This paper aims to analyze the cognitive-semantic properties of Greek preverbs derived from ancient Greek prepositions and proposes a vocabulary teaching method utilizing them. Vocabulary acquisition plays a crucial role in foreign language learning, yet traditional methods often rely on simple interpretation or context-based understanding, leaving learners to fill in knowledge gaps independently through dictionary use. In this study, a method for mastering preverbs derived from ancient Greek prepositions to enhance modern Greek vocabulary is presented. These morphemes, evolved from ancient Greek prepositions into modern Greek preverbs, are paired with various verbs, primarily those with spatial connotations. The focus centers on 15 preverbs: anti-, apo-, dia-, eis-, en-, epi-, kata-, meta-, para-, peri-, pro-, pros-, syn-, yper-, and ypo-. The usage of these preverbs in vocabulary construction is analyzed, and they are employed for instructional purposes. Each preverb’s semantic domain is delineated, accompanied by a schematic representation to aid learners in conceptualization by establishing a central meaning. By engaging in conceptualization, learners can grasp preverb meanings, comprehend new vocabulary utilizing these preverbs, and progressively expand their vocabulary to encompass peripheral meanings associated with each preverb.

Korean compound word piselkeci has the meaning of ‘to put things (esp. grains) away so they don't get wet when it rains.’ However, because it is rarely used these days, when its meaning is asked of, common responses are ‘to wash dishes with rainwater’ and ‘to clean the surroundings with rain.’ The paper demonstrates how the compound word piselkeci has its meaning, unlike the folk belief, from the perspective of cognitive semantics. The modifier pi ‘rain’ is extended to designate ‘due to rain’ through the metonymy EVENT FOR CAUSE. The profile determinant selkeci ‘dish-washing’ is extended to mean ‘taking care of things after a certain event’ by the HYPONYM FOR HYPERNYM metonymy and further to ‘taking care of things after an event.’ The paper also explains why most people misinterpret the meaning of piselkeci. They interpret pi ‘rain’ as an instrument or as an agent. In the former interpretation, pi is construed as ‘rain water’ through WHOLE FOR PART metonymy and, in the latter interpretation, it is construed as an inanimate agent which cleans the surroundings, which happens often when it rains.