How to (re)start speaking Greek: begin with who you are – PART 1

As the new learning circle of our online Greek mini-groups approaches, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to start with something that students will explore early on in their first online Greek lessons: introducing themselves, learning more about each other and sharing why they are learning Greek—or why they live in Greece!

In this blog post, written for those taking online Greek lessons or practicing independently, I’ll guide you through the key elements of self-presentation in Greek. This step-by-step approach is perfect for learners at various stages of their journey, from complete beginners to more advanced students.

Summary

Ιf you’re a beginner in Greek you’ll find this blogpost packed with useful info and tips.

If you’re already at an intermediate level you might think:
Oh no. Not another “με λένε.. είμαι από… μένω…” talking-about-myself thing.

This was NOT my goal while writing these lines.

Introducing yourself is a topic that is often treated superficially, although it’s a topic rich in useful grammar and vocabulary, giving you plenty to build on as you move forward. Plus, it’s a chance to restart expressing yourself in Greek by talking about things that are familiar and meaningful to you.

So, while reading the following lines ask yourself:

– How can I ask the same question back without repeating it? Is it “εσένα” or “εσύ” ..something else?
– What else can I add to make the conversation flow better?
– When I mention where I live, what additional details can I include to describe my city, village, or neighborhood more vividly?
– When I talk about my work what would I share about it?

[you will find more examples as you scroll]

1. How to introduce yourself in Greek

Giving your name in Greek

There are several ways to introduce your name in Greek. Choose the one that feels most natural to you, but also be mindful that the way we introduce ourselves in a new language shapes how others perceive us. 

  • Είμαι + ο + [male name] / η + [female name]

    (I am [name].)

    Example: Είμαι ο Δημήτρης. / Είμαι η Μαρία.

    Note: Remember to include the definite article (ο, η) before your name according to your gender. 

  • Με λένε + [name]

    (They call me [name].)

    Example: Με λένε Μαρία.

  • Ονομάζομαι + [name]

    (My name is [name].)

    Example: Ονομάζομαι Δημήτρης.

  • Λέγομαι + [name]

    (I’m called [name].)

    Example: Λέγομαι Μαρία.

It’s interesting to note that Με λένε sounds less formal, more conversational, while Ονομάζομαι is slightly more formal. Your choice of how to introduce yourself will set the tone for the rest of your conversation, subtly communicating your approach to the interaction.

Saying where you are from

Mentioning your country or city of origin is more than just a fact about where you were born. It’s an opportunity to share a piece of your identity and create a personal connection with the people you meet.

  • Είμαι από + τον/τη(ν)/το + [country or city].

    (I am from [place].)

    Example: Είμαι από την Ιταλία. (I am from Italy.)

  • Κατάγομαι από + τον/τη(ν)/το + [country or city].

    (I originate from [place].)

    Example: Κατάγομαι από την Αθήνα. (I’m originally from Athens.)

Tip for students of Greek descent: Using έχω ρίζες + στη(ν)/στον/στο when referring to your ancestral roots adds another layer to your self-introduction. This isn’t just about where you were born but where you come from at a deeper, familial level.

Saying where you live

Where you live is another piece of your identity, but it also often reveals your current lifestyle, choices, and aspirations. Talking about your place of residence not only informs others but invites them into your world. It’s about revealing the setting in which you live your life.

  • Μένω στον/στη(ν)/στο + [city or area].

    (I live in [place].)

    Example: Μένω στην Αθήνα. (I live in Athens.)

  • Ζω στη(ν)/στο(ν)/στο + [city or area].

    (I live in [place].)

    Example: Ζω στη Θεσσαλονίκη. (I live in Thessaloniki.)

  • Κατοικώ στον/στη(ν)/στο + [city or area].

    (I reside in [place].)

    Example: Κατοικώ στην Ιταλία. (I reside in Italy.)

Μένω implies the idea of staying somewhere while ζω is almost as if saying, “This is where my life happens.” Meanwhile, κατοικώ is more formal. Once again, as with “με λένε” and “ονομάζομαι” your language options will communicate your approach to the interaction. 

Saying what job you do

Our work is often a big part of who we are. It’s a common question when meeting someone new and a quick way to connect.

  • Είμαι + [profession].

    (I am a [profession].)

    Example: Είμαι δάσκαλος. (I am a teacher.)

    Note: In Greek, professions don’t require an article, which is different in English.

  • Δουλεύω ως + [profession].

    (I work as a [profession].)

    Example: Δουλεύω ως γιατρός. (I work as a doctor.)

    Tip: The use of ως (as) is the correct choice when defining your role in the professional world. Avoid using σαν in this context, as it is incorrect. Σαν is typically used for metaphors, so saying “Δουλεύω σαν γιατρός” would imply that you are pretending to be a doctor, rather than actually being one.

  • Εργάζομαι ως + [profession].

    (I work as a [profession].)

    Example: Εργάζομαι ως γιατρός. (I work as a doctor.)

  • Σπουδάζω + [field of study].

    (I study [field].)

    Example: Σπουδάζω φιλολογία. (I study Philology.)

2. Why start by talking about you?

  1. It covers all the essential grammar – present, accusative, genitive, future, past, subjunctive, adjectives…and many more. 
  2. You talk about things that matter to you.
  3. It’s a conversation that you could definitely have while in Greece. Please, stop spending your time on materials, words, and topics that aren’t practical or useful.
  4. If you are not a beginner it helps you start with words and language forms that you’ll most probably remember.
  5. It helps you detect your gaps (aka what you do not remember how to say or form).

3. Examples

– Είμαι από την Ιταλία, από ένα χωριό στην Καλαβρία. Είναι ένα πολύ όμορφο, καταπράσινο χωριό…. 
– I’m from Italy, from a village in Calabria. It’s a very beautiful, lush green village…

– Είμαι από τη Γερμανία και ζω στο Βερολίνο. Είναι μια όμορφη πόλη με πολλά μουσεία και πάρκα. Μου αρέσει να περπατάω στην πόλη και να απολαμβάνω την καθημερινότητά της. Kάθε μέρα μου αρέσει να…
– I’m from Germany and live in Berlin. It’s a beautiful city with many museums and parks. I love walking around the city and enjoying its daily life. Εveryday I like..

– Ζω στη Λαμία και είμαι πωλήτρια σε ένα κατάστημα με ρούχα. Μου αρέσει η δουλειά μου, αν και η οικογένειά μου μένει στο εξωτερικό. Η Λαμία είναι μια ήρεμη πόλη με ωραία τοπία. Έχει…
I live in Lamia and I’m a salesperson at a clothing store. I enjoy my job, though my family lives abroad. Lamia is a calm city with beautiful landscapes. Ιt has…

– Είμαι από την Ιταλία, από ένα χωριό στην Καλαβρία. Είναι ένα πολύ όμορφο, καταπράσινο χωριό…. 
– I’m from Italy, from a village in Calabria. It’s a very beautiful, lush green village…

– Είμαι από τη Γερμανία και ζω στο Βερολίνο. Είναι μια όμορφη πόλη με πολλά μουσεία και πάρκα. Μου αρέσει να περπατάω στην πόλη και να απολαμβάνω την καθημερινότητά της. Kάθε μέρα μου αρέσει να…
– I’m from Germany and live in Berlin. It’s a beautiful city with many museums and parks. I love walking around the city and enjoying its daily life. Εveryday I like..

– Ζω στη Λαμία και είμαι πωλήτρια σε ένα κατάστημα με ρούχα. Μου αρέσει η δουλειά μου, αν και η οικογένειά μου μένει στο εξωτερικό. Η Λαμία είναι μια ήρεμη πόλη με ωραία τοπία. Έχει…
I live in Lamia and I’m a salesperson at a clothing store. I enjoy my job, though my family lives abroad. Lamia is a calm city with beautiful landscapes. Ιt has…

This is first topic we will start talking about in our mini-groups starting soon. If you’d like us to learn and practice Greek together…

A part 2 is coming soon, so if you enjoyed this post and you want to receive a notification to your email when it’s our, please, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter.

 If you found this post helpful, we would appreciate it if you could share it with other Greek language enthusiasts!

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