Tarbet - Collins Greek Phrasebook and Dictionary Gem Edition

HarperCollins Publishers

Westerhill Road

Bishopbriggs

Glasgow G64 2QT

Fourth Edition 2016

HarperCollins Publishers 1993, 2007, 2010, 2016

Source ISBN: 9780008135898

Ebook Edition March 2016 ISBN: 9780008163471

Version: 2016-03-02

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Whether youre on holiday or on business, your Collins Gem Phrasebook and Dictionary is designed to help you locate the exact phrase you need, when you need it. Youll also gain the confidence to go beyond what is in the book, as you can adapt the phrases by using the dictionary section to substitute your own words.

The Gem Phrasebook and Dictionary includes:

Over 60 topics arranged thematically, so that you can easily find an expression to suit the situation

Simple pronunciation which accompanies each word and phrase, to make sure you are understood when speaking aloud

Tips to safeguard against any cultural faux pas, providing the essential dos and donts of local customs or etiquette

A basic grammar section which will help you to build on your phrases

FACE TO FACE dialogue sections to give you a flavour of what to expect from a real conversation

A handy map of the country which shows the major cities and how to pronounce them

YOU MAY HEAR sections for common announcements and messages, so that you dont miss important information when out and about

A user-friendly 3000 word dictionary to ensure youll never be stuck for something to say

A short chapter of LIFELINE phrases for quick reference. These basic words and phrases will be essential to your time abroad

Before you jet off, its worth spending time looking through the topics to see what is covered and becoming familiar with pronunciation.

Contents

Greek alphabet

Greek is spelt exactly as it sounds. The only difficulty may occur with letters which have the same sound, e.g. , , or , and with double consonants. The names of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet are given below:

In the pronunciation system used here, Greek sounds are represented by spellings of the nearest possible sounds in English. When you read the pronunciation guide, pronounce the letters as if reading English. The bold shows where the stress falls in the word (in the Greek script it is marked with an accent).

Here are a few tricky letter combinations:

The letters , , , , and have the same sound ee and and have the same sound e (as in m e t). You should also note that the Greek question mark is a semi-colon, i.e. ; .

Dont wear beachwear anywhere but at the beach.

Yes is signified by a slight downward nod of the head; no is a slight upward nod of the head.

Nodding your head to indicate yes is not polite; say yes instead.

One of the rudest gestures is to thrust the palm of your hand in front of someones face.

Online gambling is illegal in internet cafs and in public.

Be prepared to be asked about your age, your marital status, etc. Personal questions are commonplace and are not considered rude.

Easter is celebrated more than Christmas.

Codeine is available on prescription only, so medicines containing codeine should not be brought into Greece.

If your passport is stolen, call the tourist police first and they can often act as translators.

Names are attached to particular days of the year. For example, if you are called Elena you will celebrate your name day on May 21st. Name day celebrations are as important as birthdays!