Archive for 'Vocabulary'
Use of Greek: verb to switch on Posted by Ourania on Aug 10, 2015
Sometimes students are not sure which verb means to turn an appliance on. The most common verb is ανοίγω (aneego) which means “to open” but also “to turn/switch on”: Ανοίγω τα μάτια μου. (Anigo ta matia mou). I open my eyes. / Ανοίγω το παράθυρο. (Anigo to parathiro). I open the window. With some nouns…
Phrases to use at a Greek hotel Posted by Ourania on Jul 27, 2015
In most Greek hotels service speak English so travelers can communicate their needs. However, sometimes the service in small, family-run hotels are not fluent in English so the knowledge of basic Greek could be useful. Below, there is a list of some common requests and simple questions in Greek with a transliteration. It’s not a problem…
About the Government of Greece Posted by Ourania on Jul 13, 2015
In the last days, many views have been expressed about the Greek referendum, the economic crisis and the practical problems that Greece has to deal with. In this post you can find some basic information about the Greek system of government which is much different than the American one. Στην Ελλάδα η μοναρχία καταργήθηκε με…
Quiz: Use of Greek 2 (yes or no) Posted by Ourania on Jun 30, 2015
Do you know how to accept or to deny an invitation or a request ?Which phrase would you use in the following contexts? For questions 1-10 choose the answer that you find suitable. The answers are not transliterated so the quiz is suitable for learners who are able to read the Greek alphabet. You may find…
How to order food in Greek Posted by Ourania on Jun 23, 2015
One of the best things you can do in Greece is to eat at a Greek taverna (ταβέρνα). Most waiters are able to communicate in English and the menus are usually translated in English, so ordering food is not a problem. However, if you want to practice the language, in this post there are some…
Pharmacy vocabulary in Greek Posted by Ourania on Jun 17, 2015
If you are on holidays and realized that you forgot to pack your first aid kit don’t worry. Finding a pharmacy in Greece is not a problem, unless you stay in a remote village. Pharmacies are closed on Monday and Wednesday after 14:30. During the weekend, they are open only for three hours on Saturday…
A visit to a Greek kiosk (periptero) Posted by Ourania on Jun 10, 2015
If you have been to Greece you have probably noticed the kiosks (περίπτερα) which are found in every city. The first kiosks appeared at the end of the 19th century, as a form of financial assistance to the war-wounded. At first, the only products found in a kiosk were tobacco and newspapers. In the 50’s…