Greek is a beautiful language, rich in history and culture. One aspect of everyday communication is expressing the date, whether it is in a formal or informal setting. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to say the date in Greek, providing you with various tips, examples, and even a sneak peek into some regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say the Date
Formal occasions often call for a more structured and traditional way of expressing the date. Here are some phrases to help you navigate those situations:
1. Using the Article “η” or “ο”
When referring to a specific date, Greeks use the feminine article “η” (pronounced ee) before the day, followed by the name of the month. For example, to say “September 10th,” you would say “η δέκατη Σεπτεμβρίου” (ee dèkati Septyemvriou).
An alternative to using “η” is to use the neuter article “ο” (pronounced o), followed by the day and then the month. For instance, “ο δέκας Σεπτεμβρίου” (o dèkas Septyemvriou) would also mean “September 10th.”
Tip: When using the article “η” or “ο,” remember to adapt the month’s name to match the gender of the article (feminine or neuter).
2. Simplifying with the Cardinal Numbers
Another way to express the date formally is to use cardinal numbers. For example:
- April 6th: “6η Απριλίου” (eexte Aprileeou)
- May 15th: “15η Μαΐου” (deka-pente Maiou)
- December 31st: “31η Δεκεμβρίου” (trianda-ennea Dekemvriou)
Tip: Greek cardinal numbers agree in gender with the noun they modify, so adjust the ending accordingly (η for feminine and ο for neuter).
Informal Ways to Say the Date
Informal settings provide a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for simpler ways to express the date. Below are some examples that you can use among friends or casual conversations:
1. Using the Preposition “στις”
In informal speech, Greeks often use the preposition “στις” (pronounced stis), meaning “on,” to indicate the date. Here are a few examples:
- January 3rd: “στις 3 Ιανουαρίου” (stis tris Janouariou)
- August 22nd: “στις 22 Αυγούστου” (stis eefta-konta-dyo Avgoustou)
2. Using the Verb “είναι”
Another common way to express the date informally is by using the verb “είναι” (pronounced eenai), meaning “is.” Here are a few examples:
- November 10th: “είναι 10 Νοεμβρίου” (eenai deka Noemvriou)
- March 27th: “είναι 27 Μαρτίου” (eenai efta-konta-eexi Martiou)
Tip: In informal speech, Greeks often omit the definite article “η” before the month, making the phrase even simpler.
Regional Variations
Greek has some regional variations when it comes to expressing the date, but they are not commonly used across the country. However, it’s interesting to explore these regional peculiarities:
1. Crete and Southern Peloponnese
In these regions, instead of using the cardinal number, they use ordinal numbers to indicate the date. For example, they would say “πέμπτη Οκτωβρίου” (pemtee Oktovriou) instead of “5η Οκτωβρίου” (pente Oktovriou) meaning “October 5th.”
2. Northern and Central Greece
In some parts of Northern and Central Greece, people still use the Old Calendar system, resulting in a 13-day offset from the commonly used calendar. For instance, if it is July 10th in the commonly used calendar, in these regions, they would refer to it as “Ιουνίου 27” (Ioulinou eexonta-efta) by considering the offset.
Remember that these regional variations are not widely used, so using the previously mentioned formal and informal ways will be sufficient for most communication in Greece.
Conclusion
You are now equipped with a comprehensive guide on how to say the date in Greek! Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal setting, you can confidently express the date using the phrases, tips, and examples provided. Remember to adapt your expressions according to the situation, and always keep a warm and friendly tone when conversing in Greek.
