στα αρχαία
sta archaia
The Greek phrase στα αρχαία (sta archaia) means "in ancient" (referring to the classical period of Greece).
This phrase is used to refer to things from a very distant past, specifically relating to the classical period of Greece.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the prepositional contraction στα (in the) and the neuter plural adjective αρχαία (ancient things/matters).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the neuter plural form, which functions as a substantive to refer to "ancient times" or "ancient matters" in a general sense.
How do you pronounce it?
sta archaia
Did you know?
- In Modern Greek, the term αρχαία can be used as a shorthand for the 'Ancient Greek language' itself, rather than just the time period.
- The word αρχαία shares a root with the English word 'archaic' and 'archive'. Both come from the Greek αρχή, which means 'beginning' or 'first'.
- In Greek, the concept of 'ancient' is inextricably linked to the word άρχω (archo), meaning 'to begin' or 'to rule'. This suggests that to the Greek mind, the 'ancient' is not just old, but is the very foundation or 'beginning' of their cultural identity.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are discussing a history book at a cafe.
- Νίκος NikosΤι μελετάς στα αρχαία;Ti meletas sta archaia;What are you studying in ancient history?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΜελετώ τα κείμενα της εποχής.Meleto ta keimena tis epokhis.I am studying the texts of that era.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πολύ ενδιαφέρον αυτό.Ine poly endiaferon afto.That is very interesting.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, η ιστορία είναι υπέροχη.Ne, i istoria ine yperochi.Yes, history is wonderful.
