Greek for Kids
How to Say "Excuse me" in Greek
A polite way to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd.
In Greek (Ελληνικά)
Συγγνώμη (Signómi)
Pronounced: see-GHNOH-mee
What “Excuse me” means and when to use it
The listed Greek expression in this lesson is “Συγγνώμη (Signómi).” Its beginner pronunciation approximation is “see-GHNOH-mee.” A polite way to get someone's attention or pass through a crowd. The approximation is a reading scaffold, not a replacement for the native writing or for listening to a speaker whose variety you are learning.
Use this to get attention politely, pass through a crowded space, interrupt for an important reason, or acknowledge a minor accidental contact. Languages often use different expressions for these functions, and a listed translation may fit some scenes better than others. Begin with the neutral attention-getting scene described here. Say it before the interruption, then wait for acknowledgment. For actual harm, the separately listed sorry phrase may be more appropriate than treating excuse me as a complete apology.
No pushing or forced touch belongs in the role-play. Ideas about interruption and personal space vary, so focus on waiting and observing the response.
Greek pronunciation workshop
Modern Greek uses a 24-letter alphabet. Several spellings now share the ee sound, including η, ι, and υ in many positions. Beta, written β, sounds like v; delta, δ, is a voiced th; and gamma, γ, often has a soft friction sound. Stress is shown with an accent mark and should be honored. Greek r is usually tapped or lightly rolled. The parenthesized romanization aids recognition, but learners should connect the sounds to Greek letters rather than rely on English look-alikes.
Now apply those sound ideas specifically to “Συγγνώμη (Signómi).” Read the native form first, then use “see-GHNOH-mee” to locate the broad sound sequence and emphasized syllable. Say the entire expression in one comfortable turn. Do not substitute English sounds more strongly merely because a letter looks familiar, and do not erase marks, accents, or characters when copying it.
Locate the written accent and tap that syllable. Read the Greek letters aloud in chunks, checking deceptive look-alikes such as β. Use a light tongue tap if comfortable for r, but prioritize the phrase's vowels and stress over producing a perfect roll.
Respectful context across Greece
Modern Greek is not pronounced like classroom reconstructions of Ancient Greek. It is used in Greece, Cyprus, and diaspora communities, with regional and community variation. The formal or plural εσείς (eseís) contrasts with familiar singular εσύ (esý), though actual choices depend on context. Warm greetings are common, but physical greetings and expressive styles vary by person. Ancient history is only one part of a living, contemporary culture and should not eclipse modern speakers.
This lesson teaches one useful listed translation, not the only wording used by all Greek speakers. Age, relationship, region, and situation can change a speaker's choice. A good learner notices those choices, asks respectfully when appropriate, and accepts correction without arguing that a phrase list must outrank a person's own language experience.
Practice activity: scene, speak, reflect
Mark a wide pretend pathway with paper. Partner A stands safely to one side; Partner B approaches, says the translated excuse-me phrase, and waits. Partner A moves the paper marker to open the path. In another round, Partner B raises a question card, says the phrase, and waits for eye contact before an English question is read. Swap roles. Compare a respectful volume with shouting, and finish by choosing whether three English scenes call for excuse me or sorry.
Use three passes. On pass one, read “Συγγνώμη (Signómi)” while a partner checks every word or character. On pass two, look only at the scene card and retrieve the expression from memory. On pass three, use an English scene prompt and deliver the Greek speaking turn at a natural volume. Afterward, explain in English why the phrase fit that scene. This keeps meaning, respectful behavior, and pronunciation together instead of rewarding speed alone.
A successful attempt is understandable and considerate, not accent-free. Mark one detail you kept consistent—perhaps the stress, a long vowel, a tone direction, a final consonant, or the full word order—and choose one detail for another careful repetition. Stop before practice becomes rushed. Short, attentive rounds build a more reliable memory than saying the phrase many times without listening to yourself or your partner.
Practice dialogue
- Scene prompt (English)
- Learner A needs to ask a librarian a question while the librarian is sorting books.
- Role-play cue (English)
- Learner A waits for a pause and uses the target attention-getting phrase.
- Greek target speaking turn — Learner A
- Συγγνώμη (Signómi)
- Role-play reply/action (English) — Learner B
- Yes, how can I help?
- Greek speaking turn — Learner B
- Ναι (Nai)
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