Timeless Greek Songs Every Child Should Know and Love
Traditional Greek songs for children are not only catchy and fun to sing but also a beautiful way to explore Greek language, rhythm, and culture. From lullabies to counting songs, and from animal tales to birthday wishes, these songs are filled with imagery, movement, and emotional connection.
Below are some of the most beloved children’s songs in Greek, along with English explanations, themes, and simple cultural insights.
1. Αχ Κουνελάκι (Ah Kounelaki – Oh Little Bunny)
Greek: Αχ κουνελάκι, κουνελάκι ξύλο που θα το φας…
Theme: This playful song warns a little bunny to behave and not dig holes in a stranger’s garden, otherwise it might get scolded! The lyrics are humorous and filled with affection. Children love it for its rhythm and the bunny imitation games that often accompany it.
English Summary: “Oh little bunny, don’t wrinkle your nose, don’t wiggle your ears! You’re a painting!” A cute song with repetitive lines that teach language patterns and animal-related vocabulary.
2. Να Ζήσεις Μικρέ Μου (Na Ziseis Mikre Mou – Happy Birthday Song)
Greek: Να ζήσεις μικρέ μου και χρόνια πολλά…
Theme: The Greek version of a birthday song, wishing the child wisdom, a long life, and spreading light through knowledge. It’s sung during birthday celebrations, usually just before blowing out the candles.
English Translation: “May you live long, my little one, with white hair, spreading the light of knowledge everywhere.”
3. Δεν Περνάς Κυρά Μαρία (Den Pernas Kyra Maria – You Shall Not Pass Lady Maria)
Greek: Δεν περνάς Κυρά Μαρία, δεν περνάς…
Theme: A call-and-response style circle game song. Children form a tunnel with their arms and others pass under while singing. A fun activity song based on traditional roles and poetic storytelling.
English Summary: A dialogue between Lady Maria and a gatekeeper about entering the garden, picking violets, and giving them to her beloved Mary.
4. Χαρωπά τα Δύο μου Χέρια (Happily I Clap My Hands)
Greek: Χαρωπά τα δύο μου χέρια τα χτυπώ…
Theme: A movement-based song where children clap hands, stamp feet, and mimic gestures. Perfect for kindergarten routines or playtime.
English Summary: “Happily I clap my hands because I’m a child who always knows how to laugh.” Great for coordination and emotional expression.
5. Μια Ωραία Πεταλούδα (Mia Oraia Petalouda – A Beautiful Butterfly)
Greek: Μια ωραία πεταλούδα σ’ έναν κάμπο μια φορά…
Theme: A lovely song about the journey of a butterfly through the seasons. It brings a sense of wonder and introduces nature-related vocabulary.
English Summary: “Once there was a beautiful butterfly in a field, flying around flowers until winter came.”
6. Ο Γάιδαρος (The Donkey)
Greek: Ήταν ένας γάιδαρος με μεγάλα αυτιά…
Theme: A humorous story-song about a donkey with big dreams who meets a clever fox. A classic tale of wit and simplicity.
English Summary: “A donkey didn’t like the stable, wanted luxury, but the clever fox had other plans.”
7. Ο Μπάρμπα Μπρίλιος (Uncle Brilios)
Greek: Ο μπάρμπα-Μπρίλιος είχε ένα γάλο…
Theme: A repetitive, funny song about feeding a turkey different foods until it gets too big—and eats its owner! Great for rhyme and food vocabulary.
English Summary: A man keeps feeding his turkey sweet and savory things to make it strong, but the plan backfires!
8. Οι 9 Μελισσούλες (The 9 Little Bees)
Greek: Σε μια κυψέλη ζούσανε εννέα μελισσούλες…
Theme: A counting song that tells the story of nine hardworking bees whose honey is stolen by a bear. After chasing her, they become friends again.
English Summary: Great for teaching numbers and teamwork.
9. Πλάθω Κουλουράκια (I Make Cookies)
Greek: Πλάθω κουλουράκια με τα δυο χεράκια…
Theme: A baking song loved by children in preschool. Fun, interactive, and often sung while actually making cookies.
English Summary: “I’m shaping cookies with my little hands. The oven will bake them, and they’ll smell wonderful.”
10. Το Κοκοράκι (The Little Rooster)
Greek: Όταν θα πάω κυρά μου στο παζάρι…
Theme: A cumulative song where each verse adds a new animal and its sound. Excellent for learning animal names and sounds.
English Summary: “I’ll go to the market and buy you a little rooster to wake you up each morning… and then a hen, a cat, a bird, a pig, and a dog!”
How Songs Help Children Learn Greek
Songs are powerful tools for language learning. They improve pronunciation, build vocabulary, and make grammar patterns stick naturally. Greek songs, in particular, are full of repetition, rhyme, and cultural context—perfect for children using platforms like Dinolingo. With audio support, games, and stories, Dinolingo turns learning Greek into a musical adventure!