Tag Archives: use of Greek
“Animal” verbs in Greek Posted by Ourania on Mar 8, 2018
Γεια σας! A few years ago I wrote a post about animal words used when describing people. In this post, there is a list of slang words deriving from animal words. They are verbs and we use them everyday but when translated, they are less “revealing”. If you use similar expressions in your language, feel…
Untranslated Greek colloquialisms Posted by Ourania on Feb 28, 2018
The most difficult phrases for foreigners to understand, are those who are not listed in dictionaries. They are commonly used when speaking but can be also found in texts. In this post, there is a list with some of the most common expressions with examples on their use. #1. Ε, να “Τι σου είπε ο…
The Active Participle in Greek Posted by Ourania on Feb 20, 2018
Γεια σας! Τoday we will see the different uses of the active participle (ενεργητική μετοχή). It is formed by the stem of the verb and the endings –οντας (for verbs ending in-ω) or –ώντας (for verbs ending in –ώ): τρέχοντας (running) / μιλώντας (speaking). The active participle can be used to express: 1. The way…
How to be polite in Greek Posted by Ourania on Jan 31, 2018
Καλησπέρα σας! This post is about the politeness form. According to the stereotype, the Greeks are direct and are easily on first name terms with people they don’t know. The truth is that the way to address people depends on the circumstances. #1. If we want to address someone in a formal way we use…
Use of much, many and very in Greek Posted by Ourania on Nov 27, 2017
The word πολύς, πολλή, πολύ is an adjective.It has three genders, plural, singular and cases. It can be translated as much, many or a lot of. Επίθετο (adjective) Έχω πολλά χρήματα. I have much money. Θέλω πολλή μπίρα. I want much beer. Πίνουν πολύ κρασί. They drink much wine. Ήπιαν πολλούς καφέδες. They…
How to express assumptions in Greek Posted by Ourania on Nov 8, 2017
Γεια σας! In this post there are verbs and phrases we use in order to make assumptions. I got the idea from my student Gus. K., after we saw the verb “υποθέτω» (to assume) in a crossword puzzle. Below, there are the most common phrases with examples of their use. If you have any…
Ten Scary Greek adjectives Posted by Ourania on Oct 31, 2017
Γεια σας! Καλό Halloween to those who celebrate! Three years ago, there was a post with words related to Halloween. This year, the list is getting bigger with the following adjectives: #1. ανατριχιαστικός: creepy Όταν άνοιξαν την πόρτα του παλιού σπιτιού, άκουσαν έναν ανατριχιαστικό θόρυβο. When they opened the door of the old house, they…