ελληνική γλώσσα
ellinikí glóssa
The English phrase "greek language" is ελληνική γλώσσα (ellinikí glóssa) in Greek.
ελληνική γλώσσα is used to name the language spoken by people in Greece and Cyprus.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective ελληνική (Greek) and the noun γλώσσα (language).
Which one should you use?
Use ελληνικά when referring to the language as a subject of study or communication, whereas ελληνική γλώσσα is a more formal, descriptive way to name the language.
How do you pronounce it?
ellinikí glóssa
Did you know?
- Greek is one of the oldest recorded living languages, with written records spanning over 3,000 years. This makes the ελληνική γλώσσα a rare bridge between the ancient and modern worlds.
- The word γλώσσα does not only mean 'language', but also refers to the physical 'tongue' inside your mouth.
- While 'Greek' is the common name, the word ελληνική comes from 'Hellas', the name for the Greek land, rather than from the word 'Greece' used in many other European languages.
Examples in context
- Η ελληνική γλώσσα είναι μαγευτικά όμορφη.The Greek language is breathtakingly beautiful.This sentence is useful for describing the aesthetic quality of the ελληνική γλώσσα.Tatoeba #11194209 by carlosalberto, translation #11194155 by carlosalberto
- Θα εξετάζουμε την ιστορία της ελληνικής γλώσσας κατά τη διάρκεια αυτού του σεμιναρίου.We will examine the history of the Greek language during this seminar.
- Μιλάς ελληνικά;Do you speak Greek?
- Πώς μπορώ να μάθω ελληνικά;How can I learn Greek?
- Χαίρω πολύ, μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά.Nice to meet you, I speak a little Greek.
- Η ελληνική γλώσσα είναι δύσκολη.I elliniki glossa einai dyskoli.The Greek language is difficult.
- Μαθαίνω την ελληνική γλώσσα.Mathaino tin elliniki glossa.I am learning the Greek language.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are discussing their language studies.
- Κώστας KostasΕλένη, σου αρέσει η ελληνική γλώσσα;Eleni, sou aresei i elliniki glossa?Eleni, do you like the Greek language?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, Κώστα, είναι πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα.Nai, Kosta, einai poly endiaferousa.Yes, Kostas, it is very interesting.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι δύσκολη η ελληνική γλώσσα στην αρχή.Einai dyskoli i elliniki glossa stin archi.The Greek language is difficult at the beginning.
- Ελένη EleniΣυμφωνώ, αλλά αξίζει τον κόπο.Symfono, alla axizei ton kopo.I agree, but it is worth the effort.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
