ζήτω η Ελλάδα
zíto i Elláda/ˈzi.to i eˈlaða/word by word
The phrase "long live greece" in Greek is ζήτω η Ελλάδα (zíto i Elláda).
This phrase is used as a patriotic exclamation or a formal toast to the nation.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is zíto i Elláda. The IPA is /ˈzi.to i eˈlaða/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ζήτω is a relative of ζωή, which is the root of the English word 'zoology'. This links a patriotic Greek exclamation to the scientific study of animals.
- In modern Greek, you can use ζήτω sarcastically to mock someone, such as saying 'long live the genius' when a person does something particularly foolish.
- The word ζήτω is actually a command. It is the third-person singular imperative of the verb 'to live', essentially commanding the nation to 'live' or 'survive' by its very nature.
Examples in context
- Είπαν δυνατά: Ζήτω η Ελλάδα!Eipan dynatá: Zíto i Elláda!They said loudly: Long live Greece!
Example conversation
Eleni and Dimitris are watching a national parade.
- Ελένη EleniΚόιτα τι ωραία είναι η παρέα!Kita ti oraia einai i parea!Look how beautiful the parade is!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, είναι πραγματικά εντυπωσιακή.Ne, einai pragmatika entyposiaki.Yes, it is truly impressive.
- Ελένη Eleniζήτω η Ελλάδα!zito i Ellada!Long live Greece!
- Δημήτρης Dimitrisζήτω!zito!Long live!
