μιλήσω
Wordform Details
Translation: to speakto talk
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
first-personsingularaoristsubjunctiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: μιλάω
Translation: to speak; to talk; to tell; to converse (verb)
Etymology: From Medieval Greek μιλῶ (milō), from Ancient Greek ὁμιλῶ (homilō, "to associate with, converse with"), from ὅμιλος (hómilos, "crowd, assembly"). The English word "homily" (a religious discourse) shares the same root, as it originally referred to a sermon delivered to an assembly. The initial 'o' was dropped in the evolution to Modern Greek.
Example Usage
Μιλάς ελληνικά;
Do you speak Greek?
Μίλησα με τη μητέρα μου χθες.
I spoke with my mother yesterday.
Δεν μου μιλάει πια.
He/she doesn't talk to me anymore.
Μιλάμε για το πρόβλημα αύριο.
We'll talk about the problem tomorrow.
Δε μου μιλάει εδώ και μια εβδομάδα.
He/she hasn't been speaking to me for a week.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mill-AH-oh' as the sound of a chattering mill - constantly turning and making noise like people talking.
- Connect it to 'homily' in English (a religious talk or sermon) which shares the same ancient root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
A fundamental verb in Greek communication. Greeks are known for being expressive and talkative in social settings, so this verb is used constantly in daily life. The way someone 'μιλάει' (speaks) can indicate their regional origin, education level, and social background.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'μιλάω' means 'to speak/talk', 'μοιράζω' means 'to share/distribute'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The stress falls on different syllables: μιΛΑω vs μοιΡΑζω, which can help distinguish them.
Mnemonic: Think: 'μιλάω' has an 'ι' (iota) like 'speak', while 'μοιράζω' has 'οι' like 'point' to others when sharing.
Explanation: While 'μιλάω' means 'to speak/talk', 'μυλώνω' means 'to mill/grind'. They sound similar but have different meanings and spellings.
Confused word:
Μυλώνω τον καφέ.
I'm grinding the coffee.
Notes: The 'υ' in 'μυλώνω' vs. the 'ι' in 'μιλάω' is a key spelling difference.
Mnemonic: Remember 'μυλώνω' contains 'μύλος' (mill), while 'μιλάω' is about using your mouth to speak.