5 Common Mistakes When Learning Greek (And How to Avoid Them!)

Learning Greek can be a rewarding journey, but like any language, it comes with challenges. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, here are five common mistakes that students make—and how you can overcome them!

1. Confusing "Ένα" and "Ένας"

Greek has gendered nouns, which means articles change depending on the word. Many learners struggle with using "ένα" (neuter) instead of "ένας" (masculine).
✅ Tip: Practice noun-adjective agreement and memorize the gender of common nouns.

2. Struggling with Greek Verb Conjugation

Greek verbs change based on tense, mood, and person.
✅ Tip: Focus on the most commonly used verbs first and break conjugations down into patterns.

3. Mispronouncing Greek Letters That Look Like English

Some Greek letters resemble English ones but sound different. For example, "ρ" looks like "p" but sounds like "r."
✅ Tip: Master the Greek alphabet early and practice pronunciation.

4. Overusing Direct Translations

Many learners try to translate word-for-word from their native language, leading to unnatural phrases.
✅ Tip: Learn Greek phrases as they are naturally used rather than translating literally.

5. Avoiding Speaking Out of Fear

Greek pronunciation and sentence structure can feel intimidating, so some learners hesitate to speak.
✅ Tip: Practice in class or with other native speakers, even if you make mistakes. Mistakes help you learn!