing.) ποιος/α/ο
who (m/f/n) (pl.) ποιοι/ες/α
which (m/f/n) (sing.) ποιος/α/ο (από)
which (m/f/n) (pl.) ποιοι/ες/α (από)
whose ποιανού, ποιανής, ποιανού
how much (m/f/n) πόσος/πόση/πόσο
how much πόσο (adv.)
how many (m/f/n) πόσοι/ες/α

Word order does not necessarily change in declarative or interrogative sentences (statements or questions). The Greek question mark looks like an English semicolon. ;=?

On the Greek keyboard it is found on Q

Statement: «Το κορίτσι τρώει την σοκολάτα.» The girl eats the chocolate.

Question: «Το κορίτσι τρώει την σοκολάτα;» Does the girl eat the chocolate?

NOTE
In English we say: «What is your address» but in Greek «Ποια είναι η διεύθυνσή σου=which is your address?».
In Greek «τι=what» is used for asking about the characteristics of something or with the meaning of «what kind…?».
So, Τι γάτα είναι;=What kind of cat is it? Τι άνθρωπος είναι;=What kind of man is he?
Τι δουλειά κάνεις;=What kind of job do you do?=What is your job?
BUT
Ποια είναι η δουλειά σου;=What is your job?

Revision: Present Tense Conjugation #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Verbs in Modern Greek have two voices (Active Voice and Passive Voice) and 8 tenses.
These tenses are:

1) Ενεστώτας ( Present Simple and Present Continuous e.g. I play / I am playing),

2) Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας (Future Simple e.g. I will play),

3) Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας ( Future Continuous e.g. I will be playing)

4) Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας (Future Perfect e.g. I will have played

5) )Αόριστος (Past Simple e.g. I played),

6) Παρακείμενος ( Present Perfect e.g. I have played),

7) Υπερσυντέλικος (like Past Perfect e.g. I had played),

8) Παρατατικός (Past continuous e.g I was playing),

είμαι — I am

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός** Μέλλοντας Στιγμιαίος
(εγώ) είμαι (εγώ) ήμουν (εγώ) θα είμαι
(εσύ) είσαι (εσύ) ήσουν (εσύ) θα είσαι
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) είναι (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) ήταν (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) θα είναι
(εμείς) είμαστε (εμείς) ήμασταν/ήμαστε (εμείς) θα είμαστε
(εσείς) είσαστε/είστε (εσείς) ήσασταν/ήσαστε (εσείς) θα είσαστε/είστε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά*) είναι (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) ήταν (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) θα είναι
(Equal Matrix in English)
Present Simple Past Continuous** Future Simple
I am I was I will be
You are You were You will be
He/She/It is He/She/It was He/She/It will be
We are We were We will be
You are You were You will be
They are They were They will be

έχω — I have

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός Μέλλοντας Στιγμιαίος
(εγώ) έχω (εγώ) είχα (εγώ) θα έχω
(εσύ) έχεις (εσύ) είχες (εσύ) θα έχεις
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έχει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) είχε (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) θα έχει
(εμείς) έχουμε (εμείς) είχαμε (εμείς) θα έχουμε
(εσείς) έχετε (εσείς) είχατε (εσείς) θα έχετε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά*) έχουν/έχουνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) είχαν/είχανε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) θα έχουν/έχουνε
(Equal Matrix in English)
Present Simple Past Continuous** Future Simple
I have I had I will have
You have You had You will have
He/She/It is He/She/It has He/She/It will have
We have We had We will have
You have You had You will have
They have They had They will have

*Αυτοί for male pl., αυτές for feminine pl, and αυτά for neuter pl.

**Past Continuous and Simple are the same for the verbs είμαι and έχω. The same goes for Present Simple and Continuous.

“HAVE” AND “BE” AS AUXILIARY VERBS

ΕΧΩ

  • The verb έχω (have) is used as an auxiliary verb in Greek in Perfect Tenses:

Έχω (have) + παθητική μετοχή (past participle) -> Present Perfect Simple (Παρακείμενος)

Είχα (had) + παθητική μετοχή (past participle) -> Past Perfect Simple (Υπερσυντέλικος)

Θα έχω (will have) + παθητική μετοχή (past participle) -> Future Perfect Simple (Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας)

ΕΙΜΑΙ

  • Τhe verb είμαι (be) is used as an auxiliary verb in English, but there is no equivalent for it in Greek in Continuous (Progressive) Tenses:

Present Continuous (same with Present Simple), Ενεστώτας: I am reading this book – Εγώ διαβάζω αυτό το βιβλίο (no auxiliary verb used.)

Past Continuous, Παρατατικός: I was reading this book – Εγώ διάβαζα αυτό το βιβλίο (no auxiliary verb used.)

Future Continuous, Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας: I will be reading this book – Εγώ θα διαβάζω αυτό το βιβλίο (no auxiliary verb used.)

Have/Having

The verb have, as well as its progressive form having is in some cases used ‘idiomatically’ in English, instead of other verbs. Such cases include pregnancy, food, medical conditions that last for a few moments (i.e. heart attacks), mental states or personal experiences, hosting events with a future intent etc. In Greek, έχω is not used like so.

Exp.
I am having/have lunch (instead of eating/eat) – Εγώ τρώω μεσημεριανό.

I am having a baby (instead of expecting) – Εγώ περιμένω μωρό/παιδί.

I am having/have fun – Εγώ διασκεδάζω.

He is having a stroke. – Αυτός παθαίνει εγκεφαλικό.

I am having a beer/drink – Εγώ πίνω μια μπύρα/ένα ποτό.

A few exceptions to this rule are:

I have a headache. – Έχω πονοκέφαλο.

I’m having trouble with this. – Έχω πρόβλημα με αυτό.

!Having can only be used as a participle.

!Remember! Some Progressive tenses do not have directly equivalent tenses in greek.

Present Continuous – Ενεστώτας

Present Perfect Continuous – Ενεστώτας/Παρατατικός

Past Perfect Continuous – Παρατατικός

Future Perfect Continuous – Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ = NOTE THIS FORM THAT WILL APPEAR UNUSUAL FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS.

HOW TO SAY «I LIKE» etc

We only use…αρέσει singular and αρέσουν plural

To say: I like the puppy. we will say: «Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι This technically translates to «The puppy is liked by me,«

It simply means. «I like the puppy.» For other persons, you use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της, etc) . «αρέσει/αρέσουν» does not change.

«»Τα παιδιά τους αρέσουν οι κωμωδίες στην τηλεόραση.»»
«The children like comedies on television.»
Another example: «Ο καφές σού αρέσει;» «Do you like coffee?» notice the accent on *σού. not «o καφές σου» = your coffee

Accusative Case #9 · 2022-05-18 ^

In sentences with two objects, like «I give the juice to a friend», both objects will use the Accusative, and «to» will be translated as σε. If the next word is a form of the Greek «the», σε will combine with it, yielding στο, στην, στον and other forms that you’ve seen or will see. There is nothing to fear because they are just σ+article.

Some examples:
Δίνω τον χυμό σε έναν φίλο = I give the juice to a friend.
Δίνω τη σαλάτα στη γυναίκα μου. = I give the salad to my wife.
Δε δίνω τη σοκολάτα στους αδέλφους μου. = I don’t give the chocolate to my brothers.

Two things to note about the Accusative:
1. The article changes. As you’ve already seen in the «A Walk» skill, ο becomes τον, η becomes τη(ν) and ένας becomes έναν. Meanwhile, το, μια and ένα don’t change. In the plural, οι άντρες becomes τους άντρες, while οι γυναίκες becomes τις γυναίκες (τα βιβλία doesn’t change).
2. In a few cases, also the noun changes. Namely, masculine words lose the final -s, like φίλος -> φίλο in the example. In plural, masculine words that end in -οι like γιατροί will get the same -ους ending as the article:
οι γιατροί -> τους γιατρούς.

Present Simple 1 #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Είμαι — I am & Έχω — I have

For Modern Greek tenses and the conjugation of these two verbs see the notes in the ‘Auxiliary Verbs’ skill.https://incubator.duolingo.com/courses/el/en/editor/66ec9d611e21adc231449b799ae7aed1

Present Tense 1:

Greek Present Tense does not differentiate between simple (a one-time action: we drink water = πίνουμε νερό) and a: continuous action: we are drinking = πίνουμε

Verbs in Greek do not need to be preceded by the Personal Pronoun: εγώ, εσύ etc. (Similar to Portuguese and Spanish). The person is shown by the ending an the context: θέλω παγωτό >I want ice cream (of course you can use the Personal Pronoun to clarify or for emphasis if you wish αυτός θελει παγωτό > he* wants ice cream.

The INFINITIVE: we use the first person of the verb with nothing in front: δίνω* = to give

The use of the infinitive in sentences e.g. “He wants to go to the park.” will be seen in a later unit.

HOW TO FORM THE PRESENT TENSE: To the root form of the verb: e.g. from δίνω we use διν… and add the ending for that verb. So, for this type which is the most common you get:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) δίνω I give
Second person (Εσύ) δίνεις You give
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) δίνει He/she/ it gives

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) δίνουμε We give
Second person (Εσείς) δίνετε You give
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) δίνουν/δίνουνε They give

Note the two forms for YOU: δίνεις = you give >singular and δίνετε = you give plural and formal.

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ

Finally, note this form that will appear unusual for English speakers.
We only use…αρέσει singular and αρέσουν plural
To say: I like the puppy. we will say: «Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι This technically translates to: «The puppy is liked by me,» Actually it simply means. «I like the puppy.» For other persons, you simply use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της, etc) . «αρέσει» does not change.

NEGATIVE FORMS: Negatives are formed by adding δεν before the main verb. Δεν πίνω καφέ. > I do not (don’t) drink coffee.

QUESTIONS do not change their word order. They just receive the GREEK question mark which looks just like a semicolon “;” and change in intonation when spoken. The Greek question mark can be found on the Q when you are using a Greek keyboard.

CONTRACTING VERBS Συνηρημένα Ρήματα
There are some verbs that can be conjugated in multiple ways. Verbs ending in -αω fall in this category. (such as περπατάω-περπατώ, αγαπάω-αγαπώ, κολυμπάω-κολυμπώ)

They are conjugated as follows:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) αγαπάω/αγαπώ I love
Second person (Εσύ) αγαπάς You love
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) αγαπάει/αγαπά He/she/ it loves

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) αγαπούμε/αγαπάμε We love
Second person (Εσείς) αγαπάτε You love
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) αγαπούν/αγαπούνε/αγαπάν/αγαπάνε They love

Αποθετικά Ρήματα Active Verbs that use Passive Verb endings…
These verbs show action but have passive voice endings (such as κοιμάμαι=sleep, θυμάμαι=remember etc)

They are conjugated as follows:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) κοιμούμαι/κοιμάμαι I sleep
Second person (Εσύ) κοιμάσαι You sleep
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κοιμάται He/she/ it sleeps

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) κοιμούμαστε/κοιμόμαστε We sleep
Second person (Εσείς) κοιμάστε/κοιμόσαστε You sleep
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοιμούνται/κοιμόνται They sleep

Colors #6 · 2022-05-18 ^

Colors in Greek

1. Form of colors

Colors are adjectives so in most cases the must agree with the noun in number, case and gender. Τα πράσινα καπέλα. The green hats. (Neuter, plural)

2 Form of colors

Some colors are invariable, as they are non-Greek words. which means they do not change but remain the same for all cases, numbers and genders.

Invariable Colors

Greek English Greek English
Μπλε Blue Ροζ Pink
Μωβ Mauve Μπορντό Bordeaux
Εκρού Ecru Γκρι Grey
Τιρκουάζ Turquoise Χακί Khaki
Καφέ Brown Φουξ/Φούξια Fuchsia
Σομόν Salmon Λιλά Lilac
Πετρόλ Petrol Μπεζ Beige

Exp. Δύο ροζ κάλτσες – Two pink socks.

Ο μπλε ουρανός – The blue sky

The other adjectives end in:

–ος (masc.) –η (fem.) –ο (neuter)

Exp. Κόκκινος, κόκκινη, κόκκινο (red)

Μαύρος, μαύρη, μαύρο (black)

Πορφυρός, πορφυρή, πορφυρό (royal purple)

Ρόδινος, ρόδινη, ρόδινο (pink)

–ος (masc.) –α (fem.) –ο (neuter)

Exp. Γκρίζος, γκρίζα, γκρίζο (grey)

Ερυθρός, ερυθρά/ερυθρή, ερυθρό (red)

Γαλάζιος, γαλάζια, γαλάζιο (light blue)

–ής (masc.) –ιά (fem.) –ί (neuter)

Exp. Πορτοκαλής, πορτοκαλιά, πορτοκαλί (orange)

Καφετής, καφετιά, καφετί (brown)

Ασημής, ασημιά, ασημί (silver)

!Remember! All colors ending in -ί in the neuter form have both conjugated and invariable forms. For instance, while πορτοκαλί is not necessarily invariable, it is commonly used as πορτοκαλί, in all gender forms.

Exp. Η πορτοκαλί/πορτοκαλιά φούστα – The orange skirt.

(Un)usual colors

There are colors in Greek that are not quite textbook, but are commonly seen in texts and heard in everyday speech.

Greek English Greek English
Κανελί Cinnamon red Σμαραγδί Jade green
Κεραμιδί Brick red Λαδί Olive green
Βυσσινί Crimson red Φυστικί Pistachio green
Καρπουζί Watermelon red Λαχανί Cabbage green
Κοραλί Coral Pink Λεμονί Lemon yellow
Τριανταφυλλί Rose Pink Καναρινί Canary yellow
Κουφετί Candy pink Μουσταρδί Mustard yellow
Δαμασκηνί Plum purple Ροδακινί Peach Orange
Bιολετί Violet purple Μελί Honey brown
Μελιτζανί Eggplant purple Καστανό (Chestnut) brown
Ηλεκτρίκ Electric blue Σοκολατί Chocolate Brown
Θαλασσί Sea/Ocean blue Σταχτί (Ash) grey
Γαλαζοπράσινο Aquamarine Ποντικί Mouse grey
Ουρανί Sky blue Πλατινέ Platinum White

Shades

Σκούρος, σκούρη, σκούρο (+ color) – dark

Or Σκουρόχρωμος,-η,-ο – dark colored

Ανοιχτός, ανοιχτή, ανοιχτό (+color) –light, pale

Or Ανοιχτόχρωμος,-η,-ο – light colored

2. Use of colors

Colors have the same gender, case and number as the noun they define. Usually, they are placed before it:

Έχω ένα άσπρο κουνέλι. — I have a white rabbit.

They can be put after the noun:

Έχεις άσπρο κουνέλι ή μαύρο; — Do you have a black rabbit or a white rabbit?

If they define a specific noun they are always placed before it:

Βλέπεις το άσπρο κουνέλι; — Do you see the white rabbit?

Note this form which causes confusion.

Οι τοίχοι έχουν πράσινο χρώμα. — Lit: The walls have green color.

is the same as Οι τοίχοι είναι πράσινοι. — The walls are green.

Determiners #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Determiners

They are used to identify and indicate specific objects or people.

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom αυτός (o) αυτή (η) αυτό (το) αυτοί (οι) αυτές (οι) αυτά (τα)
Gen αυτού (του) αυτής (της) αυτού (του) αυτών (των) αυτών (των) αυτών (των)
Acc αυτόν (τον) αυτή (ν) (την) αυτό (το) αυτούς (τους) αυτές (τις) αυτά (τα)
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom εκείνος (ο) εκείνη (η) εκείνο (το) εκείνοι (οι) εκείνες (οι) εκείνα (τα)
Gen εκείνου (του) εκείνης (της) εκείνου (του) εκείνων (των) εκείνων (των) εκείνων (των)
Acc εκείνον (τον) εκείνη (την) εκείνο (το) εκείνους (τους) εκείνες (τις) εκείνα (τα)

Demonstrative Adjective vs. Demonstrative Pronoun

The main difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns is that demonstrative adjectives modify a noun whereas demonstrative pronouns replace a noun.

  • Demonstrative Adjective: Demonstrative Pronoun + definite article

Αυτή η γυναίκα είναι η μητέρα μου. — This woman is my mother.

Εκείνο το σπίτι είναι δικό μας. — That house is ours.

Πάρε αυτό το παλτό. — Take this coat.

  • Demonstrative Pronoun:

Αυτή είναι η μητέρα μου. — This (or She) is my mother.

Εκείνο είναι το σπίτι μας! — That (or It) is our house!

Πάρε αυτό. — Take this/that.

Personal objective pronouns #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Personal pronouns are also declined.

The nominative case of the pronouns is used for the subject of the sentence,

the genitive case for the indirect object (the weak form only) or to show possession (the strong form of the third person only),

the accusative for the direct object or for the indirect object (σε+strong form only).

Genitive and accusative cases also have weak forms, whose usage is described below.

Case First Person (Strong/Weak form) Second Person (Strong/Weak form) Third Person (Strong/Weak form)
Singular Nominative (Subject) Εγώ/- Εσύ/- Αυτός/-, αυτή/-, αυτό/-
Singular Genitive Εμένα/μου Εσένα/σου Αυτού/του, αυτής/της, αυτού/του
Singular Accusative Εμένα/με Εσένα/σε Αυτόν/τον, αυτήν/την, αυτό/το
Plural Nominative (Subject) Εμείς/- Εσείς/- Αυτοί/-, αυτές/-, αυτά/-
Plural Genitive Εμάς/μας Εσάς/σας Αυτών/τους αυτών/τους αυτών/τους
Plural Accusative Εμάς/μας Εσάς/σας Αυτούς/τους αυτές/τις(τες) αυτά/τα

For the indirect object we use:
verb+σε+strong accusative form or weak genitive form+verb.

So: Δίνει σε εμένα (more emphatic)=Μου δίνει=he gives me /he gives to me.

For the direct object (accusative case) it’s
Verb+strong form or weak form+verb.
So Με αγαπάει=Αγαπάει εμένα (more emphatic)=He loves me.
If you want to use weak forms for both direct and indirect object in a sentence, the indirect comes before the direct and then the verb.

So: Μου το δίνει=He gives it to me.

Genitive Possession usage of the strong form
We have already learned the possessives (μου, σου, του, μας, σας, τους). When we want to be emphatic and demonstrative about the possession of some object, we can use the genitive strong from of the pronoun.
For example:
Το βιβλίο του=His book.
Το βιβλίο αυτού=This one’s book.
Το βιβλίο του άντρα=The man’s book.
Το βιβλίο αυτού του άντρα=This man’s book.

The difference between strong and weak forms:
Τους διαβάζεις ένα βιβλίο=You read them a book.
Διαβάζεις ένα βιβλίο σε αυτούς=You read a book to them.
Also, strong forms are usually emphatic.

IMPORTANT

Weak genitive forms look exactly like the possessive pronouns. In order to differentiate them, when in doubt, we use the weak genitive form with an accent mark (μού,σού,τού,τής,μάς,σάς,τούς).

So,Το παιδί μου δίνει την μπάλα. My child gives the ball.

Το παιδί μού δίνει την μπάλα. =The child gives me the ball. (or The child gives the ball to me.) Note accent on μού

Το παιδί μου μού δίνει την μπάλα. = My child gives me the ball.. (or My child gives the ball to me.)

BUT in Μου δίνει=He/She/It gives to me, the μου is not accented because there is no room for confusion with the possessive pronoun.

Genitive Case #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

What English expresses using possessives or the preposition «of,» Greek expresses using the GENITIVE CASE.

For example:
του σκύλου of the dog (genitive form)
των σκύλων of the dogs (genitive form)

Example:
το πόδι του σκύλου=the dog’s foot (literally, the foot of the dog)

The genitive plural is easy because it’s always formed with —ων, and the article is always των.

Example:
τα πόδια των σκύλων the dogs’ feet
τα πόδια των γυναικών the womens’ feet
τα πόδια των παιδιών the kids’ feet

We use: του or της depending on the grammatical gender of the noun. See some examples below.

The genitive singular is formed according to a greater variety of patterns, of which the most important are :
ο άνδρας-του άνδρα the man’s/of the man
ο σκύλος-του σκύλου the dog’s /of the dog
ο στρατιώτης-του στρατιώτη the soldier’s/of the soldier
η γυναίκα-της γυναίκας the woman’s/of the woman
η αράχνη- της αράχνης the spider / of the spider
το κορίτσι- του κοριτσιού the girl / of the girl
το βιβλίο-του βιβλίου the book / of the book
το γεύμα-του γεύματος the meal/ of the meal

Prepositions #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

Useful Vocabulary

Greek word Nearest pronunciation English translation
από a-po from
σε se to
ανάμεσα a-na-me-sa between
δίπλα ðee-pla next to
για ɣeea for
σαν san like
να na to
πριν prin before
μετά me-ta after
πάνω pa-no on / above
κάτω ka-to down / below
εντός / μέσα en-dos / me-sa in
εκτός / έξω e-ktos / e-kso out
κοντά ko-da near
εναντίον e-na-dee-on against

ASTERISKS

For ð and ɣ, see pronunciation on http://www.internationalphoneticalphabet.org/ipa-sounds/ipa-chart-with-sounds/

Numbers #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

Numbers

Disclaimer: Numerals are not accepted as translations for the numbers in this skill. The word must be fully written, for teaching purposes.

Numbers Greek
0 Μηδέν
1 Ένα
2 Δύο
3 Τρία] (but «τρεις η ώρα 3 o’clock etc)
4 Τέσσερα
5 Πέντε
6 Έξι
7 Εφτά
8 Οχτώ
9 Εννιά
10 Δέκα
11 Έντεκα
12 Δώδεκα
13 Δεκατρία
14 Δεκατέσσερα
15 Δεκαπέντε
16 Δεκαέξι
17 Δεκαεφτά
18 Δεκαοχτώ
19 Δεκαεννιά
20 Είκοσι
30 Τριάντα
40 Σαράντα
50 Πενήντα
60 Εξήντα
70 Εβδομήντα
80 Ογδόντα
90 Ενενήντα
100 Εκατό
200 Διακόσια
300 Τριακόσια
400 Τετρακόσια
500 Πεντακόσια
600 Εξακόσια
700 Εφτακόσια
800 Οχτακόσια
900 Εννιακόσια
1000 Χίλια
1000000 Ένα εκατομμύριο
1000000000 Ένα δισεκατομμύριο

Adjectives 1 #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Adjectives in Greek

  • Adjectives follow gender distinction: masculine, feminine, neuter. They decline as nouns and can be divided into groups according to the endings of the nominative singular.

  • Adjectives belonging to a certain group decline the same way.

  • Adjectives have to agree with the noun’s number, gender and case.

Note:

Proparoxytone -> Accented on the third syllable from the end

Paroxytone -> Accented on the next to last syllable/penult accent

Oxytone -> Accented on the last syllable/ultima

Adjective Group 1 — Adjectives ending in –ός,-ή,-ό (-ος,-η,-ο)

This group includes all the adjectives whose stem ends in a consonant or a (unstressed) vowel besides ι. These adjectives could be:

  • Proparoxytone (όμορφος, -η, -ο)

  • Paroxytone (µαύρος, -η, -ο)

  • Oxytone (µικρός, -ή, -ό)

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) όμορφος (η) όμορφη (το) όμορφο
Gen (του) όμορφου (της) όμορφης (του) όμορφου
Acc (τον) όμορφο (την) όμορφη (το) όμορφο
Case Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) όμορφοι (οι) όμορφες (τα) όμορφα
Gen (των) όμορφων (των) όμορφων (των) όμορφων
Acc (τους) όμορφους (τις) όμορφες (τα) όμορφα
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) μαύρος (η) μαύρη (το) μαύρο
Gen (του) μαύρου (της) μαύρης (του) μαύρου
Acc (τον) μαύρο (την) μαύρη (το) μαύρο
Case Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) μαύροι (οι) μαύρες (τα) μαύρα
Gen (των) μαύρων (των) μαύρων (των) μαύρων
Acc (τους) μαύρους (τις) μαύρες (τα) μαύρα
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) μικρός (η) μικρή (το) μικρό
Gen (του) μικρού (της) μικρής (του) μικρού
Acc (τον) μικρό (την) μικρή (το) μικρό
Case Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) μικροί (οι) μικρές (τα) μικρά
Gen (των) μικρών (των) μικρών (των) μικρών
Acc (τους) μικρούς (τις) μικρές (τα) μικρά

!Remember! Adjectives ending in –ος,-η,-ο and –ός,-ή,-ό are conjugated the same way. The only element that’s different is the stress.

Usage Examples:

Αυτός ο άντρας είναι ψηλός – This man is tall.

Οι τσέπες του κόκκινου παλτού – The pockets of the red coat/ The red coat’s pockets.

Είδες εκείνο το όμορφο κορίτσι; — Did you see that beautiful girl?

Έι, όμορφε! – Hey handsome!

Adjective Group 2 — Adjectives ending in –ός,-ά,-ό (-ός,-ιά,-ό)

The conjugation is similar to the one of the first group (-ος, -η, -o), With the exception of the feminine singular.
This group includes all the adjectives whose stem ends in ι (stressed or not stressed) or in any other vowel. These adjectives could be:

  • Proparoxytone (άγριος, -α,-ο)

  • Paroxytone (κρύος, -α, -ο)

  • Oxytone (γλυκός, -ά, -ό)

Some adjectives whose stem does not end in a vowel (γκρίζος, µοντέρνος, παρθένος, σκούρος) and adjectives that end in -ούργος,- ούχος, -φόρος (πανούργος, προνομιούχος, καρποφόρος) are also included in this group.

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) άγριος (η) άγρια (το) άγριο
Gen (του) άγριου (της) άγριας (του) άγριου
Acc (τον) άγριο (την) άγρια (το) άγριο
Case Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) άγριοι (οι) άγριες (τα) άγρια
Gen (των) άγριων (των) άγριων (των) άγριων
Acc (τους) άγριους (τις) άγριες (τα) άγρια
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) κρύος (η) κρύα (το) κρύο
Gen (του) κρύου (της) κρύας (του) κρύου
Acc (τον) κρύο (την) κρύα (το) κρύο
Case Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) κρύοι (οι) κρύες (τα) κρύα
Gen (των) κρύων (των) κρύων (των) κρύων
Acc (τους) κρύους (τις) κρύες (τα) κρύα
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) γλυκός (η) γλυκιά (το) γλυκό
Gen (του) γλυκού (της) γλυκιάς (του) γλυκού
Acc (τον) γλυκό (την) γλυκιά (το) γλυκό
Case Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) γλυκοί (οι) γλυκές* (τα) γλυκά
Gen (των) γλυκών (των) γλυκών (των) γλυκών
Acc (τους) γλυκούς (τις) γλυκές (τα) γλυκά

*ι in feminine plural is dropped.

Some adjectives ending in -κος, -κός, -θός, -χός (γνωστικός, ξανθός, φτωχός) have two feminine endings, both -ια/ιά and -η/ή (ξανθιά and ξανθή, φτωχιά and φτωχή).

Usage examples:

Είσαι πολύ γλυκιά. –You are very sweet.

Η πόρτα του παλιού σπιτιού. – The door of the old house/The old house’s door.

Φοράω τo καινούριο μου φόρεμα – Ι’m wearing my new dress.

Dates and Time #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Dates and Time

Days of the week — Μέρες της εβδομάδας

Greek English
μέρα day
εβδομάδα week
Δευτέρα Monday
Τρίτη Tuesday
Τετάρτη Wednesday
Πέμπτη Thursday
Παρασκευή Friday
Σάββατο Saturday
Κυριακή Sunday
σαββατοκύριακο weekend

Months & Seasons of the year — Μήνες και Εποχές του χρόνου

Greek English
μήνας month
χρόνος year
Ιανουάριος/Γενάρης* January
Φεβρουάριος/Φλεβάρης* February
Μάρτιος/Μάρτης* March
Απρίλιος/Απρίλης* April
Μάιος/Μάης* May
Ιούνιος June
Ιούλιος July
Αύγουστος August
Σεπτέμβριος/Σεπτέμβρης* September
Οκτώβριος/Οκτώβρης* October
Νοέμβριος/Νοέμβρης* November
Δεκέμβριος/Δεκέμβρης* December
εποχή season
Χειμώνας winter
Άνοιξη spring
Καλοκαίρι summer
Φθινόπωρο autumn

*alternative spellings

Telling the Time in Greek

  • What time is it? — Τι ώρα είναι;

  • It’s 2.00 — Είναι 2 (ακριβώς). = it’s 2 o’clock (exactly)

  • It’s 2.05 — Είναι 2 και 5. = It’s five past/after two
  • It’s 2.10 — Είναι 2 και 10. It’s ten past/after two
  • It’s 2.15 — Είναι 2 και τέταρτο. It’s two fifteen/a quarter past two
  • It’s 2.30 — Είναι 2 και μισή (or δυόμιση). It’s two thirty/half past two
  • It’s 2.45 — Ειναι 3 παρά τέταρτο. It’s a fifteen/a quarter to three
  • It’s 2.50 — Είναι 3 παρά 10. It’s ten to three
  • It’s 2.55 — Είναι 3 παρά 5. It’ five to three

Examples:

Θα σε πάρω τηλέφωνο στις 10 (δέκα) και μισή — I will call you at 10.30 (half past ten)

BUT Θα σε πάρω τηλέφωνο στην 1 (μία) — I will call you at 1 o’ clock.

Ξύπνησα στις 8 (οχτώ) και 20 (είκοσι) — I woke up at 8.20 (twenty past eight).

Ήμουν στη δουλειά στις 7 (επτά) παρά 25 (εικοσιπέντε) — I was at work at 6.35 (twenty-five to seven)
Να είσαι σπίτι πριν τις 12 (δώδεκα) — Be home before 12 (twelve/midnight)

Verbs:Past 1 #3 · 2020-02-05 ^

Αόριστος (Past Simple)

Used for actions that happened at a specific moment in the past.

Forming rules:

  • Verbs that end in –ώνω form P.S. in –ωσα (μεγαλώνω-μεγάλωσα)

  • Verbs that end in –φω, -βω, -πτω form P.S. in –ψα (γράφω-έγραψα)

  • Verbs that end in –άζω form P.S in –σα or –ξα (διαβάζω- διάβασα)

  • Verbs that end in -αίνω form P.S. in –υνα (παχαίνω–πάχυνα)

  • Verbs that end in –εύω form P.S in –εψα (μαγειρεύω-μαγείρεψα)

  • Verbs that end in –ίζω form P.S. in –ισα (σκουπίζω-σκούπισα)

  • Verbs that are oxytone form P.S. in –ησα (ρωτάω/ρωτώ-ρώτησα)

When forming the Past Simple, the accent mark moves to the third from the end syllable.
If there is no such syllable and the verb begins with a consonant, then an extra syllable (ε) is added in front of the verb.

κάνω — έ-κανα, but κάνουμε — κάναμε

!Remember! One-syllable and two-syllable verbs need an extra syllable (ε) (with a few exceptions in irregular verbs; see the table below). The extra ε is always accented.

παίζω — έ-παιξα, δίνω – έ-δωσα, κλαίω — έ-κλαψα, στέλνω -έ-στειλα

If the verb begins with ε- or α- and that ε- or α- is going to be accented by the moved accented mark, then it can be changed to η- , although that is not necessary.

ελπίζω — ήλπιζα or έλπιζα, αυξάνω — αύξησα or ηύξησα

This change is very common for the ε- but rare for the α-. Using it makes the speech sound more refined and formal.

For verbs that consist of a preposition and a verb, the rules above apply for its verb part.

διακόπτω = δια+κόπτω -> δια+έκοψα = διέκοψα

προσαυξάνω = προς+αυξάνω -> προς+αύξησα or προς+ηύξησα = προσαύξησα or προσηύξησα.

Irregular Forms

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
ανεβαίνω ανέβηκα λέω είπα
κατεβαίνω κατέβηκα πίνω ήπια
βρίσκω βρήκα θέλω θέλησα
μπαίνω μπήκα τρώω έφαγα
βγαίνω βγήκα παίρνω πήρα
πηγαίνω πήγα μεθώ μέθυσα
μένω έμεινα φεύγω έφυγα
πλένω έπλυνα αθροίζω άθροισα
βλέπω είδα ντύνω έντυσα

The verb τρώω (Ι eat)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) τρώω (εγώ) έφαγα
(εσύ) τρως (εσύ) έφαγες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) τρώει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έφαγε
(εμείς) τρώμε (εμείς) φάγαμε
(εσείς) τρώτε (εσείς) φαγατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) τρώνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) φάγανε/έφαγαν

The verb μιλάω (I speak)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) μιλάω (εγώ) μίλησα
(εσύ) μιλάς (εσύ) μίλησες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) μιλά/μιλάει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) μίλησε
(εμείς) μιλάμε (εμείς) μιλήσαμε
(εσείς) μιλάτε (εσείς) μιλήσατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) μιλούν/μιλάνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) μίλησαν/μιλήσανε

Occupations #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Occupations

A short list of occupations:

Greek masculine Greek feminine English
ο εργάτης η εργάτης / η εργάτρια the worker
ο ναύτης η ναύτης the sailor
ο αγρότης η αγρότισσα the farmer
ο οδηγός η οδηγός the driver
ο δάσκαλος η δασκάλα the teacher (elementary school)
ο καθηγητής η καθηγήτρια the teacher (middle school & university)
ο μαθητής η μαθήτρια the student (school)
ο φοιτητής η φοιτήτρια the student (university)
ο μεταφραστής η μεταφράστρια the translator
ο γιατρός / ο ιατρός η γιατρός / η ιατρός the doctor
ο ηθοποιός η ηθοποιός the actor / the actress
ο αστυνομικός / ο αστυνόμος η αστυνομικός / η αστυνόμος the policeman / the policewoman
ο πωλητής η πωλήτρια the salesman / the saleswoman
ο δικαστής η δικαστής the judge
ο δικηγόρος η δικηγόρος the lawyer
ο διευθυντής η διευθύντρια the director/ the principal (school)
ο στρατιώτης η στρατιωτίνα the soldier
ο μάγειρας η μαγείρισσα the cook

Feminine endings from nouns ending in -ος and -ός

  • For masculine nouns ending in -ος, -αρχος, -ίατρος, -κόμος, -λόγος, -λογος, -ούχος, -τρόφος, -τροφος, — νόμος, the feminine version doesn’t change.

Examples: ο/η δικηγόρος (the lawyer), o/η έμπορος (the merchant), o/η πρόεδρος (the president), ο/η κτηνίατρος (the vet), ο/η κτηνοτρόφος (the livestock-breeder), o/η μελισσοκόμος (the beekeeper), ο/η αστυνόμος (the police officer).

  • For masculine nouns ending in -ός,-αγωγός -αγός, -ηγός , -ικός, -ουργός, -ποιός, -ρός, the feminine version doesn’t change.

Examples: o/η γιατρός (the doctor), ο/η παιδαγωγός (the educator), ο/η μηχανικός
(the mechanic), ο/η στιχουργός (the lyricist), ο/η στρατιωτικός (the military officer), ο/η ηθοποιός (the actor/actress), ο/η θυρωρός (the doorkeeper)

Notes:

A few nouns ending in -κόμος (e.g. νοσοκόμος (nurse)) form the feminine version in -κόμα (η νοσοκόμα).

A few nouns ending in -νόμος or -ός (e.g. αστυνόμος, γιατρός, δικηγόρος) also form the feminine version in -ίνα (αστυνομικίνα) or -ίνα ,-έσσα (δικηγορίνα, γιατρέσσα). These forms, however, are less common in texts or formal speech.

Feminine endings from nouns ending in -ας

  • For masculine nouns ending in -έας, -ίας, the feminine version doesn’t change.

Examples: ο/η γραμματέας (the secretary), ο/η ταμίας (the cashier), o/η συγγραφέας (the writer)

Notes:

Nouns ending in -ίστας (γραφίστας (graphic designer), πιανίστας (pianist), τενίστας (tennis player)) usually form the feminine version in -ίστρια (γραφίστρια, πιανίστρια, τενίστρια).

Nouns ending in -ονας (επιστήμονας (scientist), αρχιτέκτονας (architect)) or -ας (μάγειρας (cook)) These forms are less common in texts or formal speech.

Feminine endings from nouns ending in -ης

  • For masculine nouns ending in -της or -τής that derive from verbs , the feminine version changes to -τρια or -στρια.

Examples: ο κομμωτής-η κομμώτρια (the hairdresser), ο γλύπτης-η γλύπτρια (the sculptor), ο εργάτης-η εργάτρια (the worker), ο εκδότης-η εκδότρια (the publisher), ο εφευρέτης-η εφευρέτρια (the inventor), ο συντάκτης-η συνάκτρια (the editor), ο ψυχοθεραπευτής-η ψυχοθεραπεύτρια (the psychotherapist), ο καθηγητής-η καθηγήτρια (the professor/teacher), ο λογιστής-η λογίστρια (the accountant), ο σχεδιαστής-η σχεδιάστρια (the designer).

  • For masculine nouns ending in -της or -τής that don’t derive from verbs, or nouns ending in άρχης, -μέτρης, -πώλης, -κράτης, the feminine version changes to -ισσα.

Examples: ο κρεοπώλης-η κρεοπώλισσα (the butcher), ο αγρότης- η αγρότισσα (the farmer), ο ακροβάτης-η ακροβάτισσα (the acrobat), ο εργοστασιάρχης-η εργοστασιάρχισσα (the industrialist).

Conjunctions #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Σύνδεσμοι/Conjunctions

Greek English
και / κι and
ή or
ούτε neither
ούτε…ούτε neither … nor
είτε…είτε either …or
αλλά but
όμως however
ενώ while
όταν when
πριν before
γιατί why***
επειδή because
αν if/whether
να to
για να in order to
που, πως, ότι* that
γιατί, επειδή, διό*τι because

These words are often confused: / Αυτες οι λεξεις συχνα συγχεονται:

«που” that / πού where
* “πως”, that / πώς how
“ότι” that / ό,τι what, whatever

ΓΙΑΤΊ*/WHY||BECAUSE**

Γιατί” is often used as a reply to a question beginning with: “Γιατί”.

For example: Γιατί είσαι άρρωστος (Why are you ill?) Γιατί κόλησα τη γρύπη ( Because I caught the flu. )

More formal would be: επειδή, διότι.

Present 2 #4 · 2023-03-12 ^

For a more in-depth view of Present Tense see the Tips & Notes in Present 1.

HOW TO FORM THE PRESENT TENSE: To the root form of the verb: e.g. from δίνω we use διν… and add the ending for that verb. So, for this type which is the most common you get:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) δίνω I give
Second person (Εσύ) δίνεις You give
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) δίνει He/she/ it gives

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) δίνουμε We give
Second person (Εσείς) δίνετε You give
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) δίνουν/δίνουνε They give

Note the two forms for YOU: δίνεις = you give >singular and δίνετε = you give plural and formal.

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ

Finally, note this form that might appear odd for English speakers.

Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι. = I like the puppy.

This technically translates to: «The puppy is liked by me,» Actually it simply means «I like the puppy.» For other persons you simply use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της etc) . «αρέσει» does not change.

Verbs: Imperative #2 · 2018-11-07 ^

The Imperative Mood

In general

The imperative mood (Προστακτική) expresses command.

  • It is used in the 2nd person singular and plural.

  • It can be Present (Προστακτική Ενεστώτα), Past (Προστακτική Αορίστου) and Present Perfect* (Προστακτική Παρακειμένου)

*not included in the course.

Present Imperative

Present Imperative expresses duration or repetition of the action.

Formation

The Present Imperative is formed by:

  • The stem of the verb it its Simple Present form

  • The endings ε/ετε, α/ατε, or α/είτε after the stem of the verb

  • The particle μη(ν) + the subjunctive form of the verb (in 2nd singular or plural), for prohibitive usage.

Formation Example:

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -ε, -ετε.

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -α, -ατε or -α, είτε.

For the verb γράφω: γράφ+ε, γράφ+ετε -> γράφε, γράφετε

For the verb αγαπώ: αγάπ-α, αγαπ-άτε -> αγάπα, αγαπάτε

For the verb τηλεφωνώ: τηλεφών-α, τηλεφων-είτε -> τηλεφώνα, τηλεφωνείτε

Usage Examples:

Γράφε/Γράφετε πιο γρήγορα. — Write faster.

Μίλα/Μιλάτε πιο καθαρά. — Speak clearer.

Τρώγε/Τρώτε πιο αργά. — Eat more slowly.

Past Imperative

Past Imperative expresses non-continuation. The action is not ongoing, or the speaker is not interested in its duration.

Formation

The Past Imperative is formed by:

  • The stem of the verb it its Simple Past form

  • The endings -ε/-ες or -τε/είτε, -α or /-ήστε/-ήξτε/-άστε, after the stem of the verb

Formation Example:

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -ε/-ες, -τε.

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -α,/-ήστε/-ήξτε/-άτε/-άστε.

For the verb γράφω: γράψ-ε, γράψ-τε -> γράψε, γράψτε

For the verb μπαίνω: μπ-ες, μπ-είτε -> μπες, μπείτε

For the verb κόβω: κόψ-ε, κόψ-τε -> κόψε, κόψτε

For the verb μιλώ: μίλ-α, μιλ-ήστε -> μίλα, μιλήστε

For the verb περνώ: πέρ-ασε/πέρν-α, περ-άστε -> πέρασε/πέρνα, περάστε

For the verb πηδώ: πήδ-α, πηδ-ήξτε ->πήδα, πηδήξτε

Usage Examples:

Μίλα/Μιλήστε μου! — Talk to me!

Πήγαινε/Πηγαίνετε/Πάνε/Πάτε για ύπνο, είναι αργά. — Go to sleep, it’s late.

Περίμενε/Περιμένετέ με, έρχομαι! — Wait for me, I’m coming!

Γράψε/Γράψτε τον αριθμό του τηλεφώνου σου/σας. — Write your phone number (down).

Reflexive & Definite Pronouns #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

Reflexive and Definite Pronouns

Reflexive Pronouns

The reflexive pronouns (αυτοπαθείς αντωνυμίες) are formed by the noun εαυτός (self) -accompanied by the article in the appropriate case- and the weak types of the personal pronouns (μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους etc).

exp. o εαυτός μου (myself), οι εαυτοί τους(theirselves)

  • They are used when the action of the subject goes back to the subject itself.

  • They are used in the genitive and the accusative case (γενική and αιτιατική).

  • They can be used in the nominative case (ονομαστική) emphatically.

exp. Το μόνο που σκέφτεσαι είναι ο εαυτός σου! — The only one you think about is yourself!

Case Singular Plural
Nomιnative (ο) εαυτός (οι) εαυτοί
Genitive (του) εαυτού (των) εαυτών
Accusative (τον) εαυτό (τους) εαυτούς

Usage Examples:

Προσέχω τον εαυτό μου — I look after myself.

Πρέπει να βρεις χρόνο για τον εαυτό σου. — You have to find time for yourself.

Κοίταξε τον εαυτό της στον καθρέφτη. — She looked at herself in the mirror.

Είναι κομμάτι του εαυτού του. — It’s a part of himself/him.

Περιγράψτε τους εαυτούς σας. — Describe yourselves.

Θα προστατεύσουμε τους εαυτούς μας! — We will protect ourselves!

Δεν προσπάθησαν να υπερασπιστούν τους εαυτούς τους. — They didn’t try to defend themselves.

Definite Pronouns

The definite pronouns (οριστικές αντωνυμίες) are:

  • the adjective ίδιος, -α, -ο accompanied by the article in the approriate case.
    exp. ο ίδιος (himself), η ίδια (herself), but εγώ ο ίδιος (I myself)

  • the adjective μόνος, -η, -ο accompanied by the weak types of the personal pronouns (μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους etc.)
    exp. μόνος μου ((by) myself), μόνοι μας ((by) ourselves)

They are used to make something or someone distinct from all the others of the same kind.

(Note: While these pronouns are considered to be reflexive in English, they are actually in two seperate categories in Greek. They do express reflexiveness.)

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Plur. Masc. Plur. Fem. Plur. Neut.
Nomιnative (ο) ίδιος (η) ίδια (το) ίδιο (οι) ίδιοι (οι) ίδιες (τα) ίδια
Genitive (του) ίδιου (της) ίδιας (του) ίδιου (των) ίδιων (των) ίδιων (των) ίδιων
Accusative (τον) ίδιο (την) ίδια (το) ίδιο (τους) ίδιους (τις) ίδιες (τα) ίδια
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Plur. Masc. Plur. Fem. Plur. Neut.
Nomιnative (ο) μόνος (η) μόνη (το) μόνο (οι) μόνοι (οι) μόνες (τα) μόνα
Genitive (του) μόνου (της) μόνης (του) μόνου (των) μόνων (των) μόνων (των) μόνων
Accusative (τον) μόνο (την) μόνη (το) μόνο (τους) μόνους (τις) μόνες (τα) μόνα

Usage examples:

Το έγραψε ο ίδιος. — He wrote it himself.

Παρέλαβε η ίδια το πακέτο. — She received the package herself.

Αυτό σου το είπαν οι ίδιοι; -Did they tell you that themselves?

Η ίδια η Μαρία πρότεινε να βγούμε έξω. — Mary herself suggested that we go out.

Αυτό το έκανα μόνος μου. — Ι did this myself.

Δες και μόνος σου! — See for yourself!

Γιατί την άφησες να πάει σπίτι μόνη της; — Why did you let her go home by herself?

Κάθονται εκεί πέρα μόνοι τους. — They are sitting over there by themselves.

Present 3 #2 · 2023-03-12 ^

Note: These are also the Tips from «Present 1»

Είμαι — I am & Έχω — I have

For Modern Greek tenses and the conjugation of these two verbs see the notes in the ‘Auxiliary Verbs’ skill.https://incubator.duolingo.com/courses/el/en/editor/66ec9d611e21adc231449b799ae7aed1

Present Tense 1:

Greek Present Tense does not differentiate between simple (a one-time action: we drink water = πίνουμε νερό) and a: continuous action: we are drinking = πίνουμε

Verbs in Greek do not need to be preceded by the Personal Pronoun: εγώ, εσύ etc. (Similar to Portuguese and Spanish). The person is shown by the ending an the context: θέλω παγωτό >I want ice cream (of course you can use the Personal Pronoun to clarify or for emphasis if you wish αυτός θελει παγωτό > he* wants ice cream.

The INFINITIVE: we use the first person of the verb with nothing in front: δίνω* = to give

The use of the infinitive in sentences e.g. “He wants to go to the park.” will be seen in a later unit.

HOW TO FORM THE PRESENT TENSE: To the root form of the verb: e.g. from δίνω we use διν… and add the ending for that verb. So, for this type which is the most common you get:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) δίνω I give
Second person (Εσύ) δίνεις You give
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) δίνει He/she/ it gives

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) δίνουμε We give
Second person (Εσείς) δίνετε You give
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) δίνουν/δίνουνε They give

Note the two forms for YOU: δίνεις = you give >singular and δίνετε = you give plural and formal.

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ

Finally, note this form that will appear unusual for English speakers.

To say: I like the puppy. we will say: «Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι This technically translates to: «The puppy is liked by me,» Actually it simply means. «I like the puppy.» For other persons you simply use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της etc) . «αρέσει» does not change.

NEGATIVE FORMS: Negatives are formed by adding δεν before the main verb. Δεν πίνω καφέ. > I do not (don’t) drink coffee.

QUESTIONS do not change their word order. They just receive the GREEK question mark which looks just like a semicolon “;” and change in intonation when spoken. The Greek question mark can be found on the Q when you are using a Greek keyboard.

CONTRACTING VERBS Συνηρημένα Ρήματα
There are some verbs that can be conjugated in multiple ways. Verbs ending in -αω fall in this category. (such as περπατάω-περπατώ, αγαπάω-αγαπώ, κολυμπάω-κολυμπώ)

They are conjugated as follows:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) αγαπάω/αγαπώ I love
Second person (Εσύ) αγαπάς You love
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) αγαπάει/αγαπά He/she/ it loves

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) αγαπούμε/αγαπάμε We love
Second person (Εσείς) αγαπάτε You love
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) αγαπούν/αγαπούνε/αγαπάν/αγαπάνε They love

Αποθετικά Ρήματα Active Verbs that use Passive Verb endings…
These verbs show action but have passive voice endings (such as κοιμάμαι=sleep, θυμάμαι=remember etc)

They are conjugated as follows:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) κοιμούμαι/κοιμάμαι I sleep
Second person (Εσύ) κοιμάσαι You sleep
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κοιμάται He/she/ it sleeps

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) κοιμούμαστε/κοιμόμαστε We sleep
Second person (Εσείς) κοιμάστε/κοιμόσαστε You sleep
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοιμούνται/κοιμόνται They sleep

Household #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Household

Some basic vocabulary to familiarize you with a Greek household:

Greek Gender English
το δωμάτιο neuter the room
το σπίτι neuter the house
η τραπεζαρία feminine the dining room
η κουζίνα feminine the kitchen/the stove
το καθιστικό / το σαλόνι neuter / neuter the living room
η κρεβατοκάμαρα / το υπνοδωμάτιο feminine / neuter the bedroom
το μπάνιο / η τουαλέτα neuter / feminine the bathroom / the toilet
το χολ neuter the hall
η αυλή feminine the yard
ο κήπος masculine the garden
το μπαλκόνι neuter the balcony
το ασανσέρ / ο ανελκυστήρας neuter / masculine the elevator / the lift
το ρετιρέ neuter the penthouse

Some items we find in a house:

Greek Gender English
τα έπιπλα (plural) neuter the furniture
το κρεβάτι / το ντιβάνι neuter / neuter the bed
το ντουλάπι neuter the cupboard
ο καναπές masculine the sofa
το τραπέζι neuter the table
η ντουλάπα feminine the closet / the wardrobe
η καρέκλα feminine the chair
η πολυθρόνα feminine the armchair
το ντους neuter the shower
η μπανιέρα feminine the bathtub
ο νιπτήρας masculine the sink
το ψυγείο neuter the refrigerator / the fridge
ο φούρνος masculine the oven
το τηλέφωνο neuter the telephone / the phone
το καλοριφέρ neuter the radiator
το κλιματιστικό / το air conditioner neuter / neuter the air conditioner

Some verbs about a house:

Greek (present simple) Greek (past simple) English (present simple)
κατοικώ κατοίκησα live / reside
νοικιάζω νοίκιασα rent (from someone)
καθαρίζω καθάρισα clean
κλείνω / σβήνω έκλεισα / έσβησα turn off
ανάβω άναψα turn on the light
ανοίγω άνοιξα turn on / open

Present 2 #6 · 2022-05-18 ^

For a more in-depth view of Present Tense see the Tips & Notes in Present 1.

HOW TO FORM THE PRESENT TENSE: To the root form of the verb: e.g. from δίνω we use διν… and add the ending for that verb. So, for this type which is the most common you get:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) δίνω I give
Second person (Εσύ) δίνεις You give
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) δίνει He/she/ it gives

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) δίνουμε We give
Second person (Εσείς) δίνετε You give
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) δίνουν/δίνουνε They give

Note the two forms for YOU: δίνεις = you give >singular and δίνετε = you give plural and formal.

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ

Finally, note this form that might appear odd for English speakers.

Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι. = I like the puppy.

This technically translates to: «The puppy is liked by me,» Actually it simply means «I like the puppy.» For other persons you simply use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της etc) . «αρέσει» does not change.

Verbs: Present Passive #4 · 2018-10-25 ^

The Passive Voice is not used in Greek as commonly as in other languages. It is mainly used when we want to emphasize on the action.

Ενεστώτας (Present Simple / Present Continuous)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ γράφω ένα βιβλίο — I write a book / I am writing a book

Παθητική φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο γράφεται (από εμένα) — A book is written (by me) / A book is being written (by me)

Παρατατικός (Past Continuous)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ έγραφα ένα βιβλίο — I was writing a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο γραφόταν (από εμένα) — A book was being written (by me)

Αόριστος (Past Simple)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ έγραψα ένα βιβλίο — I wrote a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο γράφτηκε (από εμένα) — A book was written (by me)

Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας (Future Continuous)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ θα γράφω ένα βιβλίο — I will be writing a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο θα γράφεται (από εμένα) — A book will be being written (by me)

Στιγμιαίος Μέλλοντας — Future Simple

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ θα γράψω ένα βιβλίο — I will write a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο θα γραφτεί (από εμένα) — A book will be written (by me)

Παρακείμενος (Present Perfect)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ έχω γράψει ένα βιβλίο — I have written a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο έχει γραφθεί (από εμένα) — A book has been written (by me)

Υπερσυντέλικος (Past perfect)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ είχα γράψει ένα βιβλίο — I had written a book.

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο είχε γραφθεί (από εμένα) — A book had been written (by me)

Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας (Future Perfect)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ θα έχω γράψει ένα βιβλίο — I will have written a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο θα έχει γραφθεί (από εμένα) — A book will have been written (by me)

  1. Verbs in Passive voice have -ομαι ending e.g γράφομαι — I am written, ακούγομαι — I am heard e.t.c.
  2. The object of the active verb is the subject of the passive verb.

Verbs: Subjunctive Present #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

The Subjunctive Mood

In general

The subjunctive mood (Υποτακτική) presents the action or the event as something wanted or expected.

  • It indicates what the subject of the verb wants, can, may, must do or is expecting to do.

  • It is often used after verbs like θέλω (want), μπορώ (can, may), πρέπει (must), ελπίζω (hope), σκέφτομαι (think of), εύχομαι (wish) etc. .

  • It can be Present (Υποτακτική Ενεστώτα), Past (Υποτακτική Αορίστου) or Present Perfect (Υποτακτική Παρακειμένου).

  • It is preceded by the particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άµα, ας, μη(ν), etc.

  • It is used to show continuation (Ρresent Subjunctive) or non-continuation (Past Subjunctive) of the action and not the time aspect (present, past, future).

Present Subjunctive

The subjunctive of Simple Present (Υποτακτική Ενεστώτα) shows continuation or repetition. The action expressed by the verb is ongoing or repeated.

It declares urgency, an order or a prohibition*

*An order or a prohibition with the particle μη(ν) (also known as prohibitive/imperative subjunctive) .

Formation

The Present Subjunctive is formed by:

  • The verb (active or passive) in the Simple Present form

  • The particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άµα, ας … etc. before the verb or

  • The particle μη(ν), for prohibitive usage.

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Υποτ. Ενεστώτα Ενεστώτας Υποτ. Ενεστώτα
εγώ γράφω να γράφω τρώω να τρώω
εσύ γράφεις να γράφεις τρως να τρως
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό γράφει να γράφει τρώει να τρώει
εμείς γράφουμε να γράφουμε τρώμε να τρώμε
εσείς γράφετε να γράφετε τρώτε να τρώτε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά γράφουν να γράφουν τρώνε να τρώμε

Usage Examples

Θέλω να τρώω παγωτό κάθε μέρα! — Ι want to eat ice cream every day!

Όταν πίνετε, μην οδηγείτε. — When you drink, don’t drive.

Σηκώνομαι νωρίς για να πηγαίνω σχολείο. — Ι get up early to go to school.

Θέλεις πάντα να είσαι το επίκεντρο της προσοχής — You always want to be the center of attention.

Πρέπει να κλειδώνεις την πόρτα όταν βγαίνεις από το σπίτι — You have to lock the door when you leave the house.

Δεν χρειάζεται να ανησυχείς γι’ αυτό — You don’t need to worry about it.

Δεν μ’ αρέσει να μου λένε τι να κάνω — I don’t like being told what to do.

Μην με κοιτάς έτσι! — Don’t look at me like that!

Μην αγγίζετε. — Do not touch.

Μπορείς πάντα να είσαι ο εαυτός σου — You can always be yourself.

Ας μην ξεχνάμε γιατί βρισκόμαστε εδώ. — Let’s not forget why we are here.

Verbs: Past 2 #3 · 2018-10-25 ^

See Tips & Notes for Verb: Past 1

Indefinite Pronouns #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Indefinite pronouns

The indefinite pronouns are used for referring to something or someone indefinitely, either because the speaker doesn’t know about them, or has no interest in determining them.

In Greek, indefinite pronouns must agree in number and gender.

κάποιος, κάποια, κάποιο (someone/somebody)

Case Sing. Masc Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) κάποιος (η) κάποια (το) κάποιο (οι) κάποιοι (οι) κάποιες (τα) κάποια
Gen (του) κάποιου (της) κάποιας (του) κάποιου (των) κάποιων (των) κάποιων (των) κάποιων
Acc (τον) κάποιο (την) κάποια (το) κάποιο (τους) κάποιους (τις) κάποιες (τα) κάποια

άλλος, άλλη, άλλο (other, another)

Case Sing. Masc Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) άλλος (η) άλλη (το) άλλο (οι) άλλοι (οι) άλλες (τα) άλλα
Gen (του) άλλου (της) άλλης (του) άλλου (των) άλλων (των) άλλων (των) άλλων
Acc (τον) άλλο (την) άλλη (το) άλλο (τους) άλλους (τις) άλλες (τα) άλλα

κάμποσος, κάμποση, κάμποσο (enough, some)

Case Sing. Masc Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) κάμποσος (η) κάμποση (το) κάμποσο (οι) κάμποσοι (οι) κάμποσες (τα) κάμποσα
Gen (του) κάμποσου (της) κάμποσης (του) κάμποσου (των) κάμποσων (των) κάμποσων (των) κάμποσων
Acc (τον) κάμποσο (την) κάμποση (το) κάμποσο (τους) κάμποσους (τις) κάμποσες (τα) κάμποσα

ένας, μία, ένα (one, a/an)

Case Sing. Masc Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) ένας (η) μία/μια (το) ένα
Gen (του) ενός (της) μίας/μιας (του) ενός
Acc (τον) ένα/έναν (την) μία/μια (το) ένα

κανείς/κανένας, καμία, κανένα (no one/nobody, anyone/anybody, no)

Case Sing. Masc Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) κανείς/κανένας (η) καμία/καμιά (το) κανένα
Gen (του) κανενός (της) καμίας/καμιάς (του) κανενός
Acc (τον) κανένα/κανέναν (την) καμία/καμιά (το) κανένα

καθένας, καθεμία, καθένα (each, every)

Case Sing. Masc Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut.
Nom (ο) καθένας (η) καθεμία/καθεμιά (το) καθένα
Gen (του) καθενός (της) καθεμίας/καθεμιάς (του) καθενός
Acc (τον) καθένα (την) καθεμία/καθεμιά (το) καθένα

μερικοί, μερικές, μερικά (some)

Case Pl. Masc Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (οι) μερικοί (οι) μερικές (τα) μερικά
Gen (των) μερικών (των) μερικών (των) μερικών
Acc (τους) μερικούς (τις) μερικές (τα) μερικά

!There is no singular for this pronoun. Not to be confused with the adjective μερικός-ή-ό, which translates to ‘partial/part time’.

Exp. Μερικοί (άνθρωποι) είναι πολύ τυχεροί. – Some people are very lucky.

!Μερική αποπληρωμή – Partial repayment

!Μερική απασχόληση – Part time job

Some indefinite pronouns do not decline:

• Κάθε (every, each)

• Καθετί (everything)

• Κάτι, κατιτί (something)

• Τίποτα/τίποτε (nothing/anything)

• Τάδε (such and such)

• Δείνα (such and such)

Exp. Παίζω ποδόσφαιρο κάθε Σάββατο – I play football every Saturday.

Θέλω να φάω κάτι. – I want to eat something.

Δεν θέλω να κάνω τίποτα. – I don’t want to do anything.

!The pronouns κανείς/κανένας, καμία/καμιά, κανένα and τίποτα are used in:

Negation

Exp. Δεν υπάρχει κανένα φρούτο στο ψυγείο. — There is no fruit in the fridge.

Question

Exp. Έχει/Υπάρχει κανένα φρούτο στο ψυγείο; — Is there any fruit in the fridge?

Or Έχει/Υπάρχουν τίποτα φρούτα στο ψυγείο; — Is there any fruit in the fridge?

Present 3 #6 · 2022-05-18 ^

Note: These are also the Tips from «Present 1»

Είμαι — I am & Έχω — I have

For Modern Greek tenses and the conjugation of these two verbs see the notes in the ‘Auxiliary Verbs’ skill.https://incubator.duolingo.com/courses/el/en/editor/66ec9d611e21adc231449b799ae7aed1

Present Tense 1:

Greek Present Tense does not differentiate between simple (a one-time action: we drink water = πίνουμε νερό) and a: continuous action: we are drinking = πίνουμε

Verbs in Greek do not need to be preceded by the Personal Pronoun: εγώ, εσύ etc. (Similar to Portuguese and Spanish). The person is shown by the ending an the context: θέλω παγωτό >I want ice cream (of course you can use the Personal Pronoun to clarify or for emphasis if you wish αυτός θελει παγωτό > he* wants ice cream.

The INFINITIVE: we use the first person of the verb with nothing in front: δίνω* = to give

The use of the infinitive in sentences e.g. “He wants to go to the park.” will be seen in a later unit.

HOW TO FORM THE PRESENT TENSE: To the root form of the verb: e.g. from δίνω we use διν… and add the ending for that verb. So, for this type which is the most common you get:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) δίνω I give
Second person (Εσύ) δίνεις You give
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) δίνει He/she/ it gives

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) δίνουμε We give
Second person (Εσείς) δίνετε You give
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) δίνουν/δίνουνε They give

Note the two forms for YOU: δίνεις = you give >singular and δίνετε = you give plural and formal.

ΑΡΕΣΕΙ

Finally, note this form that will appear unusual for English speakers.

To say: I like the puppy. we will say: «Μου αρέσει το κουτάβι This technically translates to: «The puppy is liked by me,» Actually it simply means. «I like the puppy.» For other persons you simply use the necessary pronoun (σου, του, της etc) . «αρέσει» does not change.

NEGATIVE FORMS: Negatives are formed by adding δεν before the main verb. Δεν πίνω καφέ. > I do not (don’t) drink coffee.

QUESTIONS do not change their word order. They just receive the GREEK question mark which looks just like a semicolon “;” and change in intonation when spoken. The Greek question mark can be found on the Q when you are using a Greek keyboard.

CONTRACTING VERBS Συνηρημένα Ρήματα
There are some verbs that can be conjugated in multiple ways. Verbs ending in -αω fall in this category. (such as περπατάω-περπατώ, αγαπάω-αγαπώ, κολυμπάω-κολυμπώ)

They are conjugated as follows:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) αγαπάω/αγαπώ I love
Second person (Εσύ) αγαπάς You love
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) αγαπάει/αγαπά He/she/ it loves

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) αγαπούμε/αγαπάμε We love
Second person (Εσείς) αγαπάτε You love
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) αγαπούν/αγαπούνε/αγαπάν/αγαπάνε They love

Αποθετικά Ρήματα Active Verbs that use Passive Verb endings…
These verbs show action but have passive voice endings (such as κοιμάμαι=sleep, θυμάμαι=remember etc)

They are conjugated as follows:

Singular

Person Greek English
First person (Εγώ) κοιμούμαι/κοιμάμαι I sleep
Second person (Εσύ) κοιμάσαι You sleep
Third person (Αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κοιμάται He/she/ it sleeps

Plural

Person Greek English
First person (Εμείς) κοιμούμαστε/κοιμόμαστε We sleep
Second person (Εσείς) κοιμάστε/κοιμόσαστε You sleep
Third person (Αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοιμούνται/κοιμόνται They sleep

Adjectives-inflexion #3 · 2018-10-25 ^

Adjective Comparison Degrees

Adjectives have three degrees of comparison: Positive (Θετικός), Comparative (Συγκριτικός) and Superlative (Υπερθετικός).

The Positive degree (Θετικός βαθμός) is the base form of the adjective, that simply expresses a quality.

The Comparative degree (Συγκριτικός βαθμός) is used to express a higher degree of some quality. It is formed

  • in one word, with the adjective stem + the comparative suffix -τερος (m.), -τερη (fem.), -τερο (neut.)*,

e.g. όμορφος -> ομορφό-τερος, ψηλός -> ψηλό-τερος, βαθύς -> βαθύ-τερος

  • in more than one word, with πιο (more) + adjective

e.g. όμορφος -> πιο όμορφος, ψηλός -> πιο ψηλός, βαθύς-> πιο βαθύς

*Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες have the superlative suffix -έστερος, -έστερη, -έστερο.

e.g. δημοφιλής -> δημοφιλέστερος, σαφής -> σαφέστερος

In Greek, there are two kinds of superlative degrees.

The Relative Superlative (Σχετικός Υπερθετικός), is used to express that a noun has the highest degree of some quality (than every other similar object). It is formed

  • in one word, with the definite article ο/η/το (the) + the comparative form of the adjective

e.g. όμορφος -> ο ομορφότερος, μικρός -> ο μικρότερος, μακρύς -> ο μακρύτερος

  • in more than one word, with the definite article ο/η/το + πιο (the most) + adjective

e.g. όμορφος -> ο πιο όμορφος, μικρός -> ο πιο μικρός, μακρύς -> ο πιο μακρύς

The Absolute Superlative (Απόλυτος Υπερθετικός) is used to declare that the noun has a higher degree of some quality (without comparing to everything else). It is formed

  • in one word, with the adjective stem + the superlative suffix -τατος (m,), -τατη (fem.), -τατο (neut.)*,

e.g. ταχύς -> ταχύτατος, νέος -> νεότατος, ωραίος -> ωραιότατος

  • in more than one word, with πολύ (very) + adjective.

e.g. μεγάλος -> πολύ μεγάλος, νέος -> πολύ νέος, βαθύς -> πολύ βαθύς

*Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες have the superlative suffix -έστατος, -έστατη, -έστατο.

e.g. δημοφιλής -> δημοφιλέστατος, σαφής -> σαφέστατος, προφανής ->προφανέστατος

Irregular Adjective Forms

Θετικός (Positive) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Σχετ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Σχετ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Απολ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Απολ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative)
Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά
απλός απλούστερος πιο απλός ο απλούστερος ο πιο απλός απλούστατος πολύ απλός
καλός καλύτερος πιο καλός ο καλύτερος ο πιο καλός κάλλιστος/άριστος πολύ καλός
κακός χειρότερος πιο κακός ο χειρότερος ο πιο κακός κάκιστος/χείριστος πολύ κακός
κοντός κοντύτερος πιο κοντός ο κοντύτερος ο πιο κοντός κοντότατος πολύ κοντός
λίγος λιγότερος x ο λιγότερος ο πιο λίγος ελάχιστος πολύ λίγος
πολύς περισσότερος πιο πολύς ο περισσότερος ο πιο πολύς πλείστος πάρα πολύς
μακρύς μακρύτερος πιο μακρύς ο μακρύτερος ο πιο μακρύς μακρύτατος πολύ μακρύς
μικρός μικρότερος πιο μικρός ο μικρότερος ο πιο μικρός ελάχιστος πολύ μικρός
μεγάλος μεγαλύτερος πιο μεγάλος ο μεγαλύτερος ο πιο μεγάλος μέγιστος πολύ μεγάλος
πρώτος πρωτύτερος x ο πρωτύτερος x πρώτιστος x

Other Adjective Forms

Θετικός (Positive) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Σχετ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Απολ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative)
άνω ανώτερος ο ανώτερος ανώτατος
κάτω κατώτερος ο κατώτερος κατώτατος
άπω απώτερος ο απώτερος απώτατος
ένδον ενδότερος ο ενδότερος ενδότατος
έξω εξώτερος ο εξώτερος x
πλησίον πλησιέστερος ο πλησιέστερος πλησιέστατος
προτιμώ προτιμότερος ο προτιμότερος x
υπέρ υπέρτερος ο υπέρτερος υπέρτατος
προ πρότερος ο πρότερος x

Adjectives that DON’T have Comparative or Superlative forms:

  • Adjectives ending in -ής, -ιά, -ί (e.g. πορτοκαλής, πορτοκαλιά, πορτοκαλί)

  • Adjectives of matter (e.g. χρυσός, μάλλινος)

  • Adjectives of origin (e.g. αγγλικός, ελληνικός)

  • Αdjectives of relation (e.g. αδερφικός, πατρικός)

  • Adjectives of place (e.g. παραθαλάσσιος, ορεινός)

  • Adjectives of time (e.g φετινός, χθεσινός)

  • Αdjectives that describe a permanent situation (e.g. μισός, νεκρός)

Adverbs #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Adverbs

Adverbs are indeclinable words.

-They can modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb or a whole sentence.

-They indicate place, time, manner, etc.

Adverbs of Time

Greek English Greek English
σήμερα today σύντομα soon
αύριο tomorrow ήδη already
χθες yesterday ακόμα still/yet
μεθαύριο the day after tomorrow πότε when
προχθές the day before yesterday τότε then
απόψε tonight πριν before/ago
τώρα now μετά after
αργά late αργότερα later
νωρίς early πρόσφατα recently
κάποτε once/sometime φέτος this year
άλλοτε once/another time πέρ(υ)σι last year
επιτέλους finally αμέσως immediately
όποτε/οποτεδήποτε whenever τελευταία lately
όλο constantly/all the time όλη την ώρα all the time

Adverbs of Place

Greek English
εδώ here
εκεί there
πού where
μέσα inside
έξω outside
παντού everywhere
οπουδήποτε anywhere
πουθενά nowhere

Adverbs of Manner

Greek English
πώς how
όπως however
έτσι like so/so
αλλιώς otherwise
κάπως somehow
μαζί together
χώρια/χωριστά seperately

Adverbs of Frequency

Greek English
πάντα always
ποτέ never/ever
σπάνια rarely
συχνά often
μερικές φορές sometimes
μία φορά once
δύο φορές/ δις twice
κάθε μέρα every day

Adverbs of Quantity

Greek English
πόσο how much
όσο however much
τόσο this much/so much
λίγο a little
πολύ much
αρκετά enough
περίπου about
σχεδόν almost
περισσότερο more
λιγότερο less
πάνω κάτω give or take

Adverbs that Modify Clauses

Greek English
ευτυχώς fortunately
δυστυχώς unfortunately
σίγουρα certainly
πραγματικά really
ειλικρινά honestly
ίσως maybe
τελικά eventually

Forming Adverbs

Adverbs ending in -α are formed by:

-Adjectives ending in -ος, -η, -ο

όμορφος — όμορφα, καλός — καλά, ξαφνικός — ξαφνικά

-Adjectives ending in -ος, -ιά, -ο

γλυκός — γλυκά, ωραίος — ωραία, τελευταίος — τελευταία

-Αdjectives ending in -ύς, -ά, -ύ

βαθύς — βαθιά, μακρύς — μακριά, πλατύς — πλατιά

-Past participles

δικαιολογημένος — δικαιολογημένα, συγκεκριμένος — συγκεκριμένα, μπερδεμένος — μπερδεμένα

Adverbs ending in -ως are formed by:

-Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες

ακριβής — ακριβώς, διεθνής — διεθνώς, προφανής — προφανώς

-Adjectives ending in -ων, -ούσα, -ον

επείγων — επειγόντως, παρεμπίπτων — παρεμπιπτόντως, δέων — δεόντως

-Adjectives ending in -ος and past participles

αδιάκριτος — αδιακρίτως, αεροπορικός — αεροπορικώς, κύριος -κυρίως

Adverbs ending in -έως are formed by:

-Adjectives in ending in -ύς, -εία, -ύ

ευθύς — ευθέως, ταχύς — ταχέως, ευρύς — ευρέως

(Note:Τhese adjectives are not too commonly used.)

!There are a lot of adjectives that form adverbs both in -ως and -α. The forms that end in -α are usually more commonly used than the forms of -ω. Some of these pairs do have the same meaning.

exp. κλινικά/κλινικώς, απόλυτα/απολύτως, βέβαια/βεβαίως, αιώνια/αιωνίως, μάταια/ματαίως, τελικά/τελικώς, τυχαία/τυχαίως

However, there are also pairs that have different meanings.

exp. εκτάκτως -> without planning in advance BUT έκτακτα -> great

ιδιαιτέρως -> privately BUT ιδιαίτερα -> a lot, much

ευχαρίστως -> with pleasure BUT ευχάριστα -> nicely

αμέσως -> instantly BUT άμεσα -> directly

Simple Past 1 #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Αόριστος (Past Simple)

Used for actions that happened at a specific moment in the past.

Forming rules:

  • Verbs that end in –ώνω form P.S. in –ωσα (μεγαλώνω-μεγάλωσα)

  • Verbs that end in –φω, -βω, -πτω form P.S. in –ψα (γράφω-έγραψα)

  • Verbs that end in –άζω form P.S in –σα or –ξα (διαβάζω- διάβασα)

  • Verbs that end in -αίνω form P.S. in –υνα (παχαίνω–πάχυνα)

  • Verbs that end in –εύω form P.S in –εψα (μαγειρεύω-μαγείρεψα)

  • Verbs that end in –ίζω form P.S. in –ισα (σκουπίζω-σκούπισα)

  • Verbs that are oxytone form P.S. in –ησα (ρωτάω/ρωτώ-ρώτησα)

When forming the Past Simple, the accent mark moves to the third from the end syllable.
If there is no such syllable and the verb begins with a consonant, then an extra syllable (ε) is added in front of the verb.

κάνω — έ-κανα, but κάνουμε — κάναμε

!Remember! One-syllable and two-syllable verbs need an extra syllable (ε). The extra ε is always accented.

παίζω — έ-παιξα, δίνω – έ-δωσα, κλαίω — έ-κλαψα, στέλνω -έ-στειλα

If the verb begins with ε- or α- and that ε- or α- is going to be accented by the moved accented mark, then it can be changed to η- , although that is not necessary.

ελπίζω — ήλπισα or έλπισα, αυξάνω — αύξησα or ηύξησα

This change is very common for the ε- (and you are advised to use it even in everyday speech) but rare for the α- (and using it makes the speech sound more refined and formal.)

For verbs that consist of a preposition and a verb, the rules above apply for its verb part.

διακόπτω = δια+κόπτω -> δια+έκοψα = διέκοψα

προσαυξάνω = προς+αυξάνω -> προς+αύξησα or προς+ηύξησα = προσαύξησα or προσηύξησα.

The verb «to BE
ήμουν I was
ήσουν…you were
ήταν …he/she/it was
ήμαστε …we were
ήσαστε..you were (plural and formal)
ήταν…they were

Irregular Forms

|Ενεστώτας|Αόριστος|Ενεστώτας|Αόριστος|

|-||||
είμαι |ήμουν
|ανεβαίνω|ανέβηκα|λέω|έλεγα|
|κατεβαίνω|κατέβηκα|πίνω|ήπια|
|βρίσκω|βρήκα|θέλω|θέλησα|
|μπαίνω|μπήκα|τρώω|έφαγα|
|βγαίνω|βγήκα |παίρνω|πήρα|
|πηγαίνω|πήγα|μεθώ|μέθυσα|
|μένω|έμεινα|φεύγω|έφυγα|
|πλένω|έπλυνα|αθροίζω|άθροισα|
|βλέπω|είδα|ντύνω|έντυσα|

The verb τρώω (Ι eat)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) τρώω (εγώ) έφαγα
(εσύ) τρως (εσύ) έφαγες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) τρώει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έφαγε
(εμείς) τρώμε (εμείς) φάγαμε
(εσείς) τρώτε (εσείς) φαγατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) τρώνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) φάγανε/έφαγαν

The verb μιλάω (I speak)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) μιλάω (εγώ) μίλησα
(εσύ) μιλάς (εσύ) μίλησες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) μιλά/μιλάει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) μίλησε
(εμείς) μιλάμε (εμείς) μιλήσαμε
(εσείς) μιλάτε (εσείς) μιλήσατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) μιλούν/μιλάνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) μίλησαν/μιλήσανε

Present Perfect #2 · 2020-01-25 ^

Παρακείμενος (Present Perfect)

Present Perfect (Παρακείμενος) is the tense that connects the past with the present, used for:

  • an action or event completed in the past — the result of which is detectable in the present

  • an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past

  • an action repeated in the past

  • past experiences

Formation:

The Present Perfect (Παρακείμενος) is formed by:

  • the auxiliary verb έχω (have) in its present form

  • the infinitive of the past tense* of the verb ending in -ει.

*The infinitive used in Past Subjunctive.

The verb διαβάζω (I read)

Πρόσωπο Παρακείμενος
εγώ έχω διαβάσει
εσύ έχεις διαβάσει
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό έχει διαβάσει
εμείς έχουμε διαβάσει
εσείς έχετε διαβάσει
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά έχουν διαβάσει

The verb έρχομαι (I come)

Πρόσωπο Παρακείμενος
εγώ έχω έρθει
εσύ έχεις έρθει
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό έχει έρθει
εμείς έχουμε έρθει
εσείς έχετε έρθει
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά έχουν έρθει

Usage Examples:

Αυτό το ζευγάρι παπούτσια έχει ήδη αγοραστεί. — This pair of shoes has already been bought.

Έχω ήδη ξυπνήσει! — I have already woken up!

Το συνέδριο δεν έχει αρχίσει ακόμη. — The meeting hasn’t started yet.
Δεν έχω πάει ποτέ στην Γαλλία — I have never been to France.

Έχουμε πάει στην Αθήνα 3 φορές — We have been to Athens 6 times.

Έχεις φάει ποτέ παγωτό ανανά; — Have you ever eaten pineapple icecream?

Δεν έχει συμβεί τίποτα μέχρι τώρα — Nothing has happened until now.

Δεν έχω δει την Μαρία εδώ και δύο μήνες. — I haven’t seen Mary for two months now.

Imperative (Active Voice) #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

The Imperative Mood

In general

The imperative mood (Προστακτική) expresses command.

  • It is used in the 2nd person singular and plural.

  • It can be Present (Προστακτική Ενεστώτα), Past (Προστακτική Αορίστου) and Present Perfect* (Προστακτική Παρακειμένου)

*not included in the course.

Present Imperative

Present Imperative expresses duration or repetition of the action.

Formation

The Present Imperative is formed by:

  • The stem of the verb it its Simple Present form

  • The endings ε/ετε, α/ατε, or α/είτε after the stem of the verb

  • The particle μη(ν) + the subjunctive form of the verb (in 2nd singular or plural), for prohibitive usage.

Formation Example:

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -ε, -ετε.

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -α, -ατε or -α, είτε.

For the verb γράφω: γράφ+ε, γράφ+ετε -> γράφε, γράφετε

For the verb αγαπώ: αγάπ-α, αγαπ-άτε -> αγάπα, αγαπάτε

For the verb τηλεφωνώ: τηλεφών-α, τηλεφων-είτε -> τηλεφώνα, τηλεφωνείτε

Usage Examples:

Γράφε/Γράφετε πιο γρήγορα. — Write faster.

Μίλα/Μιλάτε πιο καθαρά. — Speak clearer.

Τρώγε/Τρώτε πιο αργά. — Eat more slowly.

Past Imperative

Past Imperative expresses non-continuation. The action is not ongoing, or the speaker is not interested in its duration.

Formation

The Past Imperative is formed by:

  • The stem of the verb it its Simple Past form

  • The endings -ε/-ες or -τε/είτε, -α or /-ήστε/-ήξτε/-άστε, after the stem of the verb

Formation Example:

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -ε/-ες, -τε.

  • For verbs that end in , use the endings -α,/-ήστε/-ήξτε/-άτε/-άστε.

For the verb γράφω: γράψ-ε, γράψ-τε -> γράψε, γράψτε

For the verb μπαίνω: μπ-ες, μπ-είτε -> μπες, μπείτε

For the verb κόβω: κόψ-ε, κόψ-τε -> κόψε, κόψτε

For the verb μιλώ: μίλ-α, μιλ-ήστε -> μίλα, μιλήστε

For the verb περνώ: πέρ-ασε/πέρν-α, περ-άστε -> πέρασε/πέρνα, περάστε

For the verb πηδώ: πήδ-α, πηδ-ήξτε ->πήδα, πηδήξτε

Usage Examples:

Μίλα/Μιλήστε μου! — Talk to me!

Πήγαινε/Πηγαίνετε/Πάνε/Πάτε για ύπνο, είναι αργά. — Go to sleep, it’s late.

Περίμενε/Περιμένετέ με, έρχομαι! — Wait for me, I’m coming!

Γράψε/Γράψτε τον αριθμό του τηλεφώνου σου/σας. — Write your phone number (down).

Subjunctive Aorist #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

The Subjunctive mood

In general

The subjunctive mood (Υποτακτική) presents the action or the event as something wanted or expected.

  • It indicates what the subject of the verb wants, can, may, must do or is expecting to do. And may be similar to the English Infinitive.

  • It is often used after verbs like θέλω (want), μπορώ (can, may), πρέπει (must), ελπίζω (hope), σκέφτομαι (think of), εύχομαι (wish) etc. .

  • It can be Present (Υποτακτική Ενεστώτα), Past (Υποτακτική Aορίστου) and Present Perfect (Υποτακτική Παρακειμένου).

  • It is preceded by the particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άµα, ας, μη(ν), etc.

  • It is used to show continuation (Ρresent Subjunctive) or non-continuation (Past Subjunctive) of the action and not the time aspect (present, past, future).

Past Subjunctive

The subjunctive of the Simple Past (Υποτακτική Αορίστου) expresses non-continuation. Τhe action expressed by the verb is not ongoing or the speaker is not interested in the duration of the action.

Formation

The Past Subjunctive (for active verbs) is formed by:

  • The stem of the active verb in the Simple Past form

  • The endings -ω, -εις, -ει, -ουμε, -ετε, -ουν after the stem of the verb

  • The particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άµα, ας … etc. before the verb or

  • The particle μη(ν), for prohibitive usage.

Formation Example:

For the verb διαβάζω (read): να + διαβασ- + -ω -> να διαβάσω

!If the verb gets an extra ε in its simple past form, make sure not to include it.

For the verb γράφεις (write): να + γραψ- + -εις -> να γράψεις

Πρόσωπο Αόριστος Υποτ. Αορίστου Αόριστος Υποτ. Αορίστου
εγώ έγραψα να γράψω διάβασα να διαβάσω
εσύ έγραψες να γράψεις διάβασες να διαβάσεις
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό έγραψε να γράφει διάβασε να διαβάσει
εμείς γράψαμε να γράψουμε διαβάσαμε να διαβάσουμε
εσείς γράψατε να γράψετε διαβάσατε να διαβάσετε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά έγραψαν να γράψουν διάβασαν να διαβάσουν

Usage Examples

Πρέπει να τον πάρω τηλέφωνο — I have to call him.

Μπορείς να το κρατήσεις αν θέλεις. — You can keep it if you want to.

Θέλεις να μου πεις κάτι; — Do you want to tell me something?

Καλύτερα να μείνετε εδώ. — You better stay here.

Θα κάτσουμε εδώ για να διαβάσουμε — We will sit here to read.

Ελπίζω να μην τα έχασαν — I hope they didn’t lose them.

Μην της το δώσεις! — Don’t give it to her!

Χρειάζομαι ένα στυλό για να γράψω — I need a pen to write.

Μην σκοτώσεις την αράχνη. — Don’t kill the spider.

Pronouns Reflexive #3 · 2018-10-25 ^

Reflexive and Definite Pronouns

Reflexive Pronouns

The reflexive pronouns (αυτοπαθείς αντωνυμίες) are formed by the noun εαυτός (self) -accompanied by the article in the appropriate case- and the weak types of the personal pronouns (μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους etc).

exp. o εαυτός μου (myself), οι εαυτοί τους(theirselves)

  • They are used when the action of the subject goes back to the subject itself.

  • They are used in the genitive and the accusative case (γενική and αιτιατική).

  • They can be used in the nominative case (ονομαστική) emphatically.

exp. Το μόνο που σκέφτεσαι είναι ο εαυτός σου! — The only one you think about is yourself!

Case Singular Plural
Nomιnative (ο) εαυτός (οι) εαυτοί
Genitive (του) εαυτού (των) εαυτών
Accusative (τον) εαυτό (τους) εαυτούς

Usage Examples:

Προσέχω τον εαυτό μου — I look after myself.

Πρέπει να βρεις χρόνο για τον εαυτό σου. — You have to find time for yourself.

Κοίταξε τον εαυτό της στον καθρέφτη. — She looked at herself in the mirror.

Είναι κομμάτι του εαυτού του. — It’s a part of himself/him.

Περιγράψτε τους εαυτούς σας. — Describe yourselves.

Θα προστατεύσουμε τους εαυτούς μας! — We will protect ourselves!

Δεν προσπάθησαν να υπερασπιστούν τους εαυτούς τους. — They didn’t try to defend themselves.

Definite Pronouns

The definite pronouns (οριστικές αντωνυμίες) are:

  • the adjective ίδιος, -α, -ο accompanied by the article in the approriate case.

exp. ο ίδιος (himself), η ίδια (herself), but εγώ ο ίδιος (I myself)

  • the adjective μόνος, -η, -ο accompanied by the weak types of the personal pronouns (μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους etc.)

exp. μόνος μου ((by) myself), μόνοι μας ((by) ourselves)

They are used to make something or someone distinct from all the others of the same kind.

(Note: While these pronouns are considered to be reflexive in English, they are actually in two seperate categories in Greek. They do express reflexiveness.)

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Plur. Masc. Plur. Fem. Plur. Neut.
Nomιnative (ο) ίδιος (η) ίδια (το) ίδιο (οι) ίδιοι (οι) ίδιες (τα) ίδια
Genitive (του) ίδιου (της) ίδιας (του) ίδιου (των) ίδιων (των) ίδιων (των) ίδιων
Accusative (τον) ίδιο (την) ίδια (το) ίδιο (τους) ίδιους (τις) ίδιες (τα) ίδια
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Plur. Masc. Plur. Fem. Plur. Neut.
Nomιnative (ο) μόνος (η) μόνη (το) μόνο (οι) μόνοι (οι) μόνες (τα) μόνα
Genitive (του) μόνου (της) μόνης (του) μόνου (των) μόνων (των) μόνων (των) μόνων
Accusative (τον) μόνο (την) μόνη (το) μόνο (τους) μόνους (τις) μόνες (τα) μόνα

Usage examples:

Το έγραψε ο ίδιος. — He wrote it himself.

Παρέλαβε η ίδια το πακέτο. — She received the package herself.

Αυτό σου το είπαν οι ίδιοι; -Did they tell you that themselves?

Η ίδια η Μαρία πρότεινε να βγούμε έξω. — Mary herself suggested that we go out.

Αυτό το έκανα μόνος μου. — Ι did this myself.

Δες και μόνος σου! — See for yourself!

Γιατί την άφησες να πάει σπίτι μόνη της; — Why did you let her go home by herself?

Κάθονται εκεί πέρα μόνοι τους. — They are sitting over there by themselves.

Active Participles #7 · 2022-05-18 ^

Present Participles of Active Voice

Present participles (Mετοχές Ενεργητικού Ενεστώτα) can either be used as:

  • Adverbs or

  • Adjectives

Adverbial Participles

  • Are forms of active verbs that do not decline
  • Have an adverbial function and can indicate time, manner, cause, condition etc. (with manner being the most common one.)
  • Are formed by the present stem of the active verb and the endings -οντας or -ώντας

Formation:

  • Verbs that end in an accented -ώ, form the participle in -ώντας.

τραγουδ-ώ — τραγουδώντας (singing)

προσπαθ-ώ — προσπαθώντας (trying)

περπατ-ώ — περπατώντας (walking)

ρωτ-ώ — ρωτώντας (asking)

μιλ-ώ — μιλώντας (speaking)

πετ-ώ — πετώντας (flying)

γελ-ώ — γελώντας (laughing)

αναπολ-ώ — αναπολώντας (looking back, reminiscing)

αναζητ-ώ — αναζητώντας (searching for)

Usage examples:

Περπατώντας στον δρόμο, είδα την μητέρα σου — While walking on the street, I saw your mother.

Τα χελιδόνια ταξιδεύουν, πετώντας από την μία χώρα στην άλλη — The swallows travel, flying from one country to another.

Ρωτώντας, μαθαίνεις πάντα περισσότερα — When you ask/By asking, you always learn more.

Τον κοίταξε χαμογελώντας — She looked at him, smiling.

  • Verbs that end in a non accented -ω, form the participle in -οντας.

τρέχ-ω — τρέχοντας (running)

παίζ-ω — παίζοντας (playing)

κάν-ω — κάνοντας (doing)

ανεβαίν-ω — ανεβαίνοντας (getting up)

κατεβαίν-ω — κατεβαίνοντας (getting down)

πηγαίν-ω — πηγαίνοντας (going)

ψάχν-ω — ψάχνοντας (searching/looking for)

διαβάζ-ω — διαβάζοντας (reading)

γράφω — γράφοντας (writing)

Usage Examples:

Έφυγε από το σπίτι τρέχοντας. — She left the house running.

Ηρεμώ ακούγοντας κλασική μουσική. — I relax (while) listening to classical music.

Περάσαμε την νύχτα βλέποντας ταινίες — We spent the night watching films.

Βλέποντας και κάνοντας — lit. Seeing and doing (Seeing how things turn out, and then acting accordingly.)

!The participle όντας (being) is the participle of the verb είμαι (be). It’s an exception, as it doesn’t belong to any of the two categories mentioned above.

Επέστρεψε, όντας πιο έτοιμος από ποτέ. — He returned, being readier than ever.

Όντας έμπειρος δικηγόρος, κέρδισε την δίκη. — Being an experienced lawyer, he won the trial.

Όντας αισιόδοξος, πάντα ελπίζεις για το καλύτερο. — (By) Being optimistic, you always hope for the best.

Δεν ήπιε αλκοόλ, όντας ακόμη ανήλικος — He didn’t drink alcohol, as he’s still an underage.

Adjectival Participles

  • Are forms of active verbs that decline

  • Have an adjectival function

They could be:

  • Paroxytone (ενδιαφέρων, -ουσα, -ον)

  • Oxytone (παρών, -ούσα, -όν, ομιλών,-ούσα, -ούν)

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) τρέχων (η) τρέχουσα (το) τρέχον (οι) τρέχοντες (οι) τρέχουσες (τα) τρέχοντα
Gen (του) τρέχοντος (της) τρέχουσας (του) τρέχοντος (των) τρεχόντων (των) τρεχουσών (των) τρεχόντων
Acc (τον) τρέχοντα (την) τρέχουσα (το) τρέχον (τους) τρέχοντες (τις) τρέχουσες (τα) τρέχοντα
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) ομιλών (η) ομιλούσα (το) ομιλούν (οι) ομιλούντες (οι) ομιλούσες (τα) ομιλούντα
Gen (του) ομιλούντος (της) ομιλούσας (του) ομιλούντος (των) ομιλούντων (των) ομιλουσών (των) ομιλούντων
Acc (τον) ομιλούντα (την) ομιλούσα (το) ομιλούν (τους) ομιλούντες (τις) ομιλούσες (τα) ομιλούντα
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) παρών (η) παρούσα (το) παρόν (οι) παρόντες (οι) παρούσες (τα) παρόντα
Gen (του) παρόντος (της) παρούσης (του) παρόντος (των) παρόντων (των) παρουσών (των) παρόντων
Acc (τον) παρόντα (την) παρούσα (το) παρόν (τους) παρόντες (τις) παρούσες (τα) παρόντα

People 2 #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

People

Useful Vocabulary

Greek English Greek English
άτομο individual/person νεολαία youth
άνθρωπος human/person κουλτούρα culture
πολίτης citizen κύριος sir/mr
φίλος friend/boyfriend κυρία madam/mrs
φίλη friend/girlfriend γέρος old man
κολλητός/κολλητή best friend γριά old woman
εχθρός enemy σχέση relationship
θύμα victim ηλικιωμένος old person
πληθυσμός population λαός people
ζευγάρι couple εργένης bachelor

Note: Proparoxytone -> Accented on the third-to-last syllable/antepenult

Paroxytone -> Accented on the second-to-last syllable/penult

Oxytone -> Accented on the last syllable/ultima

The Vocative Case

The vocative case is the case for a noun or adjective used:

(1) for identifying a person, animal, object, etc. being addressed,

(2) for making exclamatory remarks, or

(3) in apposition to another vocative.

A vocative is grammatically independent from the sentence with which it is placed. It does not serve the grammatical role of a subject, direct object or any other part of the actual sentence structure.

exp. I don’t know Mary — Δεν ξέρω την Μαρία (Μαρία as a direct object of the verb ‘ξέρω.’)

BUT I don’t know, Mary — Δεν ξέρω, Μαρία. (Mαρία as a vocative expression that indicates the party being addressed)

For masculine singular:

  • Proparoxytone words that end in —ος form vocative in —ε

exp. δάσκαλος — δάσκαλε, όμορφος — όμορφε, κύριος -κύριε, άνθρωπος — άνθρωπε

!First and last names follow this rule.

exp. Αλέξανδρος — Aλέξανδρε, Φίλιππος — Φίλιππε

  • Paroxytone words that end in —ος form vocative in —ε

exp. λύκος — λύκε, αστυνόμος — αστυνόμε, αθώος— αθώε

!First and last names do not follow this rule, and form vocative in —o.

exp. Γιώργος — Γιώργο, Πέτρος — Πέτρο, Μάρκος — Μάρκο

  • Oxytone words that end in —ός form vocative in —ε

exp. στρατηγός — στρατηγέ, καλός — καλέ, φρουρός — φρουρέ, νεαρός — νεαρέ

!First and last names do not follow this rule, and form vocative in —o.

  • Paroxytone words that end in —ης form vocative in —η or —α (in formal occasions)

exp. πυροσβέστης-πυροσβέστη, but συνταγματάρχης — συνταγματάρχα, λυκειάρχης -λυκειάρχα

!First and last names do not follow this rule, and form vocative in —η.

exp. Γιάννης — Γιάννη, Σταμάτης — Σταμάτη

  • Οxytone words ending in —ής form vocative in —ή or —ά (in formal occasions)

exp. μαθητής-μαθητή, but διευθυντής — διευθυντά, καθηγητής — καθηγητά, διοικητής— διοικητά

!First and last names do not follow this rule, and form vocative in —η.

(Note: The vocative in -α is formal, and commonly used in formal occasions.)

  • Paroxytone words that end in —ας form vocative in —α
    exp. άντρας — άντρα, πατέρας— πατέρα

!First and last names follow this rule.

exp. Οδυσσέας — Οδυσσέα, Ορφέας — Ορφέα

For masculine plural: Vocative is the same as Nominative.

For feminine singular and plural : Vocative is the same as Nominative.

For neuter singular and plural: Vocative is the same as Nominative.

Usage Examples:

Μάλιστα κύριε! — Yes, sir!

Πού πας νεαρέ; — Where are you going, young man?

Καθηγητά, έχω μία ερώτηση — Professor, I have a question.

Ω Θεέ μου! — Oh my God!

Καλή προσπάθεια, φίλε μου — Good try, my friend.

Present Passive #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

The Passive Voice is not used in Greek as commonly as in other languages. It is mainly used when we want to emphasize on the action.

Ενεστώτας (Present Simple / Present Continuous)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ γράφω ένα βιβλίο — I write a book / I am writing a book

Παθητική φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο γράφεται (από εμένα) — A book is written (by me) / A book is being written (by me)

Παρατατικός (Past Continuous)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ έγραφα ένα βιβλίο — I was writing a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο γραφόταν (από εμένα) — A book was being written (by me)

Αόριστος (Past Simple)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ έγραψα ένα βιβλίο — I wrote a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο γράφτηκε (από εμένα) — A book was written (by me)

Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας (Future Continuous)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ θα γράφω ένα βιβλίο — I will be writing a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο θα γράφεται (από εμένα) — A book will being written (by me)

Στιγμιαίος Μέλλοντας — Future Simple

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ θα γράψω ένα βιβλίο — I will write a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο θα γραφτεί (από εμένα) — A book will be written (by me)

Παρακείμενος (Present Perfect)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ έχω γράψει ένα βιβλίο — I have written a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο έχει γραφθεί (από εμένα) — A book has been written (by me)

Υπερσυντέλικος (Past perfect)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ είχα γράψει ένα βιβλίο — I had written a book.

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο είχε γραφθεί (από εμένα) — A book had been written (by me)

Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας (Future Perfect)

Ενεργητική Φωνή (Active Voice)

Εγώ θα έχω γράψει ένα βιβλίο — I will have written a book

Παθητική Φωνή (Passive Voice)

Ένα βιβλίο θα έχει γραφθεί (από εμένα) — A book will have been written (by me)

TIPS

  1. Verbs in Passive voice have -ομαι ending e.g γράφομαι — I am written, ακούγομαι — I am heard e.t.c.
  2. The object of the active verb is the subject of the passive verb.

Gerund #4 · 2018-10-25 ^

The gerund, as in a verb that acts like a noun, is usually expressed as «the [fact] that I/you/he …», i.e. you have to choose a person.

You can’t just say «Smoking is harmful» but you have to say Το να καπνίζεις βλάπτει την υγεία σου «The fact that you smoke harms your health» or Το να καπνίζει κανείς βλάπτει την υγεία του «The fact that someone smokes harms his health».

So here, it’s το να + verb.

Sometimes the το is not needed, e.g. Μου αρέσει [το] να κολυμπάω «I like swimming = I like [the fact] that I swim».

And in case you were asking about the present participle (which, by coincidence, looks like the gerund in English):

As an adverb, it’s the unchangeable -οντας/-ώντας, e.g. Ήρθε στο δωμάτο τραγουδώντας «He/She came into the room singing».

Greek doesn’t have continuous tenses, so there’s no direct equivalent of «I am singing» or «He was playing».

Adverbs 2 #3 · 2023-03-12 ^

Adverbs

Adverbs are indeclinable words.

-They can modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb or a whole sentence.

-They indicate place, time, manner, etc.

Adverbs of Time

Greek English Greek English
σήμερα today σύντομα soon
αύριο tomorrow ήδη already
χθες yesterday ακόμα still/yet
μεθαύριο the day after tomorrow πότε when
προχθές the day before yesterday τότε then
απόψε tonight πριν before/ago
τώρα now μετά after
αργά late αργότερα later
νωρίς early πρόσφατα recently
κάποτε once/sometime φέτος this year
άλλοτε once/another time πέρ(υ)σι last year
επιτέλους finally αμέσως immediately
όποτε/οποτεδήποτε whenever τελευταία lately
όλο constantly/all the time όλη την ώρα all the time

Adverbs of Place

Greek English
εδώ here
εκεί there
πού where
μέσα inside
έξω outside
παντού everywhere
οπουδήποτε anywhere
πουθενά nowhere

Adverbs of Manner

Greek English
πώς how
όπως however
έτσι like so/so
αλλιώς otherwise
κάπως somehow
μαζί together
χώρια/χωριστά seperately

Adverbs of Frequency

Greek English
πάντα always
ποτέ never/ever
σπάνια rarely
συχνά often
μερικές φορές sometimes
μία φορά once
δύο φορές/ δις twice
κάθε μέρα every day

Adverbs of Quantity

Greek English
πόσο how much
όσο however much
τόσο this much/so much
λίγο a little
πολύ much
αρκετά enough
περίπου about
σχεδόν almost
περισσότερο more
λιγότερο less
πάνω κάτω give or take

Adverbs that Modify Clauses

Greek English
ευτυχώς fortunately
δυστυχώς unfortunately
σίγουρα certainly
πραγματικά really
ειλικρινά honestly
ίσως maybe
τελικά eventually

Forming Adverbs

Adverbs ending in -α are formed by:

-Adjectives ending in -ος, -η, -ο

όμορφος — όμορφα, καλός — καλά, ξαφνικός — ξαφνικά

-Adjectives ending in -ος, -ιά, -ο

γλυκός — γλυκά, ωραίος — ωραία, τελευταίος — τελευταία

-Αdjectives ending in -ύς, -ά, -ύ

βαθύς — βαθιά, μακρύς — μακριά, πλατύς — πλατιά

-Past participles

δικαιολογημένος — δικαιολογημένα, συγκεκριμένος — συγκεκριμένα, μπερδεμένος — μπερδεμένα

Adverbs ending in -ως are formed by:

-Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες

ακριβής — ακριβώς, διεθνής — διεθνώς, προφανής — προφανώς

-Adjectives ending in -ων, -ούσα, -ον

επείγων — επειγόντως, παρεμπτίπτων — περεμπιτπόντως, δέων — δεόντως

-Adjectives ending in -ος and past participles

αδιάκριτος — αδιακρίτως, αεροπορικός — αεροπορικώς, κύριος -κυρίως

Adverbs ending in -έως are formed by:

-Adjectives in ending in -ύς, -εία, -ύ

ευθύς — ευθέως, ταχύς — ταχέως, ευρύς — ευρέως

(Note:Τhese adjectives are not too commonly used.)

!There are a lot of adjectives that form adverbs both in -ως and -α. The forms that end in -α are usually more commonly used that the forms of -ω. Some of these pairs do have the same meaning.

exp. κλινικά/κλινικώς, απόλυτα/απολύτως, βέβαια/βεβαίως, αιώνια/αιωνίως, μάταια/ματαίως, τελικά/τελικώς, τυχαία/τυχαίως

However, there are also pairs that have different meanings.

exp. εκτάκτως -> without planning in advance BUT έκτακτα -> great

ιδιαιτέρως -> privately BUT ιδιαίτερα -> a lot, much

ευχαρίστως -> with pleasure BUT ευχάριστα -> nicely

αμέσως -> instantly BUT άμεσα -> directly

Future Continuous (Active & Passive) #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας (Future Continuous)

Used for an action or event that will take place in the future, with emphasis on its duration or repetition.

Formation:

The Future Continuous (Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας) is formed by:

  • The particle θα (will, shall)

  • The verb in its present form

The verb διαβάζω (I read)

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Εξ. Μέλλοντας
εγώ διαβάζω θα διαβάζω
εσύ διαβάζεις θα διαβάζεις
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό διαβάζει θα διαβάζει
εμείς διαβάζουμε θα διαβάζουμε
εσείς διαβάζετε θα διαβάζετε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά διαβάζουν θα διαβάζουν

The verb πηγαίνω (I go)

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Εξ. Μέλλοντας
εγώ πηγαίνω θα πηγαίνω
εσύ πηγαίνεις θα πηγαίνεις
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό πηγαίνει θα πηγαίνει
εμείς πηγαίνουμε θα πηγαίνουμε
εσείς πηγαίνετε θα πηγαίνετε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά πηγαίνουν θα πηγαίνουν

Usage Examples:

Θα είναι στην Αθήνα για τρεις μέρες. — She/He will be in Athens for three days.

Θα ξυπνάω νωρίς το πρωί. — I’ll be waking up early in the morning.

Θα σας επισκεπτόμαστε συχνά. — We’ll be visiting you often.

Αύριο θα διαβάζουν όλη μέρα. — Tomorrow they’ll be studying all day.

Θα πίνω περισσότερο νερό. — I’ll be drinking more water.

Θα δουλεύω το επόμενο Σαββατοκύριακο — I’ll be working next weekend.

Countries & Nationalities #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Countries and Nationalities

For Nationalities: name of the country + the suffixes -ος/-ίδα, -ός/ή, -έζος/-έζα

The adjective used for nationality (exclusively used for people) has only two genders (masculine and feminine).

  • Countries that end in -ία/α form the nationality in —ος/-ίδα, or -ός/-ή

!Nationalities in English ending in -ish or -ian usually fall into this category.

!Exceptions: Ελλάδα-Έλληνας-Έλληνίδα, Αραβία-Άραβας-Αράβισσα, Συρία-Σύριος-Σύρια

  • Countries that end in -ή, -ο, -ος, form the nationality in -ανός/-ανή, -νός/-νή

!Nationalities in English ending in -an usually fall into this category.

  • There are exceptions for countries like Κίνα, Ιαπωνία, Μάλτα etc., that form the nationality in -έζος/-έζα

!Nationalities in English ending in -ese usually fall into this category.

For Origin: name of the country + the suffixes -ικός/-ική/-ικό or -έζικος/-έζικη/-έζικο

The adjective used for origin (used for everything except for people) has all genders.

  • Nationalities that end in -ος/-ίδα, ός/ή or -ανός/-ανή form the origin in -ικός/-ική/-ικό or -ανικός/-ανική/-ανικό

  • Nationalities that end in -έζος/έζα form the origin in -έζικος/-έζικη/-έζικο

For Language: name of the country + -ικά, οr -έζικα

The language is always in neuter plural

  • Origins that end in —ικός/-ική/-ικό or -ανικός/-ανική/-ανικό form the language in -ικά

  • Origins that end in -έζικος/-έζικη/-έζικο form the language in -ικά

Χώρα (Country) Εθνικότητα (Nationality) Προέλευση (Origin) Γλώσσα (Language)
Ελλάδα Έλληνας/Ελληνίδα Ελληνικός-ή-ό Ελληνικά
Γαλλία Γάλλος/Γαλλίδα Γαλλικός-ή-ό Γαλλικά
Γερμανία Γερμανός/Γερμανίδα Γερμανικός-ή-ό Γερμανικά
Ιταλία Ιταλός/Ιταλίδα Ιταλικός-ή-ό Ιταλικά
Ισπανία Ισπανός/Ισπανίδα Ισπανικός-ή-ό Ισπανικά
Ρωσία Ρώσος/Ρωσίδα Ρώσικος-η-ο Ρώσικα
Τουρκία Τούρκος/Τουρκάλα Τούρκικος-η-ο Τούρκικα
Βραζιλία Βραζιλιάνος/Βραζιλιάνα Βραζιλιάνικος-η-ο
Ιαπωνία Ιάπωνας/Γιαπωνέζα Ιαπωνικός-ή-ό Ιαπωνικά
Κίνα Κινέζος/Κινέζα Κινέζικος-η-ο Κινέζικα
Πορτογαλία Πορτογάλος/Πορτογαλίδα Πορτογαλικός-ή-ό Πορτογαλικά
Κύπρος Κύπριος/Κύπρια Κυπριακός-ή-ό Κυπριακά
Αγγλία Άγγλος/Αγγλίδα Αγγλικός-ή-ό Αγγλικά
Μεξικό Μεξικάνος/Μεξικάνα Μεξικάνικος-η-ο
Ιρλανδία Ιρλανδός/Ιρλανδή (ή Ιρλανδέζα) Ιρλανδικός-ή-ό Ιρλανδικά
Ολλανδία Ολλανδός/Ολλανδή(ή Ολλανδέζα) Ολλανδικός-ή-ό Ολλανδικά
Κορέα Κορεάτης/Κορεάτισσα Κορεάτικος-η-ο Κορεάτικα
Ινδία Ινδός/Ινδή Ινδικός-ή-ό Ινδικά
Αίγυπτος Αιγύπτιος/Αιγύπτια Αιγυπτιακός-ή-ό Αιγυπτιακά
Ήπειρος (Continent) Εθνικότητα (Nationality) Προέλευση (Origin)
Αφρική Αφρικανός/Αφρικανή αφρικανικός-ή-ό
Ασία Ασιάτης/Ασιάτισσα ασιατικός-ή-ό
Ευρώπη Ευρωπαίος/Ευρωπαία ευρωπαϊκός-ή-ό
Αμερική Αμερικάνος/Αμερικάνα (ή Αμερικανός/Αμερικανή) αμερικανικός-ή-ό (ή αμερικάνικος-η-ο)
Αυστραλία Αυστραλός/Αυστραλή (ή Αυστραλέζα) αυστραλιανός-ή-ό

Past Simple 2 #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

See Tips & Notes for Verb: Past 1

Adverbs 2 #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Adverbs

Adverbs are indeclinable words.

-They can modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb or a whole sentence.

-They indicate place, time, manner, etc.

Adverbs of Time

Greek English Greek English
σήμερα today σύντομα soon
αύριο tomorrow ήδη already
χθες yesterday ακόμα still/yet
μεθαύριο the day after tomorrow πότε when
προχθές the day before yesterday τότε then
απόψε tonight πριν before/ago
τώρα now μετά after
αργά late αργότερα later
νωρίς early πρόσφατα recently
κάποτε once/sometime φέτος this year
άλλοτε once/another time πέρ(υ)σι last year
επιτέλους finally αμέσως immediately
όποτε/οποτεδήποτε whenever τελευταία lately
όλο constantly/all the time όλη την ώρα all the time

Adverbs of Place

Greek English
εδώ here
εκεί there
πού where
μέσα inside
έξω outside
παντού everywhere
οπουδήποτε anywhere
πουθενά nowhere

Adverbs of Manner

Greek English
πώς how
όπως however
έτσι like so/so
αλλιώς otherwise
κάπως somehow
μαζί together
χώρια/χωριστά seperately

Adverbs of Frequency

Greek English
πάντα always
ποτέ never/ever
σπάνια rarely
συχνά often
μερικές φορές sometimes
μία φορά once
δύο φορές/ δις twice
κάθε μέρα every day

Adverbs of Quantity

Greek English
πόσο how much
όσο however much
τόσο this much/so much
λίγο a little
πολύ much
αρκετά enough
περίπου about
σχεδόν almost
περισσότερο more
λιγότερο less
πάνω κάτω give or take

Adverbs that Modify Clauses

Greek English
ευτυχώς fortunately
δυστυχώς unfortunately
σίγουρα certainly
πραγματικά really
ειλικρινά honestly
ίσως maybe
τελικά eventually

Forming Adverbs

Adverbs ending in -α are formed by:

-Adjectives ending in -ος, -η, -ο

όμορφος — όμορφα, καλός — καλά, ξαφνικός — ξαφνικά

-Adjectives ending in -ος, -ιά, -ο

γλυκός — γλυκά, ωραίος — ωραία, τελευταίος — τελευταία

-Αdjectives ending in -ύς, -ά, -ύ

βαθύς — βαθιά, μακρύς — μακριά, πλατύς — πλατιά

-Past participles

δικαιολογημένος — δικαιολογημένα, συγκεκριμένος — συγκεκριμένα, μπερδεμένος — μπερδεμένα

Adverbs ending in -ως are formed by:

-Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες

ακριβής — ακριβώς, διεθνής — διεθνώς, προφανής — προφανώς

-Adjectives ending in -ων, -ούσα, -ον

επείγων — επειγόντως, παρεμπτίπτων — περεμπιτπόντως, δέων — δεόντως

-Adjectives ending in -ος and past participles

αδιάκριτος — αδιακρίτως, αεροπορικός — αεροπορικώς, κύριος -κυρίως

Adverbs ending in -έως are formed by:

-Adjectives in ending in -ύς, -εία, -ύ

ευθύς — ευθέως, ταχύς — ταχέως, ευρύς — ευρέως

(Note:Τhese adjectives are not too commonly used.)

!There are a lot of adjectives that form adverbs both in -ως and -α. The forms that end in -α are usually more commonly used that the forms of -ω. Some of these pairs do have the same meaning.

exp. κλινικά/κλινικώς, απόλυτα/απολύτως, βέβαια/βεβαίως, αιώνια/αιωνίως, μάταια/ματαίως, τελικά/τελικώς, τυχαία/τυχαίως

However, there are also pairs that have different meanings.

exp. εκτάκτως -> without planning in advance BUT έκτακτα -> great

ιδιαιτέρως -> privately BUT ιδιαίτερα -> a lot, much

ευχαρίστως -> with pleasure BUT ευχάριστα -> nicely

αμέσως -> instantly BUT άμεσα -> directly

Adjectives 2 #7 · 2022-05-18 ^

Adjectives in Greek

  • Adjectives follow gender distinction: masculine, feminine, neuter. They decline as nouns and can be divided into groups according to the endings of the nominative singular.

  • Adjectives belonging to a certain group decline the same way.

  • Adjectives have to agree with the noun’s number, gender and case.

Note: Proparoxytone -> Accented on the third-to-last syllable/antepenult

Paroxytone -> Accented on the second-to-last syllable/penult

Oxytone -> Accented on the last syllable/ultima

Adjective Group 3 — Adjectives ending in –ύς,-ιά,-ύ

These adjectives are always oxytone.

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) βαρύς (η) βαριά (το) βαρύ (οι) βαριοί (οι) βαριές (τα) βαριά
Gen (του) βαριού/βαρύ (της) βαριάς (του) βαριού/βαρύ (των) βαριών (των) βαριών (των) βαριών
Acc (τον) βαρύ (την) βαριά (το) βαρύ (τους) βαριούς (τις) βαριές (τα) βαριά

Note: The adjectives’ genitive cases for the masculine and neuter gender are not too easy and convenient to use.

Note: Several adjectives of this category have ending exceptions:

exp. ο θρασύς — του θρασ-ύ

ο ταχύς — του ταχ-έος (less commonly του ταχύ)

ο φαρδύς- του φαρδ-ύ

Usage examples:

Ο βαθύς, μπλε ωκεανός — The deep, blue ocean

Τα μανίκια του φαρδιού πουκάμισου — The wide shirt’s sleeves/The sleeves of the wide shirt.

To ταξίδι θα είναι μακρύ. — The journey will be long.

Adjective Group 4 — Adjectives ending in –ής,-ής,-ες (-ης,-ης,-ες)

These adjectives could be:

  • Paroxytone (θυελλώδης, -ης, -ες)

  • Oxytone (διεθνής, -ής, -ές)

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) θυελλώδης (η) θυελλώδης (το) θυελλώδες (οι) θυελλώδεις (οι) θυελλώδεις (τα) θυελλώδη
Gen (του) θυελλώδους (της) θυελλώδους (του) θυελλώδους (των) θυελλωδών (των) θυελλωδών (των) θυελλωδών
Acc (τον) θυελλώδη (την) θυελλώδη (το) θυελλώδες (τους) θυελλώδεις (τις) θυελλώδεις (τα) θυελλώδη
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) διεθνής (η) διεθνής (το) διεθνές (οι) διεθνείς (οι) διεθνείς (τα) διεθνή
Gen (του) διεθνούς (της) διεθνούς (του) διεθνούς (των) διεθνών (των) διεθνών (των) διεθνών
Acc (τον) διεθνή (την) διεθνή (το) διεθνές (τους) διεθνείς (τις) διεθνείς (τα) διεθνή

Note: The endings for the masculine and feminine gender are exactly the same, both in singular and plural.

Usage examples:

Ο διεθνής τύπος — The international press

H καριέρα του δημοφιλούς ποδοσφαιριστή — The popular

footballer’s carreer/The career of the popular footballer.

Το παιδί σας είναι απόλυτα υγιές- Your child is perfectly healthy.

Adjective Group 5 — Adjectives ending in –ής,-ιά,-ί

Τhese adjectives are always oxytone.

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) δεξής (η) δεξιά (το) δεξί (οι) δεξιοί (οι) δεξιές (τα) δεξιά
Gen (του) δεξή (της) δεξιάς (του) δεξιού (των) δεξιών (των) δεξιών (των) δεξιών
Acc (τον) δεξή (την) δεξιά (το) δεξί (τους) δεξιούς (τις) δεξιές (τα) δεξιά

Note: The adjectives ending in -ής,-ιά,-ί usually declare color, and derive form the correspoding nouns, i.e. βυσσινής (βύσσινο), δεξής (δεξί), κανελής (κανέλα), καφετής (καφέ), πορτοκαλής (πορτοκάλι), χρυσαφής (χρυσός/χρυσάφι)

Usage examples:

O καφετής σκύλος — The brown dog

Οι πορτοκαλιές κάλτσες — The orange socks

Ο χρυσαφής θρόνος — The golden throne

Adjective Group 6 — Adjectives ending in –ων,-ούσα,-ον (-ών,-ούσα,-όν)

These adjectives could be:

  • Paroxytone (ενδιαφέρων, -ουσα, -ον)

  • Oxytone (παρών, -ούσα, -όν)

Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) τρέχων (η) τρέχουσα (το) τρέχον (οι) τρέχοντες (οι) τρέχουσες (τα) τρέχοντα
Gen (του) τρέχοντος (της) τρέχουσας (του) τρέχοντος (των) τρεχόντων (των) τρεχουσών (των) τρεχόντων
Acc (τον) τρέχοντα (την) τρέχουσα (το) τρέχον (τους) τρέχοντες (τις) τρέχουσες (τα) τρέχοντα
Case Sing. Masc. Sing. Fem. Sing. Neut. Pl. Masc. Pl. Fem. Pl. Neut.
Nom (ο) παρών (η) παρούσα (το) παρόν (οι) παρόντες (οι) παρούσες (τα) παρόντα
Gen (του) παρόντος (της) παρούσης (του) παρόντος (των) παρόντων (των) παρουσών (των) παρόντων
Acc (τον) παρόντα (την) παρούσα (το) παρόν (τους) παρόντες (τις) παρούσες (τα) παρόντα

!Keep in mind that these adjectives are considered to be participles, and derive from verbs.

Pronouns relative #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Greek Relative Pronouns

As relative elements (αναφορικά στοιχεία) you can use:
(1) Τhe pronoun ο οποίος, η οποία, το οποίο.
(2) The conjunction που (does not decline.)
A Greek relative pronoun (αναφορική αντωνυμία) agrees with the number and gender of its antecedent, that is, with the noun to which it refers.

! In English, the relative pronoun is gender indefinite.

How to use: form of the article (ο,η,το) + form of the pronoun οποίος, οποία, οποίο.

!Remember! This pronoun is not the interrogative pronoun, which is used in a question. Rather, the relative pronoun is usually translated as the first word of a dependent clause called a relative clause.

!Remember! A clause has a subject and verb, like a sentence, but a dependent clause cannot function by itself as a sentence, because the completion of its thought depends on the rest of the sentence. And this also means the main subject and main verb of the sentence will never be found in the relative clause.

Singular

Case Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative ο οποίος η οποία το οποίο
Genitive του οποίου της οποίας του οποίου
Accusative τον οποίο(ν) την οποία(ν) το οποίο

Plural

Case Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative οι οποίοι οι οποίες τα οποία
Genitive των οποίων των οποίων των οποίων
Accusative τους οποίους τις οποίες τα οποία

In English

Singular

Case Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative who who which
Genitive of whom/whose of whom/whose of which
Accusative whom whom which

Plural

Case Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative who who which
Genitive of whom/whose of whom/whose of which
Accusative whom whom which

(2) The conjunction που , translated as that, can be used instead of the relative pronouns ο οποίος, η οποία, ο οποίο, in all cases (not recommended in genitive).

e.g. Are you thinking of the girl that you saw yesterday?

Σκέφτεσαι το κορίτσι το οποίο είδες χθες; / Σκέφτεσαι το κορίτσι που είδες χθες;

e.g. Ι have the pencil that you gave me.

Έχω το μολύβι το οποίο μου έδωσες. / Έχω το μολύβι που μου έδωσες.

e.g. Τhis is the boy whose father is a doctor.

Αυτό είναι το αγόρι του οποίου ο πατέρας είναι γιατρός. / Αυτό είναι το αγόρι που ο πατέρας του είναι γιατρός. (possessive του is needed).

Verbs: Phrasal Future Tense #4 · 2018-10-25 ^

PHRASAL FUTURE

This is the Greek form comparable to the English;
I am going to help the child.
Πρόκειται να βοηθήσω το παιδί.

Αnother common translation is: I’m about to help the child.

Note:
These usually imply the immediate Future.
Very often the time is stated: I’m going to be there at nine o’clock. Πρόκειται να είμαι εκεί στις εννέα.
It denotes an action which we consider definite. E.g. We’ve planned it or we have tickets for a journey etc.

For verbs of action it could simply be: I’m leaving.

The form is very similar to the Future Simple but uses the phrase:

πρόκειται να … before the verb.

Here is a common verb to get you started:

πρόκειται να δω…………..I’m going to see.

πρόκειται να δεις………… You are going to see.

πρόκειται να δει…………..He/She/It is going to see.

πρόκειται να δούμε……….We’re going to see.

πρόκειται να δείτε…………You’re going to see.

πρόκειται να δουν………….They’re going to see.

Adjectives-comparison #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

Adjective Comparison Degrees

Adjectives have three degrees of comparison: Positive (Θετικός), Comparative (Συγκριτικός) and Superlative (Υπερθετικός).

The Positive degree (Θετικός βαθμός) is the base form of the adjective, that simply expresses a quality.

The Comparative degree (Συγκριτικός βαθμός) is used to express a higher degree of some quality. It is formed

  • in one word, with the adjective stem + the comparative suffix -τερος (m.), -τερη (fem.), -τερο (neut.)*,

e.g. όμορφος -> ομορφό-τερος=more beautiful, ψηλός -> ψηλό-τερος=taller, βαθύς -> βαθύ-τερος=deeper

  • in more than one word, with πιο (more) + adjective

e.g. όμορφος -> πιο όμορφος=more beautiful, ψηλός -> πιο ψηλός=taller, βαθύς-> πιο βαθύς=deeper

*Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες have the superlative suffix -έστερος, -έστερη, -έστερο.

e.g. δημοφιλής -> δημοφιλέστερος=more popular, σαφής -> σαφέστερος=more clear

In Greek, there are two kinds of superlative degrees.

The Relative Superlative (Σχετικός Υπερθετικός), is used to express that a noun has the highest degree of some quality (than every other similar object). It is formed

  • in one word, with the definite article ο/η/το (the) + the comparative form of the adjective

e.g. όμορφος -> ο ομορφότερος=the most beautiful, μικρός -> ο μικρότερος=the smallest, μακρύς -> ο μακρύτερος=the longest

  • in more than one word, with the definite article ο/η/το + πιο (the most) + adjective

e.g. όμορφος -> ο πιο όμορφος=the most beautiful, μικρός -> ο πιο μικρός=the smallest, μακρύς -> ο πιο μακρύς=the longest

The Absolute Superlative (Απόλυτος Υπερθετικός) is used to declare that the noun has a higher degree of some quality (without comparing to everything else). It is formed

  • in one word, with the adjective stem + the superlative suffix -τατος (m,), -τατη (fem.), -τατο (neut.)*,

e.g. ταχύς -> ταχύτατος=very fast, νέος -> νεότατος=very young, ωραίος -> ωραιότατος=very nice

  • in more than one word, with πολύ (very) + adjective.

e.g. μεγάλος -> πολύ μεγάλος=very big, νέος -> πολύ νέος=very young, βαθύς -> πολύ βαθύς= very deep

*Adjectives ending in -ης, -ης, -ες have the superlative suffix -έστατος, -έστατη, -έστατο.

e.g. δημοφιλής -> δημοφιλέστατος=very popular, σαφής -> σαφέστατος=very clear, προφανής ->προφανέστατος=very obvious

Irregular Adjective Forms

Θετικός (Positive) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Σχετ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Σχετ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Απολ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Απολ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative)
Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά
απλός απλούστερος πιο απλός ο απλούστερος ο πιο απλός απλούστατος πολύ απλός
καλός καλύτερος πιο καλός ο καλύτερος ο πιο καλός κάλλιστος/άριστος πολύ καλός
κακός χειρότερος πιο κακός ο χειρότερος ο πιο κακός κάκιστος/χείριστος πολύ κακός
κοντός κοντύτερος πιο κοντός ο κοντύτερος ο πιο κοντός κοντότατος πολύ κοντός
λίγος λιγότερος x ο λιγότερος ο πιο λίγος ελάχιστος πολύ λίγος
πολύς περισσότερος πιο πολύς ο περισσότερος ο πιο πολύς πλείστος πάρα πολύς
μακρύς μακρύτερος πιο μακρύς ο μακρύτερος ο πιο μακρύς μακρύτατος πολύ μακρύς
μικρός μικρότερος πιο μικρός ο μικρότερος ο πιο μικρός ελάχιστος πολύ μικρός
μεγάλος μεγαλύτερος πιο μεγάλος ο μεγαλύτερος ο πιο μεγάλος μέγιστος πολύ μεγάλος
πρώτος πρωτύτερος x ο πρωτύτερος x πρώτιστος x

Other Adjective Forms

Θετικός (Positive) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Σχετ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Απολ. Υπερθετικός (Superlative)
άνω ανώτερος ο ανώτερος ανώτατος
κάτω κατώτερος ο κατώτερος κατώτατος
άπω απώτερος ο απώτερος απώτατος
ένδον ενδότερος ο ενδότερος ενδότατος
έξω εξώτερος ο εξώτερος x
πλησίον πλησιέστερος ο πλησιέστερος πλησιέστατος
προτιμώ προτιμότερος ο προτιμότερος x
υπέρ υπέρτερος ο υπέρτερος υπέρτατος
προ πρότερος ο πρότερος x

Adjectives that DON’T have Comparative or Superlative forms:

  • Adjectives ending in -ής, -ιά, -ί (e.g. πορτοκαλής, πορτοκαλιά, πορτοκαλί)

  • Adjectives of matter (e.g. χρυσός, μάλλινος)

  • Adjectives of origin (e.g. αγγλικός, ελληνικός)

  • Αdjectives of relation (e.g. αδερφικός, πατρικός)

  • Adjectives of place (e.g. παραθαλάσσιος, ορεινός)

  • Adjectives of time (e.g φετινός, χθεσινός)

  • Αdjectives that describe a permanent situation (e.g. μισός, νεκρός)

Past Simple Passive #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Αόριστος (Past Simple)

Used for actions that happened at a specific moment in the past.

Forming rules:

  • Verbs that end in –νoμαι form P.S. in –θηκα (πληρώνω-πληρώθηκα)

  • Verbs that end in –φομαι, —βομαι, form P.S. in –φτηκα or -πηκα (βάφομαι-βάφτηκα, κόβομαι-κόπηκα)

  • Verbs that end in –ζομαι, form P.S in –χτηκα or –στηκα (κοιτάζομαι-κοιτάχτηκα, αγοράζομαι-αγοράστηκα)

  • Verbs that end in —ιέμαι, —άμαι, —ούμαι form P.S. in –ήθηκα οr -έθηκα (αγαπιέμαι–αγαπήθηκα, προηγούμαι-προηγήθηκα, βαριέμαι-βαρέθηκα)

  • Verbs that end in –εύομαι P.S in –εύτηκα (ερωτεύομαι-ερωτεύτηκα)

The verb πληρώνομαι (I get paid)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) πληρώνομαι (εγώ)πληρώθηκα
(εσύ) πληρώνεσαι (εσύ) πληρώθηκες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) πληρώνεται (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) πληρώθηκε
(εμείς) πληρωνόμαστε (εμείς) πληρωθήκαμε
(εσείς) πληρώνεστε (εσείς) πληρωθήκατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) πληρώνονται (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) πληρώθηκαν

The verb κρύβομαι (I hide)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) κρύβομαι (εγώ) κρύφτηκα
(εσύ) κρύβεσαι (εσύ) κρύφτηκες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κρύβεται (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κρύφτηκε
(εμείς) κρυβόμαστε (εμείς) κρυφτήκαμε
(εσείς) κρύβεστε (εσείς) κρυφτήκατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κρύβονται (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κρύφτηκαν

The verb κινούμαι (I move)

Ενεστώτας Αόριστος
(εγώ) κινούμαι (εγώ) κινήθηκα
(εσύ) κινείσαι (εσύ) κινήθηκες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κινείται (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κινήθηκε
(εμείς) κινούμαστε (εμείς) κινηθήκαμε
(εσείς) κινείστε (εσείς) κινηθήκατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κινούνται (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κινήθηκαν

Usage examples:

Κοιμηθήκαμε νωρίς χθες βράδυ. — We slept early last night.

Δεν πληρώθηκα τον προηγούμενο μήνα. — I didn’t get paid last month.

Το κουνέλι κρύφτηκε κάτω από το τραπέζι. — The rabbit hid under the table.

Το μήνυμά σας δε στάλθηκε. — Your message wasn’t sent.

Μοιράστηκε το φαγητό με τη φίλη της. — She shared the food with her friend.

Participles Passive #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Past Participles of Passive Voice

Past Participles (Παθητικές Μετοχές):

-Are forms of passive verbs that decline

-Have an adjectival function

-Are declined like the adjectives ending in -ος, -η, -ο

-Are formed by the past stem of the verb and the endings -μένος, -μένη, -μένο.

Forming the Past Participle

-Find the past stem of the verb.

-Omit the last consonant(s) of the stem and add the appropriate ending.

Verbs with the past stem ending:

-in , form the participle in -μένος, -μένη, -μένο

ντύνομαι -> ντύθ-ηκα -> ντυμένος

πλένομαι -> πλύθ-ηκα -> πλυμένος

-in -αθ, form the participle in -αμένος, -αμένη, -αμένο

τρελαίνομαι -> τρελάθ-ηκα -> τρελαμένος

σιχαίνομαι -> σιχάθ-ηκα -> σιχαμένος

-in -ηθ, form the participle in -ημένος, -ημένη, -ημένο

στήνομαι -> στήθ-ηκα -> στημένος

αυξάνομαι -> αυξήθ-ηκα -> αυξημένος

-in -στ, form the participle in -σμένος, -σμένη, -σμένο

λούζομαι -> λούστ-ηκα -> λουσμένος

πιάνομαι -> πιάστ-ηκα -> πιασμένος

-in -φτ (or φθ), form the participle in -μμένος, -μμένη, -μμένο

γράφομαι -> γράφτ-ηκα -> γραμμένος

κρύβομαι -> κρύφτ-ηκα -> κρυμμένος

-in -χτ (or χθ), form the participle in -γμένος, -γμένη, -γμένο
μπλέκομαι -> μπλέχτ-ηκα -> μπλεγμένος

ανοίγομαι -> ανοίχτ-ηκα -> ανοιγμένος

-in -αυτ, or -ευτ/ευθ, form the participle in -αυμένος, -αυμένη, -αυμένο/-αμένος, -αμένη -αμένο, or -ευμένος, -ευμένη, -ευμένο/-εμένος, -εμένη, -εμένο

ονειρεύομαι -> ονευρεύτ-ηκα -> ονειρεμένος

δεσμεύομαι -> δεσμεύτ-ηκα -> δεσμευμένος

αναπαύομαι -> αναπαύτ*-ηκα -> αναπαυμένος**

-in -νθ, usually form the participle in -υσμένος -υσμένη, -υσμένο

μολύνομαι -> μολύνθ-ηκα -> μολυσμένος

απομακρύνομαι -> απομακρύ*νθ-ηκα -> απομακρυσμένος

!Exceptions: επιβαρύνομαι-> επιβαρύνθ-ηκα ->επιβαρημένος

αποθαρρύνομαι -> αποθαρύνθ-ηκα ->αποθαρρημένος

!When the stem of a literary verb starts with β, γ, δ, κ, λ, μ, ν, π, σ, or τ, the participle is formed by adding an extra syllable as a prefix, that consists of the consonant and the vowel ε.

Verb Participle Verb Participle
αποδεικνύομαι αποδεδειγμένος κλίνω κεκλιμένος
μονώνομαι μεμονωμένος παρατείνομαι παρατεταμένος
βιάζομαι βεβιασμένος δίδομαι δεδομένος
διαδίδομαι διαδεδομένος διακρίνομαι διακεκριμένος
εγγράφομαι εγγεγραμμένος εγκαταλείπω εγκαταλελειμμένος
εγκρίνω εγκεκριμένος εκτείνομαι εκτεταμένος
πείθομαι πεπεισμένος πιέζομαι πεπιεσμένος
περιβάλλομαι περιβεβλημένος προδιαγράφομαι προδιαγεγραμμένος
προσβάλλομαι προσβεβλημένος προσκαλούμαι προσκεκλημένος
προτείνομαι προτεταμένος συγκρίνομαι συγκεκριμένος
συνδέομαι συνδεδεμένος συντρίβομαι συντετριμμένος
τείνω τεταμένος τελώ τετελεσμένος

!When the stem of the verb starts with θ, φ, or χ, the participle is formed by adding an extra syllable as a prefix, that consists of the consonants τ, π or κ respectively, and the vowel ε.

διαθέτω -> διατείθεμαι -> διατεθειμένος

εκθέτω ->εκτείθεμαι -> εκτεθειμένος

θωρακίζω -> θωρακίζομαι -> τεθωρακισμένος

φωτίζω -> φωτίζομαι -> πεφωτισμένος

συγχέω -> συγχέομαι -> συγκεχυμένος

!When the stem of the verb starts with α, αι, or ε, the participle is formed by replacing that vowel with η.

!Verbs with active stems that do form a past participle:

Verb Participle
μεθώ μεθυσμένος
ακουμπάω ακουμπισμένος
διψάω διψασμένος
πεινάω πεινασμένος
δυστυχώ δυστυχισμένος
ευτυχώ ευτυχισμένος
ανθίζω ανθισμένος
θυμώνω θυμωμένος
ταξιδεύω ταξιδεμένος
αρρωσταίνω αρρωστημένος
γερνάω γερασμένος
αγανακτώ αγανακτισμένος

Adverbs Comparison #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Adverb Comparison Degrees

Adverbs, just like adjectives, have three degrees of comparison: Positive (Θετικός), Comparative (Συγκριτικός) and Superlative (Υπερθετικός).

There are two ways to form the Comparative and the Superlative: in one word, (μονολεκτικά) and in more than one word (περιφραστικά).

To form the Comparative degree:

  • in one word, the comparative suffix* is added.

όμορφ -> ομορφότερ

ακριβ -> ακριβότερ-α

  • in more than one word, the adverb is preceded by πιο.

όμορφ -> πιο όμορφα

ακριβ -> πιο ακριβά

To form the Superlative degree:

  • in one word, the superlative suffix* is added.

βαθιά -> βαθύτατα

ακριβώς -> ακριβ-έστατα

  • in more than one word, the adverb is preceded by πολύ.

βαθιά -> πολύ βαθιά

χαμηλά -> πολύ χαμηλά

*About the suffixes:

Adverbs derived from adjectives ending in -ος, end in -α (e.g. φθηνός-φθηνά, ψηλός-ψηλά).

Adverbs derived from adjectives ending in -ύς, end in -ιά (e.g βαθύς-βαθιά, μακρύς-μακριά)

These adverbs have the comparative ending -τερα and the superlative ending -τατα.

Adverbs that derive from adjectives ending in -ης, end in -ώς (e.g. ακριβής-ακριβώς, σαφής-σαφώς)

These adverbs have the comparative ending -έστερα and the superlative ending -έστατα.

Regular Adverb Forms

Θετικός (Positive) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Υπερθετικός (Superlative)
Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά
ακριβά ακριβότερα πιο ακριβά x πολύ ακριβά
καλά καλύτερα πιο καλά άριστα πολύ καλά
ψηλά ψηλότερα πιο ψηλά x πολύ ψηλά
χαμηλά χαμηλότερα πιο χαμηλά x πολύ χαμηλά
βαθιά βαθύτερα πιο βαθιά βαθύτατα πολύ βαθιά
επιεικώς επιεικέστερα πιο επιεικώς x πολύ επιεικώς
απλά απλούστερα πιο απλά απλούστατα πολύ απλά

Irregular Adverb Forms

Θετικός (Positive) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Συγκριτικός (Comparative) Υπερθετικός (Superlative) Υπερθετικός (Superlative)
Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά Μονολεκτικά Περιφραστικά
νωρίς νωρίτερα πιο νωρίς x πολύ νωρίς
πρώτα πρωτύτερα x πρώτιστα/πρωτίστως x
λίγο λιγότερο πιο λίγο ελάχιστα πολύ λίγο
πολύ περισσότερο πιο πολύ x το πιο πολύ
γρήγορα γρηγορότερα πιο γρήγορα πολύ γρήγορα το γρηγορότερο

Past Continuous #4 · 2022-05-18 ^

Παρατατικός (Past Continuous)

Used for actions that happened continuously/constantly/repeatedly in the past.

Formation rules:

  • Verbs that end in –ώνω form P.C. in –ωνα (μεγαλώνω-μεγάλωνα)

  • Verbs that end in –φω, -βω, -πτω form P.C. in –φα, -βα, or –πτα (γράφω-έγραφα)

  • Verbs that end in –άζω form P.C. in -ζα (διαβάζω-διάβαζα)

  • Verbs that end in –αίνω form P.C. in –αινα or -υνα (παχαίνω-πάχαινα)

  • Verbs that end in –εύω form P.C. in –ευα (μαγειρεύω-μαγείρευα)

  • Verbs that end in –ίζω form P.C. in –ιζα (σκουπίζω-σκούπιζα)

  • Verbs that are oxytone form P.C. in –ούσα ή -αγα (ρωτάω/ρωτώ-ρωτούσα/ρώταγα)

!Remember! One-syllable and two-syllable verbs need an extra syllable (ε). The extra ε is always accented.

Παίζω — έ-παιζα, παίρνω – έ-παιρνα, δίνω – έ-δινα, πίνω – έ-πινα, λέω – έ-λεγα, γράφω – έ-γραφα

The verb τρώω (I eat)

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός
(εγώ) τρώω (εγώ) έτρωγα
(εσύ) τρως (εσύ) έτρωγες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) τρώει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έτρωγε
(εμείς) τρώμε (εμείς) τρώγαμε
(εσείς) τρώτε (εσείς) τρώγατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) τρώνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) έτρωγαν

The verb μιλάω (I speak)

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός
(εγώ) μιλάω (εγώ) μιλούσα
(εσύ) μιλάς (εσύ) μιλούσες
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) μιλά/μιλάει (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) μιλούσε
(εμείς) μιλάμε (εμείς) μιλούσαμε
(εσείς) μιλάτε (εσείς) μιλούσατε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) μιλούν/μιλάνε (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) μιλούσανε/μιλούσαν

Usage Examples:

Σε ποιον μιλούσε; — Who was he/she talking to?

Λοιπόν, τι έλεγα; — Well/So, what was I saying?

Διαβάζα όλη μέρα χθες. — I was studying all day yesterday.

Βλέπαμε τηλεόραση καθώς τρώγαμε. — We were watching television while we were eating.

Έτρεχαν όσο πιο γρήγορα μπορούσαν! — They were running as fast as they could!

Όταν σε πήρα τηλέφωνο, έπαιζες με την αδερφή σου. — When I called you, you were playing with your sister.

Nature #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Nature

The word for nature in Greek is η φύση. As in English it is used not only for the natural world (landscapes, the moon, the stars etc) but also for characteristics of people and objects.

Also, note that the definite article η usually accompanies the word φύση whereas we do not use it in English except for phrases:

Some examples:

English Greek
He loves nature very much. Του αρέσει πάρα πολύ η φύση.
The forces of nature. Οι δυνάμεις της φύσης.
It is human nature. Είναι στην ανθρώπινη φύση.
Still life (art) vεκρή φύση
Unnatural αφύσικος *
Wild life άγρια φύση
Law of nature νόμος της φύσης
Mother nature Mητέρα φύση

*(“α” used as a prefix is similar to English “un”)

Some other vocabulary:

Η Γη—>the earth

Ο ήλιος—>the sun

Το έδαφος —>the soil

Η κοιλάδα —>the valley

Το ρυάκι —>the creek

Η ύπαιθρος —> the outdoors

For a small taste of Ancient Greek:

οἶνοψ πόντος
Oînops póntos
«Wine dark sea»

Education #6 · 2022-05-18 ^

Primary and Secondary Education in Greece and Cyprus

Ο δάσκαλος and η δασκάλα are the male and female teachers of the Elementary/Primary school, called δημοτικό in Greek. Students call their teachers by their first name but with the honorific Κυρία (=Mrs) or Κύριος (=Mr) . Unmarried female teachers can be also called Δεσποινίς (Miss). The δημοτικό usually finishes at 12 or 1 pm but some students stay later at the ολοήμερο (=full day school). Here they have μεσημεριανό (=lunch) and do their homework (διαβάζουν).

After the δημοτικό, students go to the γυμνάσιο
(= junior high/middle school) for 3 years (not to be confused with γυμναστήριο which is a gym or gymnasium in English). At the age of 15, students choose between γενικό λύκειο (=general high school) and τεχνικό λύκειο (=technical high school). Here they are taught by: ο καθηγητής or η καθηγήτρια.

Higher Education

Upon completion of the λύκειο (=high school), most of them continue on to τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση (=higher education). Here the teachers have the same titles as in secondary education ο καθηγητής or η καθηγήτρια. (=professors) .

There are three categories of higher education: 1) δημόσια/ιδιωτικά πανεπιστήμια (=public/private universities),

2) τεχνολογικά ινστιτούτα or simpler ΤΕΙ (=technological institutes)

3) ιδιωτικές σχολές (=private schools for higher education).

Students δίνουν εξετάσεις (=take exams) and get reports έλεγχοι each εξάμηνο (=semester).

When students take exams, there is a wish at the bottom of the sheet, reading Καλή επιτυχία (=Good luck). We wish you Καλή επιτυχία’ for this skill too ;)

Imperative Passive #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

Past Imperative

Past Imperative expresses non-continuation. The action is not ongoing, or the speaker is not interested in its duration.

Formation

The Past Imperative is formed by:

  • The stem of the verb it its Simple Past form, omitting the last consonant(s) of the stem.

  • The endings
    -σου/-θείτε οr -στείτε (if the omitted consonants are -θ or -στ),
    -ξου/-χτείτε (if the omitted consonants are -χτ),
    -ψου/-φτείτε or -υτείτε, (if the omitted consonants are -φτ or -υτ)

Formation Examples:

For the verb κοιμάμαι: κοιμή-σου, κοιμη-θείτε -> κοιμήσου, κοιμηθείτε

For the verb ξεκουράζομαι: ξεκουρά-σου, ξεκουρα-στείτε -> ξεκουράσου, ξεκουραστείτε

For the verb κοιτάζομαι: κοιτά-ξου, κοιτα-χείτε -> κοιτάξου, κοιταχτείτε

For the verb κρύβομαι: κρύ-ψου, κρυ-φτείτε -> κρύψου, κρυφτείτε

For the verb εκπαιδεύομαι: εκπαιδεύ-σου, εκπαιδευ-τείτε -> εκπαιδεύσου, εκπαιδευτείτε

Usage Examples:

Κοιμήσου νωρίς σήμερα! — Sleep early tonight!

Ξεκουραστείτε αυτό το Σαββατοκύριακο! — Rest/Get some rest this weekend!

Κοιταχτείτε στον καθρέφτη. — Look at yourselves in the mirror.

Γρήγορα, κρύψου πίσω από την πόρτα! — Quickly, hide behind the door!

Eμπιστευτείτε με. — Trust me.

Past Continuous Passive #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Παρατατικός (Past Continuous)

Used for actions that happened continuously/constantly/repeatedly in the past.

Formation rules:

  • Verbs that end in –εύομαι form P.C. in –ευόμουν (ονειρεύομαι-ονειρευόμουν)

  • Verbs that end in –φομαι, -βομαι, -ζομαι, -νομαι, -γομαι, -χομαι form P.C. in –φόμουν, -βόμουν, -ζόμουν, -νόμουν, -γομουν -χόμουν
    (βάφομαι-βαφόμουν, φοβάμαι-φοβόμουν, φαντάζομαι-φανταζόμουν, γίνομαι-γινόμουν, ακούγομαι-ακουγόμουν, έρχομαι-ερχόμουν)

  • Verbs that end in –ιέμαι form P.C. in -ιόμουν (βαριέμαι-βαριόμουν)

  • Verbs that end in –άμαι form P.C. in –όμουν (κοιμάμαι-κοιμόμουν)

  • Verbs that end in –ούμαι form P.C. in –ούμουν (κινούμαι-κινούμουν)

The verb έρχομαι (I come)

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός
(εγώ) έρχομαι (εγώ) ερχόμουν(α)
(εσύ) έρχεσαι (εσύ) ερχόσουν(α)
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έρχεται (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) ερχόταν(ε)
(εμείς) ερχόμαστε (εμείς) ερχόμασταν
(εσείς) έρχεστε (εσείς) ερχόσασταν
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) έρχονται (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) έρχονταν

The verb κοιμάμαι (I sleep)

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός
(εγώ) κοιμάμαι (εγώ) κοιμόμουν(α)
(εσύ) κοιμάσαι (εσύ) κοιμόσουν(α)
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κοιμάται (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κοιμόταν(ε)
(εμείς) κοιμόμαστε (εμείς) κοιμόμασταν
(εσείς) κοιμάστε (εσείς) κοιμόσασταν
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοιμούνται (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοιμούνταν

The verb κινούμαι (I move)

Ενεστώτας Παρατατικός
(εγώ) κινούμαι (εγώ) κινούμουν
(εσύ) κινείσαι (εσύ) κινούσουν
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κινείται (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) κινούταν
(εμείς) κινούμαστε (εμείς) κοινούμασταν
(εσείς) κινείστε (εσείς) κοινούσασταν
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοινούνται (αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) κοινούνταν

Usage Examples:

Όταν με πήρες τηλέφωνο, κοιμόμουν. — When you called me, I was sleeping.

Όταν ήταν μικρή, φοβόταν το σκοτάδι. — When she was young, she was afraid of the dark.

Πού κρυβόσουν; — Where were you hiding?

Ονειρευόμασταν με τα μάτια μας ανοιχτά. — We were dreaming with our eyes open.

Δεν ξέρω τι σκεφτόμουν. — Ι don’t know what I was thinking.

! Some greek passive verbs in Past Continuous translate to Past Simple in English.

Δε θυμόμουν αυτή την λεπτομέρεια. — I didn’t remember than detail.

Δε φανταζόμουν πως θα ήταν έτσι. — I didn’t imagine it would be like this.

Δε φαινόταν κουρασμένος — He didn’t seem tired.

Subjunctive Passive #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

The Subjunctive Mood

In general

The subjunctive mood (Υποτακτική) presents the action or the event as something wanted or expected.

  • It indicates what the subject of the verb wants, can, may, must do or is expecting to do.

  • It is often used after verbs like θέλω (want), μπορώ (can, may), πρέπει (must), ελπίζω (hope), σκέφτομαι (think of), εύχομαι (wish) etc. .

  • It can be Present (Υποτακτική Ενεστώτα), Past (Υποτακτική Αορίστου) or Present Perfect (Υποτακτική Παρακειμένου).

  • It is preceded by the particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άμα, ας, μη(ν), etc.

  • It is used to show continuation (Ρresent Subjunctive) or non-continuation (Past Subjunctive) of the action and not the time aspect (present, past, future).

Present Subjunctive

The subjunctive of Simple Present (Υποτακτική Ενεστώτα) shows continuation or repetition. The action expressed by the verb is ongoing or repeated.
It declares urgency, an order or a prohibition*

*An order or a prohibition with the particle μη(ν) (also known as prohibitive/imperative subjunctive) .

Formation

The Present Subjunctive is formed with:

  • The verb (active or passive) in the Simple Present form

  • The particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άµα, ας … etc. before the verb or

  • The particle μη(ν), for prohibitive usage.

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Υποτ. Ενεστώτα Ενεστώτας Υποτ. Ενεστώτα
εγώ κοιμάμαι να κοιμάμαι σκέφτομαι να σκέφτομαι
εσύ κοιμάσαι να κοιμάσαι σκέφτεσαι να σκέφτεσαι
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό κοιμάται να κοιμάται σκέφτεται να σκέφτεται
εμείς κοιμόμαστε να κοιμόμαστε σκεφτόμαστε να σκεφτόμαστε
εσείς κοιμάστε να κοιμάστε σκέφτεστε να σκέφτεστε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά κοιμούνται να κοιμούνται σκέφτονται να σκέφτονται

Usage Examples:

Πρέπει να σηκώνομαι νωρίς το πρωί — I have to get up early in the morning.

Μην σκέφτεσαι τόσο αρνητικά. — Don’t think so negatively.

Πώς μπορείτε να τον εμπιστεύεστε; — How can you trust him?

Δεν θέλουμε να καθόμαστε ακίνητοι — We don’t want to stand still.

Αν θυμάμαι καλά, τα έβαλα μέσα στο συρτάρι. — If I remember correctly, Ι put them in the drawer.

Past Subjunctive

The subjunctive of the Simple Past (Υποτακτική Αορίστου) expresses non-continuation. Τhe action expressed by the verb is not ongoing or the speaker is not interested in the duration of the action.

Formation

The Past Subjunctive (for passive verbs) is formed with:

  • The stem of the passive verb in the Simple Past form

  • The endings -ώ/ω, -είς/εις, -εί/ει, -ούμε/ουμε, -είτε/ειτε, -ούν/ουν after the stem of the verb

  • The particles να, για να, όταν, πριν, αν, άµα, ας … etc. before the verb or

  • The particle μη(ν), for prohibitive usage.

Formation Example:

For the verb κοιμάμαι (sleep): να + κοιμηθ- + -ώ -> να κοιμηθώ

For the verb σκέφτομαι (think): να + σκεφτ- + -είς -> να σκεφτείς

Πρόσωπο Αόριστος Υποτ. Αορίστου Αόριστος Υποτ. Αορίστου
εγώ κοιμήθηκα να κοιμηθώ σκέφτηκα να σκεφτώ
εσύ κοιμήθηκες να κοιμηθείς σκέφτηκες να σκεφτείς
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό κοιμήθηκε να κοιμηθεί σκέφτηκε να σκεφτεί
εμείς κοιμηθήκαμε να κοιμηθούμε σκεφτήκαμε να σκεφτούμε
εσείς κοιμηθήκατε να κοιμηθείτε σκεφτήκατε να σκεφτείτε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά κοιμήθηκαν να κοιμηθούν σκέφτηκαν να σκεφτούν

Usage Examples:

Θέλω να κοιμηθώ νωρίς απόψε. — I want to sleep early tonight.

Μπορείτε να καθίσετε τώρα. — You can sit now.

Πρέπει να το σκεφτείς — You have to think about it.

Αν θυμηθεί κάτι, θα μου τηλεφωνήσει — If he remembers something, he will call me.

Ελπίζω να μην χαθούν οι αποσκευές μου! — I hope that my luggage doesn’t get lost!

Verbs: Conditional Perfect #3 · 2018-10-25 ^

Θα+imperfect results in «would».

I would like=Θα ήθελα,
You would do it=Θα το έκανες,
He would love it!=Θα το λάτρευε!,
If the day was good, we would run=Εάν η ημέρα ήταν καλή,θα τρέχαμε etc etc.
Θα μπορούσες να με βοηθήσεις;=Could you help me?

We use Θα+imperfect to form the polite request with «would» or the present conditional that has the same uses as in English.
So, Θα ήθελα μία κούπα τσάι=I would like a cup of tea (now)
Εάν είχα κουραστεί, θα ήθελα μία κούπα τσάι=If I were tired, I would like a cup of tea. (conditional)

Θα + imperfect is not the same as using the future continuous!
Μετά το διάβασμα, θα θελήσω μία κούπα τσάι=After reading, I will want a cup of tea (I know beforehand that after reading I will definitely want a cup of tea)

Future Simple (Active) #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας (Simple Future)

Used for an action or event that will take place in the future, with no interest in its duration.

Formation:

The Simple Future (Στιγμιαίος/Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας) is formed by:

  • The particle θα (will, shall)

  • The verb in its Past Subjunctive * form

*To see how verbs are formed in Past Subjunctive, check the Tips and Notes for Past Subjunctive. Simple Future and Past Subjunctive DO NOT have the same usage, just the same verb forms (with different particles).

The verb γράφω (I write)

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Στ. Μέλλοντας
εγώ γράφω θα γράψω
εσύ γράφεις θα γράψεις
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό γράφει θα γράψει
εμείς γράψουμε θα γράψουμε
εσείς γράφετε θα γράψετε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά γραφουν θα γράψουν

The verb βλέπω (I see)

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Στ. Μέλλοντας
εγώ βλέπω θα δω
εσύ βλέπεις θα δεις
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό βλέπει θα δει
εμείς βλέπουμε θα δούμε
εσείς βλέπετε θα δείτε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά βλέπουν θα δουν

Usage Examples:

Θα σε δω αύριο; — WillI see you tomorrow?

Θα γράψει ένα γράμμα στον πατέρα του. — He will write a letter to his father.

Δεν θα τους ξεχάσω ποτέ! — I will never forget them!

Πότε θα φύγουμε; — When will we leave?

Θα είμαι εκεί στις 11 το πρωί. — I’ll be there at 11 in the morning.

Θα πας στο σουπερμάρκετ; — Will you go to the supermarket?

Present Perfect (Active & Passive) #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Παρακείμενος (Present Perfect)

Present Perfect (Παρακείμενος) is the tense that connects the past with the present, used for:

  • an action or event completed in the past — the result of which is detectable in the present

  • an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past

  • an action repeated in the past

  • past experiences

Formation:

The Present Perfect (Παρακείμενος) is formed by:

  • the auxiliary verb έχω (have) in its present form

  • the infinitive of the past tense* of the verb ending in -ει.

*The infinitive used in Past Subjunctive.

The verb γράφω (I write)

Πρόσωπο Παρακείμενος
εγώ έχω διαβάσει
εσύ έχεις διαβάσει
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό έχει διαβάσει
εμείς έχουμε διαβάσει
εσείς έχετε διαβάσει
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά έχουν διαβάσει

The verb έρχομαι (I come)

Πρόσωπο Παρακείμενος
εγώ έχω έρθει
εσύ έχεις έρθει
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό έχει έρθει
εμείς έχουμε έρθει
εσείς έχετε έρθει
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά έχουν έρθει

Usage Examples:

Αυτό το ζευγάρι παπούτσια έχει ήδη αγοραστεί. — This pair of shoes has already been bought.

Έχω ήδη ξυπνήσει! — I have already woken up!

Το συνέδριο δεν έχει αρχίσει ακόμη. — The meeting hasn’t started yet.
Δεν έχω πάει ποτέ στη Γαλλία — I have never been to France.

Έχουμε πάει στην Αθήνα 3 φορές — We have been to Athens 6 times.

Έχεις φάει ποτέ παγωτό ανανά; — Have you ever eaten pineapple icecream?

Δεν έχει συμβεί τίποτα μέχρι τώρα — Nothing has happened until now.

Δεν έχω δει τη Μαρία εδώ και δύο μήνες. — I haven’t seen Mary for two months now.

Future Simple Passive #3 · 2022-05-18 ^

Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας (Simple Future)

Used for an action or event that will take place in the future, with no interest in its duration.

Formation:

The Simple Future (Στιγμιαίος/Συνοπτικός Μέλλοντας) is formed by:

  • The particle θα (will, shall)

  • The verb in its Past Subjunctive * form

*To see how verbs are formed in Past Subjunctive, check the Tips and Notes for Past Subjunctive. Simple Future and Past Subjunctive DO NOT have the same usage, just the same verb forms (with different particles).

The verb κοιμάμαι (I sleep)

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Στ. Μέλλοντας
εγώ κοιμάμαι θα κοιμηθώ
εσύ κοιμάσαι θα κοιμηθείς
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό κοιμάται θα κοιμηθεί
εμείς κοιμόμαστε θα κοιμηθούμε
εσείς κοιμάστε θα κοιμηθείτε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά κοιμούνται θα κοιμηθούν

The verb έρχομαι (I come)

Πρόσωπο Ενεστώτας Στ. Μέλλοντας
εγώ έρχομαι θα έρθω
εσύ έρχεσαι θα έρθεις
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό έρχεται θα έρθει
εμείς ερχόμαστε θα έρθουμε
εσείς έρχεστε θα έρθετε
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά έρχονται θα έρθουν

Usage Examples:

Θα έρθετε μαζί μας αύριο; — WillI you come with us tomorrow?

Θα κοιμηθώ νωρίς απόψε. — I will sleep early tonight.

Τα πράγματα θα γίνουν χειρότερα. — Things will get worse.

Δεν θα το χρειαστεί. — He/She won’t need it.

Θα σηκωθώ στις 7 το πρωί. — I’ll get up at 7 in the morning.

Μας είπαν πως θα το σκεφτούν. — They told us they will think about it.

Past Perfect (Active & Passive) #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Υπερσυντέλικος (Past Perfect)

Past Perfect (Υπερσυντέλικος) is used to describe an action or event that occurred in the past. The action described by the verb in Past Perfect was completed before another past action or a certain time.

Formation:

The Past Perfect (Υπερσυντέλικος) is formed by:

  • the auxiliary verb έχω (have) in its past form

  • the infinitive of the past tense* of the verb ending in -ει.

*The infinitive used in Past Subjunctive.

The verb γράφω (I write)

Πρόσωπο Υπερσυντέλικος
εγώ είχα διαβάσει
εσύ είχες διαβάσει
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό είχε διαβάσει
εμείς είχαμε διαβάσει
εσείς είχατε διαβάσει
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά είχαν διαβάσει

The verb έρχομαι (I come)

Πρόσωπο Υπερσυντέλικος
εγώ είχα έρθει
εσύ είχες έρθει
αυτός/αυτή/αυτό είχε έρθει
εμείς είχαμε έρθει
εσείς είχατε έρθει
αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά είχαν έρθει

Usage Examples:

Εκείνη την μέρα είχα φάει υπερβολικά πολύ. — That day I had eaten too much.

Είχε ήδη φύγει όταν πήγες σπίτι. — She had already left when you went home.

Όταν φτάσαμε στο χωριό, είχε ήδη ξεκινήσει να βρέχει. — When we arrived at the village, it had already started to rain.

Είχα ήδη τελειώσει την εργασία μου όταν με πήρες τηλέφωνο. — I had already finished my homework when you called me.

Είχα μείνει εκεί ως τις 11. — I had stayed there until 11’o clock.

Τα παιδιά είχαν κοιμηθεί πριν τις 9. — The children had slept before 9 o’clock.

Τον αναγνώρισα γιατί τον είχα δει στην τηλεόραση. — I recognized him because I’d seen him on TV.

Weather 2 #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Weather in Greek

Words and Useful Phrases

Greek English
βροχή rain
θερμοκρασία temperature
χιόνι snow
ζέστη heat
συννεφιά clouds
κρύο cold
άνεμος/αέρας wind
κλίμα climate
λιακάδα/ηλιοφάνεια sun
ξηρασία drought
χαλάζι hail
τυφώνας typhoon
αστραπή lightning
παγετός frost
καταιγίδα storm
καιρός weather
ψιχάλα drizzle
δελτίο (καιρού) (weather) forecast
ομίχλη fog
χιονοθύελλα blizzard
υγρασία humidity
αμμοθύελλα sandstorm
Greek English
Βρέχει. It’s raining.
Βρέχει καταρρακτωδώς. It’s pouring with rain.
Χιονίζει. It’s snowing.
Κάνει/Έχει ήλιο. It’s sunny.
Κάνει/Έχει κρύο. It’s cold.
Κάνει/Έχει ψοφόκρυο/παγωνιά. Ιt’s freezing cold.
Κάνει/Έχει ζέστη. It’s warm/hot.
Kάνει/Έχει καύσωνα. It’s baking hot.
Φυσάει/Έχει αέρα. It’s windy.
Ψιχαλίζει. It’s drizzling.
Βρέχει/Ρίχνει καρεκλοπόδαρα. It’s raining cats and dogs.
Συννεφιάζει/Έχει σύννεφα. It’s cloudy.

Verbs: Conditional #2 · 2022-05-18 ^

Θα+imperfect results in «would».

I would like=Θα ήθελα,
You would do it=Θα το έκανες,
He would love it!=Θα το λάτρευε!,
If the day was good, we would run=Εάν η ημέρα ήταν καλή,θα τρέχαμε etc etc.
Θα μπορούσες να με βοηθήσεις;=Could you help me?

We use Θα+imperfect to form the polite request with «would» or the present conditional that has the same uses as in English.
So, Θα ήθελα μία κούπα τσάι=I would like a cup of tea (now)
Εάν είχα κουραστεί, θα ήθελα μία κούπα τσάι=If I were tired, I would like a cup of tea. (conditional)

Θα + imperfect is not the same as using the future continuous!
Μετά το διάβασμα, θα θελήσω μία κούπα τσάι=After reading, I will want a cup of tea (I know beforehand that after reading I will definitely want a cup of tea)

Events #5 · 2022-05-18 ^

ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ (Chrónia pollá!) This means “Many happy returns of the day” or just «Many happy returns» and is used for «Happy Birthday», «Happy Nameday», «Happy New Year», etc, etc and can be used for most holidays.

Τhese are some National Holidays when Schools, banks, shops, and most businesses are closed.

Greek Holiday Translation
1 Ιανουαρίου: Πρωτοχρονιά January 1 New Year’s Day
6 Ιανουαρίου: Θεοφάνεια January 6 Epiphany
Καθαρά Δευτέρα Movable First Day of Lent (Clean Monday)
25 Μαρτίου Ημέρα Ανεξαρτησίας March 25 Independence Day
Μεγάλη Παρασκευή Holy Friday Movable
Μεγάλο Σάββατο Holy Saturday Movable
Πάσχα Movable Easter (Follows Julian Calendar)
Δευτέρα του Πάσχα Day after Easter
1 Μαΐου/ Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά May First/ Labor Day
Αγίου Πνεύματος (Κινητή Εορτή) Holy Spirit Movable
15 Αυγούστου August 15
28 Οκτωβρίου October 28 National Holiday about the famous No to the invasion of the Italians in WW2.
25 Δεκεμβρίου/Χριστούγεννα December 25 Christmas Day
26 Δεκεμβρίου December 26 Second Day of Christmas

How to wish something in Greek, in various circumstances. Here is a list of holidays with appropriate wishes in Greek:

How you wish something in Greek, in various circumstances

It should also be noted that some cities have a holiday on the Celebration of the Patron Saint of that city.

A Name day is the Holiday of the Saint whose name you bear. That means that you celebrate your name day and get gifts and treat friends and relatives to sweets etc. Sometimes this holiday is more important than your birthday.

Birthdays and Anniversaries are also celebrated.


94 skills with tips and notes

How about learning Basic Greek words so that you can converse with local Greek people? Many people who visit Greece want to learn some basic Greek phrases and words before their vacation. This article includes some useful Greek words that Greeks use on a daily basis.

Introduction To Basic Greek Words And Language

The Greek language is one of a kind. The alphabet dates back thousands of years, and many of the terms we use now were also used in Ancient Greece.

The Greek alphabet is difficult for most tourists to master. However, after you’ve memorized the Greek letters, you should be able to read simple Greek words and phrases.

This will come in handy when commuting around Greece and the Greek islands since you will be able to read any traffic signs that are exclusively in Greek.

Useful Greek Words And Their Pronunciation

According to the prominent Greek linguist Georgios Babiniotis, the Greek language has over 100,000 words and Greek phrases. 

As you can imagine, very few of those words are used on a daily basis. Here are some of them.

‘Neh’ is the Greek word for ‘Yes.’ When we answer the phone, we also use Neh.

greek masks

1. Yes – Neh – Ναι

Note: It’s worth noting that this precise word indicates ‘No’ in numerous other languages!

2. No – Óchi – Όχι

‘The Greek word for ‘No,’ chi’ or ‘hi,’ is a short word that many English speakers find difficult to pronounce. You can pronounce it as ‘oh-hee,’ with a hard ‘h’ sound.

3. Good Morning – Kaliméra – Καλημέρα

In Greece, ‘Kalimera’, in the basic Greek words list is one of the most commonly used terms. It is a compound word made up of the words kali, which means “excellent,” and imera, which means “day.”

‘Kaliméra,’ which literally translates to ‘good day,’ is commonly used when meeting someone for the first time throughout the day, or until late in the afternoon. It is perfectly OK to use it until 1-2 p.m.

4. Good Evening – Kalispéra – Καλησπέρα

In Greek, ‘Kalispéra’ means ‘happy evening.’ You can use it when you believe it is too late for ‘kaliméra,’ such as after 4-5 p.m.

Some people will convert to ‘kalispera’ just after lunchtime, which may seem a little severe given that it is not yet nightfall.

5. Goodnight – Kaliníhta – Καληνύχτα

‘Kalinchta’ is used to say goodnight to someone when you won’t see them again that evening.

It’s handy if you’re leaving a bar where you had dinner. If you stay in a hotel with a receptionist, you can say ‘kalinhta’ on your way back to your room.

6. Hello/Goodbye – Yiá, Yiássou, Yiássas – Γεια, Yεια σου, Yεια σας

If kaliméra, kalispéra, and kalinhta are too complicated, another customary greeting is yiássou, or yiássas. This basically means ‘to your health’ and can be used as both a greeting and a farewell.

7. Thank You – Efharistó – Ευχαριστώ

‘Efharistó’ is the first word that any courteous traveler will wish to learn, and it will make people smile. In fact, I’d argue that Greeks don’t say “thank you” as much as other people!

8. Please/You Are Welcome – Parakaló – Παρακαλώ

In contrast to ‘efharistó,’ the Greek word for ‘welcome’ is rather simple to pronounce: ‘pa-ra-ka-lo.’

We use the exact same word to say ‘please’ – not that you will hear this word all too often here!

10. Cheers – Yiá mas – Γεια μας

Assume you’ve ordered meals and beverages in a Greek taverna and it’s now time to raise your glasses and shout ‘cheers.’ That is referred to as ‘yiámas’ or ‘yiá mas’, which means ‘to our health’.

11. Water – Neró – Νερό

Given that Greece is a warm nation, at least in the summer, the word ‘water’ may be the most helpful Greek term you learn.

If you wish to buy a bottle of water, know the words’mikró’ (little) and’megálo’ (large).

Basic Greek Words Tourists Need to Know

The Greek language is difficult to learn and speak. When traveling anyplace in the globe, learning a few phrases like ‘hello,’ ‘please,’ and ‘thank you’ is always a kind gesture, and the Greeks appreciate the effort, no matter how excellent or awful the attempt. These are essential greek words.

General Rule Of Thumb: Greetings

Up until 12:00pm, you would say ‘kalimera’ (good morning), but from then on, ‘yia sas’ (hello) will be the usual greeting. From late afternoon through the end of the day, you will hear ‘kalispera’ (good afternoon/evening). You would say ‘kalinihta’ after leaving a restaurant or passing by the hotel reception desk on your way back to your room (good night). Related Post: Greek Travel Phrases

basic greek words to greet

Responses To Greetings

If you’ve put your best Greek phrases to the test, many Greeks may respond to your polite greeting with any of the following:

Kalo-so-ri-sateh – welcome (or we welcome you)

Kalo Vrathi – wishing you a pleasant evening

Kalo Xi-mero-ma – wishing you good dawn or daybreak (usually after you’ve said “good night”)

Greek Pronunciation Pointers

Pronouncing the letter “g” when we speak English is a tough one for those with English-speaking backgrounds. The “g” or gamma in Greek can be pronounced like a “y” as in yellow and also as a soft “g” which we don’t have an exact reference for in English.

In basic terms you pronounce the “y” when we speak English like “yellow” when it has an “I” or “E” after it; e.g. Giro is YEE-ROH.

You use a soft “g” when there is an “A” “O” or “U” after it. E.g. Gala (milk) is “GH-ALA”. Think of the CH in bach or the Loch Ness monster.

Listen for this soft “g” sound in the phonetic audio below in “SIG-NOMI” (sorry or excuse me).

Learning A New Language Like Greek Is Always Fun

I am a great believer that communicating with natives in a distant location in one’s original language is a rewarding experience. Aside from the enjoyment of learning a new language, conversing with people in their native tongue will endear you to them even more as a visitor.

Some languages are simple to learn, while others are difficult. Greek, in my opinion, falls in the middle of the range. That’s simply because the Greek alphabet is more distinct than the Spanish and French alphabets. However, with only these 30 fundamental words, you’ll be able to tour Greece like a true native! Related Article Link: Greek Travel Phrases: #1 Accurate Guide

What Are The Most Common Words And Greetings In Basic Greek?

1. YAH-Soo – Hello And Goodbye

Every interaction, of course, begins with a simple “hi”! in the local language, The Greek language is remarkable in that “hello” and “goodbye” are the same words. Yah-soo, like ciao in Spanish/Italian and annyeong in Korean, may be used as a welcome as well as a farewe2. Eff-kha-ri-STO – Thank you to speak greek.

2. Eff-Kha-Ri-STO – Thank You

A good traveller is one who is courteous and good at speaking Greek if one is traveling Greek. When you’re in Greece, you’ll probably hear the term Effkharisto a lot. So give yourself some additional time to perfect your speech! Fortunately, it’s pronounced the same way it’s spelt!

3. Para-Kah-LOE – Please/You’re Welcome

Another Greek term with two meanings! You’ll most usually use this term to express “please,” but it might also signify “I beg your pardon.

4. Neh – Yes; OH-Hee – No

As in “neh”, I would like to visit the Acropolis in Athens, but “Ohhee”, I do not want to walk all the way there in the summer heat! 

5. See-GHNO-Mee – Sorry/Excuse Me

Athens is frequently busy during the day, particularly in tourist areas. If you come across someone who is impeding your progress, use this to grab their attention and request passage. If you trod on their foot WHILE you’re passing by, apologies again.

6. Endáxi – Okay/All Right

That’s not to suggest the Greeks don’t grasp the word “Okay.” After all, that is an international term. However, if you want to sound more like a native, use this term instead!

7. The Main Question Words

Look at the questions enlisted.

Before you can learn how to form certain questions, pay attention to these important question words and memorize them! 

How To Ask For Directions In Greek?

1. Edó – Here; Eki – There 

When all else fails, just point and say these words! 

2. Pou Ine To – Where Is The…

As in, pou une to nearest McDonald’s restaurant? 

3. Pou Pao Sto – How Can I Get To…

Another crucial phrase to remember when asking for directions. Don’t worry, I understand that simply memorising this sentence is insufficient. So, at the very end of this essay, I’ve added a table with some popular places and nouns to go with it.

4. Pou Mporo Na Vro – Where Can I Find…

Yes, yes, pou mporo na vro the key to your heart? -wink- 

5. Tha Ithela Na Pao – I Would Like To Go To…

If you forget how to use this phrase, your best chance is to get out a map and point!

6. Boreeteh Na Meh Voytheeseteh – Can You Help Me?

If you’re attempting to get instructions from someone on the street, this sentence is critical. However, I would not advocate uttering this remark in front of the Olympian Gods. They’re not well-known for being particularly helpful.

how to ask for help in greek

7. Pooh Eemeh? – Where Am I?

Speaking of the Olympians, in the unlikely event that you meet Dionysus in human form and get completely wasted before waking up somewhere you have no memory of, remember this phrase! 

8. Pooh Eeneh I Tualéta? – Where Is The Toilet?

And of course, the most important location (in my opinion at least) every traveler needs to know. After all, a happy traveller is one who travels with a relatively comfortable bladder. 

How To Order Food In Greek?

1. Tha Ithela Na Parageilo Parakalo – I Would Like To Order, Please

You might also raise your hand to draw attention to yourself. But approaching the waiter with this simple Greek phrase? They’ll be impressed, I’m sure.

2. Tha Ithela Na Eho – I Would Like To Have…

Again, just knowing this phrase isn’t enough. So I’ve got a table below with some common nouns. Don’t worry, I won’t abandon you the way the Olympians abandon their children!

3. Tha Mporousa Na Eho Ligo Nero? – Could I Have Some Water? 

Surprisingly, Nero was a Roman Emperor most known for setting the Great Fire of Rome. But don’t worry, if you say “Tha mporousa na eho ligo nero,” you will get a glass of water.

Learn Greek With Ling!

Learn Languages Ling App

We have your back at Ling App! Start learning with Ling and improve your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation if you want to have smooth discussions with native speakers. Greek is a handy language to be spoken and to be learned. There are basic Greek words that ought to be learned if one has to visit Greek or the nearby areas where Greek is being used as a first language.

In this article, one can clearly grasp basic ideas and basic words to communicate in Greek with locals in an easy way. You must have realized after readings this article that Greek is not that much tough and anyone who has a good command of English can easily ace this language.

Понравилась статья? Поделить с друзьями:
  • Greek word tele means
  • Greek word study tool
  • Greek word for time
  • Greek word not in english
  • Greek word for thought