Frequency Rank: 78 | Part of Speech: Verb | Category: Communication
The Modern Greek verb καλώ (kaló) is one of the essential communication verbs, meaning “to call,” “to summon,” or “to invite.” Derived from Ancient Greek καλέω (kaléō), this verb has maintained its core meaning across millennia while expanding to accommodate modern contexts like telephone communication.
Unlike English “call,” which can be a noun or verb, Greek καλώ is purely verbal. The verb encompasses several distinct but related meanings: summoning someone to come, telephoning, naming/calling someone by a name, and formally inviting. Greek makes these distinctions through context rather than separate words.
The stress pattern is critical: the accent falls on the final syllable (kaLÓ), distinguishing it from the adverb καλώς (kalós, “well”). The verb follows the First Conjugation pattern in -ώ (-ó), with regular but important stem changes in different tenses.
In these 30 examples, we’ll explore καλώ in various contexts: making phone calls, summoning people, naming, and extending invitations, progressing from simple present-tense uses to more complex constructions including aorist (simple past) and future forms.
Link to Course Index:
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FAQ - What does καλώ mean in Modern Greek?
Καλώ (kaló) is a versatile communication verb meaning “to call,” “to summon,” “to invite,” or “to telephone.” It comes from Ancient Greek καλέω (kaléō) and remains central to Modern Greek communication, used for everything from phone calls to formal invitations. The verb conjugates regularly in the -ώ pattern with stem changes: present stem καλ-, aorist stem καλεσ-. Understanding this verb is essential for basic Greek communication.
Key Takeaways -
καλώ means “to call,” “to summon,” “to invite,” or “to telephone” -
Stress falls on final syllable: ka-LÓ, not KA-lo -
Present stem: καλ- (kal-) -
Aorist stem: καλεσ- (kales-) -
Common compounds: προσκαλώ (proskaló, “invite”), συγκαλώ (sygkaló, “convene”) -
Passive forms exist: καλούμαι (I am called) -
Etymology: From Ancient Greek καλέω < PIE *kelh₁- “to call”
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78.1a Καλώ (Kaló) I-call τον (ton) the-ACC γιατρό (yatró) doctor τώρα (tóra) now
78.1b Kaló (kaˈlo) I-call ton (ton) the-ACC yatró (ʝaˈtro) doctor tóra (ˈtora) now
78.2a Η (I) The μητέρα (mitéra) mother μου (mu) my καλεί (kaleí) calls κάθε (káthe) every μέρα (méra) day
78.2b I (i) the miténa (miˈtera) mother mu (mu) my kaleí (kaˈli) calls káthe (ˈkaθe) every méra (ˈmera) day
78.3a Πώς (Pos) How σε (se) you-ACC καλούν (kalún) they-call στο (sto) in-the χωριό (chorió) village σου (su) your
78.3b Pos (pos) how se (se) you-ACC kalún (kaˈlun) they-call sto (sto) in-the chorió (çoˈrʝo) village su (su) your
78.4a Με (Me) Me κάλεσε (kálese) he/she-called χθες (chthes) yesterday το (to) the βράδυ (vrádi) evening
78.4b Me (me) me kálese (ˈkalese) he/she-called chthes (ˈxθes) yesterday to (to) the vrádi (ˈvraði) evening
78.5a Θα (Tha) FUT καλέσω (kaléso) I-will-call ταξί (taxí) taxi για (ya) for το (to) the αεροδρόμιο (aerodhrómio) airport
78.5b Tha (θa) FUT kaléso (kaˈleso) I-will-call taxí (takˈsi) taxi ya (ʝa) for to (to) the aerodhrómio (aeroˈðromio) airport
78.6a Τους (Tus) Them-ACC καλούμε (kalúme) we-call στο (sto) to-the γάμο (gámo) wedding μας (mas) our
78.6b Tus (tus) them-ACC kalúme (kaˈlume) we-call sto (sto) to-the gámo (ˈɣamo) wedding mas (mas) our
78.7a Κάλεσέ (Kálese) Call-IMP με (me) me όταν (ótan) when φτάσεις (ftáseis) you-arrive-SUBJ σπίτι (spíti) home
78.7b Kálese (ˈkalese) call-IMP me (me) me ótan (ˈotan) when ftáseis (ˈftasis) you-arrive-SUBJ spíti (ˈspiti) home
78.8a Δεν (Dhen) Not με (me) me κάλεσαν (kálesan) they-called στην (stin) to-the συνάντηση (synántisi) meeting
78.8b Dhen (ðen) not me (me) me kálesan (ˈkalesan) they-called stin (stin) to-the synántisi (siˈnadisi) meeting
78.9a Τον (Ton) Him-ACC καλούσα (kalúsa) I-was-calling-IMPERF αλλά (allá) but δεν (dhen) not απαντούσε (apantúse) he-was-answering-IMPERF
78.9b Ton (ton) him-ACC kalúsa (kaˈlusa) I-was-calling-IMPERF allá (aˈla) but dhen (ðen) not apantúse (apaˈduse) he-was-answering-IMPERF
78.10a Με (Me) Me έχουν (échun) they-have καλέσει (kalései) called-PERF δύο (dhío) two φορές (forés) times σήμερα (símera) today
78.10b Me (me) me échun (ˈexun) they-have kalései (kaˈlesi) called-PERF dhío (ˈðio) two forés (foˈres) times símera (ˈsimera) today
78.11a Πρέπει (Prépei) Must να (na) to-SUBJ καλέσεις (kaléseis) you-call-SUBJ την (tin) the αστυνομία (astynomía) police αμέσως (amésos) immediately
78.11b Prépei (ˈprepi) must na (na) to-SUBJ kaléseis (kaˈlesis) you-call-SUBJ tin (tin) the astynomía (astino̞ˈmia) police amésos (aˈmesos) immediately
78.12a Καλώ (Kaló) I-call τον (ton) the-ACC πατέρα (patéra) father μου (mu) my Νίκο (Níko) Nikos-ACC
78.12b Kaló (kaˈlo) I-call ton (ton) the-ACC patéra (paˈtera) father mu (mu) my Níko (ˈniko) Nikos-ACC
78.13a Η (I) The εταιρεία (etairîa) company μας (mas) our καλεί (kaleí) calls νέους (néus) new-ACC υπαλλήλους (ypallílus) employees-ACC
78.13b I (i) the etairîa (eteˈria) company mas (mas) our kaleí (kaˈli) calls néus (ˈneus) new-ACC ypallílus (ipaˈlilus) employees-ACC
78.14a Καλείται (Kaleítai) He/she-is-called-PASS Μαρία (María) Maria αλλά (allá) but της (tis) to-her αρέσει (arései) it-pleases το (to) the Μαίρη (Maíri) Mary
78.14b Kaleítai (kaˈlite) he/she-is-called-PASS María (maˈria) Maria allá (aˈla) but tis (tis) to-her arései (aˈresi) it-pleases to (to) the Maíri (ˈmeri) Mary
78.15a Θα (Tha) FUT τους (tus) them-ACC καλέσουμε (kalésume) we-will-call να (na) to-SUBJ έρθουν (érthun) they-come-SUBJ μαζί (mazí) together μας (mas) with-us
78.15b Tha (θa) FUT tus (tus) them-ACC kalésume (kaˈlesume) we-will-call na (na) to-SUBJ érthun (ˈerθun) they-come-SUBJ mazí (maˈzi) together mas (mas) with-us
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78.1 Καλώ τον γιατρό τώρα Kaló ton yatró tóra “I’m calling the doctor now”
78.2 Η μητέρα μου καλεί κάθε μέρα I mitéra mu kaleí káthe méra “My mother calls every day”
78.3 Πώς σε καλούν στο χωριό σου; Pos se kalún sto chorió su? “What do they call you in your village?”
78.4 Με κάλεσε χθες το βράδυ Me kálese chthes to vrádi “He/She called me yesterday evening”
78.5 Θα καλέσω ταξί για το αεροδρόμιο Tha kaléso taxí ya to aerodhrómio “I’ll call a taxi for the airport”
78.6 Τους καλούμε στο γάμο μας Tus kalúme sto gámo mas “We’re inviting them to our wedding”
78.7 Κάλεσέ με όταν φτάσεις σπίτι Kálese me ótan ftáseis spíti “Call me when you get home”
78.8 Δεν με κάλεσαν στην συνάντηση Dhen me kálesan stin synántisi “They didn’t invite me to the meeting”
78.9 Τον καλούσα αλλά δεν απαντούσε Ton kalúsa allá dhen apantúse “I was calling him but he wasn’t answering”
78.10 Με έχουν καλέσει δύο φορές σήμερα Me échun kalései dhío forés símera “They’ve called me twice today”
78.11 Πρέπει να καλέσεις την αστυνομία αμέσως Prépei na kaléseis tin astynomía amésos “You must call the police immediately”
78.12 Καλώ τον πατέρα μου Νίκο Kaló ton patéra mu Níko “I call my father Nikos”
78.13 Η εταιρεία μας καλεί νέους υπαλλήλους I etairîa mas kaleí néus ypallílus “Our company is calling for new employees”
78.14 Καλείται Μαρία αλλά της αρέσει το Μαίρη Kaleítai María allá tis arései to Maíri “She’s called Maria but she prefers Mary”
78.15 Θα τους καλέσουμε να έρθουν μαζί μας Tha tus kalésume na érthun mazí mas “We’ll invite them to come with us”
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78.1 Καλώ τον γιατρό τώρα Kaló ton yatró tóra
78.2 Η μητέρα μου καλεί κάθε μέρα I mitéra mu kaleí káthe méra
78.3 Πώς σε καλούν στο χωριό σου; Pos se kalún sto chorió su?
78.4 Με κάλεσε χθες το βράδυ Me kálese chthes to vrádi
78.5 Θα καλέσω ταξί για το αεροδρόμιο Tha kaléso taxí ya to aerodhrómio
78.6 Τους καλούμε στο γάμο μας Tus kalúme sto gámo mas
78.7 Κάλεσέ με όταν φτάσεις σπίτι Kálese me ótan ftáseis spíti
78.8 Δεν με κάλεσαν στην συνάντηση Dhen me kálesan stin synántisi
78.9 Τον καλούσα αλλά δεν απαντούσε Ton kalúsa allá dhen apantúse
78.10 Με έχουν καλέσει δύο φορές σήμερα Me échun kalései dhío forés símera
78.11 Πρέπει να καλέσεις την αστυνομία αμέσως Prépei na kaléseis tin astynomía amésos
78.12 Καλώ τον πατέρα μου Νίκο Kaló ton patéra mu Níko
78.13 Η εταιρεία μας καλεί νέους υπαλλήλους I etairîa mas kaleí néus ypallílus
78.14 Καλείται Μαρία αλλά της αρέσει το Μαίρη Kaleítai María allá tis arései to Maíri
78.15 Θα τους καλέσουμε να έρθουν μαζί μας Tha tus kalésume na érthun mazí mas
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These are the grammar rules for καλώ
καλώ belongs to the First Conjugation of Modern Greek verbs (Contract Verbs in -ώ). The verb has two principal stems:
Present Stem: καλ- (kal-) Aorist Stem: καλεσ- (kales-)
Present Tense (Ενεστώτας): -
καλώ (kaló) - I call -
καλείς (kaleís) - you call (singular informal) -
καλεί (kaleí) - he/she/it calls -
καλούμε (kalúme) - we call -
καλείτε (kaleíte) - you call (plural/formal) -
καλούν (kalún) - they call
Aorist Tense (Αόριστος) - Simple Past: -
κάλεσα (kálesa) - I called -
κάλεσες (káleses) - you called -
κάλεσε (kálese) - he/she/it called -
καλέσαμε (kalésame) - we called -
καλέσατε (kalésate) - you called (plural/formal) -
κάλεσαν (kálesan) - they called
Note the stress shift to the antepenultimate syllable in the aorist singular forms.
Future Tense (Μέλλοντας): Formed with θα + aorist stem: -
θα καλέσω (tha kaléso) - I will call -
θα καλέσεις (tha kaléseis) - you will call -
θα καλέσει (tha kalései) - he/she/it will call -
θα καλέσουμε (tha kalésume) - we will call -
θα καλέσετε (tha kalésete) - you will call (plural/formal) -
θα καλέσουν (tha kalésun) - they will call
Imperative (Προστακτική): -
κάλεσε (kálese) - call! (singular informal) -
καλέστε (kaléste) - call! (plural/formal)
Imperfect (Παρατατικός): Used for ongoing or repeated action in the past: -
καλούσα (kalúsa) - I was calling / used to call -
καλούσες (kalúses) - you were calling -
καλούσε (kalúse) - he/she was calling -
καλούσαμε (kalúsame) - we were calling -
καλούσατε (kalúsate) - you were calling -
καλούσαν (kalúsan) - they were calling
Present Passive: -
καλούμαι (kalúme) - I am called / I am being invited -
καλείσαι (kaleíse) - you are called -
καλείται (kaleítai) - he/she/it is called -
καλούμαστε (kalúmaste) - we are called -
καλείστε (kaleíste) - you are called -
καλούνται (kalúnde) - they are called
Aorist Passive: Two forms exist, with slightly different registers: -
Colloquial: καλέστηκα (kaléstika) - I was called -
Formal: κλήθηκα (klíthika) - I was summoned/named
The formal passive with κλη- is used particularly for official summons or naming ceremonies.
Active Participle (Gerund): -
καλώντας (kalóntas) - calling, while calling
Passive Participle: -
καλεσμένος, -η, -ο (kalesmenos, -i, -o) - called, invited (as adjective)
Perfect Infinitive (απαρέμφατο): -
καλέσει (kalései) - to have called (used with έχω in perfect tense)
1. Direct Object (Accusative): καλώ + accusative noun/pronoun -
Καλώ τον φίλο μου (I call my friend) -
Με καλεί (He/she calls me)
2. With Purpose Clause (να + Subjunctive): καλώ + να + subjunctive verb -
Σε καλώ να έρθεις (I invite you to come) -
Τους καλέσαμε να φάνε μαζί μας (We invited them to eat with us)
3. Naming Construction: καλώ + object + name -
Τον καλώ Γιώργο (I call him George) -
Με καλούν Μαρία (They call me Maria)
4. With Prepositional Phrases: -
Καλώ στο τηλέφωνο (I call on the phone) -
Καλώ στο σπίτι (I call at the house) -
Καλώ για βοήθεια (I call for help)
Several important compounds are formed with καλώ:
προσκαλώ (proskaló) - to invite, to summon officially -
Σε προσκαλώ στο γάμο μου (I invite you to my wedding)
συγκαλώ (sygkaló) - to convene, to call together -
Συγκαλούν συνέλευση (They’re convening an assembly)
αποκαλώ (apokaló) - to call (someone something), to designate -
Τον αποκαλούν ήρωα (They call him a hero)
παρακαλώ (parakaló) - to request, please, you’re welcome -
Σε παρακαλώ (I beg you / please)
Mistake 1: Stress Placement -
❌ KAlo ton yatró (wrong stress) -
✅ kaLÓ ton yatró (stress on final syllable)
The stress must fall on the final syllable in present tense forms, shifting back in aorist.
Mistake 2: Confusing with καλώς (adverb) -
καλώ (kaló) = verb “I call” -
καλώς (kalós) = adverb “well” -
Example: Καλώς ήρθες! (Welcome! - literally “You came well”)
Mistake 3: Passive Aorist Forms -
Both καλέστηκα and κλήθηκα are correct -
καλέστηκα = more colloquial, “I was called/invited” -
κλήθηκα = more formal, “I was summoned/named” -
Don’t mix stems: ❌ καλήθηκα
Mistake 4: Future Formation -
❌ θα καλώ (incorrect - present stem) -
✅ θα καλέσω (correct - aorist stem)
Modern Greek future uses θα + aorist stem, not present stem.
Mistake 5: English “Call” vs. Greek καλώ English “call” has many meanings that require different Greek verbs: -
“Call on the phone” = καλώ / τηλεφωνώ -
“Call out/shout” = φωνάζω -
“Call a meeting” = συγκαλώ / καλώ -
“Call by name” = καλώ + name
Verb Type: First Conjugation (-ώ contract verb) Transitivity: Transitive (takes direct object) Voice: Active and Passive forms Aspect: Perfective (aorist) and Imperfective (present/imperfect) Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative Tense Coverage: Full tense system (present, imperfect, aorist, perfect, pluperfect, future)
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καλώ is one of the most frequently used communication verbs in Modern Greek, essential for daily interaction. In contemporary Greece, the verb has adapted to modern technology while maintaining its traditional meanings.
Telephone Culture: Greece has a strong phone culture, with frequent calls between family members and friends. The phrases: -
Θα σε καλέσω (I’ll call you) -
Κάλεσέ με (Call me)
...are heard constantly. Mobile phone usage is ubiquitous, and Greeks often use καλώ rather than the more specific τηλεφωνώ (to telephone) in casual speech.
Naming Conventions: The construction “τον/την καλούν...” (they call him/her...) is the standard way to introduce someone’s name: -
Πώς σε καλούν; (What’s your name? - literally “How do they call you?”) -
Με καλούν Γιάννη (My name is Yiannis - literally “They call me Yiannis”)
This reflects the Greek emphasis on social identity - your name is what others call you, not just what you possess.
Invitation Customs: Greek hospitality (φιλοξενία, filoxenía) is legendary, and καλώ features prominently: -
Σε καλούμε για φαγητό (We invite you for food) -
Μας κάλεσαν στο σπίτι τους (They invited us to their home)
Refusing an invitation can require diplomatic language, as Greeks take pride in welcoming guests.
Formal vs. Informal Usage:
Informal Settings: -
Family calls: Κάλεσα τη μαμά (I called mom) -
Friend invitations: Καλώ τους φίλους μου (I’m inviting my friends) -
Casual phone calls: Θα σε καλέσω αργότερα (I’ll call you later)
Formal Settings: -
Business: Η εταιρεία καλεί υποψηφίους (The company calls for candidates) -
Legal: Καλείται ως μάρτυρας (He is summoned as a witness) -
Official invitations: Καλούμεθα να παρευρεθούμε (We are invited to attend - archaic formal)
Standard Modern Greek (Athens/Southern Greece): -
Pronunciation: /kaˈlo/ -
Standard conjugation as shown
Cypriot Greek: -
Some pronunciation differences in vowels -
Similar conjugation patterns -
Additional informal expressions
Northern Greek Dialects: -
Slight variations in stress in some forms -
Generally follows standard pattern
Καλώς τον/την! (Kalós ton/tin!) “Welcome him/her!” (literally “Well him/her”) Used when someone arrives or enters.
Κάλεσέ με ό,τι ώρα θες (Kálese me ó,ti óra thes) “Call me whenever you want” Common friendly expression showing availability.
Με κάλεσε η καρδιά μου (Me kálese i kardhiá mu) “My heart called me” Poetic expression for following one’s intuition.
Δεν με καλεί κανείς (Dhen me kaleí kanís) “Nobody calls me” / “I’m not invited” Expression of social exclusion.
Double Object Marking: Greek often uses redundant pronouns with καλώ: -
Τον κάλεσα τον Γιάννη (I called him, Yiannis) The “τον” (him) appears twice - once before the verb and once with the name. This is standard Greek syntax, not an error.
Subjunctive After καλώ: When meaning “invite,” καλώ typically takes a να + subjunctive construction: -
Σε καλώ να έρθεις (I invite you to come) -
NOT: *Σε καλώ να έρχεσαι (incorrect tense)
The subjunctive must be in the perfective aspect (aorist-based) for future-oriented invitations.
Passive with Naming: The passive καλείται is the standard way to state someone’s name: -
Καλείται Μαρία (She is called Maria / Her name is Maria) This is more natural than *Το όνομά της είναι Μαρία in everyday speech.
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The following excerpt demonstrates καλώ in authentic Modern Greek literature. While this specific passage is pedagogical in nature (created for teaching purposes following authentic patterns), it reflects the style of Greek communication literature in the tradition of authors like Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), whose works like Zorba the Greek (Βίος και Πολιτεία του Αλέξη Ζορμπά, 1946) and Report to Greco (Αναφορά στον Γκρέκο, 1961) exemplify Modern Greek prose at its finest.
Contemporary Usage Example - Modern Greek Conversational Style:
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
1a Κάθε (Káthe) Every βράδυ (vrádi) evening ο (o) the γέρος (géros) old-man καλούσε (kalúse) was-calling-IMPERF τα (ta) the παιδιά (pedhiá) children του (tu) his στο (sto) to-the τραπέζι (trapézi) table
1b Káthe (ˈkaθe) every vrádi (ˈvraði) evening o (o) the géros (ˈʝeros) old-man kalúse (kaˈluse) was-calling-IMPERF ta (ta) the pedhiá (peˈðʝa) children tu (tu) his sto (sto) to-the trapézi (traˈpezi) table
2a Τους (Tus) Them-ACC καλούσε (kalúse) he-was-calling με (me) with το (to) the όνομά (ónomá) name τους (tus) their ένα (éna) one ένα (éna) one
2b Tus (tus) them-ACC kalúse (kaˈluse) he-was-calling me (me) with to (to) the ónomá (ˈonoma) name tus (tus) their éna (ˈena) one éna (ˈena) one
3a Πρώτα (Próta) First καλούσε (kalúse) he-called τον (ton) the-ACC Νίκο (Níko) Nikos-ACC κι (ki) and ύστερα (ýstera) then την (tin) the-ACC Ελένη (Eléni) Eleni-ACC
3b Próta (ˈprota) first kalúse (kaˈluse) he-called ton (ton) the-ACC Níko (ˈniko) Nikos-ACC ki (ci) and ýstera (ˈistera) then tin (tin) the-ACC Eléni (eˈleni) Eleni-ACC
4a Μα (Ma) But εκείνη (ekíni) that τη (ti) the βραδιά (vradhiá) evening κανείς (kanís) no-one δεν (dhen) not απάντησε (apándise) answered στο (sto) to-the κάλεσμα (kálesma) call
4b Ma (ma) but ekíni (eˈcini) that ti (ti) the vradhiá (vraˈðʝa) evening kanís (kaˈnis) no-one dhen (ðen) not apándise (aˈpadise) answered sto (sto) to-the kálesma (ˈkalesma) call
5a Κάλεσε (Kálese) He-called και (ke) and κάλεσε (kálese) called αλλά (allá) but κανείς (kanís) no-one δεν (dhen) not ήρθε (írthe) came
5b Kálese (ˈkalese) he-called ke (ce) and kálese (ˈkalese) called allá (aˈla) but kanís (kaˈnis) no-one dhen (ðen) not írthe (ˈirθe) came
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Κάθε βράδυ ο γέρος καλούσε τα παιδιά του στο τραπέζι. Τους καλούσε με το όνομά τους ένα ένα. Πρώτα καλούσε τον Νίκο κι ύστερα την Ελένη. Μα εκείνη τη βραδιά κανείς δεν απάντησε στο κάλεσμα. Κάλεσε και κάλεσε αλλά κανείς δεν ήρθε.
Káthe vrádi o géros kalúse ta pedhiá tu sto trapézi. Tus kalúse me to ónomá tus éna éna. Próta kalúse ton Níko ki ýstera tin Eléni. Ma ekíni ti vradhiá kanís dhen apándise sto kálesma. Kálese ke kálese allá kanís dhen írthe.
“Every evening the old man would call his children to the table. He would call them by their names one by one. First he called Nikos and then Eleni. But that evening no one answered the call. He called and called but no one came.”
F-C: Original Script Only
Κάθε βράδυ ο γέρος καλούσε τα παιδιά του στο τραπέζι. Τους καλούσε με το όνομά τους ένα ένα. Πρώτα καλούσε τον Νίκο κι ύστερα την Ελένη. Μα εκείνη τη βραδιά κανείς δεν απάντησε στο κάλεσμα. Κάλεσε και κάλεσε αλλά κανείς δεν ήρθε.
Káthe vrádi o géros kalúse ta pedhiá tu sto trapézi. Tus kalúse me to ónomá tus éna éna. Próta kalúse ton Níko ki ýstera tin Eléni. Ma ekíni ti vradhiá kanís dhen apándise sto kálesma. Kálese ke kálese allá kanís dhen írthe.
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Explanation
Key Verb Forms: -
καλούσε (kalúse) - imperfect, “he was calling / used to call” - emphasizes habitual action -
κάλεσε (kálese) - aorist, “he called” - specific completed action -
απάντησε (apándise) - aorist, “answered” -
ήρθε (írthe) - aorist, “came”
Vocabulary: -
γέρος (géros) - old man -
τραπέζι (trapézi) - table (from τράπεζα “bank/table”) -
βραδιά (vradhiá) - evening (poetic form of βράδυ) -
κάλεσμα (kálesma) - call, summons (noun derived from καλώ)
Grammatical Features: The passage demonstrates the aspectual distinction in Greek: -
Imperfect καλούσε shows repeated habitual action (”would call”) -
Aorist κάλεσε shows specific completed action (”called”) -
The repetition “κάλεσε και κάλεσε” (called and called) emphasizes persistence
Note the double object pronoun: Τους καλούσε - the “τους” (them) refers forward to “τα παιδιά” (the children), typical Greek clitic doubling.
F-E: Literary and Cultural Commentary
This passage exemplifies traditional Greek family structure and the paternal role of summoning family members. The repetition of καλούσε (was calling) in the imperfect tense creates a sense of ritual and routine - this is what happened every evening.
The shift to aorist κάλεσε (called) marks a break in that routine - the specific evening when the pattern failed. The poignant repetition “Κάλεσε και κάλεσε” (He called and called) uses the aorist to show repeated attempts in a specific timeframe, contrasted with the habitual imperfect.
The noun κάλεσμα (call/summons) derives directly from the verb καλώ and appears frequently in Greek literature to mean “calling” or “summons” - both literal (calling someone) and metaphorical (a calling/vocation).
This style of simple, powerful prose with careful attention to verbal aspect is characteristic of modern Greek narrative, especially in the tradition of Kazantzakis, Myrivilis, and other 20th-century authors who elevated demotic (popular) Greek to literary status.
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Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
78.16a Αλλό (Alló) Hello ποιος (pios) who καλεί (kaleí) calls
78.16b Alló (aˈlo) hello pios (pios) who kaleí (kaˈli) calls
78.17a Είμαι (Eíme) I-am ο (o) the Γιώργος (Yiórgos) George καλώ (kaló) I-call από (apó) from το (to) the γραφείο (grafío) office
78.17b Eíme (ˈime) I-am o (o) the Yiórgos (ˈʝorɣos) George kaló (kaˈlo) I-call apó (aˈpo) from to (to) the grafío (ɣraˈfio) office
78.18a Α (A) Ah γεια (ya) hello σου (su) to-you Γιώργο (Yiórgo) George-VOC τι (ti) what κάνεις (káneis) you-do
78.18b A (a) ah ya (ʝa) hello su (su) to-you Yiórgo (ˈʝorɣo) George-VOC ti (ti) what káneis (ˈkanis) you-do
78.19a Καλά (Kalá) Well ευχαριστώ (efcharistó) thank-you σε (se) you-ACC καλώ (kaló) I-call για (ya) for την (tin) the συνάντηση (synántisi) meeting αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow
78.19b Kalá (kaˈla) well efcharistó (efxariˈsto) thank-you se (se) you-ACC kaló (kaˈlo) I-call ya (ʝa) for tin (tin) the synántisi (siˈnadisi) meeting ávrio (ˈavrio) tomorrow
78.20a Α (A) Ah ναι (ne) yes την (tin) it-ACC είχα (ícha) I-had ξεχάσει (xechásei) forgotten τι (ti) what ώρα (óra) hour μας (mas) us κάλεσαν (kálesan) they-called
78.20b A (a) ah ne (ne) yes tin (tin) it-ACC ícha (ˈixa) I-had xechásei (kseˈxasi) forgotten ti (ti) what óra (ˈora) hour mas (mas) us kálesan (ˈkalesan) they-called
78.21a Στις (Stis) At-the δέκα (dhéka) ten το (to) the πρωί (proí) morning αλλά (allá) but μπορώ (boró) I-can να (na) to-SUBJ καλέσω (kaléso) I-call-SUBJ να (na) to-SUBJ αλλάξω (alláxo) I-change-SUBJ την (tin) the ώρα (óra) hour
78.21b Stis (stis) at-the dhéka (ˈðeka) ten to (to) the proí (proˈi) morning allá (aˈla) but boró (boˈro) I-can na (na) to-SUBJ kaléso (kaˈleso) I-call-SUBJ na (na) to-SUBJ alláxo (aˈlakso) I-change-SUBJ tin (tin) the óra (ˈora) hour
78.22a Όχι (Óchi) No όχι (óchi) no είναι (eíne) it-is εντάξει (endáxei) okay θα (tha) FUT έρθω (értho) I-will-come στην (stin) to-the ώρα (óra) time
78.22b Óchi (ˈoçi) no óchi (ˈoçi) no eíne (ˈine) it-is endáxei (eˈdaksi) okay tha (θa) FUT értho (ˈerθo) I-will-come stin (stin) to-the óra (ˈora) time
78.23a Τέλεια (Télia) Perfect θα (tha) FUT δω (dho) I-will-see και (ke) and την (tin) the Μαρία (María) Maria-ACC εκεί (ekí) there
78.23b Télia (ˈtelia) perfect tha (θa) FUT dho (ðo) I-will-see ke (ce) and tin (tin) the María (maˈria) Maria-ACC ekí (eˈci) there
78.24a Ναι (Ne) Yes την (tin) her-ACC κάλεσα (kálesa) I-called χθες (chthes) yesterday και (ke) and θα (tha) FUT έρθει (érthei) she-will-come
78.24b Ne (ne) yes tin (tin) her-ACC kálesa (ˈkalesa) I-called chthes (ˈxθes) yesterday ke (ce) and tha (θa) FUT érthei (ˈerθi) she-will-come
78.25a Πολύ (Polý) Very ωραία (oréa) nice λοιπόν (lipón) so τα (ta) it-ACC λέμε (léme) we-say αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow
78.25b Polý (poˈli) very oréa (oˈrea) nice lipón (liˈpon) so ta (ta) it-ACC léme (ˈleme) we-say ávrio (ˈavrio) tomorrow
78.26a Μισό (Misó) One-moment λεπτό (leptó) minute μήπως (mípos) perhaps ξέρεις (xéreis) you-know το (to) the τηλέφωνο (tiléfono) telephone του (tu) of-the Κώστα (Kósta) Kostas-GEN
78.26b Misó (miˈso) one-moment leptó (leˈpto) minute mípos (ˈmipos) perhaps xéreis (ˈkseris) you-know to (to) the tiléfono (tiˈlefono) telephone tu (tu) of-the Kósta (ˈkosta) Kostas-GEN
78.27a Τον (Ton) Him-ACC Κώστα (Kósta) Kostas-ACC τον (ton) him-ACC κάλεσα (kálesa) I-called πριν (prin) before μια (mia) one ώρα (óra) hour
78.27b Ton (ton) him-ACC Kósta (ˈkosta) Kostas-ACC ton (ton) him-ACC kálesa (ˈkalesa) I-called prin (prin) before mia (ˈmia) one óra (ˈora) hour
78.28a Και (Ke) And τι (ti) what είπε (ípe) he-said θα (tha) FUT έρθει (érthei) he-will-come και (ke) and αυτός (aftós) he
78.28b Ke (ce) and ti (ti) what ípe (ˈipe) he-said tha (θa) FUT érthei (ˈerθi) he-will-come ke (ce) and aftós (afˈtos) he
78.29a Όχι (Óchi) No δεν (dhen) not μπορεί (boreí) he-can έχει (échei) he-has να (na) to-SUBJ καλέσει (kalései) he-call-SUBJ κάποιον (kápion) someone-ACC άλλον (állon) other-ACC
78.29b Óchi (ˈoçi) no dhen (ðen) not boreí (boˈri) he-can échei (ˈeçi) he-has na (na) to-SUBJ kalései (kaˈlesi) he-call-SUBJ kápion (ˈkapion) someone-ACC állon (ˈalon) other-ACC
78.30a Εντάξει (Endáxei) Okay θα (tha) FUT τον (ton) him-ACC καλέσω (kaléso) I-will-call εγώ (egó) I μετά (metá) after τα (ta) it λέμε (léme) we-say
78.30b Endáxei (eˈdaksi) okay tha (θa) FUT ton (ton) him-ACC kaléso (kaˈleso) I-will-call egó (eˈɣo) I metá (meˈta) after ta (ta) it léme (ˈleme) we-say
Part B: Natural Sentences
78.16 Αλλό; Ποιος καλεί; Alló? Pios kaleí? “Hello? Who’s calling?”
78.17 Είμαι ο Γιώργος, καλώ από το γραφείο Eíme o Yiórgos, kaló apó to grafío “This is George, I’m calling from the office”
78.18 Α γεια σου Γιώργο, τι κάνεις; A ya su Yiórgo, ti káneis? “Oh hi George, how are you?”
78.19 Καλά ευχαριστώ. Σε καλώ για την συνάντηση αύριο Kalá efcharistó. Se kaló ya tin synántisi ávrio “I’m well, thanks. I’m calling you about the meeting tomorrow”
78.20 Α ναι, την είχα ξεχάσει! Τι ώρα μας κάλεσαν; A ne, tin ícha xechásei! Ti óra mas kálesan? “Oh yes, I’d forgotten it! What time did they call us for?”
78.21 Στις δέκα το πρωί, αλλά μπορώ να καλέσω να αλλάξω την ώρα Stis dhéka to proí, allá boró na kaléso na alláxo tin óra “At ten in the morning, but I can call to change the time”
78.22 Όχι όχι, είναι εντάξει. Θα έρθω στην ώρα Óchi óchi, eíne endáxei. Tha értho stin óra “No no, it’s okay. I’ll come on time”
78.23 Τέλεια! Θα δω και την Μαρία εκεί; Télia! Tha dho ke tin María ekí? “Perfect! Will I see Maria there too?”
78.24 Ναι, την κάλεσα χθες και θα έρθει Ne, tin kálesa chthes ke tha érthei “Yes, I called her yesterday and she’ll come”
78.25 Πολύ ωραία! Λοιπόν, τα λέμε αύριο Polý oréa! Lipón, ta léme ávrio “Very nice! So, see you tomorrow”
78.26 Μισό λεπτό - μήπως ξέρεις το τηλέφωνο του Κώστα; Misó leptó - mípos xéreis to tiléfono tu Kósta? “One moment - do you happen to know Kostas’s phone number?”
78.27 Τον Κώστα τον κάλεσα πριν μια ώρα Ton Kósta ton kálesa prin mia óra “I called Kostas an hour ago”
78.28 Και τι είπε; Θα έρθει και αυτός; Ke ti ípe? Tha érthei ke aftós? “And what did he say? Will he come too?”
78.29 Όχι, δεν μπορεί. Έχει να καλέσει κάποιον άλλον Óchi, dhen boreí. Échei na kalései kápion állon “No, he can’t. He has to call someone else”
78.30 Εντάξει, θα τον καλέσω εγώ μετά. Τα λέμε! Endáxei, tha ton kaléso egó metá. Ta léme! “Okay, I’ll call him later. Talk to you later!”
Part C: Target Language Only
78.16 Αλλό; Ποιος καλεί; Alló? Pios kaleí?
78.17 Είμαι ο Γιώργος, καλώ από το γραφείο Eíme o Yiórgos, kaló apó to grafío
78.18 Α γεια σου Γιώργο, τι κάνεις; A ya su Yiórgo, ti káneis?
78.19 Καλά ευχαριστώ. Σε καλώ για την συνάντηση αύριο Kalá efcharistó. Se kaló ya tin synántisi ávrio
78.20 Α ναι, την είχα ξεχάσει! Τι ώρα μας κάλεσαν; A ne, tin ícha xechásei! Ti óra mas kálesan?
78.21 Στις δέκα το πρωί, αλλά μπορώ να καλέσω να αλλάξω την ώρα Stis dhéka to proí, allá boró na kaléso na alláxo tin óra
78.22 Όχι όχι, είναι εντάξει. Θα έρθω στην ώρα Óchi óchi, eíne endáxei. Tha értho stin óra
78.23 Τέλεια! Θα δω και την Μαρία εκεί; Télia! Tha dho ke tin María ekí?
78.24 Ναι, την κάλεσα χθες και θα έρθει Ne, tin kálesa chthes ke tha érthei
78.25 Πολύ ωραία! Λοιπόν, τα λέμε αύριο Polý oréa! Lipón, ta léme ávrio
78.26 Μισό λεπτό - μήπως ξέρεις το τηλέφωνο του Κώστα; Misó leptó - mípos xéreis to tiléfono tu Kósta?
78.27 Τον Κώστα τον κάλεσα πριν μια ώρα Ton Kósta ton kálesa prin mia óra
78.28 Και τι είπε; Θα έρθει και αυτός; Ke ti ípe? Tha érthei ke aftós?
78.29 Όχι, δεν μπορεί. Έχει να καλέσει κάποιον άλλον Óchi, dhen boreí. Échei na kalései kápion állon
78.30 Εντάξει, θα τον καλέσω εγώ μετά. Τα λέμε! Endáxei, tha ton kaléso egó metá. Ta léme!
Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
This dialogue demonstrates natural Modern Greek telephone conversation, showcasing καλώ in its most common contemporary context.
Key Features:
1. Telephone Opening: -
Αλλό (Alló) - standard Greek telephone greeting (from French “allô”) -
Ποιος καλεί; (Who’s calling?) - standard way to ask caller identity
2. Double Object Pronouns: Multiple instances of Greek clitic doubling: -
Τον Κώστα τον κάλεσα (Kostas-ACC him-ACC I-called) The redundant “τον...τον” is standard Greek syntax, emphasizing the object.
3. Verb Tenses in Dialogue: -
Present: καλώ (I’m calling) - ongoing action -
Aorist: κάλεσα (I called) - completed action in past -
Future: θα καλέσω (I will call) - future intention -
Perfect: είχα ξεχάσει (I had forgotten) - pluperfect with past reference
4. Subjunctive Constructions: -
μπορώ να καλέσω (I can call) - ability + subjunctive -
έχει να καλέσει (he has to call) - obligation + subjunctive -
θα τον καλέσω (I will call him) - future intention
5. Conversational Particles: -
Α (A) - exclamation of recognition/remembering -
λοιπόν (lipón) - “so, well then” (discourse marker) -
τα λέμε (ta léme) - “we’ll talk” (standard phone goodbye) -
μισό λεπτό (misó leptó) - “one moment” (wait phrase)
6. Natural Ellipsis: Greek telephone speech frequently drops subjects and uses short responses: -
Ναι, την κάλεσα (Yes, [I] called her) -
Θα έρθει ([She] will come)
This genre section illustrates how καλώ functions in everyday Modern Greek communication, demonstrating the verb’s centrality to social interaction and its natural use in various tenses and constructions.
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καλώ /kaˈlo/ -
/k/ - voiceless velar stop (like English “k”) -
/a/ - open front unrounded vowel (like “a” in “father”) -
/ˈl/ - lateral approximant, stressed syllable follows -
/o/ - close-mid back rounded vowel (like “o” in “go”)
Stress Pattern: The stress falls on the final syllable: ka-LÓ This is critical for distinguishing: -
καλώ /kaˈlo/ (I call) - stress on -ό -
κάλο /ˈkalo/ (not a word, but would be stressed on first syllable)
Error 1: Wrong Stress English speakers often stress the first syllable -
❌ /ˈkalo/ (KA-lo) -
✅ /kaˈlo/ (ka-LÓ)
Error 2: Diphthongization English speakers may turn /o/ into a diphthong /oʊ/ -
❌ /kaˈloʊ/ (ka-LOW) -
✅ /kaˈlo/ (ka-LO with pure vowel)
Error 3: Final /ν/ in Plural In καλούν (they call), the final -ν is pronounced: -
✅ /kaˈlun/ (ka-LOON) -
NOT: /kaˈlu/ (dropping the /n/)
Error 4: Voiced vs. Voiceless Stops Greek /k/ in καλώ should remain voiceless: -
✅ /kaˈlo/ (hard K sound) -
❌ /gaˈlo/ (avoid voicing to G)
For accurate pronunciation models: -
Forvo.com - Search “καλώ” for native speaker recordings -
Greek Radio Stations - Listen to RealFM or Skai for natural speech -
Greek Films - Subtitled films provide context for natural usage -
Language Apps - Pimsleur Greek and GreekPod101 include pronunciation drills
Declarative: Καλώ τον γιατρό. (I’m calling the doctor.) ↓ Falling intonation at end
Interrogative: Καλείς τον γιατρό; (Are you calling the doctor?) ↑ Rising intonation at end
Imperative: Κάλεσέ με! (Call me!) ↓ Sharp falling intonation (command)
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This Modern Greek lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Modern Language Course series, developed since 2006 to provide autodidact learners with systematic, frequency-based language instruction. Each lesson builds on a carefully selected corpus of the 1000 most common words in Modern Greek, teaching them in order of frequency with comprehensive grammatical context.
The interlinear glossing method used throughout these lessons accelerates comprehension by providing granular word-by-word translations alongside romanization. This duplex approach (showing both Greek script and romanization) allows learners to: -
Develop reading fluency in the Greek alphabet -
Understand pronunciation through standardized romanization -
Grasp grammatical structures through detailed glossing -
See authentic usage patterns in context
Unlike traditional textbooks that group words thematically, this frequency-based approach ensures that learners acquire the most useful vocabulary first. The verb καλώ appears at position 78 because it is among the most commonly used Greek verbs in everyday communication - more frequent than many “basic” words taught in traditional courses.
Each lesson provides: -
30 authentic examples (15 basic + 15 genre-specific) -
Complete grammatical explanation -
Cultural context and usage notes -
Literary citations from Modern Greek literature -
Pronunciation guidance
The Latinum Institute has been creating language learning materials since 2006, with thousands of satisfied learners worldwide. Our methodology emphasizes: -
Authentic texts over artificial constructions -
Systematic progression through frequency-based vocabulary -
Comprehensive grammar integrated naturally into examples -
Cultural context for genuine language understanding
For more information about the Latinum Institute methodology and additional language courses, visit: -
Course Index:
https://latinum.substack.com/p/index -
Reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk -
Main Site:
https://latinum.org.uk
Note on Non-Latin Scripts: This course uses the duplex glossing method specifically designed for languages with non-Latin writing systems. By presenting each example twice - once emphasizing direct script-to-meaning comprehension (line a) and once adding pronunciation guidance (line b) - learners can choose their preferred approach: some focus on line (a) for reading speed development, others use line (b) for pronunciation practice. Both lines working together create synergy for accelerated comprehension of the Greek writing system.
-
First Reading: Focus on line (a) in Section A - direct Greek to English glossing -
Second Reading: Use line (b) for pronunciation practice -
Third Reading: Section B for natural sentence flow -
Production Practice: Section C for reading without glosses -
Deep Study: Grammar section for systematic understanding -
Cultural Integration: Cultural context for authentic usage -
Literary Exposure: Literary citation for advanced patterns
By working through all 30 examples systematically, you’ll develop both receptive and productive competence with καλώ and related communication vocabulary in Modern Greek.
Next Steps: Continue with Lesson 79 to maintain systematic vocabulary progression, or explore related communication verbs (λέγω “say,” μιλάω “speak,” ρωτάω “ask”) for deeper mastery of Greek communication patterns.
Lesson 78 Modern Greek: Complete ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
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