Signification
Asking about language ability.
Contexte culturel
Greeks are extremely proud of their language. Even if you only know 'Μιλάτε ελληνικά;', using it will often get you better service and a warmer welcome. In Cyprus, the local dialect is distinct, but 'Μιλάτε ελληνικά;' is still the standard formal inquiry. Most Cypriots are bilingual in English, but appreciate the effort. In the diaspora, this phrase is a way to reconnect with heritage. It's often asked with a sense of nostalgia. In very traditional religious settings, the formal 'Μιλάτε' is strictly required when addressing monks.
The Smile Factor
Always smile when asking this. Greeks are very helpful to those who try to speak their language.
The Question Mark
Don't forget that in Greek, the question mark is (;). If you write it with (?), it looks like you're using English punctuation.
Signification
Asking about language ability.
The Smile Factor
Always smile when asking this. Greeks are very helpful to those who try to speak their language.
The Question Mark
Don't forget that in Greek, the question mark is (;). If you write it with (?), it looks like you're using English punctuation.
Don't be shy
Even if you only know this one phrase, use it! It opens doors that English won't.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal form to ask an elderly lady if she speaks Greek.
Συγγνώμη κυρία, _______ ελληνικά;
'Μιλάτε' is the formal/plural form used for respect.
Complete the sentence with the correct language name.
Μιλάτε ________; (Greek)
The adverbial form for the Greek language is 'ελληνικά'.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. Μιλάς ελληνικά; 2. Μιλάτε ελληνικά;
Singular for children/friends, plural for authority/strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Μιλάτε ελληνικά; B: Ναι, ________ λίγο.
The response should be in the 1st person singular ('I speak').
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Who to use 'Milate' with
Formal (Μιλάτε)
- • Teachers
- • Grandparents
- • Shopkeepers
- • Police
Informal (Μιλάς)
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Children
- • Pets
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΣυγγνώμη κυρία, _______ ελληνικά;
'Μιλάτε' is the formal/plural form used for respect.
Μιλάτε ________; (Greek)
The adverbial form for the Greek language is 'ελληνικά'.
1. Μιλάς ελληνικά; 2. Μιλάτε ελληνικά;
Singular for children/friends, plural for authority/strangers.
A: Μιλάτε ελληνικά; B: Ναι, ________ λίγο.
The response should be in the 1st person singular ('I speak').
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYou can, but 'Μιλάτε ελληνικά;' is much more polite and shows respect for the country you are in.
They will likely say 'Όχι' (Ochi) or 'Λίγο' (Ligo - A little). You can then try 'Μιλάτε αγγλικά;' (Do you speak English?).
It's not 'wrong' grammatically, but it's informal. Use it with people your own age or younger in casual settings.
'Ellada' is the country (Greece). 'Ellinika' is the adverbial form used for the language.
Expressions liées
Καταλαβαίνετε ελληνικά;
similarDo you understand Greek?
Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
similarDo you speak English?
Πώς το λέτε αυτό στα ελληνικά;
builds onHow do you say this in Greek?
Δεν μιλάω καλά ελληνικά.
contrastI don't speak Greek well.
