Catalog / Greek Language Basics Cheatsheet
Greek Language Basics Cheatsheet
A concise reference for essential Greek vocabulary, grammar, and phrases to help you start learning Greek.
Alphabet and Pronunciation
The Greek Alphabet
Α α |
Alpha - a (as in father) |
Β β |
Beta - v (as in vine) |
Γ γ |
Gamma - gh/y (before e, i) |
Δ δ |
Delta - th (as in this) |
Ε ε |
Epsilon - e (as in bed) |
Ζ ζ |
Zeta - z (as in zoo) |
Η η |
Eta - ee (as in feet) |
Θ θ |
Theta - th (as in thin) |
Pronunciation Notes
Γγ:
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Δδ:
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Θθ:
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Combinations:
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Basic Vocabulary
Greetings
Γεια σας (Yia sas) |
Hello (formal/plural) |
Γεια σου (Yia sou) |
Hello (informal/singular) |
Καλημέρα (Kalimera) |
Good morning/Good day |
Καλό μεσημέρι (Kalo mesimeri) |
Good afternoon |
Καλισπέρα (Kalispera) |
Good evening |
Καληνύχτα (Kalinihta) |
Good night |
Αντίο (Adio) |
Goodbye |
Common Phrases
Τι κάνεις; (Ti kanis?) |
How are you? (informal) |
Τι κάνετε; (Ti kanete?) |
How are you? (formal/plural) |
Είμαι καλά (Ime kala) |
I'm fine |
Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto) |
Thank you |
Παρακαλώ (Parakalo) |
You're welcome/Please |
Συγγνώμη (Signomi) |
Excuse me/Sorry |
Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Den katalavaino) |
I don't understand |
Basic Grammar
Nouns and Genders
Greek nouns have three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The gender of a noun affects its article and adjective agreement.
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Articles:
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Examples:
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Basic Verb: Είμαι (I am)
The verb είμαι (ime) means ‘to be’. Here’s its conjugation in the present tense:
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Essential Phrases and Questions
Asking Questions
Πώς; (Pos?) |
How? |
Τι; (Ti?) |
What? |
Πού; (Pou?) |
Where? |
Πότε; (Pote?) |
When? |
Γιατί; (Giati?) |
Why? |
Πόσο; (Poso?) |
How much/many? |
Ποιος/Ποια/Ποιο; (Poios/Poia/Poio?) |
Who/Which? |
Useful Phrases
Μιλάτε αγγλικά; (Milate anglika?) |
Do you speak English? |
Μιλάω λίγα ελληνικά (Milao liga ellinika) |
I speak a little Greek |
Πόσο κάνει; (Poso kani?) |
How much does it cost? |
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (Pou ine i toualeta?) |
Where is the toilet? |
Βοήθεια! (Boithia!) |
Help! |
Δεν ξέρω (Den ksero) |
I don't know |
Καταλαβαίνω (Katalavaino) |
I understand |