Let’s talk in Greek! Greek language lessons

Brought up by Greek parents or having fallen in love with Greece (or with a greek guy or a beautiful lady) always leads you to the same conclusion: I wish I could speak greek too! The wonderfulness of the language, the interesting grammar and the fascinating syntax, the huge range of vocabulary and the beautiful words are the means that will introduce you to the magical universe of expressing yourself in one of the oldest and important languages of the world!

Modern Greek language learning in not a piece of cake. But gradually getting to know the richness of it, the rules, the do’s and don’ts, will make you love the process. It is part of the Greek mentality and what great Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis states: “As you set out for Ithaka, hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. (“Σαν βγεις στον πηγαιμό προς την Ιθάκη, να εύχεσαι να είναι μακρύς ο δρόμος, γεμάτος περιπέτειες, γεμάτος γνώσεις”). What Kavafis figuratively wants to say is to enjoy the ride, to not anticipate reaching your destination, to feel free to learn and evolve. This is what we all should do!

We have all heard Greeks greeting each other and via this Modern Greek language learning video, you will learn how to be polite and communicative in Greek.

Καλημέρα! Good morning!

Πώς σε λένε; What is your name?

Με λένε Αννα. Εσένα (πως σε λένε;) My name is Anna. What is your name?

Με λένε Νίκο. My name is Nikos.

Γεια σου! Goodbye!

Greek language lessons

Depending on the time of the day, we can use different words to start a conversation, to salute or as a farewell to a friend.

Καλημέρα: Good morning

Καλησπέρα: Good evening (when you meet someone)

Καληνύχτα or καλό βράδυ: Goodnight

Καλό ξημέρωμα: Have a good night, sleep tight

Γεια σου: Hello (informal, singular) or goodbye

Γεια σας: Hello (formal, plural) or goodbye

The most common Greek salutation is the one at this video:

Χαίρετε: Hello

Γεια σας: Hello

Πώς είσαι; How are you?

Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ. Εσύ;: I am fine, thank you. What about you?

Είμαι καλά ευχαριστώ: I am fine, thank you.

Καληνύχτα: Goodnight

Καληνύχτα: Goodnight

Greek language lessons

The word “χαίρετε”, which is translated as “hello” is not just a salutation. It is a wish, a polite and graceful way to welcome someone. It derives from the word “χαίρομαι”, which means “I am happy” and is commonly used instead of “hey”, “hi” or “hello”. It is just a word but with a profound meaning!

Πώς σε λένε; What is your name?

Με λένε Νίκο: My name is Nikos.

Πώς είσαι; How are you?

Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ: I am fine, thank you!

Greek language lessons

After greeting someone you haven’t met before, it is most common to ask his or her name. It is important to know that in Greek singular and plural form of verbs are different. So, it is polite to use plural of nobility for strangers and elderly people. It is a way of expressing your respect and of course a way to keep your distance.

So:
What is your name: Πώς σε λένε; (singular)

Πώς σας λένε; (plural) Πώς είναι το όνομα σου;

(singular) Πώς είναι το όνομά σας; (plural)

Πώς λέγεσαι; (singular)

Πώς λέγεστε; (Plural)

How are you? Πώς είσαι; (singular)

Πώς είστε; (plural)

Waist no more time with your greek language lessons and practice with your Greek friends or members of your family! Χαίρετε!

Modern Greek language learning can be so much fun! Papaloizos publications, since 1956, has developed a unique method of teaching Greek as a second language. Find out more here: https://greek123.com/