Is Greek a Hard Language to Learn? Insights for Beginners

Greek is considered one of the most challenging European languages to learn, not only for native English speakers but also for those who speak Romance languages. This happens partly because Greek is unrelated to other Indo-European languages. Despite Greece’s geographical proximity to many countries and its historical significance, its language stands apart. While the alphabet and grammar present challenges, Greek’s influence on other languages can help students progress.

Many English Words Have Greek Origins

Luckily, there are many words within the English language that have Greek roots. Understanding the Greek roots of English words can give new students a head start in building their Greek vocabulary. Take the word “alphabet,” for example, one of the first words native English speakers learn. It comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, “alpha” and “beta.”

Greek has influenced many English words used for technical, academic, or scientific terms. The ability to associate Greek words easily with English counterparts is essential when building a new vocabulary to aid in memory retention. Take a look at the table below to get an idea of several Greek words you already know!

Practice Greek Pronunciation

Pronunciation can be a difficult task when learning any new language. One challenge learners face is that some Greek letters resemble English letters but are pronounced differently. For example, “P” in Greek (rho) is closer to the English “R” sound, while Greek’s “B” (beta) sounds more like a /v/ than the English “B.” Mastering the Greek alphabet is crucial for building a strong pronunciation foundation.

A native speaker can guide you through learning proper Greek pronunciation with each new word. The Greek letters “Θ / θ” (theta) and “Δ / δ” (delta) sound very similar to English speakers, like our “th.” Listen closely to a native speaker to understand the subtle difference:

• Θ / θ produces a harder “th” sound, as in “Thor” or “thesis.”
• Δ / δ makes a softer “th” sound, like in the word “this.”

With practice and attention to detail, students will grasp even the more difficult aspects of Greek pronunciation. Watch the video below to see what longtime learners of Greek continue to find difficult with the language:

Greek Grammar

An additional aspect of the Greek language that many new learners find challenging is its grammar. Greek uses not only masculine and feminine descriptors for nouns but also has a neutral gender. Additionally, Greek uses four cases, although three are most frequently used. The noun’s ending changes depending on its role in the sentence, based on the case. For example, the vocative case is used when addressing someone directly.

While it is important to know grammar basics, many grammatical rules can be learned through consistent exposure to the language. Think about how you learned English grammar — you likely absorbed most rules through repetition, even if you can explain some. Over time, incorrect grammar simply “sounds wrong.” The same goes for Greek! Although the grammar may seem difficult to grasp at first, repeated exposure to written and spoken Greek will aid in understanding its structure.

Learn Greek Online with LanguageBird!

Although learning Greek certainly has its challenges, it is still well worthwhile! The ability to speak Greek opens the door to communicating with millions of native speakers and creates a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Greek diaspora’s rich history and culture. A one-to-one format with a native-level instructor offers the best way to achieve proper pronunciation, learn grammar, and master Greek.

Contact us today to learn more!