μιλάω
milao
The English verb 'talk' is translated into Greek as μιλάω (milao).
μιλάω is the standard verb used to mean 'to talk' or 'to speak'. It is used for general conversation and is also the standard way to describe the act of speaking a language, such as saying you speak Greek. If you want to say you are talking 'with' someone, use the preposition με (me) after the verb. If you are directing your speech 'to' someone, use the preposition σε (se).
Meaning: to communicate by speech (verb)
Which one should you use?
While μιλάω is the general term for talking or speaking, other Greek words offer more specific nuances. Use συζητώ if you specifically mean to discuss or converse, and κουβεντιάζω or the phrase πιάνω κουβέντα when you want to convey the idea of having a friendly chat. For the simple acts of saying or telling something, use λέω.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form μιλάω is the first-person singular present indicative form, meaning 'I talk' or 'I am talking'. Other present indicative forms include μιλάς for 'you talk' (singular) and μιλάει for 'he/she/it talks'.
How do you pronounce it?
milao
Did you know?
- The verb μιλάω comes from the ancient Greek word ὅμῑλος, which meant a 'crowd' or 'company of people'.
- While μιλάω is the standard verb, Greeks often use the word κουβέντα to describe the act of chatting, which is derived from the Turkish word 'sohbet'.
- To express the idea of 'striking up a conversation', Greeks do not just say 'start talking', but use the idiomatic phrase πιάνω κουβέντα, which literally means 'to catch a talk'.
Examples in context
- Κοίταξέ με όταν σου μιλάω!Look at me when I talk to you!This example shows how to use μιλάω when addressing someone.Tatoeba #3002899 by glavkos, translation #1698 by CE
- Σου μιλάω.I talk to you.This sentence demonstrates a simple use of μιλάω.Tatoeba #2869907 by Zeus, translation #1097942 by cntrational
- Την βλέπω συνέχεια, μολονότι ποτέ δεν της μιλάω.I see her all the time, although I never talk to her.This sentence uses μιλάω to describe a lack of communication with someone.Tatoeba #9736155 by Nylez, translation #9993651 by Nylez
- Μιλάω με τον πρόεδρο για το θέμα.I am talking to the president about the issue.
- Συζητούμε τη στρατηγική για το νέο έργο.We are discussing the strategy for the new project.
- Είναι ωραίο να κουβεντιάζουμε για τα ταξίδια.It's nice to talk about trips.
- Τι λες;What are you saying?
- Πιάνουμε μια κουβέντα αργότερα.Let's have a chat later.
- Πάρε τηλέφωνο να μιλήσουμε.Give me a call so we can talk.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μιλάω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
