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Course: French English Spanish Greek
Explanations in: English French Spanish Greek
C2

Ancient Greek in Modern Greek

Proverbs, quotations and fixed phrases from Ancient and Byzantine Greek.

PhraseOriginMeaning
Μηδέν άγανDelphiNothing in excess
Γνώθι σαυτόνDelphiKnow thyself
Εν οίδα ότι ουδέν οίδαattributed to SocratesI know that I know nothing
Ή ταν ή επί ταςSpartan mothers(Come back) with the shield or on it
Μολών λαβέLeonidasCome and take them
Τα πάντα ρειHeraclitusEverything flows
Εν αρχή ην ο λόγοςGospel of JohnIn the beginning was the Word
Ουκ εν τω πολλώ το ευproverbQuality over quantity

Many everyday words keep an ancient meaning inside compounds: φιλόξενος (hospitable: «friend of strangers»), δημοκρατία (rule of the people), ορθογραφία (correct writing).

  • Μηδέν άγαν, είπε, και σταμάτησε να τρώει.
    «Nothing in excess», he said, and stopped eating.
  • Τα πάντα ρει· τίποτα δεν μένει ίδιο.
    Everything flows; nothing stays the same.

Test yourself

  1. What does «Μηδέν άγαν» mean?
    Show answer
    Nothing in excess
  2. Who said «Μολών λαβέ»?
    Show answer
    Leonidas
  3. What does «φιλόξενος» literally mean?
    Show answer
    friend of strangers (hospitable)
  4. Translate: «Γνώθι σαυτόν»
    Show answer
    Know thyself