Modern Greek native tutor with extensive experience teaching beginners. Lessons available in English. Start your language journey with me!

Learn more about EFI

• 1) Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I am Greek and I have lived in Greece my whole life, so Greek is my native language. At the same time, I have always had a passion for travelling, teaching, and learning foreign languages, which is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching Greek so much!

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Comedy-wise, I would say Eleni from Konstantinou kai Elenis, a famous Greek comedy series, because she is very direct and passionate when she speaks. She is very expressive with the people she loves, but sometimes also hot-headed, and I believe this represents the expressive and direct nature of Greek language and culture quite well!

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  The word “χαλαρά” (halara), which means “chill” or “relax.” I like it because it is basically the Greek version of “Hakuna Matata” and reflects the relaxed and easygoing side of Greek culture.
  
  You might say it to someone who is in a hurry or stressing too much, and normally people make the last “aaa” longer when they say it: “χαλαράαα.” Besides being just a word, it captures a whole vibe!

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Because it is very direct, challenging, but also very fun at the same time. Speaking this language as a non-Greek person brings you much closer to Greek tradition and culture. I also think that speaking Greek comes with a very specific direct and expressive energy.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  One of the main difficulties is the speed at which Greek is spoken in everyday life. It can confuse many learners and make it difficult to distinguish one word from another. Speaking and listening practice, as well as regular contact with the language, help a lot in overcoming this difficulty.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I always tell my students that the word “δουλειά” (douliá), meaning “work,” has to be pronounced with the emphasis on the “ά.” Many students at the beginning put the emphasis on the “ει.” I explain to them that this changes the meaning completely in Greek, and instead it means “slavery.” Most of them laugh and agree that these two words are actually not that far apart.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Since I have travelled a lot and I know several languages myself, I can say that being in Greece and interacting with locals can definitely make you appreciate the language more and increase your willingness to invest time and effort into learning it!
  
  It is always very rewarding when, after only a few lessons, you are already able to have real conversations with locals — at a café, at the bus stop, at the supermarket, and in everyday situations in general.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  First of all, what makes me a great teacher is the relationship I create with my students. There is always trust, respect, and mutual understanding between us. We understand that the learning process can sometimes be challenging, so I believe it is very important to also enjoy the class and have fun during the learning journey.
  
  In addition, my years of teaching experience have helped me become highly adaptable to each student’s individual needs, regardless of their language level. The first 5–10 lessons are usually more structured, but after that, the classes become more flexible and guided more by the student’s goals and interests.
  
  I believe that my students would agree that, besides being very patient with the learning process, I am also very enthusiastic and passionate about teaching. I have a talent for explaining the same concept from different angles and in different ways, so that it becomes easier to understand.
  
  Another thing that helps is that I do not rely only on a textbook. Although I use a book as a guide, I also provide extra material for important grammar points, conversation practice, and key milestones throughout the learning process.