Greek English Phrasebook

Greek-English Phrasebook (Sprechen Sie Attisch)
Sprechen Sie Attisch? Moderne Konversation in altgriechischer Umgansprache nach den besten attischen Autoren. By E. Joannides
(Eduard Johnson). 2nd Edition, Dresden und Leipzig, 1902. Publisher: C.A. KochsVerlagsbuchhandlung (H. Ehlers)
(English Title: Do You Speack Attic? Modern Conversations in ancient colloquial Greek according to the best Attic authors)
A Note to users: This book is currently being translated into English thanks to the graces and skill of Dr. Carl W. Conrad,
Professor Emeritus, Department of Classics, Washington University of Saint Louis, Missouri. Louis Sorenson is the
general editor. Your corrections are wanted and appreciated. If you find an error or want to translate or vet a section,
contact Louis Sorenson [louis @ letsreadgreek.com. ] You may ask for several page numbers to translate so that we do
not reduplicate work.
Many thanks to Dr. Carl W. Conrad who has done almost all of the translation. Thanks!
Carl W. Conrad, 20 Jan, 2011: I think it's more important that the English and Greek express the same idea, even where
the English idiom doesn't work the same way as the German.
The Hopperizer: Link this text to the Perseus LSJ Lexicon and Parser
Johnson, Sprechen Sie Attisch, 1902
Johnson, Sprechen Sie Attisch, 1889
A pdf of the 1902 German edition is

available on the Internet Archive or
Google Books
[p. 20]
Internet Archive
Google Books
Last update:
10/29/2011 20:51
Progress: Edits
CONVERSATIONS
A. Of General Content
If Greek phrase is Attic in spelling or meaning, an @ sign is

listed after the Greek.
1. Hello
English Translation
Well, Hello there!
Good morning, Charles!
Good morning, Gustav! (in response)
Im delighted to see you!
Well, I welcome you heartily!
I welcome you warmly, Mr. Miller!
The pleasures all mine!
Hello, hello! Im so glad youve come,
my dearest!
Well, Hello! What have you got there?
Well, Hello, Pericles. What can I do for
you?
Any news?
Bad news?
Good evening, gentlemen!
Good evening, ladies!
Good evening, girls!
Greek Translation @=Attic

!
!
, !
, !
!
!
!
, , , !
, ;
, , ;
;
;
, !
, !
, !
Page 1 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
Paul sends you greetings.

My dear sir!
.
!
2. How goes it?

English Translation
How are you doing?
What are you up to?
Im doing very well, thanks.
Im doing better now than yesterday.
How is your father?
Hes doing quite well.
How are things with you otherwise?
How are you feeling?
Poorly.
I have no happiness left in life.
Im not doing well (financially)
Im not in good shape.
How are things in Leipzig?
How are things in London?
Very nice.

;
;
, .
.
;
.
.
;
.
.
.
.
;
;
.
Koine Alternative
...
Note
3. Whats wrong with you?

English Translation
Whats wrong with you?
Whats your trouble?
Im doing splendidly.
Are you sick?
What happened to you?
What happened to you?
Why are you moaning?
Why are you in such a bad mood?
Dont be so gloomy, lad!
I find it boring here.
You seem to me to be freezing.
I am dizzy.
I have a headache.
Surely you dont have a hangover.
;
;
.
;
;
;
;
;
, !
.
.
.
.
.
What is your illness?

You must be seasick.
;
.
Youre getting the sniffles.

God help me!
My eyes hurt.
Are you tired?
My legs hurt from the long trek.
Youre a better walker than I.
Shes fainting.
.
!
.
;
.
.
.
Koine Alternative
Note
1889 version has the

iota subscript:
>
1:
Thun is an archaic
spelling of tun .
>
4. Farewell
English Translation
Farewell!
Im off then, goodbye!

!
, !
Page 2 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
And to you (reply).

Be happy!
Give me a hand!
God grant you every blessing!
!
!
!
.
God grant you health, happiness and

success!
Now fare you well and remember me
kindly!

.
!
Until we meet again!

Be happy!
Good night!
Farewell!
May the earth lie light upon you.
!
!
! (Auch am Morgen beim Abschied.)
!
(used as morning
farewell also)
cf. Euripides,
Alcestis, 463-464;
5. I beg of you
English Translation
Forgive me.
Pardon me.
Its mine. Give it to me, please!
Please give it to me.
Im pleading with you!
Koine Alternative
Note
!
!
. , !
!
, !
For Gods sake, I beg you!

Please do stay!
Be so kind/Do me the favor
Well then, do us a favor.
Do me a little favor!
What can I do for you?
Kindly give it to me!
Ill do you this favor! I'll help you with
that.
Just so! / As you say!
With pleasure!
Please tell the others!
!
!
!
!
!
;
;
.
!
!
;
Do tell him, please!

May I fill your glass?
' !
;
aorist deliberative
subjunctive
future indicative
Aristophanes,
Wasps, 142
a colloquial 'polite'
imerative using the
6. Thanks!
English Translation
I appreciate it!
Thank you!
Thanks for caring!
Many thanks for that!
Youre very kind.
Id appreciate your doing this for me.
!
!
.
!
.
, .
Im much obliged to you.
Blessings upon you!
Thank you kindly! (also to decline

courteously)
Thank you so very much (of similar
meaning).
Bravo! Bravo!
!
.
! !
Page 3 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
How grand!
Hurrah! (expressing joy)
It doesnt matter/its all the same.
!
!
.
Im not at all concerned.

What's that to me?
Whats it to you?
Its probably of no concern to you.
Give it some thought.
Its customary.
.
' ;
;
.
!
.
7. Can you speak Greek?

English Translation
Do you want to speak (converse in)
Latin or Greek?
Can you speak Greek?
A little.
Of course!
Yes indeed.
Certainly!
That's my forte.
Splendid!
So lets talk a little Greek with each
other!
So far as Im concerned. / There is no
Objection
Lets begin!
What do you think?
Did you take my meaning?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
No, I dont understand.
Would you please say it once again?
Please speak a bit more slowly!
Koine Alternative
Note
;
;
.
!
!
!
.
!
!
.
!
;
;
, ;
.
, .
;
Koine Alternative
8. Questions
English Translation
Whats new?
What do you mean?
So?
What is it?
How then?
;
;
;
;
;
How then?
Why then?
For what reason?
In what way?
How so then?
Where, please?
Where to?
Where from?
When?
Hes punishing him.
Punishing for what?
Whats he doing?
Why then?
Whats it about?
;
; ;
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
.
;
.
;
;
Page 4 of 31
Note
Dont you think so too?

Could that be? Is that what you mean?
;
; (? ; ?)
What about me?

Let me see!
Well then, are you making progress?
;
!
, ;
9. Whats your name?

English Translation
Whats your name?
Whats your whole name?
In fact, what is your name?
Who are you?
Who are you?
Just who are you?
My name is Miller.
Who is this (man/gentleman)?
Just who is this?
Where are you from?
Where do you live?
I live very close by.
I live far away.
Dont address me by name.
Wont you please call me?
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
;
;
;
;
;
;
.
' ;
;
;
;
.
.
!
; !
10. What time is it?

English Translation
What time is it?
How late in the day is it?
Its one oclock.
Its two (three, four) oclock.
Its 1:30.
At what time?
At one oclock.
At two.
Its even later.
Its 7:15.
Its 1:45.
About 3:00.
About 4:30.
Ill come at 10:45.

;
;
.
(, ) .
.
;
.
().
.
.
() .
.
.
.
11. Time of day

English Translation
from early morning on
From early on.
At the crack of dawn.
Its light.
This morning.
early in the morning (tomorrow).
At noon.
before noon.
In the afternoon.
Its getting dark.
In the dark.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
() .
Koine Alternative
Page 5 of 31
Note
this evening (ahead)

in the evening.
Yesterday evening.
late in the evening.
throughout the day
the whole night through.
today
.
.
.
.
.
.
-- .
Yesterday.
Tomorrow.
The day after tomorrow.
The day before yesterday.
, .
.
, .
(also .)
original Attic:
Koine Alternative
Note
12. The Present. Festivals

English Translation
At present.
Just as before.
Until when?
Right away.
A little while ago.
Long enough.
Two weeks from now.
This year.
Last year.
Next year.
Every five years.
Monthly.
Spring.
Summer.
Fall.
Winter.
In winter.
he festival.
Christmas.
New Year.
Carnival.
Good Friday.
Easter.
Pentecost.
Birthday.
I know that today (tomorrow) is your
birthday.
Anniversary.

.
.
;
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.*
.
.*
.*
.*
.
.
() .
The months:
January.
February.
March.
April.
May.
June.
July.
August.
September.
October.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Page 6 of 31
November.
December.
.
.
13. The Weather

English Translation
Whats the weather today?
Whats the sky looking like?
Its fair weather.
The weather is fine!
The sun is shining.
It is warm.
Its windy.
The wind is blowing hard.
We have a north-, south-, east-, west
wind.
Its clouding up.
Its drizzling.
Its raining.
Its pouring.
Its thundering.
Its a thunderstorm.
Theres heaving lightning.
Lightning has struck.
It's cold. (It's very cold)
Hey, its snowing!
The snows coming down strong.
Its freezing.
Why are you closing your umbrella?
Open it up again!
Fetch the umbrella!
Hold the umbrella over me!
Watch out for this mud!

;
;
.
.
. .
. .
.
.
.
, , , .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .
. (. .)
!
.
.
;
!
!
.
!
Koine Alternative
Note
later form for

,
14. Departure.
English Translation
Do you have enough money for the trip? ;
;*
;
; *
; *
;
Paris?
; *
Petroupoli?
;
Switzerland?
; *
; *
Dresden?
; *
Brussels?
; *
Munich?
.
n November 12.
;
Have you been to Leipzig yet?
I had an urge to go to the country on my .
vacation.
;
How will you be traveling?
.*
At four oclock on the railroad.
When are you leaving for Berlin?
London?
Vienna?
Page 7 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
Then its time to get a move on.

Its time to go to the railroad station.
.
(*) .
We should have left already.

Well, enjoy your trip!
Goodbye.
Hes gone.
My brothers been away for five months.
.
!
!
.
.
He is traveling.
15. Going. Away.

English Translation
Come along!
Come with me!
The station is not far off.
Lets be off then.
Lets get going.
Lets get moving.
Onwards!
Let us go ahead of you.
Ill take a cab.
No, Ill take the bus.
Id rather walk.
Youre riding.
Tell me, whats the fastest way to the
station ?
We cant find the way.
I have no idea where we are now.
You've missed the road.
Oh God!
Go straight ahead and youll reach the
mall right away.
And then what?
Then you have to turn right (left).
Straight ahead!
About how far is the road?
Very good.
Well, lets hurry.
Get a move on!
We barely made it after the second
warning.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
!
!
.
.
.
.
!
.
.
.*
.
.
, ;
.
, .
.
!
.
;
( ).
!
;
.
.
!
.
16. Wait!
English Translation
Hey, stop!
Just stay put!
Stop! Stand still!
Karl wants you to wait.
, !
!
! !
.
Dont move!
Just wait!
Wait up a bit for me.
Ill be right back.
!
;
.
.
Page 8 of 31
cf. Plato, Republic,

1.327b; Paul Shorey,
Where should I wait for you?
Come right back!

Hes coming from behind!
Well, lets wait.
Im back!
Are you back?
Did I take too long?
Where were you off to all this time?
!
.
.
, .
;
;
(' ) ;
17. Come here!

English Translation
Here!
Come right here!
Over here!
Come right here to me!
Your coming is a godsend.
Where did you come from?
But where did you come from?
Ive come from Millers
Go in with me!
Please do remain with us.
It cant be.
Where are you going?
But do stay!
We wont let you leave.
I have to go to the barber shop.
We will not let you go.
Let go of me!
Come here to me right away!
Ill come this evening.
Hes out.
So where did he go?
Hes gone to the barber shop.
Hes going home.
Lets go back home.
He wants to meet them.
!

!
, !
.
;
;
.
.
.
!
;
;
.
.
.
!
.
.
.
;
.
.
.
.
He met her.
Where shall we meet?
Here.
.
;
.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
18. At the Bar and Grill

English Translation
Hey, waiter!
Could we have a waiter over here?
Hey, waiter, where are you running off
to? -- For drinks!
Come here!
Fetch me a beer and sausages right
away.
Very well, sir!
There, thats everything.

! !
;
, , ; -- ' .
!
.
, .
, .
Page 9 of 31
The beer is good!

I dont like it.
The beer has a whang of tar in it.
Beer over here, waiter -- your best!
Hurry it up!
Youre not taking good care of us.
Waiter, pour me another!
Pour one for me too!
Lets go on drinking till dark.
Its bad to drink.
You get a hangover from too much beer.
!
.
.
-- !
;
!
, !
!
.
!
.
Im going for a beer.

Ill call you if I need to.
Im going to get myself another.
.
, .
.
There you are!

Good. Ill give you a tip.
I cant afford to stick around here.
The smoke is hurting my eyes.
If youre not going to drink, then leave.
,
. .
.
.
!
.
Come along with me.
.
The smoke is driving me away.
, .
Waiter, figure up our bill, please.
Well, you had six beers, sausages, bread - () .
*.
- thats six dollars.
, .
Here you are.
.
I can hardly keep my balance as I go.
19. Im Hungry.
English Translation
Im getting hungry.
I dont have anything to eat.
Hes starved!
Im starving to death.
Can I give you something to eat/drink?
.
.
.
.
; (;)
Give me something to eat!

I want to have dinner.
You havent had dinner yet?
No.
I have to go to dinner.
Then go right ahead to dinner.
Hes coming to dinner.
Dinner is served.
!
.
;
.
.
!
.
.
The cup.
The plate.
The bowl.
The knife.
The fork.
The napkin.
.
.
.
.
.*
.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
20. Mealtime
English Translation
Page 10 of 31
Im inviting you to breakfast.

He invited me to breakfast.
Well enjoy our meal.
I counted on your coming.
Hes having breakfast/breakfasting.
Theres roasted meat.
Potatoes and vegetables.
Veal roast.
Beef roast.
Roast pork.
Theres roast lamb with potatoes.
Roast kid
Ham.
Rabbit.
Fowl.
Eel.
I dont like eel. Id rather eat fowl.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
() .
()
()
() .
() .
( )
() .
() .
() .
, .
Thats what I like to eat best.

I had that to eat yesterday.
Bring me some thrushes!
Just have a taste of that!
No, that doesnt suit me very well.
.
.
!
.
, .
Have a bite of this!

We dont force anything on people.
The meat tastes very good.
Thats yummy!
The sauce tastes very good
Theres one thing I still want..
Just give me a little bit of bread.
and a bit of sausage and pea soup.
the supper
What shall we have for dessert?
Just bring me some white bread with
Swiss cheese.
Cakes are being baked.
Have a slice of quiche too.
Thanks anyway (polite no)
Ive had enough too.
Fetch some wine! (white, red)
The wine has a bouquet.
I like to drink this wine here.
Theres wine left over.
About how much?
More than half.
What should I do with it?
Take it along with you.
!
.
.
!
!.
.
!
.
.
;
.
(2nd aor )
.
.
.
.
(, )
.
.
.
;
.
;
.
Koine Alternative
B. AT SCHOOL
21. At school
English Translation
Its time to go.
Its time to go to school.
Im still studying even now.
I can do my recitation now.
.
.
.
.
Page 11 of 31
Note
Ive already learned the new lesson.
, .
Be off then to get to school.

Dont tarry! -- Get a move on!
You have no time to lose.
Dont worry!
Dont be scared!
Have no fear!
Good morning, mates!
The schoolbench.
Look sharp!
This seat is mine.
;
! -- !
.
.
.
.
, !
.
().
.
22. Late to school!

English Translation
Lets pray.
Am I just a little bit late?
I got here late.
God help me! -- oh, what a dunce I am.
!
;
!
! -- .
Im a dunce!
Poor me!
So where are you coming from?
Youre late again!
How come you just got here?
Its not even eight oclock yet.
You got here after the bell rang.
Dont get mad at me; my watch is off.
!
!
.
!
;

.
.
Really? Let me see it!

Sit down.
; ! (not: )
! (e.g. Aristophanes, Thesm. 221, Ranae 197, Nubes 254).
Koine Alternative
Note
contraction
23. Written work

English Translation
Lets see what youve written.
Here it is.
Whats your assignment?
Give me your notebook so I can read it.

, .
.
;
, .
Let me see whats in it.

Do you have a pencil?
Your R is wretched!
What sort of letter is that supposed to
be?
Youre careless!
Do you do that by yourself?
I wrote it but my father corrected it.
, .
;
.
;
Did you get all the details covered?

I think I did.
Heres something thats missing.
I didnt sleep last night; I worked on my
speech until dawn.
I already know your character.
Here youve repeated yourself.
;
.
.
,
.
.
!
.
;
, .
Page 12 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
Right at the outset youve made a

tremendous blunder.
Your work has 20 mistakes.
heres a lot you dont know.
.
.
.
24. Grammatical
English Translation
.
Proceed!
I want to test your competence in Greek. , .
Whats the genitive of this word?

The nominative, dative, accusative,
vocative?
Wrong!
Exactly!
Whats the present infinitive of this
verb?
Il note these things down.
Im writing that down.
The subjunctive, optative, imperative.
;
, , , ;
The infinitive, the participles.

The imperfect, the perfect
Pluperfect, aorist.
Future (first, second).
The active, passive.
Your accentuation is wrong.
The accent (acute, grave, circumflex).
You need the article.
, .
, .
, .
. (, .)
, .
.
( , , ).
.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
!
!
()
;
.
.
, .
25. Interrogatory back and forth

English Translation
Pay attention.
Whatever I ask, give me the answer.
Give me a clear answer.
Try saying something nuanced and
clever!
.
, .
!
.
Please go on.
Go right on.
.
, !
You dont seem to know what to say.

Why have you stopped talking?
Tell me what you mean.
Whats this nonsense youre spouting?
, .
;
, .
;
Youre not making any sense at all.

Thats an altogether different matter.
Thats not what I asked you.
(abruptly) Just answer my question.
Youre talking in riddles.
Are you serious about that or joking?
.
, !
.
.
.
;
Nonsense!
Say no more.
Be quiet.
You idiot!
!
!/!
;
!
Page 13 of 31
'
(see B. Ar. Besp.
963 auch Protag
310 B.)
26. A picture
English Translation
I want to show you a picture.
Look down!
(Now) look up!
Where are you looking?
Youre looking somewhere else.
Just focus on this!
But I hear some noise behind us.
in front of us.
Stop chattering!
Just dont chatter!
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
.
!
!
;
.
!
.
.
!
;
27. Greek poets

English Translation
Recite for me the best passage from
Antigone!
The beginning of the Odyssey.

.
.
What does this passage mean?

Youre not really with it.
How naive!
Wheres your understanding?
Youre out of your mind!
Sophocles didnt write this passage the
way youre understanding it. Give it a
second look.
Consider this expression!
means the same as .
What does that mean?
Now youre making sense.
Now youve got the whole thing.
Thats a good comparison.
Thats unquestionably the loveliest thing
that Sophocles ever wrote.
Sophocles is superior to Euripides.
But even so he (Euripides) is a good
poet.
I dont admire Euripides.
Cant you recall even one line of
Euripides?
You can do that one quite well.
Youre well-versed in Euripides.
Where did you learn that so well?
I copied out many passages from
Sophocles.
Recite for me something of a more
recent poet.
They dont deserve it; you couldnt find
an original poet any more among them
;
.
!
;
!
,
. .
What do you think about Aeschylus?
I consider Aeschylus the foremost of

poets.
Do you know this poem of Simonides?
!
.
;
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
;
.
.
;
.
.
,
.
Page 14 of 31
Yes.
Yes indeed.
Do you want me to recite it all?
Thats not necessary.
What is this meter called?
I dont know the poem.
Im going to turn now to
Act II of the tragedy.
.
.
;
.
;
.

.
28. Translation
English Translation
Look up in your notebook the section on
Socrates. Its no. 107.
Now pay attention!
Lets translate that orally into Greek.
Begin, then, N!
Im pleased with your translation.
Who taught you Greek?
Go on!
Thats very good too!
Go right on ahead, friend.
Thats an Ionic word.
Are you translating into Ionian dialect?
.
.
.
.
, , .
.
;
.
.
, .
.
;
Well, whats your translation?

Hurry up and translate!
Theres nothing to do with you!
, ;
!
.
I am obliged to tell you this.

You cannot translate three words without
making an error.
Stop!
Write down this very section in Greek
too!
And the following section as well.
Understand?
Absolutely!
The task.
Pick up the book and read it aloud.
Damn! How bothersome that I forgot to
bring the notes (notebook).
Lend me a pen and paper.
.

.
!
!
Koine Alternative
.
;
.
.
!
! , (
) .
.
Note
(lat. Menex. 241
29. Busy
English Translation
Everyone goes to his own work
Whats left for us two to do now?
Well, thats done.
Ill take care of that.
Theres everything that you need.
Do you have everything you need?
Yes, I have everything I need.
Its a very simple matter.
Why are you doing this?
The business works better that way.

.
, ;
.
.
.
, .
, ;
, .
.
;
.
Page 15 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
Mind your work!

Dont do like the rest!
The work isnt getting done.
What do you want to do then?
.
, !
.
;
The rest is your task.

Help me, if you have a moment.
I havent the time.
.
, !
().
30. Praise and Blame

English Translation
What do you think of this student,
schoolmaster?
Hes no dummy.
He doesnt seem to me to lack potential.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
, ;
.
.
No, hes quite capable.

As well as industrious and wide-awake.
.
.
How about the other one?

Hes not up to the mark.
Well, Ill have a word with him later.
;
.
.
He is forgetful and dull-witted.

And he doesnt take pains.
Hes changed completely.
I know it.
Well do what we usually do.
Hes trifling, lazy and selfish.
Hes wholly disoriented.
How is A doing?
Up to his abilities.
Reasonably well.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. ;
.
.
Grades for written work:

A
A1
B+
B
BC+
C
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CD
.
.
Singing
English Translation
Sing something!
I cannot sing.
Go on and sing a song.
What would you like to sing?
Then what shall we sing?
Tell me what you like to hear.
What a sweet (great) song!
Let's sing anonther one.
May I sing a solo, please?

!
.
.
;
' ;
, .
!

Page 16 of 31
Sing as much as you'd like.

Stop singing.
The only thing you sing about is
wine/beer!
I like that.
Do you like that?
I will surely never forget what you
just sang.
I will sing another song.
' ' .
!

Military Drill
(cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_commands)
English Translation
To arms!
Fall in!
Attention!
Parade rest!
Dress right!
Present arms!
Order arms.
Right face!
Left face!
Turn left!
Ready front!
Forward march!
(Company) halthalt!
Double time march!
Close, march!
Double time!
Double-time, one-two-one-two!
' .
' ;
, .
.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
You're right
English Translation
Youre right.
You Are right.
You could be right.
Youre Quitte right.
Youre apparently right.
I do think youre right.
Hats what I think tool
I think so too.
Hats crystal clean.
Hats fair to say.
Ill accept that.
So it seems.
Theres lots of evidence for that.
infer from the facts.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
t .
.
.
. (cf. Ar. Plut. 31, Plat. Prot 316A)
.
.
.
Yes!
English Translation
Yes! (Undoubtedly!)
Yes indeed!
Quite right!

.
! -- !
. -- !
Page 17 of 31
Of course!
To be sure!
Absolutely!
Me? And you, of course!
Possibly.
It may well be.
No wonder!
And thats not surprising.
Splendid!
Dont you know?
!
! -- !
!
; !
.
!
!
!
!
;
No!
English Translation
No!
Not me (not I)!
No, but ...
Not at all!
Dont do it!
Not yet!
Not until (this happens).
Absolutely not!
Theres no nee.
Of course not!
Id rattre not.
Wise guy! Smartass!
Ive no idea!
Not at all!
Not for anything in the world!
Over my dead body!
You think Im crazy?
Its not Ilke that!
But even so!
Youre wring.
Nonsense!
Thats nonsense!
Bu tthats different!
But thats not what you said!
I dont believe it!
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
!
.

!
!
.
, ( ).
!
!
.
()!
! -- !
!
!
!
, !
;
!
!
.
!
!
!
!
!
Commerce and Exchange

He wants money.
English Translation
Lit. "If the farm's earning money,

then all the trades are healthy."
Freely: "If the farmer's rich, so is
everybody else."
Hes got all he needs.

(Xen. Oed. V, 17)
, .
Hes intent on getting something.

What do you need?
What can I help you with?
What are you looking for?
.
;
;
;
What brings you here?

Please lend me 20 Marks.
;
!
Page 18 of 31
I appreciate your doing that!

God bless you!
Dont be angry with me, my friend!
Please say no more about it.
.
.
.
;
;
.
;
!
!
!
, !
; !
But I beg of you !
-- !
Im in a pinch (financial straits).

No!
You have what you need.
Please help me!
What do you want the money for?
Ill pay off the shoemaker.
Where shall I get the money?
The Peddler
English Translation
Heres the door-to-door salesman again! !
Fine purses! Ties! Knives!
How much do these cost?
Two and a half Marks.
Oh no, thats too much.
Will you pay two Marks?
Heres a Mark and a half.
What price for the purse?
You can get a very fine one for 4 Marks.
! ! !
;
.
, .
;
.
;
.
Take it back, Im not buying it -- you

want too much Sie wollen zu viel
profitieren.
What will you give me for it?
Hat will I live? Ill live you two Marks.
Well, Take it then; thats better than

selling it for nothing.
Well never get rid of the fellow!
The knife is worthless;I wouldnt pay 1
Mark for it.
I paid 3 Marks for it myself.
Im not making a thing on it.
Really?
Swear on a Bible!
I wont, by God!
Sell it to someone else.
Ill pay you for it.
There you are.
I paid 3 Marks for it.
These are selling in Leipzig at 20 Marks
for a dozen.
Here he got it for 1 Mark.
Koine Alternative
Note
cf.
.
; .
.
; .
.
.
;
!
!
!
.
.
.

.
At the tailor.
English Translation
Hello!
And Hello to you too!
How may I help you?
What are you looking for?
I need a jacket and trousers.

!
!
;
;
.
Page 19 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
The shirt.
The hat.
The overcoat.
.
.
.
The boots
The sock/stocking
The handkerchief.
Hats the cost of these?
The Jackett costs 50 Marks,
the trousers cost 20 Marks.
Thats the current price.
Heres a very nice jacket with matching
pants.
Will it fit me?
Be so kind as to take off your overcoat.
.
.
.
;
,
.
.
.
;
.
, , !
;
Youre not wearing a new jacket.
.
No indeed. My old jacket has holes.
.
Hat a nice outfit you have now!
!
The new jacket has fits just fine.
.
Is there anything you dont like about it? ?
Please take off your jacket..
It doesnt become me.
Dealing with Shoes

English Translation
Put on these of mine!
First try this one on.
(Ar. Vespa. 1159, 1168).
Slip out of your shoes (slippers).
Put these on.
Do they fit?
Yes, theyre a perfect fit.
Where did you buy the pair of shoes
youre wearing now?
At the shopping-center.
How much (did you pay)?
16 Marks.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
.
!
.
!
( ).
.
;
, .
;
.
;
.
At the Produce Stand

English Translation
I have to go to the produce-stand.
What for?
Sehs going to the produce-stand to get
grapes.
Ill buh them, if you live me the money.
Heres some change for you.

What do you want me to pick up?
We want to buy some peaches for this
money.
Buy me (some) apples.
apricots.
pears.
!
;
.
.
;
.
, .
.
().
.
Page 20 of 31
strawberries.
vegetables.
chestnuts.
cherries.
walnuts.
hazel nuts.
peaches.
plums.
oranges.
currants.
radishes.
anything available.
How much can I get for this money?
15 to the Mark.
What does butter sell for these days?
.
.
.
.
.
.
().
.
.
.
.
.
;
.
( ) ;
Its cheap.
Its expansive to buh.
Fresh butter, fresh meat.
I havent yet bought any.
.
.
, .
.
Weve made some purchases and were

headed home.
The price.
.
.
In Society
Dance
English Translation
She dances well, doesnt she?
Very.
Im charmed.
Im going to dance the Polonaise with
her
the waltz, the Schottisch, the Franaise,
the quadrille.
Allow me the pleasure of this dance,
Maam. (-- Miss.)
I dont mind. (lit. no objection)
Please stop, I cant go on any longer.
Im worn out.

;
.
.

, , , ).
, ! (-- !)
.
, .
.
.
.
!
; ;
Allow me just this one more dance!

Just this one then and no more.
Its a pleasure to dance with you.
Who is that glancing in this direction?
The one at the doorway?
Its my husband.
.
Why is he making such a dreadful face? ;
Hes very jealous.
Lets pretend not to see him.
Ill be careful.
Men are not to be trusted
.
.
.
.
Shes only been married for 3 months.
The dance teacher.

To dancing school.
.
.
A Story
Page 21 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
English Translation
Greek Translation
Listen, my dear, I have a charming tale I

want to tell you.
So tell it then.
What do you mean?
I dont believe you!
Were you shocked?
Youre making it all up!
You wont tell me the truth!
If youre really saying whats true, then
I dont know what I should say.
According to what youre tellling me,
its a poser.
Tell her what happened.
Narrate, explaine.
What was her answer to that?
Shes rationalizing/making excuses.
, , .
@=Attic
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
, .
;
!
;
!
.
, .
, , .
Ill tell you a story, as follows --
.
.
;
.
.
English Translation
I dont know.
Greek Translation
I dont know.
I cant say.
Where should one go (for help)?
I intend to find out.
I dont quite know/dont know exactly.
.
.
;
.
.
No, this much I do know.

I dont know for sure.
, .
, .
@=Attic
I do know.
.
Im aware of it. (lit. we do remember) !
Of course I know it.
!
If you really want to know, Ill tell you. , .
What are you saying? (Could that be
true?)
I have it on the best authority (lit. Ive
learned this from those who really
know.)
Have you heard anything yet about
what happened?
I didnt know that (until now).
Then its no wonder youre grieved.
.
.
English Translation
The beautiful and the ulgy.

Look at that woman: what a beauty!

Who is that woman there?
The one in the gray dress?
Shes the loveliest of all women.
Who in the world is she? (Who could
she be?)
Does any of you know her?
I certainly do.
!
.
, !
;
;
.
;
;
.
Page 22 of 31
Its my cousin.
!
She has a lovely complexion.
She has a tender, beautiful glance.
Shes got lovely hands too.
And she likes to laugh/smile
Im in love with that girl.
But isnt she penniless?
No, shes rich; she has quite a bit of
property.
Do you know who she likes like? A.
.
!
.
.
.
.
;
; .
Thats a lovely lass over there!

Who is that behind her?
Who? Thats Schulzs wife.
I dont care as much for the other one.
.
;
; .
.
Yes, shes a dog.

Andshes got a snub nose.
And shes all made-up.
Her perfume smells bad.
Do you smell something?
That perfume of hers isnt pleasing.
.
().
().
.
;
.
; .
Herr Schulze.
English Translation
His name is Schulze? What sort of a
man is this Mr. Schulze?
Dont you know him?
No, Im a stranger here, just recently
moved in.
Hes the prime mover in the city.
He has a long beard.
And gray hair?
How does he make a living?
The man got rich quickly.
How did he do it?
Orignally he learned a trade; then he
became a farmer, and now hes a
merchant.
He owns a factory/plant.
Workman.
Judge.
Civil servant.
Lawyer.
Pharmacist.
Banker.
Officer.
Student.
Pupil
Teacher.
Professor.
Hes from the country.
Hes fromt the neighborhood.
I think hes boring.
Hes not a bad man.

; ;
; ( ;)
, .
.
.
.
;
.
;
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Page 23 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
(Just look) how cocky he was strutting

in!
I dont think its very smart to put on
airs like that.
But N.N. really is a gentleman.
Wie alt?
English Translation
He has only one daughter. (lt. A lone
daughter happens to belong to him.)
!
.
. . .
Greek Translation
@=Attic
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
How old is she?

;
She is more than a year older than you. .
More than 20 years old.
Youre a young man of 19 years.
You must dance with grls younger than
20 years old.
Shes sitting there by the older women.
.
.
.
Where? Point her out!

Hows she dressed?
Her mother died 10 years ago.
; !
;
. (or .)
Her father is in his sixties.

The household.
.
.
Loves joy and Loves

sorrow
Liebesglck und Liebesweh.
Loves yearning
English Translation
What do you think of the girl/lass?
Not a chance against my Ann!
Im utterly helpless when I think of
Ann.
Really?
Are you surprised?
Why are you surprised?
Its so painful not to have here here
with me!
Dont be a fool!
Time seems to go by so slowly when I
cant see her in all her splendor.
Shes not here.
But shes on the way.
Here she comes!
Now at last I see her.
Shes been there a while.
Damn it! Thats odd!
Whats wrong with you
N.s following after her and greeting
her!
Why should I care?
And shes taking his hand!
Poor me!
She doesnt seem to see you.
She gave him her hand.
Greek Translation
@=Attic
;
.
(or ) .
;
;
;
!
!
,
.
.
.
!
.
.
!
;
; . !
.
.
!
.
.
Page 24 of 31
Let her go!

Im going. Ill say hello to my aunt.
Ive already said hello to her.
How nice of you not to greet me!
Should I?
English Translation
!
.
.
! (ironic)
Greek Translation
@=Attic
What are you planning?

What are you going to do?
Give me some good advice!
What should I do?
Im afraid youre going to regret this.
Be careful that she doesnt get away
from you.
Its up to you to do the rest.
What do you think I should do?
Youve got to talk to her at the first
opportunity.
Thats exactly what I want to do.
But the matter is not that far along yet.
.
.
Theres a hang-up in the matter.

Thats a tought nut!
Dont worry!
Dont be afraid!
Have no fear, my friend!
Nothing will happen to you.
It wont be my fault!
.
!
.
.
, .
() .
, .
.
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
;
;
!
;
.
.
.
;
, .
Way to go!
English Translation
Greek Translation
Make haste!
Hurry up now!
Dont slow down!
Do it!
Do it now!
You mustnt delay.
Lets not waste time.
Dont waste time!
Its now or never!
! !
;
!
!
;
.
.
;
!
At least lets give it a try!

Ill take you at your word and do it.
Ill give it a try.
Even if it kills me.
Im almost there!
At last!
What if she says, No, and wont do it?
(e.g. Ar. Vesp. 1129)

.
.
!
.
!
; (cf. Aves 555)
Well find out right away.

I will find out.
.
.
Loves joy.
English Translation
Greek Translation
@=Attic
@=Attic
Page 25 of 31
I like/admire you.
Really?
Why do you say that?
Because I love you.
If you really love me from your heart,
speak to my mother.
Give me a kiss!
Please give me a kiss!
Come on, give me a kiss!
Uh oh, I hope the rest of them dont see
me.
Were quite alone!
Stop! Stop!
Im so happy1
Give me your hand!
I swear Ill never leave you.
.
;
;
.
, .
. ( .)
, !
,
, !
.
! !
!
.
!
English Translation
The mother-in-law
What's this about?

God Almighty!
Damn!
; -- ;
!
!
Weve been found out!

Heres the scoundrel!
What on earth are you up to?
Whats your problem?
Youre a disgrace!
Keep your calm!
Youve disgraced us!
But this is utterly outrageous!
Stop it!
Off with you!
Get out of here!
Just get out of here!
Go to Hell!
Out!
Hell with you!
Just go to Hell!
Youre out of your mind, lady!
Lady, youre outrageous!
Whew!
You wont get away with this!
Youll be sorry!
Ill put an end to your arrogance!
Calm down!
What you did beats everything!
I wont put up with this!
Damm! What am I to do?
See what youve done?
Youre to blame for it!
!
!
;
;
!
!
!
;
!
;
;
;
!
!
!
;
, ./ , !
, !
!
( );
.
.
!
;
!
, ;
, ;
!
What a bother!
English Translation
Greek Translation
@=Attic
Why are you so down?

;
Im ashamed.
.
Your wife has really put you through the
wringer. .
Page 26 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
Shes very mad at us.

Thats very unpleasant for us.
.
.
I keep wishing I hadnt done that.

, !
I never did expect this to happen.
.
Dont gnash your teeth!
!
It is what it is.
.
Dont hold a grudge!
.
Its better to keep ones peace.
.
That was the wrong thing for us to do. .
Dont be vexed, man!
, (Ar. Vespa. 287, 1003).
Butt theres no way I can keep silent.
.
But you alone were to blame for that.
.
It wasnt right for you to do that!
!
Whats it to you?
;
What were you thinking when you did that?
;
Sheer madness!
!
Youve acted so wrongly!
!
What you did was wrong!
.
Is that what youre accusing me of?
;
Butt there wasnt anything else.
.
Dont preach to me, but - , -Youll be the death of me!
!
Butt this much I can tell you.

The womans eating my heart out.
.
No bad jokes.
English Translation
Greek Translation
@=Attic
That was so funny!

Thats really funny!
That ones on me!
Hes cracking bad jokes.
Dont make wise cracks!
!
!
.
.
!
!
Is that why youre mocking me?

Dont be ridiculous!
Its not you were laughing at.
At whom then?
What are you laughing about?
Stop it! -- Shut up!
Please dont speak to me any more.
;
.
.
;
;
! -- !
;
English Translation
Alls well that ends well.

It may still come out right.
.
.
.
God willing.
Hat warnt have you vor that?
;
If we succeed, Ill praise God with all my heart.
, .
As is likely.
.
May the Force be with you!
!
But if we fail?
;
Hurrah!
!
How lucky you are!
!
Hes been very fortunate.
.
How so?
;
Page 27 of 31
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
Hes married a fair young maid.

Hes gotten rich.
He can enjoy life.
So what else?
Hes sorely missed by his friends.
Hes a freind of mine.
.
.
.
;
.
.
F. At Home
Thats where he lives.
English Translation
Greek Translation
@=Attic
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
Could you tell me where Mr. Miller lives? ( ) , ;

Id Ilke to know where Miller live.
Direct me, please!
On Leipzig Street.
Hes moving away.
He is away from home.
He lives nearby.
Here he is looking out the window.
There he is.
Whos knocking on the door?
Open the door!
Open up!
Just open the door!
Whos there?
Announce me.
I dont quite know your name.
Is Miller in?
No, he isnt in.
At the moment hes not in.
Really?
Hes standing at the doorway.
Hes about to go out.
, .
!
.
.
.
.
.
.
?
! (Ar. Lys. 1216, Nub. 181)
;
.
;
.
.
;
.
.
;
.
(Ar.Eccl. 271.) or .
In the morning.
English Translation
Greek Translation
I get up early.
Before dawn.
The sun is up.
Sunset.
Hes in the bedroom.
The bed.
In bed.
Hes not out of bed yet.
Hes sleeping now.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
( ).
.
@=Attic
He was up late yesterday.

(later ) .
Wake up, you!
, !
On your feet!
!
Light a lamp.
.
There.
.
Hand me some shoes, socks, and trousers. .
Ive already put on my shoes.
.
Bring some water for my hands.
.
A washbasin. Soap.
. .
My hands are dirty.
.
Page 28 of 31
Have you washed?

' ;
I already washed my hands and face.
.
Can you manage without a handkerchief? ;
You look filthy.
.
He hasnt bathed.
.
Wipe off the table.
.
Ill stay home.
.
Were be busy studying at my house.
( ).
At your house?
;
To be sure.
.
You were at my house yesterday.
.
Come to my house today.
!
57. Sit. Stand.

English Translation
Greek Translation
Off with the coat.

Im taking it off.
Where shall we sit?
Sit down!
Sit!
Sit!
With your permission.
There, Im sitting down.
.
.
.
!
!
!
!
.
@=Attic
Koine Alternative
Note
Koine Alternative
Note
But I am seated.
.
You dont have a good seat.
.
Have you anything to eat?
;
May I bring you supper?
;
I only want some bread and meat.
.
Ive brought something to drink.
.
Let me drink something.
.
There.
.
You have no right to sit here.
.
Up with you!
!
Stand up quickly then before anyone sees
you. , ;
Stand up straight.
.
Keep on standing.
.
Yes sir, Captain!
, !
58. Wife and Children

English Translation
Greek Translation
Shes given birth to a boy.

He has lots of little mouths to feed.
His children are numerous.
Where are the children?
Wheres my wife gone?
Can anyone tell me where my wife is?
I cant say.
Shes bathing and feeding the child.
The children have been bathed.
Sehs putting the children to bed.
Its high time!
Youve played long enough.
Theyre throwing dice -- for what?
Mind your own business!
.
.
.
;
;
,
.
.
.
.
.
.
-- ;
!
@=Attic
Page 29 of 31
Dont do that!
!
There, take a look!
!
Your uncle has brought along pretty presents.
.
Little Lisa is clapping her hands for joy. .
My wife is not in sight.
.
Are you looking for me?
;
Come right here to me, my golden Darling.
, .
59. Childrens spats

English Translation
Greek Translation
Youre being unfair.

Its not fair of you to do that to me.
Youll be sorry if you make me mad!
Give it back to me!
Or else!
You want one upside of your mouth?
Youll be sorry you said that.
What are you going to do?
Youll get your comeuppance.
Go croak!
Heres a knuckle-sandwich for you!
Go to Hell!
Lay it on him!
Ill show you!
Dont get too close to me!
Ha! Now hes trapped!
Away with you!
Good riddance to bad rubbish!
.
.
, !
!
.
;
!
;
.
!
!
!
!
!
!
! !
;
.
60. Child discipline

English Translation
Greek Translation
@=Attic
@=Attic
Hats all this uproar here?

;
Not so loud!
! -- ! -- !
Listen to me!
;
Ill tell you!
, !
What is it?
;
Whats the matter?
;
Whos shouting for me?
;
Should I say it?
;
Out with it!
.
Karl has been hitting us.
.
What are you telling me:
;
And what was the reason for it?
;
Why?
;
So ill-tempered!
!
Thats you all the time!
!
Its not my fault.
.
I swear he did the same thing to me.
, .
Are you going to deny it?
;
Dont mutter!
!
Dont lie to me!
!
You deserve a beating!
.
Slow down, where are you running off to?, ! ;
Dont be mad at me, father!
, .
I cant take any more of this!
, .
Page 30 of 31
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Greek-English Phrasebook (Sprechen Sie Attisch)

Johnson, Sprechen Sie Attisch, 1902

Johnson, Sprechen Sie Attisch, 1889

A pdf of the 1902 German edition is

If Greek phrase is Attic in spelling or meaning, an @ sign is

Greek Translation @=Attic