Translation guide
How to refer to the ancient Greek language, people, or culture in Japanese.
Referring to the language of ancient Greece, especially Classical Greek.
The standard, neutral term for the ancient Greek language. Used in academic and everyday contexts.
彼は古代ギリシャ語を勉強しています。
He is studying ancient Greek.
Literally 'classical Greek'. Often used in linguistic or philological contexts to refer specifically to the Classical period.
古典ギリシャ語の文法は複雑です。
Classical Greek grammar is complex.
Simply 'Greek'. Can refer to ancient or modern Greek depending on context. Use with caution if clarity is needed.
Ambiguous; may be interpreted as modern Greek unless context specifies ancient.
このテキストはギリシャ語で書かれています。
This text is written in Greek.
Referring to a person from ancient Greece.
The standard term for an ancient Greek person. Can be singular or plural.
ソクラテスは古代ギリシャ人です。
Socrates was an ancient Greek.
Simply 'Greek person'. Context must make it clear that ancient times are meant.
Ambiguous; usually means a modern Greek person unless specified.
当時のギリシャ人は哲学を重んじた。
The Greeks of that time valued philosophy.
Referring to the culture, civilization, or historical period of ancient Greece.
Ancient Greek civilization. Used in historical and cultural contexts.
古代ギリシャ文明は西洋文明の基礎です。
Ancient Greek civilization is the foundation of Western civilization.
Simply 'ancient Greece'. Can refer to the place, time period, or culture.
古代ギリシャの哲学は興味深いです。
The philosophy of ancient Greece is fascinating.
古代ギリシャ語 (kodai Girishago) is the general term for the ancient Greek language, while 古典ギリシャ語 (koten Girishago) specifically refers to Classical Greek, often in academic contexts. For most learners, 古代ギリシャ語 is sufficient.
大学で古代ギリシャ語を専攻しました。
I majored in ancient Greek at university.
古典ギリシャ語の文献を読んでいます。
I am reading classical Greek texts.
Without 古代 (kodai, 'ancient'), ギリシャ語 and ギリシャ人 default to modern Greek. Always add 古代 when referring to ancient times unless context is very clear.
古代ギリシャ語を習っています。
I'm learning ancient Greek.
古代ギリシャ人は民主主義を発明しました。
The ancient Greeks invented democracy.