Modern Greek Language Learning: Your Questions Answered

Table of Contents:

1. You Already Know Some Greek
2. Is Greek Hard to Learn?
3. Are there any easy aspects in Greek language learning? 
4. What are the most challenging parts of Greek learning?
5. I Want to Learn Greek. Where Should I Start?
6. Why is Greek123.com Great for Learning Greek?
7. We would like to hear from you.

The Greek language, the native tongue of the people living in Greece and Cyprus, is of the Hellenic family, independent of the Indo-European language family. This means that despite the importance of Greek in world history, the language isn’t related to any other in the world.

You Already Know Some Greek

Although you may be a native English speaker, you are speaking Greek at 25%. Did you know that? 

In a typical everyday 80,000-word English dictionary, about 5% are directly borrowed from Greek.

Let’s take a look at these examples below: 

1. Astronaut = Αστροναύτης (Astronaftis)

2. Biology = Βιολογία (Viologia)

3. Cosmos = Κόσμος (Kosmos)

4. Dinosaur = Δεινόσαυρος (Dinosavros)

5. Echo = Ηχώ (Echo)

6. Enthusiasm = Ενθουσιασμός (Enthousiasmos)

7. Harmony = Αρμονία (Armonia), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.

8. Idol = Είδωλο (Idolo)

9. Irony = Ειρωνία (Ironea)

10. Machine = Μηχανή (Mechane)

11. Mystery = Μυστήριο (Mysterio)

12. Ocean = Ωκεανός (Okeanos)

13. Panther = Πάνθηρας (Pantheras)

14. Planet = Πλανήτης (Planeetes)

15. Psychology = Ψυχολογία (Psychologia)

16. Sarcasm = Σαρκασμός (Sarkasmos)

17. Strategy = Στρατηγική (Strategiki)

18. System = Σύστημα (Systeema)

19. Technology = Τεχνολογία (Technologia)

20. Therapy = Θεραπεία (Therapia)

21. Thermometer = Θερμόμετρο (Thermometro)

22. Tragedy = Τραγωδία (Tragodia)

23. Triumph = Θρίαμβος (Thriamvos)

24. Type = Τύπος (Typos)

25. Utopia = Ουτοπία (Utopeea)

26. Zoology = Ζωολογία (Zoologia)

Is Greek Hard to Learn?

Since Greek isn’t related to other languages, including English, some aspects of the language are more complex than others.

Are there easy aspects to Greek language learning? 

Yes! Here are the easiest parts of Greek language learning: 

Alphabet

The word “alphabet” comes from the first two Greek letters άλφα (alpha) and βήτα (beta). It contains 24 letters, ordered from Α/α (“alpha”) to Ω/ω (“omega”). It’s similar to the alphabets of other European languages. 

Do you want to start learning the Greek Alphabet today? You can start learning today with our Greek123 learning packages.

What is the most challenging in Greek learning?

Spelling

Greek spelling might indeed be challenging, butut this isn’t a reason to get disappointed.

Even Greek native speakers make spelling mistakes all the time. Whether you have already started on your Greek language learning path or not, spelling mistakes will happen. That’s where practice comes in to improve your Greek skills. 

It is recommended to read books, magazines, and articles in Greek. You can even watch your favorite movie with Greek subtitles! This is a great way to familiarize yourself with Greek spelling quickly.

Verb conjugation

Verbs in Greek conjugate according to the subject and the number of them in a sentence, the tense, the voice (active and passive voice), and the mood. Consequently, someone may find Greek verbs in many forms, which indicates the properties mentioned above. We know this can be challenging, but once you start exploring the grammar rules, you’ll be able to categorize verbs according to their ending!

Noun and adjective declension

Lastly, nouns, pronouns, and adjectives get inflected, too. They showcase different forms according to number, gender, and case. They are often accompanied by articles, which should agree with the nouns.

This is another aspect that many students learning Greek find challenging. Nevertheless, this is something you can overcome easily with practice.

I Want to Learn Greek. Where Should I Start?

Teachers and schools have trusted Greek123 for over 60 years. Our Proven Method has brought Greek fluency to students worldwide. While our teaching method combines our proven approach to learning, it always keeps up with new methods and trends!

Here is our recommendation for getting started with modern Greek language learning:

• Step 1: Visit our Where to Start webpage, select your age and your current Greek level. 
• Step 2: Start modern greek language learning by choosing one of our comprehensive packages for teachers and learners of all ages and competencies.

Why is Greek123.com great for learning Greek?

• We apply motivational gameplay methodology on our digital platform to make fluency fun via games, animated videos, songs, and quizzes.
• You can learn on the go on your favorite device.
• It is easy for parents to track students’ progress, helping their children  learn right alongside them.
• We encourage practice for oral and written Greek proficiency exams and other certifications.

Our Greek language lessons immerse you in the history, art, and traditions of the land that gave birth to Western civilization as we know it, helping you learn grammar and pronunciation while you understand its meaning and spirit.

We believe every learner should graduate from Greek123 with a genuine immersion in the culture so when you’re ready to talk in real life, you already have common ground with native speakers.

We would like to hear from you.

Greek language learning might be challenging but a fun and exciting experience.

• How is your Greek language learning?
• Which aspect of the language do you find challenging?
• Is something troubling you?