Greek Grammar Guide

Senior Missionary Language Training

Instructions to Language Tutors and Missionaries
The objective of the language tutoring program for senior missionaries is to enable them, and others, to begin
communicating meaningfully as early as possible in their mission language. In order to help accomplish this
objective, this grammar guide provides a focus on only the most basic grammatical structures of the language
for those who are studying the language for the first time. By limiting the focus of the missionaries to the basic
concepts outlined in this guide, seniors will be able to concentrate their energy and attention on doing a few
things very well, rather than trying to cover everything. The content of this guide has been prepared to enable
seniors to communicate the following in their mission language:
o Asking about and Expressing a State of Being
o Asking about and Expressing Possession or ownership
o Asking about and Describing Objects, People, and their characteristics
o Asking about and Expressing Desire, Need, Preference, Ability, Intention, or purpose
o Asking about and Describing Simple Actions and Events
o Asking and answering questions of contrasting attitudes, emotion, feelings
o Asking and answering questions of time, date, and location
o Asking and answering questions of quality, quantity, number, and sequence
o Asking and answering questions of cause and effect
o Narrating simple experiences and stories
The lessons are designed to insure that the missionaries can communicate each of the above concepts under the
following three conditions:
1) using both questions and answers
2) in the simplest forms of the present, past, and future
3) in both the affirmative and the negative
Lesson sequence to be followed: It is recommended that the grammar lessons be studied in the sequence that
they appear in this guide. Missionaries may refer to the designated language text for further explanations on
any of the points of grammar as they move through this guide..
Teach and practice from the visual displays: Use the visual displays in this document for practice during
tutoring sessions. They are designed to provide a visual connection between tutor and learner, especially
when on the telephone. The visual nature of the displays is intended to eliminate much of the need for grammar
rules, by showing rather than explaining.
Refer when necessary to the language text: For each lesson in this document, missionaries and tutors may
refer to the designated language text whenever necessary to answer questions they may have regarding the
grammar. You will continue to refer to it on your own once you are in the field.
Pace for moving through this grammar guide: There is no need to move too quickly through the lessons.
Time should be spent on building confidence in using the structures in each lesson before moving on. Spend
the necessary time increasing vocabulary and reviewing previous lessons before moving too quickly ahead. The
lessons will build on each other as you move through the sequence.
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Greek

Use a variety of activities: It is not necessary to cover a new lesson in each tutoring session. Missionaries
will gain more confidence when they are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities on the
same principle. This will more likely insure that they are not only mastering concepts and structures as they go,
but that they have ample opportunity to review and maintain their confidence in all past lesson material. Tutors
should plan and conduct many communicative language-type activities as part of their tutoring, including the
performance of tasks, which are studied separately.
Speak the language: Speak the language at every opportunity. An explanation here and there may be
necessary in English, but missionaries need ample opportunity to see themselves communicating in the
language. This will build their confidence more than anything else. Tutors should limit their own use of the
language to the structures and vocabulary that the missionaries have learned up to that point, so as to increase
the likelihood of their success in listening and responding in the language during tutoring sessions.
Organize note-taking: When missionaries have questions on particular grammatical structures, they should
write any notes in the margins of the text or on the visual display sheets of this document where that particular
principle is located. By doing so, their notes will be automatically organized for future reference, because they
will be written on the pages which deal with that principle.
Use a pocket notebook for vocabulary: Vocabulary items should be written in an organized way in a small,
pocket-sized notebook, which can be carried with them for easy reference while speaking the language. Keep
two separate lists for easy access; one of verbs, and the other for general vocabulary items. For example, keep a
list of verbs in the front of the notebook, and a list of all other vocabulary items in the back. Write in the
language on the left side of the page, with the English equivalent on the right side. This makes for easy review
by covering either one or the other side of the list.
Use vocabulary notebook for review: Not having easy access to ones notes is one of the most frustrating
hindrances of note taking, and thus of systematic review. By using the vocabulary notebooks, missionaries can
be much more successful in their review because they can always be working from a current, up-to-date list. Be
selective at first. Dont try to remember or write everything down. Select those vocabulary items / verbs that
you will use most frequently and build from there.

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Table of Contents
1. Overview of the Language. 4
2. Alphabet & Basic Pronunciation5
Asking about and Expressing a State of Being
3. The Nominative Case The Subject .7
4. The Accusative Case - Direct Object. 8
Asking about and Expressing Possession or ownership
5. Genitive Case - Possession9
Asking about and Describing Objects, People, and their characteristics
6. Asking Questions. 10
Asking about and Describing Simple Actions and Events
7. Active First Conjugation.. 11
8. Active Second Conjugation. 12
9. Active Third Conjugation 13
10. Passive First Conjugation.14
11. Passive Second Conjugation 15
12. Passive Third Conjugation... 16
Narrating simple experiences and stories
13. First Conjugation - Past Tense. 17
14. Second and Third Conjugation Past Tense... 18
15. Passive Simple past.. 19
16. Perfect Tense 20
17. Continuous Past21
Asking and answering questions of time, date, and location
18. Simple Future... 22
19. Infinitve forms simple... 23
20. Impersonal Verbs. 24
21. I like to - ...25

Appendix
22. Time Chart27
23. Prepositions key... 28

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Greek

1. Overview of The Language

o The Greek alphabet is that of the ancient language used by Homer, Socrates, and Paul in their writing of
Greek at various time periods and still used today with its 24 letters. Greeks writing system is very
systematic. It uses various diphthong (two or more letter-clusters) and monophthong (single letters)
constructions to write and to make its word patterns. This system is strictly regulated by specific rules for
reading, writing, and pronunciation.
o Unlike English, Greek nouns have genders, which affect the parts of speech. We will point those out as we
learn the language.
o Greek uses nouns are put into declensions and used along with articles (both definite [the- ] and
indefinite [a- ]) to specify the function of each noun by case (whether a direct or an indirect object or
possessive).
o The pronouns follow patterns similar to the nouns and play the role found in most Indo-European
languages (i.e. I, you, he, she, it, etc.)
o Adjectives also follow certain declensions and always agree in number, gender, and case with the nouns
they modify.
o Adverbs take on very few forms and are utilized as they are in English.
o Greek has 4 cases: The Nominative- the case of the subject; The Accusative- the case of the direct
object; The Genitive- the case of the possessor; and the Vocative- the case of those called on (i.e. Hey
John!)
o Prepositions are used in sentence structure as in English but also are utilized for noun and verb forming.
(i.e. - I pray (I pour out good[words] towards [God], - apostasy (the standing away
from)
o There are no infinitive verb forms in Greek. Instead of infinitives, Greek utilizes the particle to
express the idea of verbs in sentences.
o The Greek language is inseparably connected with the Greek thought, culture, and history. Utilizing the
knowledge associated with these secular themes will enable learners to effectively access the language,
and more importantly, the Greeks themselves.

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2. Alphabet and Basic Pronunciation

o Learn the alphabet and basic elements of pronunciation through the Interactive Greek Alphabet Tool so
that you can begin to read in the language.
o Establish and maintain regular daily reading exercises from Gospel Principles Manual, Scriptures, The
Liahona, and / or the Hymns, for pronunciation and comprehension purposes.
o Make sure reading activities are put on the calendar for each day
Letter
Name
English name
Pronunciation

Alfa
a as in abrupt

Vita
v as in vet

Gama
gh as in ghost but more

Dhelta
Epsilon
Zita
Ita
Thita
Yiota
Kapa
Lamdha
Mi
Ni
Xi
Omicron
pi
ro

sigma
taf
ipsilon
fi
hi

guttural
th(d) as in there
as in egg
z as in zoo
as in feet
th as in thanks
as in feet
k as in keep
l as in lemon
m as in man
n as in net
ks as in picks
o as in option
p as pet
r as in the Spanish rr
(rolling r)
s as in sun
t as in turtle
as in feet
f as in fish
ch as in the the Scottish
pronunciation of loch

psi
omega

h as in Hugh(in between
sh and an h)
ps as in Pepsi
o as in option

Double
consonants

at beginning
of word

anywhere else

Example 1

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Example

Example 2
Greek

b as in ball

d as in door
g as in gun
anywhere in
word
ng as in angle
ngh
dz loads
ts pizza

Double
consonants

mb as in
samba
nd as in and
ng as in angle

Diphthongs

av as in
avalanche or
af as in after
ev as in
Everest of
ef as effort

as in egg
as in feet
as in feet
oo as in pool

Double
vowels

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3. The Nominative Case The Subject -

o State of being happy, grateful, sad, tired, rested, etc.
o The nominative case articles, endings, and pronouns
o Roles, nationality, profession, occupation, etc.
(See pg. 99 P1for , pg. 50,41-42 P1for the nominative case Modern Hellenic
Grammar)

I am

American.

= I am
Singular

Plural

*
*
1st

I am
we are
*
*
2nd

you are
you are
*
*
3rd

he is
they are
she is
it is

+
+ / +
(a /an)

-
-
-
-
-
-

-American
-Greek
-happy
-grateful
-tired
-sad

-
-
- ...
- ...

-missionary
-doctor
-brother
-sister

-


-Representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
Examples
Q: ;
Are you a missionary?
: , .
Yes, I am a missionary
Q: ;
Are you Greek?
: .
No I am American

16 December 2010

Q: ;
Are you tired?
: , ,
.
Yes, I am tired, but I am happy

Greek

4. The Accusative Case - Direct Object

You (all) have

friends?

Singular

Plural

*
*
1st

I have
we have
*
*
2nd

you have
you have
*
*
3rd
()
he has
they have
she has
it has

-
-
-
-

+ ()/
(a / the)

-father
-brother
-friend
-dog

-
+ / + -
(a / the)
-
-
-
-
-
-o
-

+ / +
(a / the)

-cat
-mother
-family
-sister
-question
-ticket
-book
-pen
-car

Me

it makes

happy.

(me)

(us)

(you)

(you)

(him)

(them)

(her)

(theirs)

(it)

(those)

help

excited

/
tired

calls

in/ at/ to the church

the lesson

Examples
Q: ;
Do you have a cat?
A: , .
Yes I have a cat.

16 December 2010

Q: ;
Do you have a cat?
A: , .
Yes I have a cat.

Greek

5. Genitive Case - Possession

o Do you have ? Yes, I have ?
o The genitive case, articles, endings, and pronouns
o Yes, we have / No, we dont have
(See pg. 44 P1 Missionary Modern Hellenic Grammar Guide)

You have

the cell phone

mine?

Verb

Object

Q. ___ ;
Do you have ___?

A. , ___ .
Yes, I have___ .

A. , ___ .
No, I dont have ___ .

Q. ()___ ;
Do they have ___ ?

Possessive pronoun

- (book)
- (notebook)
- (scriptures)
- (dictionary)
- (pen)
- (chair)
- (blouse)
- (car)
- (money)
- (eyeglasses)
- (mobile phone)
- (phone)
- (bicycle)

Examples

Q: .
;
I have your book. Do you have my dictionary?

A:, .
.
No, I dont have your dictionary. I have Giannis
folder.

(my)

(yours)

(his)

(hers)

(its)

(ours)

(yours)

(theirs)

(of friend)

(of mother)

Q: ;
Are you happy?

A: ,
.
Yes, I have a book and my sciprtures.

Q: ;
Do you have money?

A: ,
No, We dont have money.

*Notice that the possessive pronouns normally go at the end of a noun which it
modifies.
* You may see other constructions to show relation to other nouns and adjectives.
(i.e. coming in between the adjective and noun- )
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6. Asking Questions
o
o
o
o

What is this / that?

-This / that is , Those are
Who is this / that?(see also section19)
-This / that is
Is this / that ? Are these / those ?
-Yes, this / that is , No, that is not
General Interrogatives
(See pg. 103 & 41 P1, pg. 5 P2 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

What

is

that?

Interrogative

Verb

subject

//

- (a Bible)
-/ / __ (brother / Sister __)
-
-

- (my companion)
+ + - -
-
-() - (our children)
- (a door)

- (my pair of trousers)

- (a shirt)
I am
we are
- (a dress)

- (our brothers)
you are you are
- (a jacket)

- (a pencil)
he is they are
- (a necktie)
she is
- (socks)
it is
- (a sister)
- (an Elder)
- (a missionary)
- (the shoes)
- B (the B of M)
- (the pen)
Examples

Q. ;
;
Who is he / she?

Q. ;
What is this /that ?

A. .
He is my husband.

A. ,
.
No, this / that is not the
prophet?

A. .
These / those are chairs.

. ;

Q.
;
Are they missionaries?

A. ,

.
No, these / those are
not

Is this / that your pen?

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Greek

7. Active First Conjugation

(See pg.10 P2 odern Hellenic Grammar)

I teach

the Gospel.

(cook)

(food)

- -
- -
- -()

(write)

.
(a letter).

.
(the scriptures).

(know)

(the dictionary).

( look)

(in God).

( believe)

= I read
Singular
1st

2nd

3rd

Plural

*
*


I read
we read
*
*

you read
you read
*
*
()
he reads
they read
she reads
it reads

- (the books)
- (the notebook)
- (the scriptures)
- (the dictionary)
- (in Greek)
- (the B of M)
- (the newspaper)

Examples

: ;

Are you reading a book?

Do you read the scriptures in Greek?

: ,
.
Yes, I am reading the book now.

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Yes, I read them in Greek.

11

Greek

8. Active Second Conjugation

(See pg. 11 P2 Modern Hellenic grammar)

We speak

Greek.

(love)

- -
- -
- -()

(walk)

(the children).

.
(on Mars Hill).

(help)

= I help
Singular

Plural

*
1st

I help
*
2nd
you help
*
3rd
he helps
she helps
it helps

*

we help
*

you help
*
()
they help

- (the children)
- (the grandmother)
- (my companion)
- (the president)
- (the Greeks)
- (in the work)
- (in the kitchen)
- (the poor)

Examples

Q: ;
Do you help the kids?

Q: E
;
Are you a missionary?, Do you help the poor.

A: , .
Yes, I help the kids.

16 December 2010

A: , .
We help the old woman often.

12

Greek

9. Active Third Conjugation

(See pg. 13 P1 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

We serve

a mission.

(I drive)

(I am late)

- -
- -
- -()

(the car)

(to the lesson)

(I explain)

(very hard)

= I follow
Singular

Plural

*
*
1st

I follow
we follow
*
*
2nd

you follow
you follow
*
*
3rd ()
he follows
they follow
she follows
it follows

- (the children)
- (my companion)
- (the president)
- (the Greeks)
- (that red car)
- (your leader)
- (your heart)
- (our friend)

Examples

: ;
Do you follow the prophet?

: .
Yes, He is the president.

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Greek

10. Passive First Conjugation

(See pg.10 P2 odern Hellenic Grammar)

I am taught

the Gospel.

(be tried)

(be confused)

(be sent)

(by)

(temptations)

.
(the talk).

.
(the Prophet).

(be prepared)

(for)

(the activity).

(think about)

(the subject)

(come)

(to church).

Examples

:
;
Are you taught by the
missionaries?

: ,
.

;
Are you preparing for your baptism.

,
.
No, I am confused about the things in church.

Yes, They come very often.

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Greek

11. Passive Second Conjugation

(See pg.10 P2 odern Hellenic Grammar)

We are helped

by

the Gospel.

(by)

(God)

(be loved)

(be held)

.
(the strength of God).

(for)

(wonder)

.
(Nick).

.
-

(remember)

(sleep )

(your friend).

.
(Sister Mavromati).

.
(the whole night).

(death).

(be afraid)

(that you lost him).

(be sorry)

Examples

:
;

.
I wonder if you can do it.

Do you remember your baptism?

: , .

Of course I can do it.

Yes, I remember it well.

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Greek

12. Passive Third Conjugation

(See pg.10 P2 odern Hellenic Grammar)

I are called

Elders.

(be ordained)

+
-

(by)

(president)

(the talk).

(wonder)

(with)

.
(the work).

.
(the center).

Examples

:
;
Do you have anything to do with
the Greeks?

: ,

.

.
Are you getting ordained on Sunday?

,
.
Yes, I am getting ordained by Elder
Mcphee.

Yes, We are learning Greek and we

have a lot to do with the Greeks.

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16

Greek

13. First Conjugation - Past Tense

(See pg.27 P1 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

Christ

taught

the Gospel.

(The investigator)

(My daughter)

(I)

(Paul)

(We)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Root

-change

Add ending

Accent 3 back

.
(The Book of Mormon).

- -
- -
- -()

1.
2.
3.
4.

Root
/
/

add ending
/
Accent 3 back
/

1.
2.
3.
4.

Root
//

/ /
//
Add ending
Accent 3 back
//

.
(the letter).

.
(the food).

.
(far).

.
(film).

.
(the lesson).

(the missionary)
Examples

:
;

.
What did they ready yesterday?

Did you read the Book of Mormon?

: ,
.

They read the scriptures and we read

the newspaper.

No, I am reading it now.

: ;
Do you read Greek?

: ,

Yes, I read yesterday in Greek.

*please note that these are general rules for forming these simple roots for all
forms (both active and passive inside of all 4 conjugations). Each verb MUST be
looked up individually to confirm which type of root change is required.

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Greek

14. Second and Third Conjugation Past Tense

(See pg. 29 P1 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

God

called

prophets.

1.
(The missionaries) 2.
3.
4.

1.
(God)
2.
3.
4.

Root

Add-
Add ending

Accent 3 back

Root
Add -
Add ending
Accent 3 back

(The bus)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Root

Add
Add ending

Accent 3 back

.
(the member).

-
-
-

-
-
-()

.
(Joseph Smith).

.
(the church).

*note that this verb changes stems from

its original to in the
simple

Examples

M: ;
Do you help the kids?

N: ,
.
Yes I helped the kids yesterday in the
morning.

M: ;

Read the following explanations and identify the past

tense verbs.

. .
.
. .

Do you help the president too?

N: ,
.
Yes, and I am helping the president today.

. .
.
.
:
.
. ,
. .

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Greek

15. Passive Simple Past

felt

the Spirit.

Christ

was prepared

was helped

O
The prophet

was called

The member

fell asleep

Christ

fell asleep

You

thought

-
-
-

-
-
-()

**Accent 3 syllables
from the end.

to

be a prophet.

by

God.

.
the Father.

.
(about) me.

Examples

M:
;

Did you pray yesterday for an answer?

We were sent by a true prophet.

N: ,
.

, ;
Interesting, Where did he come from?

Yes, and I thought about my situation.

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Greek

16. Perfect Tense

o Perfect Tense- I have gone, I have done
(See pg. 68-70 P1 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

We have

served

two years.

1st

2nd

3rd

I have
we have

you have you have

()
he has
they have
she has
it has

tried

tried.

simple root

prayed

prayed.

seen

seen.

felt

felt.

Examples

;
Do you have an English lesson?

Have you read the Book of Mormon

, .

Yes, But I havent slept.

Yes, I have read it.

;
Have you ever prayed concerning the
truthfulness of the Book of Mormon

,
Yes, All of us have read it.

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20

Greek

17. Continuous Past

Christ

used to live

on the earth.

**accent syllables
1st
back from the end.

(used to read)
-
+
(used to send)
-()
(used to say)

.
(the Book of Mormon).
.
(prophets).
.
(the story).

2nd & 3rd

(used to pass)

-
-
-

-
-
-

.
(by the church).

.
(help).

(learn).

(used to be able to)

(used to try)

Examples

;
Could you help at the lesson?

,
.
Yes, We discussed the modern prophets.

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Greek

18. Simple Future

(Future)

I will help

at the activity.

(future)

teach

keep

pass

Use the Simple

Root forms for
each verb learned
above in the
Simple past

.
institute.

-
-
-

.
the commandments.

.
by your house.

Examples

M: ;

Will you write a letter?

N: ,
.

Will you read the Book of Mormon.

. .

Yes, I have a lot of letters that Ill write.

I dont know. I wont believe it.

M: ;
Will you speak on the phone?

N: , , .
No, I will just write.

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Greek

19. Infinitve forms - simple

o To want or to desire
(See pg. 9,10 P1 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

I want

to

you

help

in the Branch

Can you

I am ready

(me)

(us)

(you)

(you)

speak

(him)

(them)

teach

(her)

(theirs)

(it)

(those)

read

Use the Simple

Root forms for
each verb learned
above in the
Simple past

-
-
-

the verse.

.
Greek.

.
the investigator.

Examples

: ;
Do you want to go to church?

: ,
.
Yes, I want to study the Holy Scriptures.

Q:
;
Are you willing to keep the commandments?

A: ,
.
Yes, I will keep them my whole life.

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23

Greek

20. Impersonal Verbs

o To be able to / To know how to
(See pg. 11 P1 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

Must

It is necessary

It is about to

us

you write

in America?

(me)

(us)

give

(you)

(you)

rain

(him)

(them)

study

(her)

(theirs)

(it)

(those)

Use either
the simple or
continuous
root

- -
- -
- -

the prayer.

.
the scriptures.

**Please note that the expression

does not mean you dont have to.
Instead, it means you must not or thou
shall not.

Examples

:
;
Do I need to drive the car?

: ,
.
Yes, We are about to have a meeting.

Q: ;
Do we need to go to Halandri?

A: ,
.
Yes, We need to pick up the food.

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24

Greek

21. I like to -
(See pg. 32 P2 Modern Hellenic Grammar)

We have

served

(me)

(us)

(you)

(you)

(him)

(them)

.
two years.

*option 1

(it pleases)
() +
(they please)

skiing.

+
.

do

(her)

*option 2

simple or
continuous
root
acceptable

read

(it)

+
+ endings

be

tried.

.
prayed.

. .
in Greek.

seen.

.
the missionaries.

study

.
history.

Examples

;
Do you like reading?

,
.
Yes, Generally I like to read.

;
What book do you like?

.

.
.
.
.
. ;
: , .

- .

I like Harry Potter books.

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Appendix 22. Time Chart

This table helps us understand the Greek verb tenses on a time table chart. In relating a story one may
reference to this chart and find, not only the idea in relation to time of what they might want to express, but also
the tense it would be put into. The English examples help explain how we express each of these tenses in
English and the Greek gives the culmination of the English equivalents.

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Appendix 24. Prepositions key

This chart is a visual tool in enabling one to visualize the many prepositions which are used both along and part
of compound words in Greek. Use this to visualize meanings of words in Greek for example:
- = stand + = coming from/ in motion outwards or from that point. => The standing away
from something you were once centered in=> apostasy
= = to feel/sense + = going from one side completely THROUGH the object or
idea to the other side. => I feel/sense something all the way through its existence and station in relation to me
(on the other side) => I perceive
= = I stay/reside + or = to be stationary inside of something/ IN=> I stay or reside inside of
one theme, idea, or place => I obsess
= = think (in process, not about something) + = moving from a former state, with its
natural flow, to another point (usually progressive) => I progressively change the way I think from one way to
the other=> I repent

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