Nikos Portokaloglou has written and composed so many songs, that most likely you will recognize some…
Learning Greek through songs is a wonderful way to improve your listening skills, discover new vocabulary and get to know Greek culture at the same time!
So, let’s introduce you to a very known singer-songwriter, Nikos Portokaloglou (Νίκος Πορτοκάλογλου).
And, of course, we you will also learn a song..
Omilo teacher Konstantinos introduces the Greek song Το καλοκαιράκι ,
although many times we refer to it as «Εγώ κι Εσύ» (You and Me).
Listen carefully, follow the Greek lyrics and enjoy practising your Greek through music.
Who is Nikos Portokaloglou?
Nikos Portokaloglou is a Greek singer, songwriter and guitarist who has been an important part of the Greek music scene for more than four decades.
He was born in Volos in 1957 and grew up in Athens.
From a young age, he loved music and started playing the guitar.
Influenced by international rock artists such as the Beatles and Bob Dylan, he gradually developed his own musical style, combining Western rock sounds with Greek melodies and lyrics.
His musical career took off in the early 1980s when he founded the popular Greek band Fatme (Φατμέ).
The band became well known for its original sound, mixing rock music with elements of Greek popular music. Several of their songs are still loved by Greek audiences today.
After Fatme disbanded, Portokaloglou started a successful solo career, writing and performing many songs that have become part of modern Greek music.
A Greek musician who brings generations together
What makes Nikos Portokaloglou special is his ability to combine different musical styles while keeping a very personal sound.
His songs often explore themes such as love, relationships, memories, dreams and everyday life.
Over the years, he has collaborated with many well-known Greek artists and continued to introduce his music to younger generations.
You might also know him from the popular Greek television programme «Μουσικό Κουτί» (Music Box), which he presented together with singer Rena Morfi.
The programme brought together musicians from different generations and musical backgrounds, offering viewers an opportunity to enjoy Greek music in surprising combinations.
Learn Greek with the song «Το καλοκαιράκι »
or
Εγώ κι Εσύ…
Now, let’s turn to our song!
You can listen here to the Youtube version
Εγώ κι Εσύ means You and Me.
Even the title is useful for learners at the Beginning level
- εγώ = I
- εσύ = you
- κι = and, a shortened form of και
Listen to the song and follow the Greek lyrics
In the following video, Omilo teacher Konstantinos introduces the song , during an intensive Language Holiday on the island of Syros.
And students will sing along
[ OMILO VIDEO WITH KONSTANTINOS HERE]
Before reading the lyrics, listen to the song once without looking at the words.
How much can you understand?
Then listen again while following the Greek lyrics. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. Try to recognise familiar words, expressions and verb forms.
[GREEK SONG LYRICS HERE]
Keep learning Greek through music!
At Omilo, we believe that learning Greek is about much more than studying grammar and memorising vocabulary.
It is also about discovering the culture, understanding everyday expressions and enjoying the language as Greeks actually use it.
And music is one of the most enjoyable ways to do exactly that!
Καλή ακρόαση! – Enjoy listening!
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