Modern Greek vocabulary: everyday words and short phrases
96 cards for English-speaking learners of everyday Modern Greek: useful words, articles, stress, short phrases and six noun plurals, with original examples.
Over dit deck
Practise 96 selected Modern Greek words, short phrases and noun forms for everyday situations. The instructions and explanations are in English; Greek script is primary. Basic familiarity with the Greek alphabet is assumed.
What you recall
- 72 English meanings or situations → a Greek word, noun with its article, or short phrase.
- 18 Greek words or expressions in a short context → their English meaning in that context.
- 6 singular Greek nouns → a plural together with its article.
The six groups contain 16 cards each: contacts, home and family, food and shopping, daily routines, time and place, and getting around. They introduce practical words before related forms. Singular/plural variants are separated by at least three unrelated cards. Long-term spacing is handled by the app's review scheduler. The deck does not automatically reverse every card or try to exhaust all synonyms and senses.
Answers retain Greek stress marks and give one original short example with an English translation. Noun articles are learned with the noun; selected phrases label informal singular versus polite/plural use. The prompts ask for a common model answer, and natural alternatives can be valid when they fit the situation. A short explanation points out a few useful contrasts, including ναι versus English “no”, and the accented question words πού and πώς.
Boundaries
This is selected beginner practice, not a complete A1 syllabus or an examination product. It does not teach the full alphabet, all cases, verb conjugations, listening, handwriting or pronunciation mastery. There is no audio, IPA or romanization; use a suitable audio source alongside the written practice when learning pronunciation. Modern Greek is the scope, not Ancient Greek. Nouns are generally introduced in the nominative; examples can use the form a sentence needs.
Sources and original material
The independently selected situations fit the broad everyday needs described by the Centre for the Greek Language's adult A1 objectives. Selected words and expressions were checked with the Dictionary of Standard Modern Greek; an exhaustive entry-by-entry dictionary check was not completed. These references support language facts, not a claim to cover a certified level.
The prompts, examples, translations, notes, selection and order were written independently with AI assistance. No dictionary definitions, dictionary examples, examination tasks, textbook inventory or private collection was reproduced. The cover is an original AI-generated illustration. The CC0 label applies to original wording, organization, metadata and generated media to the extent applicable rights exist; it does not license the source sites or claim ownership of ordinary language facts. This is independent, unofficial educational material, with no affiliation to or endorsement from the cited organizations.
Kaarten in dit deck
Kaart 1
Vraag
Say “hello” to one friend in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
γεια σου — hello (informal, one person).
Γεια σου, Μαρία! — Hello, Maria!
Use γεια σας for a polite greeting or more than one person.
Kaart 2
Vraag
Say “good morning” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
καλημέρα — good morning.
Καλημέρα! Τι κάνεις; — Good morning! How are you?
Kaart 3
Vraag
Say “thank you” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
ευχαριστώ — thank you.
Ευχαριστώ για το νερό. — Thank you for the water.
Kaart 4
Vraag
Say “excuse me” or “sorry” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
συγγνώμη — excuse me; sorry.
Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η στάση; — Excuse me, where is the bus stop?
Kaart 5
Vraag
Modern Greek for “yes”?
Antwoord
ναι — yes.
Ναι, έχω εισιτήριο. — Yes, I have a ticket.
Ναι means yes; it is not the English word “no.”
Kaart 6
Vraag
Greet an unfamiliar adult politely in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
γεια σας — hello (polite, or more than one person).
Γεια σας, κύριε Νίκο! — Hello, Mr Nikos!
Σας can address one person politely or several people.
Kaart 7
Vraag
Modern Greek for “no”?
Antwoord
όχι — no.
Όχι, δεν θέλω καφέ. — No, I do not want coffee.
Kaart 8
Vraag
Ask one person informally, “What is your name?” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
Πώς σε λένε; — What is your name? (informal singular).
Γεια σου! Πώς σε λένε; — Hello! What is your name?
The question word πώς carries an accent.
Kaart 9
Vraag
Start “My name is …” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
Με λένε… — My name is…
Με λένε Άννα. — My name is Anna.
Put your name after the phrase.
Kaart 10
Vraag
Say “I don't understand” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
Δεν καταλαβαίνω. — I do not understand.
Δεν καταλαβαίνω αυτή τη λέξη. — I do not understand this word.
Kaart 11
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: a male friend.
Antwoord
ο φίλος — male friend.
Ο φίλος μου μένει εδώ. — My friend lives here.
A female friend is η φίλη.
Kaart 12
Vraag
Add “please” to a request in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
παρακαλώ — please.
Ένα νερό, παρακαλώ. — One water, please.
Παρακαλώ also commonly answers a thank-you: “You're welcome.”
Kaart 13
Vraag
Modern Greek meaning: “Χαίρω πολύ.”
Antwoord
Nice to meet you.
Χαίρω πολύ, κύριε Νίκο. — Nice to meet you, Mr Nikos.
A conventional expression when meeting someone.
Kaart 14
Vraag
In “Τα λέμε αύριο”, what does “τα λέμε” mean?
Antwoord
See you; we'll talk again.
Τα λέμε αύριο! — See you tomorrow!
A casual farewell; it is not a literal instruction to say objects.
Kaart 15
Vraag
Modern Greek meaning: “Καληνύχτα!”
Antwoord
Good night!
Καληνύχτα! Πάω για ύπνο. — Good night! I am going to bed.
Used when parting at night or before sleep.
Kaart 16
Vraag
Modern Greek plural + article: ο φίλος (male friend).
Antwoord
οι φίλοι — male friends; friends in a mixed group.
Οι φίλοι μου είναι εδώ. — My friends are here.
All-female friends: οι φίλες.
Kaart 17
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: house or home.
Antwoord
το σπίτι — house; home.
Το σπίτι είναι μικρό. — The house is small.
Kaart 18
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: room.
Antwoord
το δωμάτιο — room.
Το δωμάτιο έχει δύο παράθυρα. — The room has two windows.
Kaart 19
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: door.
Antwoord
η πόρτα — door.
Η πόρτα είναι ανοιχτή. — The door is open.
Kaart 20
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: key.
Antwoord
το κλειδί — key.
Το κλειδί είναι πάνω στο τραπέζι. — The key is on the table.
Kaart 21
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: table (furniture).
Antwoord
το τραπέζι — table.
Το τραπέζι είναι στην κουζίνα. — The table is in the kitchen.
Kaart 22
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: chair.
Antwoord
η καρέκλα — chair.
Η καρέκλα είναι δίπλα στην πόρτα. — The chair is next to the door.
Kaart 23
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: mother.
Antwoord
η μητέρα — mother.
Η μητέρα μου δουλεύει σήμερα. — My mother works today.
Μαμά is the everyday familiar word “mum/mom.”
Kaart 24
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: father.
Antwoord
ο πατέρας — father.
Ο πατέρας μου πίνει καφέ. — My father is drinking coffee.
Μπαμπάς is the familiar word “dad.”
Kaart 25
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: child.
Antwoord
το παιδί — child.
Το παιδί διαβάζει ένα βιβλίο. — The child is reading a book.
Kaart 26
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: family.
Antwoord
η οικογένεια — family.
Η οικογένειά μου μένει στην Αθήνα. — My family lives in Athens.
The extra accent in οικογένειά μου belongs to the written phrase with μου.
Kaart 27
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: window.
Antwoord
το παράθυρο — window.
Το παράθυρο είναι κλειστό. — The window is closed.
Kaart 28
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: bed.
Antwoord
το κρεβάτι — bed.
Το βιβλίο είναι πάνω στο κρεβάτι. — The book is on the bed.
Kaart 29
Vraag
In “Μένω στο κέντρο”, what does “μένω” mean?
Antwoord
I live; I reside.
Μένω στο κέντρο. — I live in the centre.
Here μένω describes where someone lives; in other contexts it can mean stay/remain.
Kaart 30
Vraag
In “Η κουζίνα είναι δίπλα στο σαλόνι”, what is “η κουζίνα”?
Antwoord
The kitchen.
Η κουζίνα είναι δίπλα στο σαλόνι. — The kitchen is next to the living room.
Κουζίνα can also mean a cooker or cuisine in other contexts.
Kaart 31
Vraag
In “Το μπάνιο είναι καθαρό”, what is “το μπάνιο”?
Antwoord
The bathroom.
Το μπάνιο είναι καθαρό. — The bathroom is clean.
Μπάνιο can also refer to bathing, depending on context.
Kaart 32
Vraag
Modern Greek plural + article: το παιδί (child).
Antwoord
τα παιδιά — children.
Τα παιδιά παίζουν στο σπίτι. — The children are playing at home.
Kaart 33
Vraag
Greek noun + article: water.
Antwoord
το νερό — water.
Το νερό είναι κρύο. — The water is cold.
Kaart 34
Vraag
Greek noun + article: bread.
Antwoord
το ψωμί — bread.
Το ψωμί είναι φρέσκο. — The bread is fresh.
Kaart 35
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: coffee.
Antwoord
ο καφές — coffee.
Ο καφές είναι ζεστός. — The coffee is hot.
Kaart 36
Vraag
Greek noun + article: milk.
Antwoord
το γάλα — milk.
Το γάλα είναι στο ψυγείο. — The milk is in the fridge.
Kaart 37
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: apple.
Antwoord
το μήλο — apple.
Το μήλο είναι κόκκινο. — The apple is red.
Kaart 38
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: orange (the fruit).
Antwoord
το πορτοκάλι — orange (fruit).
Το πορτοκάλι είναι γλυκό. — The orange is sweet.
Kaart 39
Vraag
Greek noun + article: cheese.
Antwoord
το τυρί — cheese.
Το τυρί είναι στο πιάτο. — The cheese is on the plate.
Kaart 40
Vraag
Greek noun + article: rice.
Antwoord
το ρύζι — rice.
Το ρύζι είναι έτοιμο. — The rice is ready.
Kaart 41
Vraag
Ask the price of one item: “How much is it?” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it?
Αυτό το μήλο, πόσο κάνει; — How much is this apple?
For several items, πόσο κάνουν; is a common plural form.
Kaart 42
Vraag
Begin a polite request: “I would like …” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
Θα ήθελα… — I would like…
Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ. — I would like a coffee, please.
A useful request chunk; this deck does not teach the full conditional system.
Kaart 43
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: bill (at a café or restaurant).
Antwoord
ο λογαριασμός — bill; account.
Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ. — The bill, please.
The request uses the accusative τον λογαριασμό.
Kaart 44
Vraag
Say “I pay by card” in Modern Greek.
Antwoord
Πληρώνω με κάρτα. — I pay by card.
Πληρώνω με κάρτα, όχι με μετρητά. — I pay by card, not with cash.
Kaart 45
Vraag
In “Θέλω ένα νερό”, what does “θέλω” mean?
Antwoord
I want.
Θέλω ένα νερό. — I want a water.
Ένα νερό can mean one serving/bottle of water in an ordering context.
Kaart 46
Vraag
In “Λίγο γάλα, παρακαλώ”, what does “λίγο” mean?
Antwoord
A little; a small amount of.
Λίγο γάλα, παρακαλώ. — A little milk, please.
Kaart 47
Vraag
In “καφές χωρίς ζάχαρη”, what does “χωρίς” mean?
Antwoord
Without.
Ο καφές είναι χωρίς ζάχαρη. — The coffee is without sugar.
Kaart 48
Vraag
Modern Greek plural + article: το μήλο (apple).
Antwoord
τα μήλα — apples.
Τα μήλα είναι στο τραπέζι. — The apples are on the table.
Kaart 49
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I eat” (present, first person).
Antwoord
τρώω — I eat; I am eating.
Τρώω ένα μήλο. — I am eating an apple.
Kaart 50
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I drink” (present, first person).
Antwoord
πίνω — I drink; I am drinking.
Πίνω νερό. — I am drinking water.
Kaart 51
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I work” (present, first person).
Antwoord
δουλεύω — I work; I am working.
Δουλεύω στο κέντρο. — I work in the centre.
Kaart 52
Vraag
Modern Greek verb for “I study/read for class” (present, first person).
Antwoord
διαβάζω — I study; I read.
Διαβάζω το μάθημα. — I am studying the lesson.
Διαβάζω also means read. The context specifies studying.
Kaart 53
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I go” (present, first person; use the longer common form).
Antwoord
πηγαίνω — I go; I am going.
Πηγαίνω στο σπίτι. — I am going home.
Πάω is also a common everyday form.
Kaart 54
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I come” (present, first person).
Antwoord
έρχομαι — I come; I am coming.
Έρχομαι αύριο. — I am coming tomorrow.
Kaart 55
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I see” (present, first person).
Antwoord
βλέπω — I see; I am seeing.
Βλέπω το λεωφορείο. — I see the bus.
Kaart 56
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I hear/listen” (present, first person).
Antwoord
ακούω — I hear; I listen.
Ακούω μουσική. — I am listening to music.
Kaart 57
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I buy” (present, first person).
Antwoord
αγοράζω — I buy; I am buying.
Αγοράζω ψωμί. — I am buying bread.
Kaart 58
Vraag
Modern Greek verb: “I need” (present, first person).
Antwoord
χρειάζομαι — I need.
Χρειάζομαι ένα εισιτήριο. — I need a ticket.
Kaart 59
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: telephone.
Antwoord
το τηλέφωνο — telephone; phone.
Το τηλέφωνο είναι εδώ. — The phone is here.
Kaart 60
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: book.
Antwoord
το βιβλίο — book.
Το βιβλίο είναι καινούριο. — The book is new.
Kaart 61
Vraag
In “Ανοίγω την πόρτα”, what does “ανοίγω” mean?
Antwoord
I open; I am opening.
Ανοίγω την πόρτα. — I am opening the door.
Kaart 62
Vraag
In “Κλείνω το παράθυρο”, what does “κλείνω” mean?
Antwoord
I close; I am closing.
Κλείνω το παράθυρο. — I am closing the window.
Kaart 63
Vraag
In “Περιμένω εδώ”, what does “περιμένω” mean?
Antwoord
I wait; I am waiting.
Περιμένω εδώ. — I am waiting here.
Kaart 64
Vraag
Modern Greek plural + article: το βιβλίο (book).
Antwoord
τα βιβλία — books.
Τα βιβλία είναι πάνω στο τραπέζι. — The books are on the table.
Kaart 65
Vraag
Modern Greek for “today”?
Antwoord
σήμερα — today.
Σήμερα δουλεύω. — I am working today.
Kaart 66
Vraag
Modern Greek for “tomorrow”?
Antwoord
αύριο — tomorrow.
Αύριο πηγαίνω στο κέντρο. — Tomorrow I am going to the centre.
Kaart 67
Vraag
Modern Greek for “yesterday” (common everyday form)?
Antwoord
χτες — yesterday.
Χτες ήμουν στο σπίτι. — Yesterday I was at home.
Χθες is also correct.
Kaart 68
Vraag
Modern Greek for “now”?
Antwoord
τώρα — now.
Τώρα διαβάζω. — I am reading now.
Kaart 69
Vraag
Modern Greek for “here”?
Antwoord
εδώ — here.
Το κλειδί είναι εδώ. — The key is here.
Kaart 70
Vraag
Modern Greek for “there”?
Antwoord
εκεί — there.
Το λεωφορείο είναι εκεί. — The bus is there.
Kaart 71
Vraag
Greek noun + article: morning.
Antwoord
το πρωί — morning.
Το πρωί πίνω καφέ. — I drink coffee in the morning.
Kaart 72
Vraag
Greek noun + article: evening or night-time.
Antwoord
το βράδυ — evening; night-time.
Το βράδυ διαβάζω. — I read in the evening.
Kaart 73
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: day (common everyday form).
Antwoord
η μέρα — day.
Η μέρα είναι όμορφη. — The day is beautiful.
Η ημέρα is also correct.
Kaart 74
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: hour.
Antwoord
η ώρα — hour; time.
Περιμένω μία ώρα. — I wait for one hour.
Kaart 75
Vraag
Modern Greek question word: “where?”
Antwoord
πού — where?
Πού είναι η πόρτα; — Where is the door?
The question word πού carries an accent; the relative που does not.
Kaart 76
Vraag
Modern Greek question word: “when?”
Antwoord
πότε — when?
Πότε έρχεσαι; — When are you coming?
Kaart 77
Vraag
In “Σήμερα το κατάστημα ανοίγει αργά”, what does “αργά” mean?
Antwoord
Late.
Σήμερα το κατάστημα ανοίγει αργά. — The shop opens late today.
Αργά can also mean slowly; the context here is opening time.
Kaart 78
Vraag
In “Το σχολείο είναι μακριά”, what does “μακριά” mean?
Antwoord
Far away.
Το σχολείο είναι μακριά. — The school is far away.
Kaart 79
Vraag
In “Η στάση είναι κοντά”, what does “κοντά” mean?
Antwoord
Near; nearby.
Η στάση είναι κοντά. — The bus stop is nearby.
Kaart 80
Vraag
Modern Greek plural + article: η μέρα (day).
Antwoord
οι μέρες — days.
Οι μέρες είναι μεγάλες το καλοκαίρι. — The days are long in summer.
Οι ημέρες is also correct.
Kaart 81
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: road or street.
Antwoord
ο δρόμος — road; street.
Ο δρόμος είναι ήσυχος. — The street is quiet.
Kaart 82
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: bus.
Antwoord
το λεωφορείο — bus.
Το λεωφορείο είναι γεμάτο. — The bus is full.
Kaart 83
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: ticket.
Antwoord
το εισιτήριο — ticket.
Έχω ένα εισιτήριο. — I have a ticket.
Kaart 84
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: station.
Antwoord
ο σταθμός — station.
Ο σταθμός είναι κοντά. — The station is nearby.
Kaart 85
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: bus stop.
Antwoord
η στάση — stop (for a bus, etc.).
Περιμένω στη στάση. — I am waiting at the bus stop.
Kaart 86
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: train.
Antwoord
το τρένο — train.
Το τρένο φεύγει τώρα. — The train is leaving now.
Kaart 87
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: airport.
Antwoord
το αεροδρόμιο — airport.
Το αεροδρόμιο είναι μακριά. — The airport is far away.
Kaart 88
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: pharmacy.
Antwoord
το φαρμακείο — pharmacy.
Το φαρμακείο είναι ανοιχτό. — The pharmacy is open.
Kaart 89
Vraag
Greek singular noun + article: hospital.
Antwoord
το νοσοκομείο — hospital.
Το νοσοκομείο είναι στο κέντρο. — The hospital is in the centre.
Kaart 90
Vraag
Modern Greek direction: “to the left”.
Antwoord
αριστερά — to the left; on the left.
Η στάση είναι αριστερά. — The bus stop is on the left.
Kaart 91
Vraag
Modern Greek direction: “to the right”.
Antwoord
δεξιά — to the right; on the right.
Το φαρμακείο είναι δεξιά. — The pharmacy is on the right.
Kaart 92
Vraag
Modern Greek direction: “straight ahead”.
Antwoord
ευθεία — straight ahead.
Πηγαίνετε ευθεία. — Go straight ahead.
Πηγαίνετε addresses someone politely or more than one person.
Kaart 93
Vraag
In “Το φαρμακείο είναι απέναντι”, what does “απέναντι” mean?
Antwoord
Opposite; across the way.
Το φαρμακείο είναι απέναντι. — The pharmacy is opposite.
The exact opposite location depends on where the speakers are.
Kaart 94
Vraag
In “Η είσοδος είναι εδώ”, what is “η είσοδος”?
Antwoord
The entrance.
Η είσοδος είναι εδώ. — The entrance is here.
Kaart 95
Vraag
In “Η έξοδος είναι εκεί”, what is “η έξοδος”?
Antwoord
The exit.
Η έξοδος είναι εκεί. — The exit is there.
Kaart 96
Vraag
Modern Greek plural + article: το εισιτήριο (ticket).
Antwoord
τα εισιτήρια — tickets.
Τα εισιτήρια είναι στην τσάντα. — The tickets are in the bag.
96 kaarten
Modern Greek vocabulary: everyday words and short phrases
Nibomo opent zodat je meteen kunt beginnen met leren.