Learn Hardcore Greek: Συγγνώμη, δεν μιλάω καλά ελληνικά.

The correct spelling is συγγνώμη with double γ. It comes from the prefix συν- + γνώμη, and the ν assimilates to a γ before a velar consonant, yielding συγγ-. The form συγνώμη (one γ) is a very common misspelling.

How do I pronounce Συγγνώμη?

Approximation: “see-NGH-NO-mee” (stress the “-NO-” part).
IPA: [siŋˈɣno.mi]. Notes:
- γγ gives an “ng” feel before the Greek γ sound.
- Greek γ = a soft, voiced, throaty sound [ɣ], like a softer “gh.”
- The stress is on γνώ.

Do I need to say the pronoun “I” (εγώ)? Why is it missing?

No. Greek is a “pro-drop” language: the verb ending shows the subject. Μιλάω already means “I speak,” so εγώ is omitted unless you want emphasis (e.g., Εγώ δεν μιλάω… = “I don’t speak…”).

What does δεν do? Is it the normal way to make a sentence negative?

Yes. Δεν is the standard negator for verbs in the indicative. It goes before the verb: δεν μιλάω (“I don’t speak”). Use μην before subjunctive/imperative forms (e.g., να μην μιλήσω “so that I don’t speak,” μη μιλάς “don’t speak”).

I sometimes see δε instead of δεν. Which should I use?

Write δεν. In casual writing and speech the final -ν may drop before many consonants, giving δε. Standard, safe spelling is always δεν. Pronunciation of δ is like “th” in “this”: [ðen].

Why is it μιλάω and not μιλώ? What’s the difference?

Both are correct 1st person singular present of μιλάω/μιλώ (“to speak”). Μιλάω is more colloquial; μιλώ is a bit more formal/literate. Other common forms:

2sg: μιλάς
3sg: μιλάει or μιλά
1pl: μιλάμε
2pl: μιλάτε
3pl: μιλούν(ε)

Why is it καλά and not καλό? Isn’t “good” καλό?

Here καλά means “well” (adverb), modifying the verb μιλάω (“speak”). Καλό is the adjective “good” (neuter singular), which would modify a noun, not a verb. So:

Μιλάω καλά = “I speak well.”
Καλό ελληνικό would be an adjective+noun phrase, not what you want here.

Could I say Δεν μιλάω ελληνικά καλά instead? Does word order matter?

Yes, that’s fine. Greek word order is flexible:

Δεν μιλάω καλά ελληνικά (most common/neutral).
Δεν μιλάω ελληνικά καλά (slight emphasis shift; still natural). The meaning stays the same (“I don’t speak Greek well”); nuance can shift with emphasis.

Why is ελληνικά not capitalized? In English, “Greek” is capitalized.

In Greek, names of languages are written in lowercase (unless at the beginning of a sentence or in titles). So ελληνικά, αγγλικά, ισπανικά are lowercase by default.

Why is ελληνικά in the plural?

Language names are often the neuter plural of an adjective used as a noun:

ελληνικά (“Greek [language]”)
αγγλικά (“English”) You might also see the explicit noun phrase η ελληνική γλώσσα (“the Greek language”), but in everyday speech the plural neuter form is standard with verbs like μιλάω.

Should there be an article, like τα ελληνικά?

Not with μιλάω. You normally say Μιλάω ελληνικά (no article). Use the article when referring to the language as a thing, especially with possessives or as a sentence subject:

Τα ελληνικά μου είναι καλά. (“My Greek is good.”)
Μαθαίνω ελληνικά. (“I’m learning Greek.”) — no article.

Is the comma after Συγγνώμη necessary?

Yes, it’s standard to set off interjections like Συγγνώμη with a comma when they introduce a sentence. You can also use Συγγνώμη alone as a one-word interjection.

How do I say “I speak a little Greek” or “I don’t speak Greek at all”?

“I speak a little Greek”: Μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά.
“I don’t speak Greek at all”: Δεν μιλάω καθόλου ελληνικά.
“I don’t speak Greek very well (yet)”: Δεν μιλάω πολύ καλά ελληνικά (ακόμα/ακόμη).

Can I use λέω instead of μιλάω?

No. Λέω = “I say/tell (something),” while μιλάω = “I speak/talk (a language).” For language ability you want μιλάω ελληνικά, not λέω ελληνικά.

Any pronunciation tips for the rest of the sentence?

δεν = [ðen] (like “then”).
μιλάω = [miˈla.o] (hear both syllables of -άω).
καλά = [kaˈla] (stress on -λά).
ελληνικά = [e.li.niˈka] (stress on -κά). Keep the main sentence rhythm as: siŋ-ɣNÓ-mi, THEN mi-LÁ-o ka-LÁ e-li-ni-KÁ.