Oct 27th, 2024 - National Holiday, Essential Phrases, and More!

Hey friend, Dimitris here!

It’s time for your Weekly Sunday Dose of Greek. Let’s dive into this week’s content, where we’ll celebrate a significant Greek holiday, learn some essential Greek phrases, and explore a beautiful Greek saying!

Update of the Week

Tomorrow, October 28, is "Ohi Day" (pronounced "Ohi," meaning "No" in Greek). It’s a national holiday commemorating Greece’s refusal to allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory in 1940. This day symbolizes Greek courage and resilience, and it’s celebrated across the country with military parades, school events, and the display of the Greek flag. It’s a reminder of the strong spirit that unites Greeks everywhere!

Greek Quote of the Week

"Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος" (Elefthería i Thánatos) – "Freedom or Death."

This powerful phrase, which became the rallying cry during Greece’s War of Independence, reflects the Greek dedication to liberty and willingness to make sacrifices for freedom. It’s a reminder of the values that are celebrated each year on Ohi Day.

Vocabulary of the Week

This week’s vocabulary focuses on words that help express determination and resilience:

  • Θάρρος (Thárros) – Courage
  • Υπερηφάνεια (Iperifáneia) – Pride
  • Απόφαση (Apófasi) – Decision
  • Εθνική (Ethnikí) – National
  • Γιορτή (Giortí) – Celebration
  • Ελευθερία (Elefthería) – Freedom
  • Άρνηση (Árnisi) – Refusal
  • Ιστορία (Istoría) – History
  • Νίκη (Níki) – Victory
  • Παρέλαση (Parélasi) – Parade

Additional Greek Learning Resources

Grammar Tip of the Week

In Greek, expressions of determination often use the definite article "το" (to) before abstract nouns. For instance, "το θάρρος" (to thárros) means "the courage," emphasizing the concept. Using articles with these abstract nouns makes your Greek sound more authentic and culturally resonant!

Fun Fact about Greece

Did you know that Greeks celebrate both Independence Day on March 25 and Ohi Day on October 28 as national holidays? Both days honor Greece’s resilience and love for freedom, and each holiday includes parades, commemorations, and festive gatherings.

Dimitris Update

Exciting news! This week, I uploaded a YouTube video covering 10 Essential Greek Phrases that every learner should know. Whether you’re visiting Greece soon or just want to impress your friends, these phrases will come in handy. Check it out here: 10 Essential Greek Phrases Video!

Looking forward to sharing more Greek knowledge with you next week! Let’s keep learning together.

Lots of love,
Dimitris

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