How to Say "I Am Learning Greek" in Greek

μαθαίνω ελληνικά

mathaíno elliniká/maˈθe.no eliniˈka/word by word

μαθαίνω ελληνικά (mathaíno elliniká) is the Greek way to say "I am learning Greek".

This phrase is a statement used to convey that you are currently in the process of studying the Greek language.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase literally translates to "I learn Greek".

How does it change in a sentence?

The verb μαθαίνω is in the first-person singular present tense. In Greek, this tense covers both habitual actions and ongoing actions happening right now, such as "I learn" and "I am learning".

How do you pronounce it?

The romanization is mathaíno elliniká. It is pronounced /maˈθe.no eliniˈka/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stressed syllable is the 2nd of 4.

Did you know?

The verb μαθαίνω shares a deep root with the word 'mathematics', as both stem from the concept of 'learning' or 'knowing'.
In Greece, it is common for people to react to μαθαίνω ελληνικά with an immediate μπράβο ('bravo') to encourage the student.
The word ελληνικά is used as a noun to mean the 'Greek language' but it is actually a neuter plural adjective, literally meaning 'Greek things'.

Examples in context

Μαθαίνω ελληνικά κάθε μέρα.
Mathéno elliniká káthe méra.
I am learning Greek every day.
Δεν μιλάω καλά, μαθαίνω ελληνικά.
Den miláo kalá, mathéno elliniká.
I don't speak well, I am learning Greek.
Μαθαίνω ελληνικά σε ένα σχολείο.
Mathéno elliniká se éna scholeío.
I am learning Greek at a school.

Example conversation

Kyriaki and Giorgos meet for the first time at a cafe.

Κυριακή Kyriaki

Γεια σας, είμαι η Κυριακή.
Ya sas, eímai i Kyriakí.
Hello, I am Kyriaki.
Γιώργος Giorgos

Χαίρομαι, Γιώργος είμαι. Μιλάτε ελληνικά;
Chaírome, Giórgos eímai. Miláte elliniká?
Nice to meet you, I am Giorgos. Do you speak Greek?
Κυριακή Kyriaki

Λίγο, γιατί ακόμα μαθαίνω ελληνικά.
Lígo, giatí akóma mathaíno elliniká.
A little, because I am still learning Greek.
Γιώργος Giorgos

Πολύ ωραία! Καλή επιτυχία.
Polý oraía! Kalí epitychía.
Very nice! Good luck.

Sources

IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (μαθαίνω, ελληνικά) and can differ in connected speech.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries ελληνικά, μαθαίνω, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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How to Say “I Am Learning Greek” in Greek