είμαι Έλληνας
eímai Éllinas/ˈi.me ˈe.li.nas/word by word
The English phrase "I am greek" is expressed in Greek as είμαι Έλληνας (eímai Éllinas).
You use this phrase to state that your nationality is Greek. In colloquial speech, you might add ρε to the end of the phrase to sound more friendly or informal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb είμαι (I am) and the noun Έλληνας (Greek man or Greek person).
Which one should you use?
While Έλληνας is the most common way to state one's nationality, Ελληνός is a more formal or poetic synonym used for a Greek man.
How does it change in a sentence?
A female speaker should use the feminine form είμαι Ελληνίδα instead of the masculine είμαι Έλληνας.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- If you wanted to use a different word for 'Greek' that sounds more archaic or international, you might use Γραικός (Graikós), which is the root of the English word 'Greek'.
- While a Greek person says είμαι Έλληνας, they might have historically identified themselves as Ρωμιός (Romiós) to emphasize their connection to the Roman Empire.
- In the past, calling someone an Έλληνας (Héllēn) could actually be an insult, implying the person was a 'pagan' or an 'idolater' rather than a Greek.
Examples in context
- Είμαι Έλληνας.I am Greek.This sentence is useful for stating that you are Greek using the form είμαι Έλληνας.Tatoeba #8672329 by lucasmg123, translation #8328178 by JeanM
- Θα επισκεφτώ την Ελλάδα. Είμαι Έλληνας.I will visit Greece. I am Greek.
- Είμαι Έλληνας. Από πού είσαι εσύ;I am Greek. Where are you from?
- Δεν είμαι Γερμανός, είμαι Έλληνας.Den eimai Germanos, eimai Ellinas.I am not German, I am Greek.
Example conversation
Two people are meeting for the first time at a party.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧαίρομαι που σε γνωρίζω.Charomai pou se gnorizo.Nice to meet you.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕπίσης! Από πού είσαι;Episis! Apo pou eisai?Likewise! Where are you from?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίμαι Έλληνας, από την Αθήνα.Eimai Ellinas, apo tin Athina.I am Greek, from Athens.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠολύ ωραία, Γιώργο!Poly oraia, Giorgo!Very nice, Giorgos!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (είμαι, Έλληνας) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Έλληνας, είμαι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
