Language

[Westward]

What about a few phrases of Greek for me to learn please

Nothing too drastic, just for politeness on my behalf.

Thanks. Wendy

[Jimbo]

Phonetically (caps = stress):

kaleemAIRra (Good morning)
poo EEnay ee twalETTa? (Where is the loo?)
echfarestOO (Thank you) (ch is like ch in Scottish "loch")
parakalOW (Please)
YAsoo (Hello/Goodbye to one person
YAsass (Hello/Goodbye politely or to more than one person)
EKetay AYna traPAYzee ya THEEo? (Have you go a table for two?)
NAY (Yes)
Ochee (No) - the ch is a bit like clearing your throat.
MEEa BEEra meGALee, parakLOW (Large beer please)
MEEa BEEra meeCREE, parakalOW ( small beer please - although this phrase is rarely used)
EE Cerys EEnay polEE orAYa (Cerys is very beautiful) (See you in the bar, Cerys)

Also useful:
(KAn eye leev sum munny 4 a dreenk 4 Jeembo EEf he cums EEN?)

Try it - it's fun. Although most of the Greeks in Ag Stef speak English better than most of the tourists, they enjoy a good a laugh at our linguistic incompetence!

It's important to stress very heavily. They say it's impossible to stress too much in Greek. Stressing the final vowel is very hard for English speakers.

I actually think it would be wonderful if someone would run a Basic Greek course. Very simple. A few sessions (say 10 to 10:45) for a few Euros each.

[Westward]

Ha ha that made me laugh out loud.  Not done that for a bit.  Not a sad person really.

Would definitely love a crash course in very basic Greek.  I can do pigeon French, but have no idea if they answer me back!

[BarbaraG]

I think it's the fact that Greek has a different alphabet that puts Brits off attempting to learn it!

[dibully]

OMG Jimbo laid in agony but that is so funny made me laugh so much

[Jimbo]

Sorry, Diane!

Barbara - It's not that hard really. And it is more or less phonetic, unlike English. What does feel strange is writing each letter separately - no joined-up writing in Greek.

[Dupnica]

 A few more useful phrases...........
    KalispEra ti kAnete  (Good evening how are you)
   Ti thElis na pyis(What would you like to drink)
   Tha Ithela mia karafa Aspro krasI (I would like a carafe of white wine or mAvro krasI if you prefer red)
   To epOmeno kyErazma ine dhikO moo (The next round's on me)
   Stin iyA sas  (Cheers!)
   Dhio ouzo parakalO(Two ouzos please)
   Dhen esthAnome kalA (I don't feel well)
   KalInichta (Goodnight)
   AftOs ine o dhrOmos ya Nafsica,Fedra Mare etc.(Is this the way to Nafsica ,Fedra Mare etc.)
   Poo ine to klidhI moo (Where is my key?)
 

[Lesley]

Fab Idea though Cocktails and Greek lessons sign me up.......

[Chrissyann]

Just checking out latest info on forum, a brilliant idea , I bought a language tape years ago trying to pick up a bit of Greek but found the pronunciation wasn't that clear ,I have a little phrase book that I keep by me when on Holiday but again pronunciation is a problem. Although I have found that everyone is always very helpful telling how to say words properly . A few lessons by a pool with a glass of vino while on holiday would be great
Chrissyann

[Westward]

Yes definitely a lesson by the pool.  Going in to travel agent tomorrow to try and add on an extra week.  Fingers crossed.

[Papapetros]

A few more useful phrases...........
    KalispEra ti kAnete  (Good evening how are you)
   Ti thElis na pyis(What would you like to drink)
   Tha Ithela mia karafa Aspro krasI (I would like a carafe of white wine or mAvro krasI if you prefer red)
   To epOmeno kyErazma ine dhikO moo (The next round's on me)
   Stin iyA sas  (Cheers!)
   Dhio ouzo parakalO(Two ouzos please)
   Dhen esthAnome kalA (I don't feel well)
   KalInichta (Goodnight)
   AftOs ine o dhrOmos ya Nafsica,Fedra Mare etc.(Is this the way to Nafsica ,Fedra Mare etc.)
   Poo ine to klidhI moo (Where is my key?)
 

Always thought mavro(s) was black and kokkino(s) was red,no wonder i've been getting the wrong wine!!

[Jimbo]

Kokinno krasi is fine.

Apparently ancient Greek had no distinction between black and red.

[Gavlah1973]

A few years ago it wasn't uncommon (particularly in Spain) to see language lessons advertised as part of the entertainment schedule!