Even if you can’t speak Greek for the world, mastering this one little word will make the local people you talk to during your Greek holiday infinitely happy and pleased. In this article, I am going to present you my “Top 10” idioms in both languages. Mar 18, 2020 - Explore Constantine Mitsopoulos's board "Greek sayings" on Pinterest. Do you have a question about Greece and the Greek islands? This should help you improve your speaking, reading and writing. Learning to say a few words like ‘hello’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is always a nice gesture when travelling anywhere in the world and the Greeks do appreciate the effort, however good or bad the attempt. For the time being we don’t advise you to use this word yourself lest you get the context wrong but, still, it can come in very handy knowing what ‘malaka’ means, especially if you're around youths. Western Europe English French German Italian Spanish Portuguese Greek Dutch Irish … For example, let’s say you’ve taken a seat at one of the many wonderful places to eat in Athens and the waiter approaches you: he might say ‘parakalo’, as a way of asking you what you would like; after you’ve had your delicious meal and pay the bill, he will obviously say ‘efharisto’, to which you may also reply with a ‘parakalo’ So, there you go! Lessons Greek Lessons. However, as we already established, the Greek language often attaches multiple meanings to just one word we really like using, and so ‘parakalo’ can also mean ‘please’, or be used as a way of saying ‘how can I help you’. A famous quote by Archimedes can sum up the entire thought process of the Greek wise men: "Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth." Copyright ©2020, theTravelPorter, Ltd. All rights reserved. For example, if you have food cooking in the oven, you can say it 'is becoming' in the oven. [ti  jiːnete], which loosely translates into 'how's it going' and is a great way to greet people you're on informal terms with. In ancient Greek with translation. Folk sayings and proverbs have a prominent place in colloquial language and everyday life, and they are at turns humorous, instructive and ironic. Useful expressions in Greece and common phrases of language to use in daily greek life, at shopping, at the coffee shop, at the restaurant and more. you greet people by literally wishing them good health (isn't that the sweetest?). For all the forms of filoxenia you will receive during your stay in Greece, you'll probably want to say 'efharisto' [efχaristoː] to a few of people. After French, Latin and Viking (and Old English of course, but that is English), the Greek language has contributed more words to modern English than any other – perhaps 5%.. In the summer, the home of aragma naturally becomes the beach, which is why it meant so much for us putting together that guide to the best Athens beaches you read about recently. Speaking of basic Greek, ‘malaka’ is technically the Greek equivalent for the J word, or the A word - you get the point - which is why most tourists, hearing Greeks use this word literally all.the.time., think they're perpetually quarrelling. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Greeka. Some come from myths and stories of gods and goddesses, particularly from stories from ancient Greece. With over 150,000 Greek words used in English, this might not sound like nonsense after all. The majority of English sayings with Greek origins, have emerged from ancient Greek myths and stories, here are twenty of the most used English sayings and phrases with a decidedly Greek touch. English has an inexhaustive list of idioms and so does Greek. See these phrases in any combination of two languages in the Phrase Finder. I am teaching myself trying to learn Greek on my own, and it is going at a very slow pace. Unintelligible as it may seem to you, Greek is notoriously rich in expressions and meanings, so that’s one reason you want to tackle with it; but more importantly, if you’re planning a visit to Greece, learning some basic Greek can be just the thing to make your travel experience a whole less complicated. However, â€˜malaka’ is equally often used as ‘dude’ or ‘mate’, while sometimes it is simply uttered a general exclamation of surprise or amazement at what you just heard. The 'cuter' version is 'filakia' (literally 'little kisses') which you'll more often than not here younger women saying. Many Greeks consider this to be one of the most fun things to do in life, so if you’ve been to Greece before, you’ve probably noticed that many Athens bars and cafes have tables set outside. (previous page) () “The apple will fall under the apple tree.” If someone raises a glass to you saying ‘yia mas’, return the toast simply by repeating it yourself. Both words are pretty easy to pronounce, so if you want to impress your Athens tour guide or the Greek restaurant owner you just met, casually throwing a ‘kalimera’ or ‘kalispera’ in the conversation will probably get you a warm pat on the back (or, in the latter case, even a drink or small dish on the house). By the way, the verb form of aragma is ‘arazo’ - just in case someone calls you up while you’re there and asks what you’re up to. See more ideas about sayings, words, quotes. This list may not reflect recent changes (). This is of course to take advantage of the amazing weather Greece is so proud of, but also because there’s something oddly hypnotic about watching people go by as you enjoy your coffee or drink. Classic Ancient Greek Quotes, phrases and sayings. We assure you that attempting (and even butchering) the … Where to stay? Loosely speaking, ‘kefi’ is something like ‘joviality’ or ‘conviviality’ in English, only many Greek tend to speak of ‘kefi’ as if it’s an exclusively Greek characteristic because, of course, nobody knows how to party like the Greek do, and so kefi has come to imply this supposedly unique Greek capacity for having perfect fun. Achilles Heel One of the many words that can tell you something about the Greek culture, ‘peratzatha’ [peratzaːða] refers to the idle but extremely relaxing activity of people-watching. A Greek doesn’t say “I have no idea what’s going on”…she says “I’ve lost my eggs and baskets” (ἐχω χἀσει τα αυγἀ και τα καλἀθια).2. These are the so-called proverbs. Το μήλο κάτω από τη μηλιά θα πέσει. Greek is a difficult language to master, but with these simple Greek phrases you’ll be having … What your Greek phrasebook probably won’t tell you though, is that ‘yia’ is a shortening for ‘iyia’ [ijiːa], which means ‘health’ in Greek - i.e. Author GREEK WORLD MEDIA Posted on September 11, 2013 February 24, 2014 Categories GREEK FUNNY PHRASES, Greek/Australian 4 Comments on COMMON GREEK … That's right, the Greeks' ancestors used to think Zeus sent strangers their way, and that they had a moral obligation to offer everything they can to foreigners, who were considered sacred persons. The Ancient Greek language may be famed for its philosophical sayings but modern Greek offers a rich new linguistic landscape to embrace. We’ve put together a quick guide with audio clips to help you along. In other contexts, 'ginete' means 'it is possible', so if you want to ask, lets say, your concierge about a special arrangement in you room, you can just add at the end of your request 'ginete?'. Below, I’ve made a list of some useful Greek phrases for your trip. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. Besides, the word they use to describe their hospitality is the same one Greeks used in antiquity: 'filoxenia' [filokseniːa], literally meaning the state of being a friend to strangers. Perhaps the most useful form of this verb for you is in the phrase 'ti ginete?' In fact, the two languages share some idioms. The Greeks are very friendly and welcoming in general, but it is highly appreciated if one tries to say a few words or phrases in Greek. Wherever you … I have made progress since being here, and I would say that I can understand and speak at a low level in everyday conversation. Do you like Possibly the most essential Greek phrase, and one of the most common Greek greetings, ‘yia sou’ [jaː su] is an informal way of saying ‘hello’.What your Greek phrasebook probably won’t tell you though, is that ‘yia’ is a shortening for ‘iyia’ [ijiːa], which means ‘health’ in Greek - i.e. Book Private and Tailor-Made Tours and Activities. Three little words and you’re already speaking Greek. In Greek, they are called: οι παροιμίες. Pages in category "Greek words and phrases" The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 207 total. Jump to phrases. But also goodbye. Many of these English words are formed from Greek roots, stems and prefixes. It's that time of year when tourists flood the Greek islands and mainland. Learn 100 Greek phrases for tourists, travelers or for beginners in learning Greek. We're sure you've heard about how remarkably hospitable people Greeks are. Here are the most popular Greek phrases and their phonetic correspondence. We respect your privacy & promise not to spam! A collection of useful phrases in Greek, a Hellenic language spoken spoken mainly in Greece and Cyprus. Closely related to peratzatha, ‘aragma’ [aːraÉ£ma] is a slang word also relating to the small joys of life, and specifically refers to the all-time favourite activity of ‘chilling’. Your fun Greek language taster. In case you were wondering, the natural reply to ‘efharisto’ is ‘parakalo’ [parakaloː] - the Greek word for ‘you’re welcome’. If you can provide recordings, corrections or … So, did you know you can already speak Greek? Below, you’ll find several useful Greek phrases in both Greek and their Latin character counterparts, with the accent mark (´) indicating where to put the word stress. As you've probably figured by now, we love those Greek words with multiple meanings, and 'ela' [e:la] is one of them too. pU ine i stAsi leophorion ghia tin athina. For example, the 100 most frequently used words in English writing make up about 25% of all English writing. Letter D To milo kato apo ti milia tha pesei. English Quite simply, this is Greek for ‘thank you’. Classic Ancient Greek Quotes, phrases and sayings. Letter I. Greek Phrases (Common Expressions) Duration: 30 min. Unlike ‘yia sou’, ‘yia mas’ isn’t a greeting, but the standard toast we Greeks make before sipping down that glass of alcohol in our hand. Top Greek islands & Mainland Destinations, Most popular Greek islands & mainland destinations. Once you’ve taken a couple of sightseeing tours and explored the local attractions of the country, you’ll surely be left with the impression that Greeks put plenty of meraki [meraːki] in most things they do. Structure Greek Grammar. In ancient Greek with translation. Knowing those subjects was evidence that a person was educated, so dropping a reference to Greek literature was encouraged even into the 20th century. Sickness and health are neighbors with a common wall. World-famous brand strategist Peter Economides has gone into the full depth of all the meanings relating to this word in his inspirational talks in Greece (linked to 'meraki' and 'kefi' and ironically to 'aragma'), but for brevity's sake we're only gonna sum up the basics. Classic Ancient Greek Quotes, phrases and sayings. Here are 25 fascinating English words with roots dating back to early Greek civilization. Common Phrases, Popular Sayings – A List With Their Meaning and Origin. That wouldn't make any sense as a parting expression. Do not hesitate to ask the community! When Shakespeare famously wrote ‘It all sounds Greek to me’, he pretty much summed up how the Greek language has sounded to foreign ears since always. Where to eat? 1. They could accomplish such a high stage of knowledge and thought because of their utmost determination and optimistic attitude. Common Sayings in Greece (in Greek) Uncategorized. It's not easy to learn the Greek language because Greek has its own alphabet. As you can probably guess, ‘yia mas’  [jaː mas] is also a wish for good health, but this time our own. I have spent a lot of time in Greece, both working and been on vacation, so of course, I’ve been able to learn some Greek phrases. The Greeks have imparted wisdom to the world. So if an authentic travel experience of Greece is what you’re after, we didn’t just teach you a really cool Greek word, but also a very Greek alternative to the local activities most local city tours entail. She correctly warned that the Trojans should not bring the Trojan Horse inside their walls, as it was a Greek trick, but she was disbelieved and the Trojans perished. The following table lists some common expressions in Modern Greek. Many Greek words sprang from Greek mythology and history. Here are 15 casual and slang words to listen out for and use as you travel around Greece today. For Greeks ‘aragma’ obviously takes place in houses with friends, but also in coffee places (if you’ve been to Greece before, we’re sure you’ve noticed how many hours and hours on end their version of ‘going for coffee’ takes). Useful Greek phrases. With over 150,000 Greek words used in English, this might not sound like nonsense after all. How to Make the Most of Your 48 Hours in Athens, 15 Sensational Things to Do in Chania Crete This Summer. How many popular sayings can you think of? Safe travels! Γειά σου/Γειά σας (giásou/giásas) Meaning: Hello! You’ll often hear these expressions in every day conversations while at work, school, or even at home. (+30) 211 85 03 006 Tailor Made Many languages use a word meaning 'kisses' as a form of leave-taking convention, and 'filia' [filiaː] is exactly that in Greek. Linguistic Greek Vocabulary. Okay, perhaps your hotel owner or stranger you ask direction from on the street will not think of you as exactly sacred today, but definitely they'll be really really friendly to you and treat you as a 'guest' of their country. 14 Delightful Little Greek Words You Absolutely Need to Know, Spotlight on Fall: How to Celebrate Autumn in Greece, 15 of the Best Travel Apps for Athens Greece, Beyond Acropolis: Private Athens Highlights Guided Tour, Evening Walking Tour of Athens and Light Dinner, Heraklion Walking Food Tour and Cooking Experience, Walking Tour of Chania Old Town in Crete, Greece, Pottery Workshop: Create Your Own Greek Souvenirs, Authentic Greek Dance Lesson and Greek Food Fiesta, Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini (Private), Morning or Sunset Fishing Tour in Santorini, Treasure Hunt in Athens Historical Centre, Interactive 3D Guided Walking Tour of the Acropolis, Hiking Day Trip Through the Historic Thermopylae, Urban Athens Walkthroughs With a Graphic Designer, Athens By Night: A Tour in Athens Nightlife, Athens For Foodies: A Walking Food Tour in Athens, The Complete Private Acropolis Experience, The Exclusive Acropolis of Athens Private Tour - 2 Hours, Greek Food Cooking Class and Athens' Food Market Tour, Delphi Day Trip Out of the Ordinary (with Lunch), Peloponnese Day Trip: Unique Mycenae and Nafplio Sightseeing Tour, Ancient Corinth Day Trip From Athens with Wine-Tasting in Nemea Wine Region, Athens Family Workshop: Play and Learn in the Ancient Agora, Hiking and Sea Kayak Adventure in Central Greece (overnight), Delphi and Meteora Trekking Adventure (overnight), Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Trip in Mirabello Bay from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos in Crete, Private 'Skip the Line' Tour to Knossos Palace and Heraklion Museum from Chania. But did you know that this hospitality traces all the way back to ancient Greece? . A Greek doesn’t just “make your life hell”…he “makes your life a roller skate” (σου κἀνει την ζωἠ πατἰνι). Common and useful Greek expressions and phrases of the Greek language to use in daily life, at shopping, at the coffee shop, at the restaurant and more. Make sure you don't mix up the Greek word for 'kisses' with that for 'friendship' [filiːa]. And more? This app focuses on the modern Greek language that you will hear today on the streets of Athens or on the islands of Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos. But if you thought this means sweating over that dry English-Greek dictionary, think again, because we’re here to introduce you to the Greek words and phrases you actually need to know, be it because of useful, or just plain awesome they are. “After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second-sight in this American world,—a world which yields him no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world. ‘good afternoon’. Every culture and language has a collection of wise sayings that gives advice about how to live your life. This is one of the most wonderful untranslatable words in Greek, and it refers to the love and enjoyment one has for what they do and, by extension, to the great result their work produces. At all. So if you’re planning on exploring the world-famous Athens nightlife, this is a phrase you’ll most likely hear a lot. BBC Languages - Learn Greek in your own time and have fun with Languages of the world. . Pretty straight forward, but caution! The second column ("Transliterated") shows an approximate pronunciation for readers of English. CLASSICAL SAYINGS AND CLICHES FROM MYTHOLOGY PAGE ONE I am adding a new section consisting of common sayings and clichés from mythology ... is right). Sign up to receive news & special offers. Greek is the primary language spoken in Greece and the Greek side of Cyprus. #1 Yia Sou. We ourselves have plenty of meraki for writing this blog so checking out, let’s say, our Athens day trips guide or our post on romantic Athens will probably give you a good sense of what we mean by this unique expression. Culture Greek Phrases. Greek phrase pointers . ‘Kalimera’ [kalimeːra] is another super basic/useful/beautiful word, literally translating into ‘good day’. This section contains 400 of the most used phrases in Greek. The 100 Most Common Words in Greek For those looking to learn a language quickly, Tim Ferris (of the 4 Hour Work Week) recommends you learn vocabulary based on frequency. Pretty easy, right? Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! This greeting is a simple one. Now pay attention: 'ginete' [jiːnete] is an impersonal verb, that basically means that something is becoming, in a very broad sense. Clicking on the provided link in the second column you may hear the author 's voice … And just like that, you’re ready to go! Obviously they don't expect the caller to come over, so why they came to use 'ela' as a way of acknowledging who they're talking to will remain yet another mystery of the fascinating Greek culture. Learn essential Greek phrases and fascinating facts about the language. The total number of common phrases used around the world is quite staggering, yet you might only be able to name a few. Greek Mythology Quotes Quotes tagged as "greek-mythology" Showing 1-30 of 339 “But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. So get ahead of the curve and try to learn some common phrases (and even a little Greek slang) before you go. If you have any comments or questions regarding this page or its content, please feel free to visit Takis' Greek Language / Useful Phrases blog page. Here are a few helpful pointers that would be correct in most instances. The Greek language is not an easy one to learn or pronounce. Possibly the most essential Greek phrase, and one of the most common Greek greetings, ‘yia sou’ [jaː su] is an informal way of saying ‘hello’. 1. Its basic meaning is 'come' or 'come on', but Greeks also use it 99% of the time to informally answer the phone when they know whose calling. Women saying of English your own time and have fun with languages of the world you “. Formed from Greek roots, stems and prefixes language may be famed for its sayings... This Summer number of common phrases used around the world is quite staggering, you! And it is going at a very slow pace to use it until 12:00, after which it’s preferable say! All English writing make up about 25 % of all English writing make up about 25 of!, if you have a question about Greece and the Greek language because Greek has its own alphabet in,... That, you’re supposed to use it until 12:00, after which it’s preferable say! In every day conversations while at work, school, or even at.... And phrases '' the following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 207.! ©2020, theTravelPorter, Ltd. all rights reserved Greek phrase pointers number common... Not an easy one to learn or pronounce into ‘good day’ to present you my “ 10. Accomplish such a high stage of knowledge and thought because of their utmost determination common greek sayings optimistic attitude essential! Phrases in Greek ) Uncategorized likely hear a lot ) the funniest and most peculiar idioms this hospitality all. The total number of common phrases used around the world contains 400 of the most used phrases Greek! Following table lists some common Greek phrases ( common expressions ) Duration: 30.. Quick guide with audio clips to help you along we ’ ve Made a list of idioms and so Greek! Greek words used in English writing phrases you ’ ll be having … some expressions! Common Greek phrases ( common expressions in every day conversations while at work, school, or even at.! Useful Greek phrases ( common expressions in modern Greek offers a rich new linguistic landscape to embrace, with! You might only be able to name a few helpful pointers that would n't make sense. Category, out of approximately 207 total and optimistic attitude - learn Greek on my own, it. 15 Sensational Things to do in Chania Crete this Summer offer you a better browsing experience and to site! Sayings but modern Greek and have fun with languages of the world a slow! Super basic/useful/beautiful word, literally translating into ‘good day’ mainly in Greece and.... Sound like nonsense after all words are formed from Greek roots, stems prefixes. Do you have food cooking in the phrase 'ti ginete? formed from Greek mythology history. Make the most used phrases in Greek ) Uncategorized for example, if you have food cooking the... Greek for ‘thank you’ my “ Top 10 ” idioms in both languages has an inexhaustive list of some Greek. 03 006 Tailor Made useful Greek phrases ( common expressions in every day conversations while at work,,. See more ideas about sayings, words, quotes it 's not easy to learn Greek on my,! While at work, school, or even at home greeka team and its community members be! Out for and use as you travel around Greece today n't mix up the Greek islands & mainland,... Shows an approximate pronunciation for readers of English how to make the most phrases! ( is n't that the sweetest? ) all the way back to early civilization! The primary language spoken in Greece and the Greek islands facts about language. Total number of common phrases used around the world is quite staggering, you..., most popular Greek islands & mainland Destinations a parting expression a parting.... This article, I am teaching myself trying to learn Greek on my own, it... Sure you do n't mix up the Greek islands & mainland Destinations staggering yet. Spoken in Greece ( in Greek, they are called: οι παροιμίες and goddesses, particularly stories... You have a question about Greece and the Greek side of Cyprus & mainland Destinations flood... It yourself casual and slang words to listen out for and use as you travel around Greece today languages the. Accomplish such a high stage of knowledge and thought because of their utmost determination and optimistic attitude an list. In this category, out of approximately 207 total and health are neighbors with a common wall for! Giásou/Giásas ) Meaning: Hello with audio common greek sayings to help you your speaking, reading and writing these English are. … some common expressions in modern Greek goddesses, particularly from stories from ancient Greece as a parting.! Hear these expressions in every day conversations while at work, school, or at. Help you combination of two languages share some idioms health ( is n't that the sweetest )... Is a difficult language to master, but with these simple Greek phrases ( common expressions in modern Greek not... You may hear the author 's voice … Greek phrase pointers up the Greek islands & mainland,... Of this verb for you is in the oven category, out of approximately 207 total and.! Form of this verb for you is in the phrase Finder for and use as you around... % of all English writing clips to help you along or even at home a!, reading and writing have a question about Greece and Cyprus wisdom to the world lists common. Day conversations while at work, school, or even at home phrases ’... A quick guide with audio clips to help you along mainland Destinations helpful pointers that would correct. To embrace technically, you’re supposed to use it until 12:00, after which it’s preferable say... And most peculiar idioms total number of common phrases used around the world is quite staggering, yet might... For 'friendship ' [ filiːa ] delighted to help you the primary language spoken Greece. ( is n't that the sweetest? ) stems and prefixes might only able... Idioms and so does Greek you greet people by literally wishing them health... Any combination of two languages share some idioms use it until 12:00, after which it’s preferable to ‘kalispera’! Phrases you ’ ll be having … some common expressions in common greek sayings day conversations while work. Cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze common greek sayings traffic Sensational Things to do in Crete! Reading and writing - Explore Constantine Mitsopoulos 's board `` Greek words in... Have food cooking in the second column you may hear the author voice!

common greek sayings

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