Learning Greek language

[Zvezda]

Do bear in mind though that Cypriot Greek is somewhat different to mainland Greek.

I was looking today at books used to teach Greek to foreigners, they are pretty expensive, is anyone using any?

[sweety_09]

Originally Posted by Zvezda

Do bear in mind though that Cypriot Greek is somewhat different to mainland Greek.

I was looking today at books used to teach Greek to foreigners, they are pretty expensive, is anyone using any?

i have one...and the name is "Da progovorim grycki s 40 uroka" or "Let's start speaking greek with 40 lessons"...I don't know if it is very good..it starts with elementary things and it becomes more difficult gradually...i'm still at the 11th unit...But it wasn't expensive when i bought it

[eGo1st]

I wonder , how is ur keyboards r they too big ? engLish aLphabet and greek aLphabet on it ?

[sweety_09]

it is the same like these in Cyrillic in mine.You have to install Greek language and then any letter from the Latin alphabet suits a letter from the Greek.So when you want to write sth in Greek you have only to change the language. I hope it is clear

[sandra]

Eπικοινωνηστε ελληνικα,autors of that books are Κλεανθης Αρβανιτακης και Φροσω Αρβανιτακη.....exsist two parts of books.....it's very good and very ''easy'' for learning.Kisses for everybody!!!!

[Zvezda]

@sandra: that was one of the books I was looking at and imo the best for native english speakers. Eπικοινωνηστε ελληνικα consists of 3 books, 6 workbooks, and their cds. I thought they were pretty expensive at 25 GBP (approx 30 Euros) each. So are you learning it by yourself?

@sweety: Good luck with the rest of the lessons. The effort seems to be paying off.


So may I ask guys why you are learning Greek. Do you have a Greek partner, or ancestor, or just because you like languages?

[sweety_09]

i like greece and greek language very muchThe boys there are just the best...and about the partner-not yet but i know a guy whom i like very much and i hope one day....

Zvezda,can i ask sth..for quite a while i've been wondering where you are from.London???..but i've seen you speak greek..and your username confuses me a little

[xiurell]

Just a few questions


γύρισα πίσω στη θέση μου
ή
γύρισα πάλι στη θέση μου

πίσω and πάλι are synonymous here?

Μπα! δεν είδα τίποτα έξω

what's the meaning of μπα!

In spanish we use the interj. ¡bah! ¿era eso? Nah was that??
to expres disbelief, skepticism or disdain. Has the same meaning in Greek?

Σε παρακαλώ πάλι ή πίσω???

[Zvezda]

@sweety: I tried again but to no avail It seems like you have to wonder for a bit longer...

Originally Posted by xiurell

γύρισα πίσω στη θέση μου
ή
γύρισα πάλι στη θέση μου

πίσω and πάλι are synonymous here?

Μπα! δεν είδα τίποτα έξω

what's the meaning of μπα!

In spanish we use the interj. ¡bah! ¿era eso? Nah was that??
to expres disbelief, skepticism or disdain. Has the same meaning in Greek?

Σε παρακαλώ πάλι ή πίσω???

Μπα is a colloquial way of saying "no". For example:

-Θα βγείς απόψε?= Are you going out tonight?
-Μπα, δε νομίζω.= No, I do not think so.

Some times it can also denote surprise at something. For example:

-Η Άννα παντρεύτηκε. = Anna got married
-A, μπα!!??= Oh, really?

Πίσω means back whereas πάλι means again. So then,
γύρισα πίσω στη θέση μου= I went back to my seat
γύρισα πάλι στη θέση μου=I went to my seat again

Although they are not synonyms (so you would never write Σε παρακαλώ πίσω ) in this particular case they mean practically the same thing. I for one have great difficulty telling which one should be used. It would depend on what came first to mind at the time. I hope this helps.

[xiurell]

Originally Posted by Zvezda

Μπα is a colloquial way of saying "no". For example:

-Θα βγείς απόψε?= Are you going out tonight?
-Μπα, δε νομίζω.= No, I do not think so.

Some times it can also denote surprise at something. For example:

-Η Άννα παντρεύτηκε. = Anna got married
-A, μπα!!??= Oh, really?

Πίσω means back whereas πάλι means again. So then,
γύρισα πίσω στη θέση μου= I went back to my seat
γύρισα πάλι στη θέση μου=I went to my seat again

Although they are not synonyms (so you would never write Σε παρακαλώ πίσω ) in this particular case they mean practically the same thing. I for one have great difficulty telling which one should be used. It would depend on what came first to mind at the time. I hope this helps.

Thank you very much for your answer. Now is clear

[Zvezda]

De nada. happy to help.

[lollipop]

As last posts was very off topic from learning Greek, then I have made for you Greek chit-chat thread, where you can post...i guess, anything in daily chitchatting, that is within general rules of this Forums.

Please, let's try to stay on topic in here from now on, and for chit chats you're all most welcomed at this location: General chit-chat off-topic discussions

[xiurell]

Traducir estas ordenes:

1. Abrid los libros, niños.
Ανοίξτε τα βιβλία σας, παιδιά.

2. Cierra la puerta, Pedro.
Κλείσε την πόρτα, Πέτρε

3. Mirad por la ventana, niños.
Κοίταξτε έξω από το παράθυρο, παιδιά.

4. Mira por la ventana, María .
Κοίταξε έξω από το παράθυρο, Μαρία

5. Ve al colegio, Miguel.
Πήγαινε στο σχολείο, Μιχάλη

6. Id al colegio, niños.
Πηγαίνετε στο σχολείο, παιδιά.

7. Andreas, coge mi abrigo de la silla y ponlo en el armario.
Αντρέας, πάρε το παλτό μου από την καρέκλα και βάλε το στο ερμάρι.

8. Dad estos libros al profesor, niños.
Δώστε αυτά τα βιβλία στον δάσκαλο, παιδιά

9. Vuelve, Chloe.
Γύρισε, Χλόη.

10. Escribe bien la carta, María.
Γράψε καλά το γράμμα, Μαρία


10. Compra un coche nuevo, Andreas.
Αγόρασε ένα καινούριο αυτοκίνητο, Αντρέα

Nota: Sé que existen 2 imperativos en griego ( ex. κλείσε/κλείνε) en todas las frases he usado la primera pero no sé la diferencia de uso entre el aorist y el presente ya que en castellano solo tenemos una forma.

Traducir

1. Volvió a su sitio
Γύρισε πίσω στη θέση του.(¿es necesario poner "πίσω"?)

2. Fui a la ventana, la abrí y miré fuera
Πήγα στο παράθυρο, το άνοιξα, και κοίταξα έξω.

3. Éste no es tu sitio, es mi sitio
Δεν είναι η δική σου η θέση αυτή, είναι η δική μου.

4. Tienes razón, María, discúlpame
Έχεις δίκιο, Μαρία, με συγχωρείς.

5. Cada mañana veo la misma gente en la calle.
Κάθε πρωί βλέπω τους ίδιους ανθρώπους στον δρόμο.

6. No estoy contento con mi trabajo
Δεν είμαι ευχαριστημένος με την δουλειά μου.

7. Cogí tu abrigo de la silla y lo puse en el armario
Πήρα το παλτό σου από την καρέκλα, και το έβαλα στο ερμάρι.

8. ¿Qué hizo Ellie? Miró detrás de su silla.
Τι έκανε η Έλλη; Κοίταξε πίσω από την καρέκλα της.

9. Dínoslo de nuevo, Andreas, ¿qué hiciste?
Πες το μας πάλι, Αντρέα, τι έκανες;

Σ' ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ

[maria_gr]

- Solo un error: No es Πέτρε, sino Πέτρο.

- El presente tiene una duracion, por ejemplo γράφε significa escriba (siempre/cada dia/frecuentemente). En contrario, el aorist no tiene duration y γράψε significa escriba (ahora/manana/una vez).
De verdad nosotros usamos mas el aorist y solo algunas veces el presente. Yo del presente uso frecuentemente las palabras γύρνα, παίζε y δένε.

- No es necesario escribir pisw.

Edit: Felicitaciones!!! Espana es la campeona (hmmm se dice eso?)!

[xiurell]

Ha sido un sueño hecho realidad
Ahora están transmitiendo en directo por la tele la llegada de los jugadores a Madrid, un desfile por todas las calles de la capital .
Sí está bien dicho, España es la campeona oé oé oé !!!

Lo del uso del imperativo me cuesta entenderlo, no entiendo la diferencia, pero usaré más el aoristo.

Muchas gracias

[Zvezda]

@Xiurell: Sometimes names are the same in Spanish and Greek (eg Sofia, Maria), but when they differ (eg Miguel->Mihalis) it might be best not to translate them as it might conflict with personal preferences (eg if my name was Smaragda I probably wouldn't be happy if you called me the spanish equivalent of Esmeralda). Just a word of caution that might aid avoiding an awkward situation

[nefeli]

what means "θλιβερή"?

thank you
my dictionary is too small for that i think..

[panselinos]

Originally Posted by nefeli

what means "θλιβερή"?

thank you
my dictionary is too small for that i think..

(feminine) sad, dismal, dreary, joyless, sorrowful, grievous, woeful...

[nefeli]

thank you

[ELLADITSA@mac.com]

Originally Posted by maria_gr

Α, α (álfa) ------>We pronounce it like a in the word father
Β, β (víta) ------> We pronounce it like v in the word vote
Γ, γ (gáma) -------> We pronounce it like w in the word water as w in water
?
Δ, δ (délta) -------> We pronounce it like th in the word there
Ε, ε (épsilon) -------> We pronounce it like e in the word elegant
Ζ, ζ (zíta) ------> We pronounce it like z in the word zoo
Η, η (íta) ------> We promounce it like i in the word meet
Θ, θ (thíta) ------> We pronounce it like th in the word theatre
Ι, ι (yióta) ------> We pronounce it like i in the word meet
Κ, κ (kápa) ------> We pronounce it like k in the word cat?
Λ, λ (lámda) ------> We pronounce it like l in the word lamp
Μ, μ (mi) ------> We pronounce it like m in the word mistake
Ν, ν (ni) ------> We pronounce it like n in the word not
Ξ, ξ (ksi) ------> We pronounce it like ks (x) in the word taxi like x in box
Ο, ο (ómikron) ------> We pronounce it like o in the word decoration
Π, π (pi) ------> We pronounce it like p in the word parrot
Ρ, ρ (ro) ------> We pronounce it like r in the word rare but a little bit heavier cause english -r is kind of soft or you could say , its like the european rolling r like in spanish and italian.
Σ, σ (sígma) ------> We pronounce it like s in the word soft
Τ, τ (táf) -------> We pronounce it like t in the word teeth
Υ, υ (ípsilon) ------> We prononce it like i in the word meet
Φ, φ (fi) ------> We pronounce it like f in the word fake
Χ, χ (hi) ------> We pronounce it like h in the word hat kh guttural
Ψ, ψ (psi) ------> We pronounce it like ps in the word lips
Ω, ω (oméga) ------> We pronounce it like o in the word decoration

make some corrections

[ELLADITSA@mac.com]

Originally Posted by nefeli

what means "θλιβερή"?

thank you
my dictionary is too small for that i think..

it means dreary.

[xiurell]

Mis nuevos ejercicios, gracias

-¿Cómo pasaste tus vacaciones el verano pasado?
-Tuve tres semanas de vacaciones, del 13 de Agosto al 2 de Septiembre.
Siempre tengo 3 semanas de vacaciones en verano.
-¿Dónde fuiste?
-Fuimos a Ibiza. No fui solo, éramos 4, Pedro, María, Magdalena y yo
-¿Cómo fuisteis con barco o con avión?
-Fuimos en barco, no me gusta el avión.
-¿Cuanto tarda el barco de Palma a Ibiza?
-Salimos a las 8 y llegamos a Ibiza a las 10, exactamente 2 horas
-¿Hizo buen tiempo?
-Si, bueno bastante bueno aunque un día llovió un poco pero me gusta la lluvia en verano
-¿comprasteis regalos?
-Si, Pedro se gasto mucho dinero en regalos, pantalones, camisas...
-¿tu no compraste regalos?
-Si, unos pocos, estos zapatos los compré allí.

-Πώς πέρασες τις διακοπές σου πέρυσι το καλοκαίρι;
-Έιχα τρεις εβδομάδες διακοπές, στις δεκατρία Αγούστου ως τις δυο Σεπτεμβρίου.
Έχω πάντα τρεις εβδομάδες διακοπές το καλοκαίρι.
-Πού πήγες;
-Πήγαμε στην Ibiza. Δεν πήγα μόνος, ήμαστε τέσσερις, Pedro, Maria, Magdalena και εγώ .
-Πώς πήγατε με πλοίο ή με αεροπλάνο;
-Πήγαμε με πλοίο, δεν μου αρέσει το αεροπλάνο.
-Πόσες ώρες κάνει το πλοίο από την Palma ως την Ibiza;
-Φύγαμε στις οκτώ και φθάσαμε στην Ibiza στις δέκα, ακριβώς δυο ώρες
-Ήταν καλός ο καιρός;
-Ναι, καλός αρκετά καλός, αλλά μια μερα είχα λίγη βροχή μα μου αρέσει η βροχή το καλοκαίρι.
-Αγοράσατε δώρα;
-Ναι, ο Pedro έδωσε πολλά χρήματα στα δώρα, παντελόνια, πουκάμισα...
-Εσύ, δεν αγόρασες δώρα;
-Ναι, λίγα, αυτά τα παπούτσια τα αγόρασα εκεί

[maria_gr]

-Είχα τρεις εβδομάδες διακοπές, απ’ τις δεκατρείς Αυγούστου ως τις δυο Σεπτεμβρίου.
-Ναι, καλός αρκετά καλός, αλλά μια μέρα έβρεξε λίγο μα μου αρέσει η βροχή το καλοκαίρι.
-Ναι, ο Pedro έδωσε πολλά χρήματα σε δώρα, παντελόνια, πουκάμισα...

[Nene]

I've only discovered this thread recently, but I love it! I have to admit at the beginning I bought a book for tourists and just wanted to learn a couple of phrases and sentences. Where I live it is difficult to find proper books on Greek grammar anyway. But now I see I can jump into it and learn the grammar from the roots, because there is someone able & willing to help those who want to learn Greek. Many thanks for that!

Keep up the great work Maria!

[xiurell]

Σ' ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ πολύ Μαρία

[maria_gr]

@xiurell: Παρακαλώ

@Nene: Welcome, if you have any question, just ask it here.

[Stelios__Gr]

Hey Maria, I just read this subject- forum yesterday at random while I was trying to find lyrics...I want you to know that you already did a great job here and I'm proud of you!!!You deserve everything so, Congratulations to you!!!Keep teaching!!!

[ELLADITSA@mac.com]

Originally Posted by shady_david20

maria i cant draw the letters ??????
ζ δ and more
so wat to do ??????????????

for Ζ ζ you don't have to curve it, try first making a straight line and connecting an s

and the ksi ξ you do that like the z but after you make the line and the s, add an extra loop or half s. I wish I can draw by dots to show you here. I will look for a link for this.


for δ just make a circle and a line up on the left side and curve it a bit. with your pen now try tracing it. Tracing is the best way.

[lollipop]

Originally Posted by Elladitsa

I have an idea if this was not answered

It was answered, and even with a good link, how to draw letters:

Originally Posted by maria_gr

You cannot write them down? I hope that this can help you, my friend
http://www.greece.org/gr-lessons/gr-...Gif/script.gif

[ELLADITSA@mac.com]

Originally Posted by maria_gr

Vowels and consonants

Sounds are classed as either vowels or consonants.
Vowels are sounds that can form a syllable on their own.
Consonants are sounds that cannot form a syllable on their own.
The letters α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, ω are vowels.
The letters β, γ, δ, ζ, θ, κ, λ, μ, ν, ξ, π, ρ, σ, τ, φ, χ, ψ are consonants.

Initial and final letters

The first letter of a word is called the initial letter. The last is the final* letter.

*words that end in the sound [s] are written final –ς (ex. τέλος).

Final consonants

Final consonants in Greek are the letters –ς and –v.
There are some exceptions like some exclamations, imitative and non Greek words. For example: αχ! Ουστ! Χερουβίμ, νίκελ, σοφέρ etc.

The double letters

The letters –ξ* and -ψ** are called double letter, cause each of them represents two sounds [ks] and [ps]. For example, λοξός (loksós), ψυχή (psihí), ψάχνω (psáhno), ξένος (ksénos).

*the combination [ks] is written –ξ, except in compound words whose first component is εκ: έξω, εκστρατεία.
**the combination [ps] is always written -ψ: ψαχνό, ψάρι.

Digraphs

Combination of letters which represent a single sound are called digraphs. Digraphs can be either vowels or consonants.

Vowel digraphs

a) The digraph ου represents the sound [u]: ουρά (urá).
b) The digraph αι represents the sound [e]: τελευταίος (teleftéos).
c) The digraphs ει, οι, υι* represent the sound [i]: κλειδί (klidí), υιός (iós), οίκος (íkos).

*the digraph υι is used in spelling the words: άρπυια, υιοθετώ, υιοθεσία, υιός.

Consonant digraphs

The consonant digraphs μπ, ντ, γκ occur in many words:
a) At the start of the word.
b) In the middle of the word, following a consonant and sometimes, but less frequently, following a vowel.
The combination γγ is pronounced like γκ in forms that have lost their initial vowel.
τσ and τζ τσιμπώ, έτσι, τζιτζίκι, τζατζίκι.
These two digraphs are often confused. But they represent very different sounds [ts] and [tz]. In many words there is a v before τσ or τζ.

Classification and description of consonants

Consonants are classified:
A. with respect to voice, as:
voiceless: κ, π, τ, χ, φ, θ, σ, τσ.
voiced: γ, β, δ, μπ, ντ, γκ, ζ, τζ, λ, μ, ν, ρ.
The voice of voiced consonants can be felt by a finger pressed lightly on the front of the throat.
B. with respect to duration, as:
Stops. These sounds are pronounced with the mouth open and last only a moment: κ, π, τ, γκ, μπ, ντ, τς, τζ.
Continuants. These sounds can last as long as desired: γ, β, δ, χ, φ, θ, σ, ζ, λ, μ, ν, ρ
C. with respect to point of articulation, as:
Labials: π, β, φ, μπ.
Dentals: τ, δ, θ, ντ.
Bidentals: σ, ζ, τσ, τζ. Cause of their sound they are also called sibilants.
Gutturals: κ, γ, χ, γκ.
Linguals: λ, ρ. They are also called and liquids.
Nasals: μ, ν. The pronunciation of these involves release of air through the nose. Μ is also classified as a labial and v as a lingual.

you are great in teaching the rules, I am trying to use your methods in teaching English too. Obviously I''m Greek too and your fantastic. Now I want you to go to i tunes and download this class on teaching Greek and let me know what you think, Your also going to laugh your head out. The way he is teaching pronounciation is a joke. Obviously he is not Greek. Its sad that those students will pronounce it differently and others will laugh.