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Let's Talk GreekAuthor: Greek Language Experts
Welcome to our podcast! Here, you can practice and learn Greek through everyday conversations. When we started our online Greek school, Greek Language Experts, we noticed there weren't many options for students to practice listening. So, we decided to create this podcast. Tune in every Thursday for a fresh episode featuring Emily and Danai engaging in Greek dialogue on diverse topics. Our episodes cater to beginner and intermediate learners, as well as anyone seeking to refine their language skills. Join us as we embark on this linguistic journey together! Language: el Genres: Education, Language Learning Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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S4E13: Etymology: The Greek Roots of Medical Professions
Episode 13
Thursday, 8 January, 2026
In this episode we're taking everyday professions and breaking the Greek words apart to see where they come from and what they literally mean. Because in Greek, words aren’t random.They’re built with intention, logic, and history.Nurse = νοσοκόμα. The Greek word νοσοκόμα comes from two parts: νόσος = disease, illness and κομέω / κομώ = to take care of, to tend. So νοσοκόμα literally means:👉 “the person who takes care of illness.” The word itself emphasizes care, not just medical tasks. Ophthalmologist = οφθαλμίατρος. This word becomes very clear once you break it down: οφθαλμός = eye and ιατρός = doctor. So οφθαλμίατρος literally means:👉 “doctor of the eye.” That’s why so many medical terms around the world are built directly from Greek roots.Gynecologist = γυναικολόγος. Let’s break this one apart: γυνή / γυναίκα = woman and λόγος = study, science, discourse. So γυναικολόγος means:👉 “someone who studies and specializes in the woman’s body.” Here, λόγος doesn’t just mean “word.” It means systematic study.Dentist = οδοντίατρος. οδούς / οδόντος = tooth and ιατρός = doctor. And οδοντίατρος is literally:👉 “the doctor of the teeth.”. That’s also why we have words like ορθοδοντική and οδοντολογία.Psychologist = ψυχολόγος. One of the most meaningful examples: ψυχή = soul, mind, inner life and λόγος = studySo ψυχολόγος literally means:👉 “someone who studies the soul.” The Greek word reaches beyond “mental health” and into the inner world of a person.What I love about Greek is that the words explain themselves once you know how to break them down. When you understand the roots: vocabulary sticks, meaning deepens and the language comes aliveCheck out our Instagram @greek_lang_experts or visit our website for our upcoming Greek classes!If you enjoyed this episode please rate our podcast and leave a comment!
