HSC Modern Greek Continuers key terms

The accepted way of writing a word with the correct letters, accents and breathings. Greek spelling often preserves ancient forms, so memorising patterns such as double consonants and final -ν helps accuracy in written tasks.

The written accent mark placed on one vowel of a Greek word to show which syllable is stressed. Correct placement changes meaning, as in πότε (when) and ποτέ (never), so it matters in writing.

A small mark written above an initial vowel or diphthong indicating smooth or rough breathing. It appears in formal written Greek and affects pronunciation of words such as ώρα and ύψος.

The way sounds and stress are produced when speaking a word. Greek has clear vowel sounds and consistent stress, so learners focus on vowels, consonant clusters such as μπ and ντ, and correct accent placement.

The word class expressing an action, event or state, such as γράφω (I write) or είμαι (I am). Greek verbs carry person, number, tense, voice and mood endings, so they are central to building sentences.

A naming word for a person, place, thing or idea, such as δάσκαλος, Αθήνα or ελευθερία. Greek nouns belong to one of three genders and decline for case and number, so their article must agree.

A describing word that gives a quality of a noun, such as μεγάλος (big) or όμορφη (beautiful). Greek adjectives agree with their noun in gender, number and case, which learners must check in writing.

The definite article ο, η, το (the) or the indefinite ένας, μία, ένα (a, an). Articles show the gender, number and case of the noun they accompany, so they are a reliable clue when reading.

A grammatical case showing a noun's role in the sentence. Greek has nominative, genitive, accusative and vocative; the accusative marks objects and the genitive often shows possession or indirect object.

The grammatical category of masculine, feminine or neuter that every Greek noun has. Gender affects article and adjective endings, and it is not always predictable from meaning, so it is learnt with each noun.

Agreement between words that must match in gender, number and case, such as an article, adjective and noun, or a verb and its subject. Checking agreement prevents many common errors in writing.

The ending attached to a stem to show grammatical information such as person, number, tense or case. Recognising endings helps learners decode unfamiliar words and produce correct forms in their own sentences.

The pattern of endings a word takes as it changes form, for example noun declension or verb conjugation. Learning a word's inflection pattern lets a learner generate many correct forms instead of memorising each separately.

In grammar, the tense of a verb, showing whether an action happens now, happened before or will happen. Greek distinguishes present, past and future forms, and also marks whether an action is complete.

The aspect of a Greek verb, showing whether the speaker views an action as ongoing or repeated, or as a single completed whole. Aspect explains pairs such as γράφω and γράψω.

The subjunctive mood used after particles such as να, for wishes, plans, commands and purpose. It uses a different set of endings and appears constantly in spoken and written Greek, so it must be practised.

The imperative mood used to give instructions, advice or orders, such as γράψε (write) or ελάτε (come). It has singular and plural forms and appears in recipes, signs and messages.

The rules governing how words combine into phrases and sentences, including word order and the connection of clauses. Greek word order is flexible, but meaning depends on clear structure and correct linking words.

A short word placed before a noun phrase to show relationships such as place, time or direction, for example σε, από, με, για. Each preposition governs a particular case, so learners should note which.

A joining word such as και, αλλά, γιατί or ενώ that links words, phrases or clauses. Using varied connectors improves cohesion and raises the quality of extended writing and speaking.

A group of connected sentences developing one main idea, usually starting with a topic sentence. Clear paragraphing helps a reader follow an argument in an essay, article or report.

Any piece of written or spoken language produced for a purpose, such as a letter, notice, article or dialogue. Recognising a text's type and audience helps a reader predict content and tone.

The reason a text or utterance exists, such as to inform, persuade, invite or complain. Identifying purpose guides a reader's interpretation and shapes the choices a writer makes in a task.

The tone or register of language, ranging from formal and polite to casual and friendly. Choosing the right register depends on the audience and situation, for example a letter to a friend or an official.

Formal language used in official letters, news reports, applications and public announcements. It avoids slang and contractions and often uses polite plural forms and set phrases such as Αξιότιμε κύριε.

A written letter, either personal or formal, with a greeting, body and closing. Formal letters use set openings and endings, while personal letters are more relaxed and conversational in tone.

A short written or spoken communication such as a text message, note or voicemail. Messages are usually brief, direct and informal, and often omit words that a fuller written text would include.

A short restatement of the main points of a longer text, written in your own words. A good summary keeps key information, removes examples and detail, and stays faithful to the original meaning.

The central point a text or paragraph communicates, supported by details and examples. Locating it quickly helps a reader answer comprehension questions and summarise accurately under time pressure.

A judgement or inference reached by combining information from a text with general knowledge. Questions asking what is implied require reading between the lines rather than copying a stated sentence.

A personal view or belief about something, as opposed to a fact. Recognising opinion language such as νομίζω, πιστεύω or κατά τη γνώμη μου helps readers judge the reliability of a statement.

A reason or point offered to support a position in discussion or argument. Strong arguments are relevant, clearly stated and backed by evidence or examples, and they appear in essays and debates.

A structured conversation in which one person asks questions and another answers, often for a job, a news article or research. Listeners identify the topic, the speakers' roles and key details.

A conversation between two or more speakers who take turns. Understanding dialogue requires tracking who is speaking, what each wants and how tone shifts through intonation and choice of words.

A public spoken or written notice giving information, such as a station announcement or school bulletin. Listeners pick out essential details like time, place and action required, ignoring background noise.

The customs, beliefs and practices handed down through generations in a community, such as festivals, songs and food. Understanding traditions helps learners interpret cultural references in texts and discussions.

A customary practice followed by a community on particular occasions, such as Easter customs or name-day visits. Knowing typical customs supports comprehension of cultural allusions in reading and listening passages.

A celebration or festival, whether religious or national, such as Πάσχα, Χριστούγεννα or a local πανηγύρι. Dates, greetings and typical activities linked to festivals often appear in examination texts.

Greek communities living outside Greece, such as those in Australia, and their shared sense of cultural identity. Texts often explore language maintenance, family ties and connections with Greece among diaspora Greeks.

A person's or group's sense of who they are, shaped by language, family, place and culture. Discussion of identity often arises when speakers describe growing up between two cultures or languages.