How to Say “Outside” in Greek: A Comprehensive Guide

Greek is a beautiful language with a rich history dating back thousands of years. If you’re looking to learn how to say “outside” in Greek, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to express the concept of “outside.” Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Outside” in Greek

Formal language is typically used in professional settings or when speaking to someone older or in a higher position. Here are some phrases you can use to convey the idea of “outside” formally:

1. Έξω (Eksó): This is the most common and straightforward word for “outside.” It is widely understood throughout Greece and is suitable for both written and spoken language.
2. Εκτός (Ektós): This term is often used in more formal contexts, such as legal or official documents. It signifies “outside” and can be used in phrases like “εκτός κτηρίου” (ektós ktiríou) meaning “outside the building.”

Informal Ways to Say “Outside” in Greek

Informal language is used in everyday conversations with friends, family, or peers. Here are some more colloquial expressions to say “outside” informally:

1. Έξωθεν (Eksóthen): This variation is more commonly used in informal contexts. It’s perfect for everyday conversations with friends or family members. You might say “Πάμε έξωθεν;” (Páme eksóthen?) which translates to “Shall we go outside?”.
2. Έξω απ’ την πόρτα (Eksó ap’ tin pórta): This phrase literally means “outside the door” and can be a lighthearted way to say “outside” informally. Greeks often use this expression when referring to stepping outside for a brief moment.

Regional Variations

While Greek is generally uniform across the country, there might be minor regional variations in certain expressions. Here’s an example specific to the island of Crete:

Έξωθ (Eksóth): In Crete, you might hear locals using this abbreviation of “έξωθεν” (eksóthen) when speaking informally. It’s a unique touch that makes their dialect distinct.

Tips and Examples

Here are some useful tips and examples to help you when using the word “outside” in Greek:

• When indicating a specific location, you can use phrases like “έξω από το σπίτι” (eksó apó to spíti) which means “outside the house” or “έξω από το καφενείο” (eksó apó to kafeneío) meaning “outside the café.”
• If you want to ask someone if they want to go outside, you can say “Θες να βγούμε έξω;” (Thes na vgoúme eksó?) which translates to “Do you want to go outside?”
• Remember to adjust your tone and formal/informal language based on the context and the person you are speaking to. Greeks appreciate politeness and adaptability.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “outside” in Greek, you’re well on your way to mastering the language. Whether you choose to use the formal or informal expressions, your Greek friends or colleagues will appreciate your effort. Enjoy exploring the beauty of Greece, both indoors and out!