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The Greek AlphabetThe Greek Alphabet

In addition to Greek, people employed in the tourist trade generally speak English, some French or German and it is relatively easy to get by in Athens without attempting to say anything more complicated than moussaka or retsina. However, anyone who wishes to elevate him- or herself above the humble tourista, should attempt to learn at least a few basic phrases in Greek. The language itself deserves this mark of respect; not only is it beautiful but it is also one of the foundation stones of almost all other European languages. Moreover, getting around the city is much easier once the Greek alphabet has been mastered even though most signs are both in Greek and Latin alphabet.

In the twentieth century, Greek suffered from a bitter struggle between Dhimotiki (popular Greek) and Katharevoussa (cleansed Greek). The latter was introduced by the first rulers of independent Greece who sought to recreate the purity of their classical past by reinstating long-defunct vocabulary and grammar. Dhimotiki, the form of the language that had naturally evolved over Greece's long history, was repressed and Katharevoussa became the official language of government, business and the professions. In recent years however, Dhimotiki has reasserted itself as the national language and is used in all forms of life with the exceptions of the church and the legal profession.


Learning Greek

As Greek is one of the foundation stones of almost all other European languages, it certainly is worthwhile learning Greek. Mastering the language notLearning Greek only will give you a much higher self confidence while staying in Greece, it will also result in a much closer connection to the Greek population. Imagine how much more you can learn from the old Greeks who do not speak any other language. On top, you will be highly respected by the Greeks for knowing their language.

There are several ways to learn Greek. You can learn Greek online. A simple search will guide you to the many different language sites that offer Greek lessons. You can buy a language course (with audio cassettes, cd-rom or dvd) and master the Greek language in your spare time.

The very best way to learn Greek however, is to go to a language school and be thought Greek there, often by a Greek teacher. Not too many schools offer this solution but if there is one close to you, it might be a good idea to get more information on their Greek language course. Top


Your first Greek words

English Greek
Yes
Neh
No
Ohi
Hello
Yassou
Goodbye
Adio sas
Please
Parakalo
Thank you
Efharisto
My name is.
Meh lene.
How are you?
Ti kanis? Ti Kanete? (formal)
I'm very well
Kala imeh
I feel ill
imeh arostos
How much does it cost?
Poso kani?
Do you speak English?
Milate Aglika?
I don't understand
Dhen katalaveno
Cheers
Yiamas
Where is. ?
Pou ine.?
Entrance
Issodos
Exit
Exodos
Open
Anikto
Closed
Klisto
Toilet
Toualeta
Doctor
Yatros
Hotel
Ksenodhohia
Restaurant
Estiatorio / Taverna
Beer
Bira
Wine
Krasi
Menu
Kataloghos
Today
Simera
Tomorrow
Avrio
Monday
Dheftera
Tuesday
Triti
Wednesday
Tetarti
Thursday
Pempti
Friday
Paraskevi
Saturday
Savato
Sunday
Kiriaki
One
Ena
Two
Dhio
Three
Tris / Tria
Four
Teseris / Tesera
Five
Pende
Six
Eksi
Seven
Efta
Eight
Okhto
Nine
Ennia
Ten
Dheka
Twenty
Ikosi
Thrity
Trianda
Fourty
Saranda
Fifty
Peninda
Sixty
Eksinda
Seventy
Evdhominda
Eighty
Ogdhonda
Ninety
Eneninda
One hundred
Ekato
One thousand
Hillia
 
  GENERAL INFORMATION
  THE GREEK LANGUAGE
     The Greek Alphabet
     Learning Greek
     Your first Greek words

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