Learn Greek Online
Here is a list of random facts about Marialena, the person behind Helinika. This video celebrates a new important YouTube milestone!
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
Ya sou, Kalinoches”? What does that mean? Today we react to the most awkward and hilarious Greek-speaking scenes from foreign movies and Tv-series.
In the past we have seen a list of Greek films and tv-series that you can watch if you are interested in European cinema or if you just want to practice your Greek language skills. We have also covered the concise history of Greek cinema, including some legendary films from Greece’s golden cinema era.
Today, Helinika presents a list of films that will inspire you to visit or even move to Greece. Some of these films are not necessarily Greek speaking nor are they produced by a Greek film company. But they do capture the beauty of the Mediterranean country. They are presented to you in a random sequence.
The first Mama Mia (2008) movie is perhaps one of the most recent movies that put Greece into everyone’s bucket list. The American movie follows the young bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan, played by Amanda Seyfried, to the fictional island of Kalokairi, where her wedding is going(?) to take place. The real location is no other than the underrated island of Skopelos in the Sporades island group. The film also includes scenes filmed in neighboring islands and in South Pelion.
The film is a musical and it has moderate online reviews. If you love musicals, Greece… and you are looking for a light-hearted movie to watch, you will definitely enjoy Mama Mia. Although a prequel to the movie has recently been released, all the scenes that are supposedly set in Greece were actually filmed in Croatia.
Boy on a Dolphin (1957) is a vintage American adventure romance film set in Greece. Although a Hollywood film, it has an international cast. The legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren plays Phaedra, a sponge diver on the island of Hydra who accidentally discovers an ancient Greek stature of a boy riding a dolphin. What follows is a battle between virtue and money. Is the statue going to be taken away from its home, Hydra?
The movie was the first Hollywood production filmed in Greece. A very important Greek actor, Alexis Minotis, is also playing in the film, along with other European actors and actresses. Anyone who loves European cinema should watch this movie at least once.
Did you know that the 12th film in the James Bond franchise is set in Greece? “For Your Eyes Only” (1981) is a British spy film with Roger Moore playing the iconic secret agent with the code number 007.
The movie includes scenes filmed in the Ionian island of Corfu, in Meteora and the Achilleion. Other scenes were filmed outside of Greece, such as the Bahamas and Italy. If you are a spy film enthusiast, “For Your Eyes Only” should be on your list.
Suntan (2016) is a Greek drama film by Argyris Papadimitropoulos that captures the Mediterranean sunlight and scenery in a fascinating way. Described as a “cautionary tale” by critics, it premiered at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam. It follows a middle-aged doctor at a small island, whose life spirals out of control as soon as summer arrives.
The film won Best Film, Best Director and other awards at the Hellenic Film Academy Awards. If you are planning on watching it, you should know that some of the scenes are not suitable for young audiences.
A classic film that most Greeks have watched at least once, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001) is a British war film based on a book with the same title. The movie is set in the Ionian island of Cephalonia during World War II.
Nicolas Cage plays an Italian officer with a passion for music. Penelope Cruz plays a highly educated and strong-willed woman named Pelagia. The two fall in love during some of the most brutal years of the 20th century. If you enjoy watching historical films and Mediterranean sceneries, you should watch this movie as soon as possible.
If you know anything about Greece, then you must be familiar with the name “Zorba” or at least the popular syrtaki dance with that name. Zorba the Greek (1964) is a Greek comedy-drama starring Anthony Quinn. The film is based on a book with the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis.
It revolves around the unorthodox friendship between an uptight British-Greek writer named Basil and a chaotic, Dionysian Greek man named Zorba. The legendary film is set in the island of Crete, featuring locations such as Chania and Kokkino Chorio. It is a film that everyone should watch at least once in their lives. It is worth mentioning that the music is by Greece’s best-known composer, Mikis Theodorakis who unfortunately passed earlier this month.
It is not the first time Helinika features Never on Sunday (1960). The vintage Greek romantic comedy is set in the port of Piraeus in Athens, Greece. It is a must watch for anyone who loves Greek cinema. One of the protagonists is the great Greek actress Melina Merkouri, who plays the role of wild, untamed and honest Ilya.
Although the film attempts to show the degradation of Greek classical culture, it does so by showing a romanticized version of the notorious neighborhoods of Piraeus. You should watch it for a) Melina Merkouri, b) Hatzidaki’s music and c) the beautiful scenes set in Piraeus in the 1960s.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005) is an American comedy-drama film for teenagers and young adults. Based on a novel with the same name, the film is set in various locations. One of them is the iconic island of Santorini in the Cyclades.
One of the protagonists, Lena Kaligaris, is a Greek American girl who spends her summer with relatives in Greece. Just like the rest of her friends, she goes through a transformation while away from her family and friends. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants has made many young girls dream of travelling to Santorini one day.
Mediterraneo (1991) is an awarded Italian war comedy-drama filmed in Kastellorizo in the Dodecanese. It follows a group of Italian soldiers who become stranded on the island and miss the brutality of the war.
The movie not only captured the beautiful Mediterranean scenery of Kastellorizo, but it won the hearts of the critics. It was awarded the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1992. It was also the debut film for the Greek actress Vana Barba who played the role of Vasilissa. It is a film everyone should watch in their lives. Keep in mind that some of the scenes are not suitable for young audiences.
Many of you maybe thinking of getting a certificate of attainment in Greek, meaning that you may have to go through a Greek speaking exam. This way, the examiners will determine whether you can successfully communicate in your target language, depending on your level. In the past, we’ve seen examples of “describe an image” tasks.
Here is a list of general, introductory questions you may be asked during your speaking exam. Some of these questions might be rephrased. For example, you may be asked “Ποιο είναι το όνομά σας;” instead of “Πώς ονομάζεστε;”.
Keep in mind that this video provides valuable information for all Greek language learners, whether they are planning on getting certified or not. Lastly, this is a Greek speaking simulation. That means that the answers provided are simply examples that may reflect the reality of many Greek language learners. They do not reveal real information about the speaker. You will be presented with different answers that may describe your personal situation.
Many people agree that the Greek language is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. We have already seen a series of outstanding Greek words, such as “απόκοσμος”. Here are six more aesthetically pleasing Greek words to add to your vocabulary!
Now I am curious to hear what is your favorite Greek word? Leave a comment in the video’s comment section. If you enjoyed watching this video, consider liking and subscribing!
Greek is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. There are, however, a few words that make the Greek language exceptionally beautiful. Here is a list of seven aesthetic Greek words you should start using today. Before we get started, make sure to watch part one and subscribe for part three!
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
If you enjoyed watching this video, feel free to like and leave a comment down below. In the description you will find all the links you are looking for, including your Udemy discount for learning Greek!
Who can deny that the Greek language is one of the most beautiful and poetic languages in the world? But some words stand out more than others. Here is a list of beautiful Greek words with a deep meaning. Before we get started, make sure to subscribe for part 2!
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
A second part is coming next week. Make sure to subscribe and follow Helinika on social media to stay updated. All the links you are looking for are in the description. If you enjoyed watching this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and feel free to leave a comment.
You visited Greece and had a blast. Before your flight, you want to purchase a few items made in Greece to remember your time there. You may also want to buy some souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Forget donkey key chains and Parthenon magnets. Helinika has gathered a list of quality products that are made in Greece. Here is a list with original souvenir ideas from Greece!
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
Note: This article/video shares the author’s honest opinions, and it is not sponsored. None of the provided links are affiliate links.
Ancient Greeks believed that the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus would eat honey and drink honey infused wine. They would eat it for its medicinal benefits and they would offer it to the dead along with wine, milk, and oil. The Attica region has been a bee-keeper’s heaven since antiquity. Greek honey -especially Greek thyme honey- is known for its thick consistency, rich taste, and countless health benefits. Greece’s “liquid gold”, as it is often called, makes an excellent souvenir choice or a gift choice for your friends and family. Keep in mind that modern Greeks have made innovative changes in their honey production methods. For example, the brand “Vasilissa” offers a blend of honey and pure gold flakes! Other brands have been inspired by this product and offer various honey blends.
Greek traditional coffee is very similar -if not the same- as Turkish coffee. Although most young Greeks tend to choose Italian coffee nowadays, this unfiltered type of coffee continues being a big part of the local culture. Strong and bitter, Greek coffee has been served in every “kafeneio” when the village’s elders started a political conversation. And a visit to the grandparents’ house has been associated with the strong smell of Greek coffee being boiled in a briki over a small camping stove on the kitchen counter. Older women would often gather at home and gossip over a cup of Greek coffee, often turning their cup upside down and reading the symbols created by the coffee grounds. This method of fortune telling is known as “tasseography”.
It goes without saying that taking a bag of fine coffee grinds is a must. Loumidis is perhaps the most famous brand in Greece. However, there are countless other Greek coffee brands to choose from in every Greek super-market. If you are not a fan of coffee, consider buying the famous “Greek Mountain Tea” or “Sideritis”. A flowering plant that is dried and used as herbal tea. Sideritis has been used for thousands of years against respiratory illnesses, anemia, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
Did you know that the oldest known board game is still played religiously in Greece? Tavli or Backgammon was invented 5.000 years ago in Mesopotamia and it is still a popular board game in Greece. Apparently, modern Greeks play the same games that Byzantine Greeks loved: Portes, Plakoto, and Asodio. If you are not sure how to play any of these tavli games, I can assure you that any elderly man in a coffee shop will be more than happy to teach you. You can then bring a tavli back home or gift it to a friend who loves board games.
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
Natural sea sponges are the preferred bathing and cleaning sponges for many people around the world. However, they are hard to find and even harder to get. They require a team of brave and skilled free divers who are willing to risk their lives to retrieve these sponges. Greece has a long history of sponge diving, with Kalymnos island having a special sponge diving tradition. In fact, the “Antikythera Mechanism”, the world’s first computer, wouldn’t have been discovered if a group of Kalymnian sponge divers hadn’t explored the depths of the Sea of Antikythera. Today, you can find sea sponges in many natural product stores all around Greece.
It is no secret that well-known luxury brands have been inspired by jewelry pieces displayed in Greek archaeological Museums. Gold jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and rings, have been popular in Greece in ancient, medieval, and modern times. Greek designs are usually geometric and minimalistic. Depending on your budget, consider buying a unique set of earrings or an elegant necklace from one of Greece’s countless jewelry shops. Hermina Athens, 3rd Floor, and Lito, are a few Greek jewelry brands that come to mind.
If you have ever visited an archaeological Museum in Greece, then you know that Greeks have a very long ceramics and pottery tradition. In certain islands, such as in the Cyclades, you will find shops selling only handmade ceramic mugs, plates, vases, and items. They are usually painted by hand, and they are one of a kind. An example is the traditional pottery workshop in the island of Kythnos. Please don’t mix them up with the industrially produced “ancient Greek” imitation pottery that you may find in some souvenir shops. If you choose to buy ceramics as a Greek souvenir, make sure to pack them carefully with a generous amount of bubble wrap.
Apart from honey, Greece’s “liquid gold” is also olive oil. Sold today around the world, Greek olive oil was reportedly the product that brought immense profit to the city of Athens, contributing to the citizens’ achievements in the classical period. Imagine a world without the concept of Democracy or Theatre because olive oil did not exist. And let’s not forget the fact that goddess Athena was chosen as the protector of Athens for planting the first olive tree. Greek olive oil makes the perfect souvenir from Greece.
Another must-item to get from Greece is a pair of hand-made leather sandals. Flat, chic, and minimal. They are the most original product you can get from Greece. You will find many stores dedicated to this art at the streets of Athens and other locations. Sandalaki and Ancient Greek Sandals are two well-known brands that ship their products abroad.
Helinika is a platform dedicated on the Greek language, history, and culture. If you are subscribed to Helinika’s YouTube channel and read helinika.com ‘s articles, you might be planning on getting an official Greek language certificate (πιστοποιητικό ελληνομάθειας) according to your level. This way, it will be easier to work or study in Greece. Today, Helinika starts a new series dedicated to Greek speaking tasks.
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
After a few personal questions, candidates are usually asked to describe some images in Greek. They then try to answer to a few additional questions. That is what we will try to do today.
Let’s start with examples for beginners (A1/A2). Keep in mind that candidates will be probably asked to describe different images on their examination date. Moreover, the answers that are presented to you are simply examples and are not meant to be memorized. Candidates should give honest answers that are relevant to the questions they are given during their examination. It goes without saying that this video is helpful for ALL Greek language students, whether they are planning on getting certified or not.
Helinika will be posting examples for all language levels, along with videos providing answers to introductory questions. So, don’t forget to subscribe!
(η) φωτογραφία= (the) photograph
(η) εικόνα= (the) image/picture
βλέπω= to see
ζω= to live, to stay
(η) οικογένεια= (the) family
βρίσκομαι= to be located, to be found
(ο, η, το) αγκαλιασμένος-η-ο= hugged
(ο, η, το) παντρεμένος= married
(η) Ιατρική= (the) Medical School, Medicine
(η) ζωγραφική= painting (as a hobby/ occupation)
(ο) πίνακας (ζωγραφικής)= (the) painting
(ο, η, το) πήλινος-η-ο= ceramic
(η) γλάστρα= (the) pot
(ο, η, το) ευτυχισμένος-η-ο= happy
(ο, η, το) χαμογελαστός-η-ο= smiling
(o, η, το) καστανός-η-ο= brown (for hair and eye color)
(τα) μαλλιά= (the) hair
(το) λουλούδι= (the) flower
(το) φυτό= (the) plant
προτιμώ= to prefer
κατακτώ= to achieve, to reach, to conquer
(η) ορειβασία= climbing (as a hobby)
(το) βουνό= (the) mountain
(η) αγορά= (the) market
(το) λεμόνι= (the) lemon
(ο) πάγκος= (the) counter
(o) χώρος εστίασης= (the) eating/drinking establishments
(οι) φίλοι= (the) friends
(η) παρέα= (the) group (of friends)
(το) ποτήρι= (the) glass
(το) εστιατόριο= (the) restaurant
Ας αρχίσουμε!
-Τι βλέπετε στη φωτογραφία;
-Στην πρώτη φωτογραφία βλέπω τέσσερα άτομα: έναν άνδρα, μια γυναίκα, ένα αγόρι, κι ένα κορίτσι.
-Ποια η σχέση των τεσσάρων προσώπων;
-Είναι μία οικογένεια. Ο μπαμπάς, η μαμά, και τα δύο παιδιά τους.
-Πού βρίσκεται η οικογένεια;
-Υποθέτω πως βρίσκονται στο σπίτι τους. Κάθονται αγκαλιασμένοι στον καναπέ του σαλονιού τους.
-Πώς νιώθουν τα άτομα της φωτογραφίας;
-Φαίνονται ευτυχισμένοι. Οι γονείς και τα παιδιά κοιτάζουν χαμογελαστοί την κάμερα.
-Εσείς έχετε οικογένεια;
-Ναι, οι γονείς μου είναι ο Νίκος και η Μαρία. Ζουν στην Θεσσαλονίκη. Έχω και μία μικρότερη αδελφή, την Αρετή. Η Αρετή σπουδάζει Ιατρική στην Αθήνα. Δεν είμαι παντρεμένη, ούτε έχω παιδιά.
-Τι βλέπετε στη φωτογραφία;
-Σε αυτή την φωτογραφία βλέπω μια νέα γυναίκα να ζωγραφίζει πάνω σε καμβά.
-Μπορείτε να περιγράψετε την γυναίκα της φωτογραφίας;
-Η γυναίκα της φωτογραφίας έχει μακριά καστανά μαλλιά και φοράει ένα μπλε φόρεμα. Έχει κανονικό σωματότυπο. Δεν μπορούμε να δούμε το πρόσωπό της.
-Μπορείτε να περιγράψετε τι ζωγραφίζει;
-Η γυναίκα ζωγραφίζει ένα φυτό. Το φυτό είναι σε μια πήλινη γλάστρα και έχει βγάλει λευκά λουλούδια.
-Εσάς σας αρέσει η ζωγραφική;
-Μου αρέσει να βλέπω πίνακες ζωγραφικής, όμως εγώ δεν ζωγραφίζω. Δεν έχω ταλέντο στην ζωγραφική.
-Ποιο είναι το αγαπημένο σας χόμπι;
-Είμαι αθλητικός τύπος. Προτιμώ την ορειβασία.
-Ποιο είναι το υψηλότερο βουνό που έχετε κατακτήσει;
-Έχω ανέβει στην υψηλότερη κορυφή του Ολύμπου, δηλαδή στον Μύτικα.
-Μπορείτε να περιγράψετε την εικόνα που έχετε μπροστά σας;
-Σε αυτή την εικόνα βλέπω μια γυναίκα να διαλέγει λεμόνια σε έναν πάγκο.
-Πού βρίσκεται ο πάγκος;
-Ο πάγκος βρίσκεται σε εξωτερικό χώρο. Επομένως, η γυναίκα ψωνίζει σε μία λαϊκή αγορά.
-Εσείς πού προτιμάτε να κάνετε τις αγορές σας;
-Εγώ συνήθως ψωνίζω στο σούπερ-μάρκετ της γειτονιάς μου. Δεν έχει λαϊκή αγορά εκεί που μένω.
-Έχετε πάει ποτέ σε λαϊκή αγορά;
-Ναι, όταν ήμουν μικρή πήγαινα κάθε Παρασκευή με την μητέρα μου. Οι τιμές ήταν χαμηλές, όμως είχε πολύ κόσμο.
-Τι βλέπετε στην φωτογραφία;
-Βλέπω μια παρέα φίλων να βγάζουν μια φωτογραφία όλοι μαζί.
-Πώς αισθάνονται τα άτομα της παρέας;
-Φαίνονται ευδιάθετοι. Χαμογελούν και κάποιοι τσουγκρίζουν τα ποτήρια τους.
-Πού βρίσκονται τα άτομα της φωτογραφίας;
-Τα άτομα της φωτογραφίας είναι μάλλον σε ένα εστιατόρια. Κάθονται σε ένα μεγάλο τραπέζι όπου τρώνε και πίνουν.
-Μπορείτε να περιγράψετε τι τρώνε και πίνουν τα άτομα της φωτογραφίας;
-Φαίνεται ότι πίνουν κρασί, καθώς χρησιμοποιούν ποτήρια του κρασιού. Βλέπω μια μεγάλη σαλάτα στην μέση. Τα πιάτα τους είναι πλέον άδεια.
-Εσείς επισκέπτεστε συχνά χώρους εστίασης;
-Εγώ προτιμώ να μαγειρεύω στο σπίτι. Μου αρέσει να βγαίνω έξω για φαγητό μία με δύο φορές τον μήνα με τους φίλους μου.
These were some examples of photos you may be presented with during an oral examination. It goes without saying that you can watch this video as many times as you need. For more videos like this, like and subscribe to stay updated! More videos are coming soon!
Zeus is perhaps the most well-known Greek god of Mount Olympus. Apart from his leading role in several Greek myths, he has also been featured in countless contemporary books and films. Here are seven facts you should know about Zeus.
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
Zeus is the ruler of Mount Olympus and the leader of all Greek gods and goddesses but also humans. His arrival was predicted by an orator. Before Zeus was in charge, the world was ruled by a Titan with cannibalistic tendencies: Cronus. Cronus feared the prophecy that said that one of his children would violently overthrow him. As soon as his wife would give birth to a baby, he would eat it alive. Zeus was the Titan’s youngest son and the only one who survived. Zeus saved his siblings from his father’s belly and destroyed him. He became Greece’s leading god, and he is often associated with the “father god” of monotheistic religions. However, his appearance and personality are far from these figures.
Fatherly god figures are usually portrayed as old wise men with long white beards, rather than muscular and powerful young men. In some modern-day films and depictions, Zeus is also portrayed as an old man. But, in reality, Greek gods and goddesses were thought to be fit, young, and more attractive than most humans. The same goes for Zeus. Ancient Greek sculptures and pieces of art depict him this way. Although he sports a beard, his facial hair is not that of an old man. Zeus’ appearance evolved over time and there was a time when he was mostly depicted as a wise grandfather.
Learn Greek Online with Helinika
Zeus is an attractive god who used his looks to seduce mortal women on a regular basis. It is impossible to count all of his affairs. Zeus is married to his sister, Hera, who ends up punishing the women Zeus sleeps with. When the ruler of Mount Olympus is rejected in his regular form, he transforms himself into different animals. He appeared to Europe as a bull, to Danae as golden rain, and Leda embraced Zeus in his swan form.
Zeus’s signature weapon is the thunderbolt. That is why he is also named as the “god of thunder”, throwing lightning bolts to his enemies from Mount Olympus. Zeus’s weapon was created by the Cyclops as a “thank you” gift for freeing them from the tyranny of the Titans.
Apart from the ruler of the gods and the god of thunder, Zeus has also another role; that of Xenios. Xenios Zeus is the god of hospitality (philoxenia). The latter was taken very seriously in ancient Greece. There were sacred rules that were followed religiously by those welcoming someone in their home. At the same time, people who wandered in places they’ve never been before had a god to pray to for protection. That was Xenios Zeus.
As mentioned earlier, Zeus was the only child of Cronus that was not consumed alive. That is because Rhea, his mother, had managed to hide him far from his tyrannical father. Cronus ended up eating a rock, which was swaddled like a baby. Zeus then grew up far away from his family in a cave in the island of Crete. He was raised by a goat named Amalthea. In some variations of the myth, Amalthea is not a goat but… a beautiful nymph.
Ancient Greeks called Zeus “Ζευς”, hence his international name. But modern Greeks refer to Zeus as “Δίας” (Dias). If you studied ancient Greek in school, then you might know that the genitive of “Ζευς” is “Διός”. And it is assumed that this is the reason why modern Greeks call Zeus “Δίας”.
Do you have any other facts to add to the list? You can leave a comment down below! If you enjoyed watching this video, like, subscribe and share with a friend who loves ancient Greek mythology. At helinika.com and Helinika’s YouTube channel you will find plenty of articles and videos on the Greek language, history, and culture.
