μιλάω
milao
To speak in Greek is μιλάω (milao).
This verb is used to describe the ability to communicate in a specific language.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Which one should you use?
While μιλάω is a common form, Μιλώ is also considered a standard Greek word for speak. For formal settings or speeches, Ομιλώ is the more common choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form μιλάω is the first person singular present indicative, meaning 'I speak'. Other forms include μιλάς (you speak), μιλάει (he/she/it speaks), μιλάμε (we speak), μιλάτε (you plural or polite speak) and μιλούν (they speak). If you want to give a command, use the imperative form μιλά.
How do you pronounce it?
milao
Did you know?
- The formal Greek verb for speaking, ομιλώ, is the direct ancestor of the English word 'homily', which describes a religious sermon.
- The verb μιλάω shares a historical root with the Greek word ὅμιλος, meaning 'crowd'. This suggests that in the Greek mindset, speaking was fundamentally a collective and social act.
- The verb μιλάω originally had nothing to do with making sounds, but instead meant 'to be in the company of' someone.
Examples in context
- Δε μιλάω ποτέ Γαλλικά.I never speak French.This sentence shows how to use μιλάω in a negative statement about language proficiency.Tatoeba #5639414 by Zeus, translation #3675900 by speedwell
- Μιλάω Αγγλικά κάθε μέρα.I speak English every day.This sentence shows how to use μιλάω to describe a daily habit of speaking a language.Tatoeba #5386867 by Zeus, translation #1017210 by AOCinJAPAN
- Μιλάω κάθε μέρα Γαλλικά.I speak French every day.This sentence shows an alternative word order when using μιλάω with a language and a frequency.Tatoeba #5639520 by Zeus, translation #2406541 by CK
- Μπορείς να μιλήσεις αργότερα;Can you speak later?
- Παρακαλώ μιλήστε πιο αργά.Please speak more slowly.
- Είναι τώρα η ώρα να ομιλήσεις.It is now time for you to speak.
- Η ομιλία του Προέδρου ήταν πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα.The President's speech was very interesting.
- Ας κάτσουμε και να χαβαλεδιάσουμε λίγο.Let's sit down and chat/joke around for a bit.
- Χαβαλεδιάζαμε για ώρες.We were chatting/joking around for hours.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Anastasia meet for the first time at a cafe.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σας, μιλάω λίγο Ισπανικά.Geia sas, miláo lígo Ispaniká.Hello, I speak a little Spanish.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΌχι εγώ, αλλά μιλάω πολύ καλά Αγγλικά.Óchi egó, allá miláo polý kalá Angliká.Not me, but I speak English very well.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤότε, μιλάω Αγγλικά μαζί σου.Tóte, miláo Angliká mazí sou.Then, I will speak English with you.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕντάξει, Αναστασία είμαι.Entáxei, Anastasía eímai.Okay, I am Anastasia.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
