In the Greek language, an adverb is an uninflected part of speech, which normally modifies a verb. However, adverbs can also modify adjectives, nouns, and even entire phrases. 

The good news is that these Greek adverbs remain unchanged, regardless of the case, the number, the tense, or any other grammatical phenomenon. And in Greek, where most parts of speech get inflected, this is definitely an assurance.

The bad news—if any—is that there’s a wide variety of adverbs, and it’s nearly impossible for a novice Greek learner to study all of them.  

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through learning the top 100 most common Greek adverbs, along with useful examples of their use. 

First of all, Greek adverbs are divided into five distinct categories:

• Temporal adverbs. These denote time and frequency, and answer the question “When?”
• Locative adverbs. These denote place, and answer the question “Where?”
• Qualitative adverbs. These denote manner and answer the question “How?”
• Quantitative adverbs. These denote quantity, and answer the question “How much?”
• Modal adverbs. These denote how certain we are about something through confirmation, hesitation, or negation.

Now, let’s have a look at each of the aforementioned categories in detail. Without further ado, our Greek adverbs list!

Table of Contents

1. Temporal Adverbs
2. Locative Adverbs
3. Qualitative Adverbs
4. Quantitative Adverbs
5. Modal Adverbs
6. Conclusion

1. Temporal Adverbs

If you’re wondering “When?”, then the first answer that will probably pass through your mind is an adverb. 

In Greek, Πότε; (Pόte?), meaning “When?”, is a very common question in everyday life. From arranging a business appointment to asking for transportation information, temporal adverbs will surely come in handy.

1

Greek: σήμερα Romanization: símera Translation: “today”

Example: Greek: Σήμερα δεν κάνει τόσο κρύο. Romanization: Símera den káni tóso krío. Translation: “Today is not that cold.”

2

Greek: αύριο Romanization: ávrio Translation: “tomorrow”

Example: Greek: Θα πάμε για ψώνια αύριο. Romanization: Tha páme ya psónia ávrio. Translation: “We’ll go shopping tomorrow.”

3

Greek: μεθαύριο Romanization: methávrio Translation: “the day after tomorrow”

Example: Greek: Εάν δεν μπορείς αύριο, πάμε μεθαύριο. Romanization: Εán den borís ávrio, páme methávrio. Translation: “If you can’t tomorrow, let’s go on the day after tomorrow.”

4

Greek: χθες Romanization: hthes Translation: “yesterday”

Example: Greek: Χθες ήμουν άρρωστη, αλλά σήμερα είμαι καλύτερα. Romanization: Hthes ímun árrosti, alá símera íme kalítera. Translation: “Yesterday I was sick, but today I’m better.”

5

Greek: τώρα Romanization: tóra Translation: “now”

Example: Greek: Δεν γίνεται να μιλήσουμε τώρα, γιατί είμαι απασχολημένος. Romanization: Den yínete na milísume tóra, yiatí íme apasholiménos. Translation: “We can’t talk now because I am busy.”

6

Greek: αργότερα Romanization: argótera Translation: “later”

Example: Greek: Παρακαλώ, προσπαθήστε ξανά αργότερα. Romanization: Parakaló, prospathíste xaná argótera. Translation: “Please, try again later.”

7

Greek: σύντομα Romanization: síndoma Translation: “shortly” / “soon”

Example: Greek: Θα λάβετε μια απάντηση σύντομα. Romanization: Tha lávete mia apándisi síndoma. Translation: “You’ll receive an answer shortly.”

8

Greek: τότε Romanization: tóte Translation: “then”

Example: Greek: Έλα το απόγευμα. Τότε θα έχω χρόνο. Romanization: Éla to apóyevma. Tóte tha ého hróno. Translation: “Come in the afternoon. I’ll have time then.”

9

Greek: αργά Romanization: argá Translation: “late”

Example: Greek: Δεν μπορώ να έρθω, γιατί είναι πολύ αργά. Romanization: Den boró na értho, yiatí íne polí argá. Translation: “I can’t come because it’s too late.”

10

Greek: νωρίς Romanization: norís Translation: “early”

Example: Greek: Κάθε μέρα ξυπνάω νωρίς το πρωί. Romanization: Káthe méra xipnáo norís to proí. Translation: “Every day, I wake up early in the morning.”

11

Greek: φέτος Romanization: fétos Translation: “this year”

Example: Greek: Φέτος ξεκίνησα να μαθαίνω ελληνικά. Romanization: Fétos xekínisa na mathéno eliniká. Translation: “This year, I began learning Greek.”

12

Greek: πέρυσι Romanization: périsi Translation: “last year”

Example: Greek: Πέρυσι ήταν η καλύτερη χρονιά της ζωής μου!  Romanization: Périsi ítan i kalíteri hroniá tis zoís mu! Translation: “Last year was the best year of my life!”

13

Greek: μόλις Romanization: mólis Translation: “as soon as”

Example: Greek: Απάντησα στο μήνυμά σου μόλις το έλαβα.  Romanization: Apánisa sto mínimá su mólis to élava. Translation: “I answered your message as soon as I got it.”

14

Greek: μετά Romanization: metá Translation: “after”

Example: Greek: Μπορούμε να πάμε για φαγητό μετά τη δουλειά. Τι λες;  Romanization: Borúme na páme ya fayitó metá ti duliá. Ti les? Translation: “We can go for lunch after work. What do you say?”

15

Greek: πριν Romanization: prin Translation: “before”

Example: Greek: Θα σε πάρω τηλέφωνο πριν κοιμηθώ. Romanization: Tha se páro tiléfono prin kimithó. Translation: “I’ll call you before I go to sleep.”

16

Greek: απόψε Romanization: apópse Translation: “tonight”

Example: Greek: Απόψε είναι το πάρτι γενεθλίων μου. Romanization: Apópse íne to párti yenethlíon mu. Translation: “Tonight is my birthday party.

17

Greek: έγκαιρα / εγκαίρως Romanization: éngera / engéros Translation: “in time”

Example: Greek: Θα σε ειδοποιήσω εγκαίρως. Romanization: Tha se idopiíso engéros. Translation: “I’ll notify you in time.”

18

Greek: ξανά Romanization: xaná Translation: “again” This is often used as a verb prefix meaning “re-,” such as in “redo,” to denote an action being done again.

Example: Greek: Εάν δεν είναι σωστό, κάνε το ξανά (or ξανακάνε το). Romanization: Eán den íne sostó, káne to xaná (or xanakáne to). Translation: “If it’s not correct, do it again / redo it.” Useful expressions: Greek: Ξανά και ξανά. Romanization: Xaná ke xaná. Translation: “Over and over again.” Greek: Ποτέ ξανά! Romanization: Poté xaná! Translation: “Never again!”

19

Greek: πάλι Romanization: páli Translation: “again” It’s usually used when “again” implies the speaker’s frustration, but never as a verb prefix.

Example: Greek: Πάλι δεν έκανες τις ασκήσεις σου; Romanization: Páli den ékanes tis askísis su? Translation: “You haven’t done your homework again?” Useful expressions: Greek: Όχι πάλι! Romanization: Óhi páli! Translation: “Not again!” Greek: Άντε πάλι! Romanization: Áde páli! Translation: “There we go again!”

20

Greek: ήδη Romanization: ídi Translation: “already”

Example: Greek: Σε έχω συγχωρήσει ήδη πολλές φορές. Romanization: Se ého sinhorísi ídi polés forés. Translation: “I have already forgiven you many times.”

1.1 Adverbs of Frequency

Another common time-related question is Πόσο συχνά; (Póso sihná?), meaning “How often?” The answer, in this case, regularly includes some of the following adverbs in Greek.

21	22	23	24	25
Greek: ποτέ Romanization: poté Translation: “never”	Greek: σπάνια / σπανίως Romanization: spánia / spaníos Translation: “rarely”	Greek: συχνά Romanization: sihná Translation: “often”	Greek: συνήθως Romanization: siníthos Translation: “usually”	Greek: πάντα Romanization: páda Translation: “always”

You may encounter the above adverbs in questionnaires, so they are really useful. 

Another adverb of frequency is:

26

Greek: διαρκώς Romanization: diarkós Translation: “constantly”

Example: Greek: Σταμάτα! Με ενοχλείς διαρκώς. Romanization: Stamáta! Me enohís diarkós. Translation: “Stop it! You are constantly bothering me.”

When it comes to the cost of a service, the following adverbs are usually used to determine payment methods.

27	28	29	30	31	32
Greek: ωριαίως Romanization: oriéos Translation: “hourly”	Greek: ημερησίως Romanization: imerisíos Translation: “daily” / “on a daily basis”	Greek: καθημερινά / καθημερινώς Romanization: kathimeriná / kathimerinós Translation: “daily” / “every day”	Greek: εβδομαδιαίως Romanization: evdomadiéos Translation: “weekly”	Greek: μηνιαίως Romanization: miniéos Translation: “monthly”	Greek: ετησίως Romanization: etisíos Translation: “annually”

For example:

Greek: Για την υπηρεσία αυτή θα χρεωθείτε ωριαίως / ημερησίως / εβδομαδιαίως / μηνιαίως / ετησίως .

Romanization: Ya tin ipiresía aftí tha hreothíte oriéos / imerisíos / evdomadiéos /  miniéos / etisíos.

Translation: “For this service, you will be charged hourly / daily / weekly / monthly / annually.”

2. Locative Adverbs

In this category fall the adverbs answering the question Πού; (Pu?), or “Where?”

33

Greek: εδώ Romanization: edó Translation: “here”

Example: Greek: Έλα εδώ. Θέλω να σου πω κάτι. Romanization: Éla edó. Thélo na su po káti. Translation: “Come here. I want to tell you something.”

34

Greek: εκεί Romanization: ekí Translation: “there”

Example: Greek: Βλέπεις το μεγάλο βουνό εκεί; Ονομάζεται Όλυμπος. Romanization: Vlépis to megálo vunó ekí? Onomázete Ólimbos. Translation: “Do you see that big mountain over there? It’s called Olympus.”

35

Greek: παντού Romanization: pandú Translation: “everywhere”

Example: Greek: Στo νησί βλέπεις χαμογελαστούς ανθρώπους παντού. Romanization: Sto nisí vlépis hamoyelastús anthrópus pandú. Translation: “On the island, you can see smiling people everywhere.”

36

Greek: κάπου Romanization: kápu Translation: “somewhere”

Example: Greek: Έχασα το κινητό μου. Κάπου πρέπει να το ξέχασα. Romanization: Éhasa to kinitó mu. Kápu prépi na to xéhasa. Translation: “I have lost my mobile phone. I must have forgotten it somewhere.”

37

Greek: πουθενά Romanization: puthená Translation: “nowhere” / “somewhere” (in questions)

Examples: Greek: Δεν μπορώ να το βρω πουθενά. Romanization: Den boró na to vro puthená. Translation: “I can’t find it anywhere.” Greek: Είδες πουθενά τα κλειδιά μου; Romanization: Ídes puthená ta klidiá mu? Translation: “Did you see my keys somewhere?”

38	Greek: μέσα Romanization: mésa Translation: “inside” / “in” / “within”	Examples: Greek: Έψαξα μέσα και έξω από το σπίτι. Romanization: Épsaxa mésa ke éxo apó to spíti. Translation: “I searched inside and outside the house.” Greek: Το ασανσέρ χάλασε, γιατί πηγαίνει πάνω κάτω χωρίς σταματημό όλη μέρα. Romanization: To asansér hálase, yatí piyéni páno káto horís stamatimó óli méra. Translation: “The elevator broke down because it goes up and down without stopping all day long.” Greek: Όταν περνάω τον δρόμο, κοιτάω δεξιά και αριστερά. Romanization: Ótan pernáo ton drómo, kitáo dexiá ke aristerá. Translation: “When I cross the street, I look right and left.”
39	Greek: έξω Romanization: éxo Translation: “outside” / “out”
40	Greek: πάνω Romanization: páno Translation: “up” / “over” / “on”
41	Greek: κάτω Romanization: káto Translation: “down” / “under” / “beneath”
42	Greek: δεξιά Romanization: dexiá Translation: “right”
43	Greek: αριστερά Romanization: aristerá Translation: “left”

44

Greek: δίπλα Romanization: dípla Translation: “next to” / “nearby”

Examples: Greek: Το ξενοδοχείο είναι δίπλα στην τράπεζα. Romanization: To xenodohío íne dípla stin trápeza. Translation: “The hotel is next to the bank.” Greek: Το ξενοδοχείο είναι εδώ δίπλα. Romanization: To xenodohío íne edó dípla. Translation: “The hotel is nearby.” Greek: Ο Γιάννης είναι δίπλα μου. Romanization: O Yánis íne dípla mu. Translation: “John is next to me.”

45

Greek: μακριά Romanization: makriá Translation: “far”

Example: Greek: Το σπίτι μου δεν είναι μακριά από το κέντρο της πόλης. Romanization: To spíti mu den íne makriá apó to kédro tis pólis. Translation: “My home is not far from the city center.”

46

Greek: κοντά Romanization: kondá Translation: “near”

Example: Greek: Το σπίτι μου είναι κοντά στη θάλασσα. Romanization: To spíti mu íne kondá sti thálasa. Translation: “My home is near the sea.”

47

Greek: απέναντι Romanization: apénandi Translation: “across”

Example: Greek: Απέναντι από το ξενοδοχείο βρίσκεται ένα καλό εστιατόριο. Romanization: Apénandi apó to xenodohío vrískete éna kaló estiatório. Translation: “Across from the hotel, there’s a good restaurant.”

48

Greek: πίσω Romanization: píso Translation: “behind” / “back”

Example: Greek: Πίσω από το φαρμακείο βρίσκεται ένα ιδιωτικό πάρκινγκ. Romanization: Píso apó to farmakío vrískete éna idiotikó párking. Translation: “Behind the pharmacy, there’s private parking.”

49

Greek: μπροστά Romanization: brostá Translation: “in front of”

Example: Greek: Μπροστά από το σχολείο βρίσκεται ένα όμορφο πάρκο. Romanization: Brostá apó to scholío vrískete éna ómorfo párko. Translation: “In front of the school, there’s a beautiful park.”

50

Greek: ψηλά Romanization: psilá Translation: “(up) high”

Example: Greek: Κοίταξα ψηλά στον ουρανό και είδα ένα εξωτικό πουλί. Romanization: Κítaxa psilá ston uranó ke ída éna exotikó pulí. Translation: “I looked high up in the sky and I saw an exotic bird.”

51

Greek: χαμηλά Romanization: hamilá Translation: “(down) low”

Example: Greek: Κοίταξα χαμηλά και είδα ένα μικρό γατάκι στο πεζοδρόμιο. Romanization: Κítaxa hamilá ke ída éna gatáki sto pezodrómio. Translation: “I looked down low and I saw a kitty on the pavement.”

52

Greek: μεταξύ Romanization: metaxí Translation: “between” This is followed by a noun in genitive case, as demonstrated in the example.

Example: Greek: Μεταξύ των δύο σπιτιών υπήρχε ένας φράχτης. Romanization: Metaxí ton dío spitión ipírhe énas fráhtis. Translation: “Between the two houses, there was a fence.”

53

Greek: ανάμεσα Romanization: anámesa Translation: “between” This adverb is followed by the preposition σε, which is often integrated in the article, becoming στον (masculine) / στη(ν) (feminine) / στο (neutral).

Example: Greek: Ανάμεσα στα δύο σπίτια υπήρχε ένας φράχτης. Romanization: Anámesa sta dío spítia ipírhe énas fráhtis. Translation: “Between the houses, there was a fence.”

54

Greek: γύρω Romanization: yíro Translation: “around”

Example: Greek: Γύρω από το δέντρο υπήρχαν πολλές μέλισσες. Romanization: Υíro apó to déndro ipírhan polés mélises. Translation: “Around the tree, there were many bees.”

55

Greek: αλλού Romanization: alú Translation: “someplace else” / “somewhere else”

Example: Greek: Αυτό το εστιατόριο είναι γεμάτο. Πάμε αλλού. Romanization: Aftó to estiatório íne yemáto. Páme alú. Translation: “This restaurant is full. Let’s go someplace else.”

56	Greek: βόρεια Romanization: vória Translation: “north”	Example: Greek: Η Ελλάδα είναι ένα σταυροδρόμι πολιτισμών. Ανατολικά συνορεύει με την Τουρκία, δυτικά με την Ιταλία, βόρεια με τη Βουλγαρία, βορειοδυτικά με την Αλβανία και νότια με την Αφρική. Romanization: I Elláda íne éna stavrodrómi politizmón. Anatoliká sinorévi me tin Turkía, ditiká me tin Italía, vória me ti Vulgaría, vorioditiká me tin Alvanía ke nótia me tin Afrikí. Translation: “Greece is a crossroad of cultures. It borders Turkey to the east, Italy to the west, Bulgaria to the north, Albania to the northwest, and Africa to the south.”
57	Greek: νότια Romanization: nótia Translation: “south”
58	Greek: ανατολικά Romanization: anatoliká Translation: “east”
59	Greek: δυτικά Romanization: ditiká Translation: “west”
60	Greek: βορειοδυτικά Romanization: ditiká Translation: “southwest”

If you want to learn more phrases about giving directions in Greek, we highly recommend that you check out our relevant blog post.

3. Qualitative Adverbs

Similarly, the adverbs of this category answer the question Πώς; (Pos?), meaning “How?” 

61	Greek: αργά Romanization: argá Translation: “slowly”	Example: Greek: Οδηγάς πολύ γρήγορα. Πήγαινε πιο αργά. Romanization: Odigás polí grígora. Píyene pio argá. Translation: “You are driving very quickly. Go more slowly.”
62	Greek: γρήγορα Romanization: grígora Translation: “quickly”

63	Greek: προσεκτικά Romanization: prosektiká Translation: “carefully”	Example: Greek: Να μη διαβάζεις απρόσεκτα. Να διαβάζεις προσεκτικά, για να καταλαβαίνεις. Romanization: Na mi diavázis aprósekta. Na diavázis prosektiká, ya na katalavénis. Translation: “You shouldn’t study without paying attention. You should study carefully in order to understand.”
64	Greek: απρόσεκτα Romanization: aprósekta Translation: “carelessly” / “without paying attention”

65

Greek: ήσυχα Romanization: ísiha Translation: “quietly”

Example: Greek: Το βράδυ προσπαθώ να μπαίνω στο σπίτι ήσυχα, για να μη σε ξυπνήσω. Romanization: To vrádi prospathó na béno sto spíti ísiha, ya na mi se xipníso. Translation: “During the night, I try to enter the house quietly so I won’t wake you up.”

66	Greek: χαρούμενα Romanization: harúmena Translation: “happily”	Example: Greek: Ο σκύλος με κοιτά χαρούμενα όταν έρχομαι στο σπίτι και λυπημένα όταν φεύγω.  Romanization: O skílos me kitá harúmena ótan érhome sto spíti ke lipiména ótan févgo. Translation: “The dog looks at me happily when I come home and sadly when I leave.”
67	Greek: λυπημένα Romanization: lipiména Translation: “sadly”

68	Greek: εύκολα Romanization: éfkola Translation: “easily”	Example: Greek: Μπορείς να μπεις εύκολα σε έναν λαβύρινθο, όμως βγαίνεις δύσκολα.  Romanization: Borís na bis éfkola se énan lavírintho, ómos vyénis dískola. Translation: “You can enter a labyrinth easily, but you get out of it with difficulty.”
69	Greek: δύσκολα Romanization: dískola Translation: “with difficulty”

70	Greek: κυριολεκτικά Romanization: kiriolektiká Translation: “literally”	Example: Greek: Αυτό το είπα μεταφορικά. Δεν μιλούσα κυριολεκτικά. Romanization: Aftó to ípa metaforiká. Den milúsa kiriolektiká. Translation: “I said this metaphorically. I wasn’t talking literally.”
71	Greek: μεταφορικά Romanization: metaforiká Translation: “metaphorically”

72

Greek: έτσι Romanization: étsi Translation: “this/that way” “like this/that”

Example: Greek: ⁠—Πώς θέλετε να σας κόψω τα μαλλιά; —Έτσι. Romanization: —Pós thélete na sas kópso ta maliá? —Étsi.  Translation: “—How would you like me to cut your hair? —This way.”

73

Greek: κάπως Romanization: kápos Translation: “somehow”

Example: Greek: Κάπως πρέπει να συναντηθούμε. Romanization: Κápos prépi na sinadithúme.  Translation: “We have to meet somehow.”

74

Greek: καλά / καλώς Romanization: kalá / kalós Translation: “well” / “good”

Example: Greek: —Το ραντεβού σας είναι αύριο το απόγευμα. —Καλώς. Romanization: —To randevú sas íne ávrio to apóyevma. —Kalós. Translation: “Your appointment is for tomorrow afternoon. – Good.”

75

Greek: κακά / κακώς Romanization: kaká / kakós Translation: “badly” / “bad”

Example: Greek: Κακώς δεν του είπες ότι θα αργήσεις. Romanization: Kakós den tu ípes óti tha aryísis. Translation: “It was bad that you didn’t tell him you’ll be late.”

76

Greek: ξαφνικά Romanization: xafniká Translation: “suddenly”

Example: Greek: Ξαφνικά ο ουρανός σκοτείνιασε και άρχισε να βρέχει. Romanization: Χafniká o uranós skotíniase ke árhise na vréhi. Translation: “Suddenly, the sky darkened and it started raining.”

77	Greek: ωραία Romanization: oréa Translation: ” nicely” / “nice”	Example: Greek: Αυτή τη φορά πέρασα πολύ ωραία στην εκδρομή μας. Την προηγούμενη φορά ήμουν άρρωστος και πέρασα πολύ άσχημα.  Romanization: Aftí ti forá pérasa polí oréa stin ekdromí mas. Tin proigúmeni forá ímun árostos ke pérasa polí áshima. Translation: “This time, I had a nice time on our excursion. Last time, I was sick and I had a bad time.”
78	Greek: άσχημα Romanization: áshima Translation: “badly” / “bad”

79

Greek: μαζί Romanization: mazí Translation: “together”

Example: Greek: Πήγατε μαζί σινεμά; Romanization: Pígate mazí sinemá? Translation: “Did you go to the cinema together?”

80	Greek: ευτυχώς Romanization: eftihós Translation: “fortunately” / “luckily”	Example: Greek: Ευτυχώς η άσκηση ήταν εύκολη, όμως δεν πρόλαβα να την κάνω δυστυχώς. Romanization: Eftihós i áskisi ítan éfkoli, ómos den prólava na tin káno distihós. Translation: “Fortunately, the assignment was easy; but unfortunately, I didn’t get it done. “
81	Greek: δυστυχώς Romanization: distihós Translation: “unfortunately”

4. Quantitative Adverbs

As you might have guessed, adverbs of quantity answer the question Πόσο; (Póso), or “How much?”

Here are some of the most popular answers:

82	83	84	85	86	87	88
Greek: τόσο Romanization: tóso Translation: “that much“	Greek: λίγο Romanization: lígo Translation: “(a) little”	Greek: πολύ Romanization: polí Translation: “very” / “much” / “too”	Greek: αρκετά Romanization: arketá Translation: “enough”	Greek: λιγότερο Romanization: ligótero Translation: “less”	Greek: περισσότερο Romanization: perisótero Translation: “more”	Greek: καθόλου Romanization: kathólu Translation: “(not) at all”

Now, let’s have a look at some more adverbs of quantity, along with some examples.+

89

Greek: μόνο Romanization: móno Translation: “only” / “just” This adverb is usually accompanied by other relevant adverbs of quantity, such as τόσο (tóso) and λίγο (lígo).

Example: Greek: Έφαγα λίγο μόνο και δεν χόρτασα. Romanization: Éfaga lígo móno ke den hórtasa. Translation: “I ate just a little and I didn’t get full.”

90	Greek: περίπου Romanization: perípu Translation: “approximately” / “about” This adverb is usually accompanied by other relevant adverbs of quantity, such as τόσο (tóso).	Example: Greek: Έφαγα τόσο περίπου και δεν χόρτασα. Romanization: Éfaga tóso perípu ke den hórtasa. Translation: “I ate about that much and I didn’t get full.” (while demonstrating the quantity)
91	Greek: σχεδόν Romanization: shedón Translation: “almost” / “nearly” This adverb is usually accompanied by other relevant adverbs of quantity, such as τόσο (tóso).	Example: Greek: Έφαγε σχεδόν όλα τα μπισκότα. Romanization: Éfaye schedón óla ta biskóta. Translation: “He ate almost all the cookies.”

5. Modal Adverbs

Adverbs denoting confirmation, hesitation, or negation typically answer Yes/No questions, or they can be used to express agreement or disagreement in general.

5.1 Confirmation Adverbs

92	93	94	95
Greek: ναι Romanization: ne Translation: “yes”	Greek: σίγουρα Romanization: sígura Translation: “surely” / “for sure”	Greek: βέβαια / βεβαίως Romanization: vévea / vevéos Translation: “certainly”	Greek: μάλιστα Romanization: málista Translation: “indeed”

5.2 Hesitation Adverbs

96	97
Greek: ίσως Romanization: ísos Translation: “maybe”	Greek: πιθανόν Romanization: pithanón Translation: “perhaps” / “probably”

5.3 Negation Adverbs

98	99	100
Greek: όχι Romanization: óhi Translation: “no”	Greek: δεν Romanization: den Translation: “not” (with a verb in the indicative mood)	Greek: μη(ν) Romanization: min Translation: “not” (with a verb in the subjunctive mood)

6. Conclusion

Learning how to describe various actions is an integral part of your studies. In this article, we’ve tried to cover a wide range of modern Greek adverbs which will be useful in everyday life.

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Do you know why Greek is considered a hard language to learn?

(Yes, we know that you might be thinking of many different answers!)

Nevertheless, a perfectly acceptable answer here would be: Verb conjugation!

Greek verbs tend to change according to the person(s) they refer to, the number, the tense, the mood, the voice, and the conjugation group they belong to. Greek verb conjugation is difficult—we get it. However, it’s not a true mystery. There are several rules that can help you categorize regular verbs and conjugate them correctly, but at the same time, there are several irregular verbs you should probably learn by heart.

In this blog post, we’ll focus on the regular Greek verbs’ conjugations, presenting you with tips, tricks, and examples.

Table of Contents

1. What is Conjugation?
2. Verb Conjugation Groups
3. Conjugation Examples
4. It’s Quiz Time!
5. Conclusion

1. What is Conjugation?

Conjugation is a phenomenon describing various changes happening to a verb, commonly based on the person(s), the number, the tense, the mood, and the voice. These changes create different pattern sets called conjugation groups, and verbs are categorized according to those groups.

In Greek, adjectives, pronouns, nouns, and articles change as well. However, in this article, we’ll focus on the Greek verbs and their conjugation, which is one of the most complicated chapters of Greek grammar. 

1.1 The Person(s) and Numbers

Before we begin, take a look at this brief Greek conjugation chart:

	Greek	Romanization	Translation
1st Person Singular	εγώ	egó	“I”
2nd Person Singular	εσύ	esí	“you”
3rd Person Singular	αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	aftós / aftí / aftó	“he” / “she” / “it”
1st Person Plural	εμείς	emís	“we”
2nd Person Plural	εσείς	esís	“you”
3rd Person Plural	αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	aftí / aftés / aftá	“they” (male / female / neutral)

Our first stop on the journey of modern Greek verb conjugation is the person(s) and numbers. Greek verbs, just like English verbs, get conjugated according to the first, second, and third person in the singular and plural. To create all these different verb forms, the only thing you need to do is change its suffix (i.e. its ending). 

For example: 

• εγώ λύνω (egó líno) — “I solve”
• εσύ λύνεις (esí línis) —  “you solve”

As you might have noticed, this change can be very tricky for English-speakers, since the verb in English remains unchanged, regardless of the person. That’s surely one major difference between Greek and English grammar, so you’ll need time and a lot of practice to get used to this.

1.2 The Tenses

Lucky for you, the Greek tenses have many similarities with those in English. Let’s have a look at the table below.

Greek Tense	Romanization	Corresponding English Tense	Usage
Ενεστώτας	Enestótas	Simple Present &  Present Continuous	For an action that is happening in the present, either continuously or repeatedly, or just once.
Παρατατικός	Paratatikós	Past Continuous	For an action that was happening continuously or repeatedly in the past.
Αόριστος	Aóristos	Simple Past	For an action that happened in the past once or momentarily.
Στιγμιαίος Μέλλοντας	Stigmiéos Mélondas	Simple Future	For an action that will happen in the future just once or momentarily.
Εξακολουθητικός Μέλλοντας	Exakoluthitikós Mélondas	Future Continuous	For an action that will be happening in the future continuously or repeatedly.
Παρακείμενος	Parakímenos	Present Perfect	For an action that began in the past and has been completed by the present time.
Υπερσυντέλικος	Ipersidélikos	Past Perfect	For an action that began in the past and was completed before a specific moment (or other action) in the past.
Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας	Sindelezménos Mélondas	Future Perfect	For an action that will have been completed by a specific time in the future.

For example:

• εγώ προσπαθώ (egó prospathó) — “I try” / “I am trying” | ενεστώτας (enestótas, “present tense”)
• εγώ προσπάθησα (egó prospáthisa) — “I tried” | αόριστος (aóristos, “simple past tense” or “aorist tense”)

All future tenses (στιγμιαίος, εξακολουθητικός & συντελεσμένος μέλλοντας) make use of the particle θα (tha), meaning “will.“ Moreover, Συντελεσμένος Μέλλοντας & Παρακείμενος make use of the auxiliary verb έχω (ého), meaning “have,“ whereas Υπερσυντέλικος makes use of είχα (íha), meaning “had.“

1.3 The Moods

In Greek, there are five distinct verb moods, which have to do with how the verb’s action is presented in order to show the intention of the speaker. The Greek moods and their usage are demonstrated in the table below.

Greek Moods	Romanization	Translation	Usage
Οριστική e.g. Εγώ παίζω.	Oristikí e.g. Egó pézo.	Indicative E.g. “I play.”	Indicates that the action is something certain, real, a fact.
Υποτακτική e.g. Εσύ πρέπει να κοιμηθείς.	Ipotaktikí e.g. Esí prépi na kimithís.	Subjunctive e.g. “You must sleep.”	Indicates that the action is something wanted or expected, such as a wish, a desire, or an intention.
Προστακτική e.g. Πήγαινε τώρα!	Prostaktikí e.g. Píyene tóra!	Imperative E.g. “Go now!”	Indicates a command, an order, or a request.
Μετοχή A) e.g. Παίζοντας πέρασε γρήγορα η ώρα. B) e.g. Τα πιάτα είναι πλυμένα.	Metohí A) e.g. Pézondas pérase grígora i óra. B) e.g. Ta piáta íne pliména.	Participle A) e.g. “By playing, the time passed quickly.” B) e.g. “The dishes are washed.”	A) An uninflected verb form commonly used as an adverb to indicate time, manner, cause, condition, etc. B) An inflected verb form commonly used as an adjective, giving a noun, pronoun, or name a certain attribute.
Απαρέμφατο e.g. Έχω διαβάσει αυτό το βιβλίο.	Aparémfato e.g. Ého diavási aftó to vivlío.	Infinitive e.g. “I have read this book.”	An uninflected verb form used as a verb formation element in the present perfect, past perfect, and the future perfect tense.

Please, keep in mind that the mood υποτακτική (Ipotaktikí) usually makes use of the particle να, among other words, in order to be formed as shown in the relative example.

1.4 The Voices

As in English, there are two voices in Greek:

Greek Voices	Romanization	Corresponding English Voice
Ενεργητική φωνή	Eneryitikí foní	Active voice
Παθητική φωνή	Pathitikí foní	Passive voice

For example:

• Active Voice:
  Η αδερφή μου αγόρασε το μήλο. (I aderfí mu agórase to mílo.) — “My sister bought the apple.

• Passive Voice:
  Το μήλο αγοράστηκε από την αδερφή μου. (To mílo agorástike apó tin aderfí mu.) — “The apple was bought by my sister.”

2. Verb Conjugation Groups

Now, for conjugation in Greek, there are two major conjugation groups: Conjugation A and Conjugation B.

Conjugation A includes verbs ending in:

• -ω | Active Voice
• -ομαι | Passive Voice

For example: λύν-ω / λύν-ομαι (líno / línome) — “to solve” / “to be solved”

Conjugation Β includes verbs ending in:

• -ώ | Active Voice
• -ιέμαι [first class] / -ούμαι, -άμαι, or -ώμαι [second class] | Passive Voice

For example: 

• Conjugation B [first class]:
  αγαπ-ώ / αγαπ-ιέμαι (agapó / agapiéme) — “to love” / “to be loved”
  
• Conjugation B [second class]:
  θεωρ-ώ / θεωρ-ούμαι (theoró / theorúme) — “to think” / “to be thought”
  κοιμ-άμαι (kimáme) — “to sleep” (in the passive voice only)
  διερωτ-ώμαι (dierotóme) — “to ask myself” (in the passive voice only)

As you saw above, Conjugation B verbs are divided into two classes: those conjugating like αγαπώ [first class] and those like θεωρώ [second class].

Indeed, these two major conjugation groups act as a rule for the majority of regular verbs. When it comes to determining to which category each verb belongs, a rule of thumb is to notice whether the -ω at the end of the verb in the active voice is accentuated. If there’s no accent mark, then the verb follows the Conjugation A model. Otherwise, if the -ώ is accentuated, it follows the Conjugation B model.

Greek verb conjugation is not that easy. There are many irregular verbs and many verb forms, some of which were integrated into modern Greek from ancient Greek. Therefore, in practice, learning how to conjugate verbs according to the two conjugation groups only won’t cover all cases. It’s really necessary to study Greek verb conjugation rules for irregular verbs as well. 

3. Conjugation Examples

In the following sections, we’ll be looking at a few Greek conjugation tables to give you a good idea of what to expect.

3.1 Conjugation A

In this category, we find Greek verbs ending in -ω in the active voice, and -ομαι in the passive voice. Below, you can find the complete conjugation of the verb λύνω (líno), meaning “to solve.”

Other Conjugation A verbs that are conjugated in the same way are: 

• χάνω (háno) — “to lose”
• πληρώνω (pliróno) — “to pay”
• ντύνω (díno) — “to dress”

Active Voice

	Indicative
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	λύνω	έλυνα	έλυσα	θα λύσω	θα λύνω	θα έχω λύσει	έχω λύσει	είχα λύσει
εσύ	λύνεις	έλυνες	έλυσες	θα λύσεις	θα λύνεις	θα έχεις λύσει	έχεις λύσε	είχες λύσει
αυτή / αυτό	λύνει	έλυνε	έλυσε	θα λύσει	θα λύνει	θα έχει λύσει	έχει λύσει	είχε λύσει
εμείς	λύνουμε	λύναμε	λύσαμε	θα λύσουμε	θα λύνουμε	θα έχουμε λύσει	έχουμε λύσει	είχαμε λύσει
εσείς	λύνετε	λύνατε	λύσατε	θα λύσετε	θα λύνετε	θα έχετε λύσει	έχετε λύσει	είχατε λύσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	λύνουν(ε)	έλυναν or λύνανε	έλυσαν or λύσανε	θα λύσουν(ε)	θα λύνουν(ε)	θα έχουν(ε) λύσει	έχουν(ε) λύσει	είχαν(ε) λύσει

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να λύνω	–	να λύσω	–	–	–	να έχω λύσει	–
εσύ	να λύνεις	–	να λύσεις	–	–	–	να έχεις λύσει	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να λύνει	–	να λύσει	–	–	–	να έχει λύσει	–
εμείς	να λύνουμε	–	να λύσουμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε λύσει	–
εσείς	να λύνετε	–	να λύσετε	–	–	–	να έχετε λύσει	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να λύνουν(ε)	–	να λύσουν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) λύσει	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	λύνε	λύσε	λύνοντας	λύσει
εσείς	λύνετε	λύστε

Passive Voice

	Indicative
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	λύνομαι	λυνόμουν(α)	λύθηκα	θα λυθώ	θα λύνομαι	θα έχω λυθεί	έχω λυθεί	είχα λυθεί
εγώ	λύνεσαι	λυνόσουν(α)	λύθηκες	θα λυθείς	θα λύνεσαι	θα έχεις λυθεί	έχεις λυθεί	είχες λυθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	λύνεται	λυνόταν(ε)	λύθηκε	θα λυθεί	θα λύνεται	θα έχει λυθεί	έχει λυθεί	είχε λυθεί
εμείς	λυνόμαστε	λυνόμασταν	λυθήκαμε	θα λυθούμε	θα λυνόμαστε	θα έχουμε λυθεί	χουμε λυθεί	είχαμε λυθεί
εσείς	λύνεστε or λυνόσαστε	λυνόσασταν	λυθήκατε	θα λυθείτε	θα λύνεστε or θα λυνόσαστε	θα έχετε λυθεί	έχετε λυθεί	είχατε λυθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	λύνονται	λύνονταν or λυνόντουσαν	λύθηκαν or λυθήκανε	θα λυθούν(ε)	θα λύνονται	θα έχουν(ε) λυθεί	έχουν(ε) λυθεί	είχαν(ε) λυθεί

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να λύνομαι	–	να λυθώ	–	–	–	να έχω λυθεί	–
εσύ	να λύνεσαι	–	να λυθείς	–	–	–	να έχεις λυθεί	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να λύνεται	–	να λυθεί	–	–	–	να έχει λυθεί	–
εμείς	να λυνόμαστε	–	να λυθούμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε λυθεί	–
εσείς	να λύνεστε or να λυνόσαστε	–	να λυθείτε	–	–	–	να έχετε λυθεί	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να λύνονται	–	να λυθούν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) λυθεί	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	–	λύσου	λυμμένος / -η / -ο	λυθεί
εσείς	–	λυθείτε

3.2 Conjugation B

First Class

In this category are the Greek verbs ending in -ώ in the active voice, and -ιέμαι in the passive voice. Below, you can find the complete conjugation of the verb αγαπώ (agapó), meaning “to love.”

Other Conjugation Β [first class] verbs that are conjugated in the same way are:

• απαντώ (apandó) — “to answer”
• μιλώ (miló) — “to talk”
• ρωτώ (rotó) — “to ask”

Active Voice

	Indicative
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	θεωρώ	θεωρούσα	θεώρησα	θα θεωρήσω	θα θεωρώ	θα έχω θεωρήσει	έχω θεωρήσει	είχα θεωρήσει
εσύ	θεωρείς	θεωρούσες	θεώρησα	θα θεωρήσεις	θα θεωρείς	θα έχεις θεωρήσει	έχεις θεωρήσει	είχες θεωρήσει
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	θεωρεί	θεωρούσε	θεώρησε	θα θεωρήσει	θα θεωρεί	θα έχει θεωρήσει	έχει θεωρήσει	είχε θεωρήσει
εμείς	θεωρούμε	θεωρούσαμε	θεωρήσαμε	θα θεωρήσουμε	θα θεωρούμε	θα έχουμε θεωρήσει	έχουμε θεωρήσει	είχαμε θεωρήσει
εσείς	θεωρείτε	θεωρούσατε	θεωρήσατε	θα θεωρήσετε	θα θεωρείτε	θα έχετε θεωρήσει	έχετε θεωρήσει	είχατε θεωρήσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	θεωρούν(ε)	θεωρούσαν(ε)	θεώρησαν	θα θεωρήσουν(ε)	θα θεωρούν(ε)	θα έχουν(ε) θεωρήσει	έχουν(ε) θεωρήσει	είχαν(ε) θεωρήσει

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να θεωρώ	–	να θεωρήσω	–	–	–	να έχω θεωρήσει	–
εσύ	να θεωρείς	–	να θεωρήσεις	–	–	–	να έχεις θεωρήσει	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να θεωρεί	–	να θεωρήσει	–	–	–	να έχει θεωρήσει	–
εμείς	να θεωρούμε	–	να θεωρήσουμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε θεωρήσει	–
εσείς	να θεωρείτε	–	να θεωρήσετε	–	–	–	να έχετε θεωρήσει	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να θεωρούν	–	να θεωρήσουν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) θεωρήσει	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	–	θεώρησε	θεωρώντας	θεωρήσει
εσείς	θεωρείτε	θεωρήστε

Passive Voice

	Indicative
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	αγαπιέμαι	αγαπιόμουν(α)	αγαπήθηκα	θα αγαπηθώ	θα αγαπιέμαι	θα έχω αγαπηθεί	έχω αγαπηθεί	είχα αγαπηθεί
εσύ	αγαπιέσαι	αγαπιόσουν(α)	αγαπήθηκες	θα αγαπηθείς	θα αγαπιέσαι	θα έχεις αγαπηθεί	έχεις αγαπηθεί	είχες αγαπηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	αγαπιέται	αγαπιόταν(ε)	αγαπήθηκε	θα αγαπηθεί	θα αγαπιέται	θα έχει αγαπηθεί	έχει αγαπηθεί	είχε αγαπηθεί
εμείς	αγαπιόμαστε	αγαπιόμασταν / αγαπιόμαστε	αγαπηθήκαμε	θα αγαπηθούμε	θα αγαπιόμαστε	θα έχουμε αγαπηθεί	έχουμε αγαπηθεί	είχαμε αγαπηθεί
εσείς	αγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστε	αγαπιόσασταν or αγαπιόσαστε	αγαπηθήκατε	θα αγαπηθείτε	θα αγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστε	θα έχετε αγαπηθεί	έχετε αγαπηθεί	είχατε αγαπηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	αγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστε	αγαπιούνταν(ε)	αγαπήθηκαν	θα αγαπηθούν(ε)	θα αγαπιούνται	θα έχουν(ε) αγαπηθεί	έχουν(ε) αγαπηθεί	είχαν(ε) αγαπηθεί

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Future Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να αγαπιέμαι	–	να αγαπηθώ	–	–	–	να έχω αγαπηθεί	–
εσύ	να αγαπιέσαι	–	να αγαπηθείς	–	–	–	να έχεις αγαπηθεί	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να αγαπιέται	–	να αγαπηθεί	–	–	–	να έχει αγαπηθεί	–
εμείς	να αγαπιόμαστε	–	να αγαπηθούμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε αγαπηθεί	–
εσείς	να αγαπιέστε or αγαπιόσαστε	–	να αγαπηθείτε	–	–	–	να έχετε αγαπηθεί	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να αγαπιούνται	–	να αγαπηθούν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) αγαπηθεί	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	–	αγαπήσου	αγαπημένος /-η / -ο	αγαπηθεί
εσείς	αγαπιέστε	αγαπηθείτε

Second Class

Included in this category are the Greek verbs ending in -ώ in the active voice, and -ούμαι, -άμαι, or -ώμαι in the passive voice. Below, you can find the complete conjugation of the verb θεωρώ (theoró), meaning “to think” or “to consider.”

Other Conjugation Β [second class] verbs that are conjugated in the same way are:

• μπορώ (boró) — “can” / “to be able to”
• ζω (zo) — “to live”
• παρακαλώ (parakaló) — “to request” / “to beg”

Active Voice

	Indicative
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	θεωρούμαι	–	θεωρήθηκα	θα θεωρηθώ	θα θεωρούμαι	θα έχω θεωρηθεί	έχω θεωρηθεί	είχα θεωρηθεί
εσύ	θεωρείσαι	–	θεωρήθηκες	θα θεωρηθείς	θα θεωρείσαι	θα έχεις θεωρηθεί	έχεις θεωρηθεί	είχες θεωρηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	θεωρείται	θεωρούνταν(ε)	θεωρήθηκε	θα θεωρηθεί	θα θεωρηθεί	θα έχει θεωρηθεί	έχει θεωρηθεί	είχε θεωρηθεί
εμείς	θεωρούμαστε	–	θεωρηθήκαμε	θα θεωρηθούμε	θα θεωρηθούμε	θα έχουμε θεωρηθεί	έχουμε θεωρηθεί	είχαμε θεωρηθεί
εσείς	θεωρείστε	–	θεωρηθήκατε	θα θεωρηθείτε	θα θεωρηθείτε	θα έχετε θεωρηθεί	έχετε θεωρηθεί	είχατε θεωρηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	θεωρούνται	θεωρούνταν(ε)	θεωρήθηκαν(ε)	θα θεωρηθούν(ε)	θα θεωρηθούν(ε)	θα έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί	έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί	είχαν(ε) θεωρηθεί

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να θεωρούμαι	–	να θεωρηθώ	–	–	–	να έχω θεωρηθεί	–
εσύ	να θεωρείσαι	–	να θεωρηθείς	–	–	–	να έχεις θεωρηθεί	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να θεωρείται	–	να θεωρηθεί	–	–	–	να έχει θεωρηθεί	–
εμείς	να θεωρούμαστε	–	να θεωρηθούμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε θεωρηθεί	–
εσείς	να θεωρείστε	–	να θεωρηθείτε	–	–	–	να έχετε θεωρηθεί	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να θεωρούνται	–	να θεωρηθούν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	–	θεωρήσου	θεωρημένος /-η / -ο	θεωρηθεί
εσείς	–	θεωρηθείτε

Passive Voice

	Indicative
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	θεωρούμαι	–	θεωρήθηκα	θα θεωρηθώ	θα θεωρούμαι	θα έχω θεωρηθεί	έχω θεωρηθεί	είχα θεωρηθεί
εσύ	θεωρείσαι	–	θεωρήθηκες	θα θεωρηθείς	θα θεωρείσαι	θα έχεις θεωρηθεί	έχεις θεωρηθεί	είχες θεωρηθεί
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	θεωρείται	θεωρούνταν(ε)	θεωρήθηκε	θα θεωρηθεί	θα θεωρείται	θα έχει θεωρηθεί	έχει θεωρηθεί	είχε θεωρηθεί
εμείς	θεωρούμαστε	–	θεωρηθήκαμε	θα θεωρηθούμε	θα θεωρούμαστε	θα έχουμε θεωρηθεί	έχουμε θεωρηθεί	είχαμε θεωρηθεί
εσείς	θεωρείστε	–	θεωρηθήκατε	θα θεωρηθείτε	θα θεωρείστε	θα έχετε θεωρηθεί	έχετε θεωρηθεί	είχατε θεωρηθεί
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	θεωρούνται	θεωρούνταν(ε)	θεωρήθηκαν(ε)	θα θεωρηθούν(ε)	θα θεωρούνται	θα έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί	έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί	είχαν(ε) θεωρηθεί

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να θεωρούμαι	–	να θεωρηθώ	–	–	–	να έχω θεωρηθεί	–
εσύ	να θεωρείσαι	–	να θεωρηθείς	–	–	–	να έχεις θεωρηθεί	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να θεωρείται	–	να θεωρηθεί	–	–	–	να έχει θεωρηθεί	–
εμείς	να θεωρούμαστε	–	να θεωρηθούμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε θεωρηθεί	–
εσείς	να θεωρείστε	–	να θεωρηθείτε	–	–	–	να έχετε θεωρηθεί	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να θεωρούνται	–	να θεωρηθούν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) θεωρηθεί	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	–	θεωρήσου	θεωρημένος /-η / -ο	θεωρηθεί
εσείς	–	θεωρηθείτε

Verbs ending in -ώμαι and -άμαι follow the traditional conjugation model of -ούμαι ending verbs, except for certain forms which we’ll see below. The participles may or may not vary from the traditional model.

Let’s see the forms in which the verb εγγυώμαι (engióme), meaning “to guarantee,” varies.

	Indicative			Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Future Continuous	Present
εγώ	εγγυ–ώμαι	εγγυ–όμουν	θα εγγυ–ώμαι	να εγγυ–ώμαι
εσύ	εγγυ–άσαι	εγγυ–όσουν	θα εγγυ–άσαι	να εγγυ–άσαι
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	εγγυ–άται	εγγυ–όταν	θα εγγυ–άται	να εγγυ–άται
εμείς	εγγυ–όμαστε or εγγυ–ώμεθα (archaic)	εγγυ–όμασταν	θα εγγυ–όμαστε or θα εγγυ–ώμεθα (archaic)	να εγγυ–όμαστε or να εγγυ–ώμεθα (archaic)
εσείς	εγγυ–άστε or εγγυ–άσθε (archaic)	εγγυ–όσασταν	θα εγγυ–άστε or θα εγγυ–άσθε (archaic)	να εγγυ–άστε or να εγγυ–άσθε (archaic)
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	εγγυ–ούνται or εγγυ–ώνται (archaic)	εγγυ–όνταν or εγγυ–ούνταν	θα εγγυ–ούνται or θα εγγυ–ώνται (archaic)	να εγγυ–ούνται or να εγγυ–ώνται (archaic)

And lastly, let’s see the forms in which the verb κοιμάμαι (kimáme), meaning “to sleep,” varies.

	Indicative			Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Future Continuous	Present
εγώ	κοιμ–άμαι or κοιμ–ούμαι	κοιμ–όμουν(α)	θα κοιμ–άμαι or θα κοιμ–ούμαι	να κοιμ–άμαι or να κοιμ–ούμαι
εσύ	κοιμ–άσαι	κοιμ–όσουν(α)	θα κοιμ–άσαι	να κοιμ–άσαι
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	κοιμ–άται	κοιμ–όταν(ε)	θα κοιμ–άται	να κοιμ–άται
εμείς	κοιμ–όμαστε or κοιμ–ούμαστε	κοιμ–όμασταν	θα κοιμ–όμαστε or θα κοιμ–ούμαστε	να κοιμ–όμαστε or να κοιμ–ούμαστε
εσείς	κοιμ–άστε or κοιμ–όσαστε	κοιμ–όσασταν	θα κοιμ–άστε or θα κοιμ–όσαστε	να κοιμ–άστε or να κοιμ–όσαστε
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	κοιμ–ούνται	κοιμ-ούνταν or κοιμ–όντουσαν also κοιμ-όντανε (colloquial, rare)	θα κοιμ–ούνται	να κοιμ–ούνται

4. It’s Quiz Time!

How much do you remember about the conjugation of Greek verbs? If you feel like testing your knowledge, please go ahead and answer the following multiple choice questions. 

Θέλω να __________ (λύνω) αυτήν την άσκηση τώρα.
a. λύνω
b. λύσω
c. είχα λύσει
d. έχω λύσει

Εμείς _________ (μένω) στο ξενοδοχείο Athina Hotel.
a. μένουν
b. μένω
c. έμενα
d. μένουμε

Εγώ σε ________ (αγαπώ) πολύ.
a. αγάπη
a. αγάπη
a. αγάπη
a. αγάπη

Αυτός _______________ (ταξιδεύω) σε πολλές χώρες.
a. έχω ταξιδέψει
b. έχει ταξιδέψει
c. είχα ταξιδέψει
d. ταξιδέψαμε

Εσύ _________(πιστεύω) ότι πρέπει να πάμε πιο νωρίς στο σινεμά;
a. πιστεύεις
b. πίστευα
c. πιστεύετε
d. πιστέψαμε

Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

5. Conclusion

Feeling overwhelmed? Just take one step at a time.

This article aimed to cover the conjugation of Greek regular verbs. We also gave you a short presentation of the verb properties, such as the person, number, tense, mood, voice, and conjugation group. All of these verb properties are at the core of this chapter of Greek grammar. For more information on verb conjugation, check out the Intermediate and Upper Intermediate series on GreekPod101.com.

Greek grammar is vast indeed, and we get that you might feel a little dizzy after reading all this new information. So, how would you feel if you had a personal teacher to guide you all the way through this grammar labyrinth? In addition to our great selection of free learning resources, we also offer a personalized premium service, MyTeacher, where you can enjoy a unique one-on-one learning experience!

When it comes to Greek verbs, many people focus only on the grammar aspect, neglecting to really expand their vocabulary. 

In this blog post, we aim to provide you with the top 100 most essential Greek verbs. In order to achieve this, we’ve divided the verbs into meaningful categories and have provided an example of how to use each one. 

This is your ultimate guide to the huge variety of Greek verbs! 

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Greek Verbs Usage
2. Greek Verbs of Motion
3. Sport-Related Verbs
4. Verbs of Communication
5. Study-Related Verbs
6. Verbs of the Mind
7. Verbs of Sentiments
8. Auxiliary Verbs
9. Linking (or Copular) Verbs
10. Conclusion

1. An Introduction to Greek Verbs Usage

From a grammar perspective, Greek verbs present two major conjugations: Conjugation A and Conjugation B. 

Conjugation A includes verbs ending in:

• -ω | Active Voice
• -ομαι | Passive Voice

e.g. λύν-ω / λύν-ομαι

Conjugation B includes verbs ending in: 

• -ώ | Active Voice
• -ιέμαι / – ούμαι | Passive Voice

e.g. αγαπ-ώ / αγαπ-ιέμαι | θεωρώ / θεωρ-ούμαι

In order to understand the Greek verb conjugation rules in depth, you can take a look at our relevant article.

From a syntax perspective, Greek verbs are placed similarly to how they are in English syntax, following the SVO (Subject – Verb – Object) rule. However, what intrigues most students is that the subject may be omitted, especially if it’s a personal pronoun. This phenomenon is very common in the Greek language since the suffix of the verb usually reveals the subject. 

In the examples demonstrated below, you’ll be able to familiarize yourself with Greek language verb conjugation, as well as the syntax of each sentence.

2. Greek Verbs of Motion

1

Greek: πηγαίνω Romanization: piyéno Translation: “to go”

Example: Greek: Κάθε μέρα πηγαίνω στη δουλειά. Romanization: Káthe méra piyéno sti duliá. Translation: “Every day, I go to work.”

2

Greek: παίρνω Romanization: pérno Translation: “to get” / “to take”

Example: Greek: Παίρνω παντού το κινητό μου μαζί μου. Romanization: Pérno padú to kinitó mu mazí mu. Translation: “I take my mobile phone everywhere with me.”

3

Greek: φτιάχνω Romanization: ftiáhno Translation: “to make”

Example: Greek: Η μητέρα μου φτιάχνει τυρόπιτα. Romanization: I mitéra mu ftiáhni tirópita. Translation: “My mother is making cheese pie.”

4

Greek: κάνω Romanization: káno Translation: “to do”

Example: Greek: Θα κάνω ό,τι μου πεις. Romanization: Tha káno ó,ti mu pis. Translation: “I will do whatever you tell me.”

5

Greek: δουλεύω Romanization: dulévo Translation: “to work”

Example: Greek: Συνήθως δουλεύω πέντε ημέρες την εβδομάδα. Romanization: Siníthos dulévo pénde iméres tin evdomáda. Translation: “Normally, I work five days per week.”

6

Greek: βάζω Romanization: vázo Translation: “to put”

Example: Greek: Βάλε το παγωτό στην κατάψυξη. Romanization: Vále to pagotó stin katápsixi. Translation: “Put the ice cream in the freezer.”

7

Greek: βοηθώ Romanization: voithó Translation: “to help”

Example: Greek: Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις λίγο; Romanization: Borís na me voithísis lígo? Translation: “Could you help me a bit?”

8

Greek: μετακινώ Romanization: metakinó Translation: “to move something”

Example: Greek: Αν μετακινήσουμε λίγο το τραπέζι, θα υπάρχει περισσότερος χώρος. Romanization: An metakinísume lígo to trapézi, tha ipárhi perisóteros hóros. Translation: “If we move the table a bit, there will be more space.”

9

Greek: ακολουθώ Romanization: akoluthó Translation: “to follow”

Example: Greek: Παρακαλώ ακολουθήστε με, για να σας δείξω το δωμάτιό σας. Romanization: Parakaló akoluthíste me, ya na sas díxo to domátió sas. Translation: “Please follow me so I can show you your room.”

10

Greek: αλλάζω Romanization: alázo Translation: “to change”

Example: Greek: Ο καιρός άλλαξε πολύ γρήγορα. Romanization: O kerós álaxe polí grígora. Translation: “The weather changed very quickly.”

11

Greek: ψάχνω Romanization: psáhno Translation: “to search” / “to look for”

Example: Greek: Αυτό που ψάχνω είναι καλά κρυμμένο. Romanization: Aftó pu psáhno íne kalá kriméno. Translation: “What I am looking for is well-hidden.”

12

Greek: οργανώνω Romanization: organóno Translation: “to organize”

Example: Greek: Οργάνωσα τα ρούχα στην ντουλάπα μου. Romanization: Orgánosa ta rúha stin dulápa mu. Translation: “I organized the clothes in my wardrobe.”

13

Greek: πιάνω Romanization: piáno Translation: “to catch” / “to grip”

Example: Greek: Πιάσε με, αν μπορείς! Romanization: Piáse me, an borís! Translation: “Catch me if you can!”

14

Greek: ακουμπάω / ακουμπώ Romanization: akumbáo / akumbó Translation: “to touch”

Example: Greek: Δεν μου αρέσει να με ακουμπάνε. Romanization: Den mu arési na me akumbáne. Translation: “I don’t like to be touched.”

15

Greek: κάθομαι Romanization: káthome Translation: “to sit”

Example: Greek: Στον κινηματογράφο μου αρέσει να κάθομαι στην τελευταία σειρά. Romanization: Ston kinimatográfo mu arési na káthome stin teleftéa sirá. Translation: “At the cinema, I like to sit in the last row.”

16

Greek: σηκώνομαι Romanization: sikónome Translation: “to get/stand up”

Example: Greek: Τώρα θα σηκωθώ, για να πάω για τρέξιμο. Romanization: Τóra tha sikothó, ya na páo ya tréximo. Translation: “Now I will get up in order to go running.”

17

Greek: ανοίγω Romanization: anígo Translation: “to open”

Example: Greek: Μπορείς να ανοίξεις το παράθυρο, σε παρακαλώ; Romanization: Borís na aníxis to paráthiro, se parakaló? Translation: “Can you open the window, please?”

18

Greek: κλείνω Romanization: klíno Translation: “to close”

Example: Greek: Μπορείς να κλείσεις την πόρτα, σε παρακαλώ; Romanization: Borís na klísis tin pórta, se parakaló? Translation: “Can you close the door, please?”

19

Greek: κόβω Romanization: kóvo Translation: “to cut”

Example: Greek: Όταν μαγειρεύω, κόβω τα λαχανικά σε μικρά κομμάτια. Romanization: Ótan mayirévo, kóvo ta lahaniká se mikrá komátia. Translation: “When I cook, I cut the vegetables into small pieces.”

20

Greek: κουβαλάω / κουβαλώ Romanization: kuvaláo / kuvaló Translation: “to carry”

Example: Greek: Αυτό είναι πολύ βαρύ. Θα με βοηθήσεις να το κουβαλήσουμε; Romanization: Aftó íne polí varí. Tha me voithísis na to kuvalísume? Translation: “This is too heavy. Will you help me carry it?”

21

Greek: κρατώ Romanization: krató Translation: “to hold” / “to keep”

Example: Greek: Το παιδί κρατούσε σφιχτά το χέρι της μητέρας του. Romanization: To pedí kratúse sfihtá to héri tis mitéras tu. Translation: “The kid was holding tight to his mother’s hand.”

22

Greek: πατάω / πατώ Romanization: patáo / pató Translation: “to press”

Example: Greek: Πατήστε οποιοδήποτε κουμπί, για να συνεχίσετε. Romanization: Patíste opiodípote kubí, ya na sinehísete. Translation: “Press any button to continue.”

23

Greek: πέφτω Romanization: péfto Translation: “to fall”

Example: Greek: Αν πέσεις από εκεί, θα τραυματιστείς. Romanization: An pésis apó ekí, tha travmatistís. Translation: “If you fall from there, you’ll get injured.”

24

Greek: τρώω Romanization: tróo Translation: “to eat”

Example: Greek: Από κρέας τρώω μόνο κοτόπουλο. Romanization: Apó kréas tróo móno kotópulo. Translation: “As for meat, I only eat chicken.”

25

Greek: πίνω Romanization: píno Translation: “to drink”

Example: Greek: Δεν πίνω αλκοόλ. Romanization: Den píno alkoól. Translation: “I don’t drink alcohol.”

3. Sport-Related Verbs

26

Greek: περπατάω / περπατώ Romanization: perpatáo / perpató Translation: “to walk”

Example: Greek: Στόχος μου είναι να περπατώ για τουλάχιστον δύο χιλιόμετρα κάθε μέρα. Romanization: Stóhos mu íne na perpató ya tuláhiston dío hiliómetra káthe méra. Translation: “My goal is to walk for at least two kilometers every day.”

27

Greek: τρέχω Romanization: trého Translation: “to run”

Example: Greek: Μου αρέσει να τρέχω στην εξοχή. Romanization: Mu arési na trého stin exohí. Translation: “I like running in the countryside.”

28

Greek: πηδάω / πηδώ Romanization: pidáo / pidó Translation: “to jump”

Example: Greek: Ο αθλητής πηδούσε τα εμπόδια με ευκολία. Romanization: O athlitís pidúse ta embódia me efkolía. Translation: “The athlete was jumping over the obstacles with ease.”

29

Greek: παίζω Romanization: pézo Translation: “to play”

Example: Greek: Ο γιος μου μπορεί να παίζει ποδόσφαιρο όλη μέρα. Romanization: O yos mu borí na pézi podósfero óli méra. Translation: “My son could play football all day long.”

30

Greek: σκαρφαλώνω Romanization: skarfalóno Translation: “to climb”

Example: Greek: Όταν ήμουν μικρός, μου άρεσε να σκαρφαλώνω σε δέντρα. Romanization: Ótan ímun mikrós, mu árese na skarfalóno se dédra. Translation: “When I was young, I used to like climbing on trees.”

31

Greek: κολυμπάω / κολυμπώ Romanization: kolimbáo / kolimbó Translation: “to swim”

Example: Greek: Το καλοκαίρι κολυμπάω στη θάλασσα κάθε μέρα. Romanization: To kalokéri kolimbáo sti thálasa káthe méra. Translation: “During the summer, I swim in the sea every day.”

32

Greek: αθλούμαι Romanization: athlúme Translation: “to exercise”

Example: Greek: Αθλούμαι καθημερινά, για να διατηρούμαι σε φόρμα. Romanization: Athlúme kathimeriná, ya na diatirúme se fórma. Translation: “I exercise everyday in order to stay fit.”

33

Greek: κερδίζω Romanization: kerdízo Translation: “to win”

Example: Greek: Η ομάδα που θα κερδίσει θα περάσει στον τελικό. Romanization: I omáda pu tha kerdísi tha perási ston telikó. Translation: “The team that wins will proceed to the finals.”

34

Greek: χάνω Romanization: háno Translation: “to lose”

Example: Greek: Η ομάδα που θα χάσει θα αποκλειστεί. Romanization: I omáda pu tha hási tha apoklistí. Translation: “The team that loses will be eliminated.”

4. Verbs of Communication

35

Greek: επικοινωνώ Romanization: epikinonó Translation: “to communicate”

Example: Greek: Η δουλειά μου είναι να επικοινωνώ καθημερινά με πελάτες. Romanization: I duliá mu íne na epikinonó kathimeriná me pelátes. Translation: “My job is to communicate with customers daily.”

36

Greek: λέω Romanization: léo Translation: “to tell”

Example: Greek: Πάντα λέω αυτό που σκέφτομαι. Romanization: Pánda léo aftó pu skéftome. Translation: “I always say what I am thinking.”

37

Greek: μιλάω / μιλώ Romanization: miláo / miló Translation: “to talk”

Example: Greek: Πρέπει να μιλήσουμε. Romanization: Prépi na milísume. Translation: “We need to talk.”

38

Greek: ρωτάω / ρωτώ Romanization: rotáo / rotó Translation: “to ask”

Example: Greek: Αν δεν καταλαβαίνεις κάτι, απλώς ρώτα με. Romanization: An den katalavénis káti, aplós róta me. Translation: “If you don’t understand something, just ask me.”

39

Greek: συζητάω / συζητώ Romanization: sizitáo / sizitó Translation: “to discuss”

Example: Greek: Θα πρέπει να συζητάμε όλα τα προβλήματα και να βρίσκουμε λύσεις. Romanization: Tha prépi na sizitáme óla ta provlímata ke na vrískume lísis. Translation: “We will have to discuss all problems and find solutions.”

40

Greek: φωνάζω Romanization: fonázo Translation: “to yell”

Example: Greek: Δεν χρειάζεται να φωνάζεις. Το κατάλαβα. Romanization: Den hriázete na fonázis. To katálava. Translation: “There’s no need to yell. I got it.”

41

Greek: ανακοινώνω Romanization: anakinóno Translation: “to announce”

Example: Greek: Θα θέλαμε να σας ανακοινώσουμε ότι παντρευόμαστε. Romanization: Tha thélame na sas anakinósume óti pandrevómaste. Translation: “We would like to announce that we’re getting married.”

42

Greek: απαντάω / απαντώ Romanization: apandáo / apandó Translation: “to reply” / “to answer”

Example: Greek: Θα σας απαντήσω το συντομότερο δυνατόν. Romanization: Tha sas apandíso to sindomótero dinatón. Translation: “I will answer you as soon as possible.”

43

Greek: παρουσιάζω Romanization: parusiázo Translation: “to present”

Example: Greek: Σας παρουσιάζω τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνάς μου. Romanization: Sas parusiázo ta apotelézmata tis érevnás mu. Translation: “I am presenting you with the results of my research.”

44

Greek: ενημερώνω Romanization: enimeróno Translation: “to inform”

Example: Greek: Θα ήθελα να σας ενημερώσω ότι θα είμαι σε επαγγελματικό ταξίδι την επόμενη εβδομάδα. Romanization: Tha íthela na sas enimeróso óti tha íme se epangelmatikó taxídi tin epómeni evdomáda. Translation: “I would like to inform you that I will be on a business trip next week.”

45

Greek: καλώ Romanization: kaló Translation: “to call”

Example: Greek: Εάν έχετε οποιαδήποτε απορία, καλέστε μας στο +30 2101234567. Romanization: Eán éhete opiadípote aporía, kaléste mas sto +30 2101234567. Translation: “If you have any questions, call us at +30 2101234567.”

5. Study-Related Verbs

46

Greek: διαβάζω Romanization: diavázo Translation: “to read”

Example: Greek: Διαβάστε το κείμενο πολλές φορές πριν απαντήσετε τις ερωτήσεις. Romanization: Diaváste to kímeno polés forés prin apandísete tis erotísis. Translation: “Read the text many times before you answer the questions.”

47

Greek: διδάσκω Romanization: didásko Translation: “to teach”

Example: Greek: Η κυρία Άννα διδάσκει ελληνικά. Romanization: I kiría Ánna didáski eliniká. Translation: “Mrs. Anna teaches Greek.”

48

Greek: μαθαίνω Romanization: mathéno Translation: “to learn”

Example: Greek: Μου αρέσει να μαθαίνω ξένες γλώσσες. Romanization: Mu arési na mathéno xénes glóses. Translation: “I like learning foreign languages.”

49

Greek: μελετάω / μελετώ Romanization: meletáo / meletó Translation: “to study”

Example: Greek: Μελετάω τουλάχιστον δύο ώρες κάθε μέρα. Romanization: Meletáo tuláhiston dío óres káthe méra. Translation: “I study at least two hours per day.”

50

Greek: γράφω Romanization: gráfo Translation: “to write”

Example: Greek: Αυτήν τη φορά γράφω ένα μυθιστόρημα. Romanization: Aftín ti forá gráfo éna mithistórima. Translation: “This time I am writing a novel.”

51

Greek: σβήνω Romanization: zvíno Translation: “to erase” / “to delete”

Example: Greek: Έσβησα όλη την άσκηση, γιατί δεν ήταν σωστή. Romanization: Ézvisa óli tin áskisi, yatí den ítan sostí. Translation: “I erased the whole exercise because it was not correct.”

52

Greek: διορθώνω Romanization: diorthóno Translation: “to correct”

Example: Greek: Πρέπει να διορθώσεις τα λάθη σου. Romanization: Prépi na diorthósis ta láthi su. Translation: “You must correct your mistakes.”

53

Greek: λύνω Romanization: líno Translation: “to solve” / “to untie”

Example: Greek: Πρέπει να λύσεις όλες τις ασκήσεις σου. Romanization: Prépi na lísis óles tis askísis su. Translation: “You should solve all your exercises.”

54

Greek: αποστηθίζω Romanization: apostithízo Translation: “to learn by heart” / “memorize”

Example: Greek: Πρέπει να αποστηθίσεις τα πιο σημαντικά κομμάτια. Romanization: Prépi na apostithísis ta pio simandiká komátia . Translation: “You should memorize the most important parts.”

55

Greek: βελτιώνω / βελτιώνομαι Romanization: veltióno / veltiónome Translation: “to improve” / “to be improved”

Example: Greek: Χαίρομαι που βελτιώνεσαι μέρα με τη μέρα. Romanization: Hérome pu veltiónese méra me ti méra. Translation: “I am glad you are improving day by day.”

56

Greek: εκτυπώνω Romanization: ektipóno Translation: “to print”

Example: Greek: Θα ήθελα να εκτυπώσω αυτές τις δύο σελίδες. Romanization: Tha íthela na ektipóso aftés tis dío selídes. Translation: “I would like to print these two pages.”

57

Greek: αξιολογώ / αξιολογούμαι Romanization: axiologó / axiologúme Translation: “to assess” / “to be assessed”

Example: Greek: Θα αξιολογηθείτε μέχρι το τέλος του μαθήματος. Romanization: Tha axioloyithíte méhri to télos tu mathímatos. Translation: “You will be assessed by the end of the lesson.”

6. Verbs of the Mind

58

Greek: σκέφτομαι Romanization: skéftome Translation: “to think” / “to consider”

Example: Greek: Σκέφτομαι να τα παρατήσω. Romanization: Skéftome na ta paratíso. Translation: “I am thinking about quitting.”

59

Greek: νομίζω Romanization: nomízo Translation: “to think”

Example: Greek: Νομίζω πως έχεις δίκιο. Romanization: Nomízo pos éhis díkio. Translation: “I think you are right.”

60

Greek: πιστεύω Romanization: pistévo Translation: “to believe”

Example: Greek: Πιστεύω στον Θεό. Romanization: Pistévo ston Theó. Translation: “I believe in God.”

61

Greek: αισθάνομαι Romanization: esthánome Translation: “to feel”

Example: Greek: Αισθάνομαι λίγο ζαλισμένος. Romanization: Esthánome lígo zalizménos. Translation: “I feel a bit dizzy.”

62

Greek: ξέρω / γνωρίζω Romanization: xéro / gnorízo Translation: “to know”

Example: Greek: Το ξέρω ότι είσαι κουρασμένος. Romanization: To xéro óti íse kurazménos. Translation: “I know you are tired.”

63

Greek: θέλω Romanization: thélo Translation: “to want”

Example: Greek: Θέλω να πάμε διακοπές στην Ελλάδα. Romanization: Thélo na páme diakopés stin Eláda.  Translation: “I want us to go for vacation in Greece.”

64

Greek: αμφισβητώ Romanization: amfizvitó Translation: “to doubt”

Example: Greek: Το ξέρω ότι έχεις δίκιο. Δεν το αμφισβητώ. Romanization: To xélo óti éhis díkio. Den to amfizvitó.  Translation: “I know you are right. I don’t doubt this.”

65

Greek: καταλαβαίνω Romanization: katalavéno Translation: “to understand”

Example: Greek: Σε παρακαλώ, μίλα αργά, για να σε καταλαβαίνω. Romanization: Se parakaló, míla argá, ya na se katalavéno.  Translation: “Please, talk slowly so I can understand you.”

66

Greek: θυμάμαι Romanization: thimáme Translation: “to remember”

Example: Greek: Θυμάσαι εκείνο το ξενοδοχείο στη Μύκονο; Romanization: Thimáse ekíno to xenodohío sti Míkono?  Translation: “Do you remember that hotel in Mykonos?”

67

Greek: ξεχνάω / ξεχνώ Romanization: xehnáo / xehnó Translation: “to forget”

Example: Greek: Ξέχασα να κάνω εκείνη την άσκηση.  Romanization: Xéhasa na káno ekíni tin áskisi.  Translation: “I forgot to do that exercise.”

7. Verbs of Sentiments

68

Greek: αγαπάω / αγαπώ Romanization: agapáo / agapó Translation: “to love”

Example: Greek: Σε αγαπώ πολύ. Romanization: Se agapó polí.  Translation: “I love you very much.”

69

Greek: λατρεύω Romanization: latrévo Translation: “to adore”

Example: Greek: Σε λατρεύω. Romanization: Se latrévo.  Translation: “I adore you.”

70

Greek: θαυμάζω Romanization: thavmázo Translation: “to admire”

Example: Greek: Θαυμάζω τον δάσκαλό μου για την υπομονή του. Romanization: Thavmázo ton dáskaló mu ya tin ipomoní tu.  Translation: “I admire my teacher for his patience.”

71

Greek: φοβάμαι Romanization: fováme Translation: “to be afraid”

Example: Greek: Φοβάμαι μην σε χάσω. Romanization: Fováme min se háso.  Translation: “I am afraid to lose you.”

72

Greek: μισώ Romanization: misó Translation: “to hate”

Example: Greek: Μισώ όλα όσα τον θυμίζουν. Romanization: Misó óla ósa ton thimízun. Translation: “I hate everything that reminds me of him.”

73

Greek: λυπάμαι Romanization: lipáme Translation: “to be sorry”

Example: Greek: Λυπάμαι γι’ αυτό που σου συνέβη. Romanization: Lipáme yi’ aftó pu su sinévi.  Translation: “I am sorry for what happened to you.”

74

Greek: δακρύζω Romanization: dakrízo Translation: “to tear up”

Example: Greek: Αυτή η ταινία με έκανε να δακρύσω λίγο. Romanization: Aftí i tenía me ékane na dakríso lígo. Translation: “This movie made me tear up a bit.”

75

Greek: κλαίω Romanization: kléo Translation: “to cry”

Example: Greek: Όσο μεγαλώνουμε, κλαίμε όλο και πιο σπάνια. Romanization: Óso megalónume, kléme ólo ke pio spánia. Translation: “As we grow up, we cry less and less.”

76

Greek: στεναχωριέμαι Romanization: stenahoriéme Translation: “to be sad”

Example: Greek: Μην στεναχωριέσαι. Όλα θα πάνε καλά. Romanization: Min stenahoriése. Óla tha páne kalá. Translation: “Don’t be sad. Everything’s going to be alright.”

77

Greek: χαίρομαι Romanization: hérome Translation: “to be happy”

Example: Greek: Χάρηκα πολύ που πήρες προαγωγή. Romanization: Hárika polí pu píres proagoyí. Translation: “I am very happy that you got promoted.”

78

Greek: απολαμβάνω Romanization: apolamváno Translation: “to enjoy”

Example: Greek: Το καλοκαίρι απολαμβάνω τη θάλασσα. Romanization: To kalokéri apolamváno ti thálasa. Translation: “During the summer, I enjoy the sea.”

79

Greek: γοητεύω Romanization: goitévo  Translation: “to charm” / “to fascinate”

Example: Greek: Αυτή η γυναίκα με γοήτευσε. Romanization: Aftí i yinéka me goítefse. Translation: “This woman fascinated me.”

80

Greek: απογοητεύω / απογοητεύομαι Romanization: apogoitévo / apogoitévome Translation: “to disappoint” / “to be disappointed”

Example: Greek: Μην απογοητεύεσαι. Μπορείς πάντα να ξαναπροσπαθήσεις. Romanization: Min apogoitévese. Borís pánda na xanaprospathísis, Translation: “Don’t be disappointed. You can always try again.”

81

Greek: γελάω / γελώ Romanization: yeláo / yeló Translation: “to laugh”

Example: Greek: Γέλασα πολύ με αυτήν την κωμωδία. Romanization: Yélasa polí me aftín tin komodía. Translation: “I laughed a lot with this comedy.”

82

Greek: χαμογελάω / χαμογελώ Romanization: hamoyeláo / hamoyeló Translation: “to smile”

Example: Greek: Χαμογελάω πάντα το πρωί στον καθρέφτη και γεμίζω με θετική ενέργεια. Romanization: Hamoyeláo pánda to proí ston kathréfti ke yemízo me thetikí enéryia. Translation: “I always smile at the mirror in the morning and I get charged with positive energy.”

83

Greek: θυμώνω Romanization: thimóno Translation: “to get angry”

Example: Greek: Ο πατέρας μου θυμώνει πολύ εύκολα. Romanization: O patéras mu thimóni polí éfkola. Translation: “My father gets angry very easily.”

8. Auxiliary Verbs

There are only two Greek auxiliary verbs: έχω (ého), meaning “to have,” and είμαι (íme), meaning “to be.” They’re called “auxiliary” because apart from their individual use, they can help (hence the term “auxiliary”) form various Greek verb forms. More specifically, the verb έχω (ého) can also be used as a formation element of verbs in the perfect tenses, while είμαι (íme) can also be used before a passive voice participle to form various verb forms.

84

Greek: έχω Romanization: ého Translation: “to have”

Example: Greek: Θα έχω τελειώσει τα μαθήματά μου μέχρι τότε. Romanization: Tha ého teliósi ta mathímatá mu méhri tóte. Translation: “I will have finished my homework by then.”

85

Greek: είμαι Romanization: íme Translation: “to be”

Example: Greek: Είμαι ικανοποιημένος με το αποτέλεσμα. Romanization: Íme ikanopiiménos me to apotélezma. Translation: “I am satisfied with the result.”

9. Linking (or Copular) Verbs

A linking verb connects the subject or the object with a word or phrase that gives more information

about it. The verb είμαι (íme), meaning “to be,” that we saw above as an auxiliary verb, is also a linking verb.

Greek: είμαι Romanization: íme Translation: “to be”

Example: Greek: Είναι πολύ όμορφος. Romanization: Íne polí ómorfos. Translation: “He is very handsome.”

Some groups of linking verbs are:

9.1 Verbs of Existence

86

Greek: γίνομαι Romanization: yínome Translation: “to become”

Example: Greek: Γίνομαι όλο και πιο οργανωμένος όσο περνά ο καιρός. Romanization: Yínome ólo ke pio organoménos óso perná o kerós. Translation: “I am becoming more and more organized as time passes by.”

87

Greek: γεννιέμαι Romanization: yeniéme Translation: “to be born”

Example: Greek: Γεννήθηκα έτοιμος γι’ αυτό. Romanization: Yeníthika étimos yi’ aftó. Translation: “I was born ready for this.”

88

Greek: υπάρχω Romanization: ipárho Translation: “to exist” / “(to happen) to be”

Example: Greek: Υπήρξα απρόσεκτος στο παρελθόν. Romanization: Ipírxa aprósektos sto parelthón. Translation: “I happened to be/was careless in the past.”

89

Greek: στέκομαι Romanization: stékome Translation: “to stand up” (literally) / “(to happen) to be” (secondary meaning, usually in the past tense)

Example: Greek: Στάθηκα τυχερός κατά το παρελθόν. Romanization: Státhika tiherós katá to parelthón. Translation: “I happened to be/was lucky in the past.”

9.2 Verbs of Reckoning

90

Greek: φαίνομαι Romanization: fénome Translation: “to look” / “to seem

Example: Greek: Φαίνεται έξυπνος, αλλά μερικές φορές κάνει τον χαζό. Romanization: Fénete éxipnos, alá merikés forés káni ton hazó. Translation: “He seems to be smart, but sometimes he acts dumb.”

91

Greek: θεωρούμαι Romanization: theorúme Translation: “to be considered (as)”

Example: Greek: Θεωρείται έξυπνος, αλλά στην ουσία δεν είναι. Romanization: Theoríte éxipnos, allá stin usía den íne. Translation: “Ηe is considered to be smart, but in reality he is not.”

9.3 Verbs of Reference

92

Greek: βρίσκομαι Romanization: vrískome Translation: “to be located” / “to be”

Example: Greek: Βρίσκομαι στο αεροδρόμιο αυτήν τη στιγμή. Romanization: Vrískome sto aerodrómio aftín ti stigmí. Translation: “I am at the airport right now.”

93

Greek: μοιάζω Romanization: miázo Translation: “to look like” / “to seem to be”

Example: Greek: Μοιάζεις πολύ με τον μπαμπά σου. Romanization: Miázis polí me ton babá su. Translation: “You look a lot like your father.”

94

Greek: αποδεικνύομαι Romanization: apodikníome Translation: “to prove to be”

Example: Greek: Η άσκηση που έλυσα αποδείχθηκε λάθος. Romanization: I áskisi pu élisa apodíhthike láthos. Translation: “The exercise I solved was proven to be wrong.”

9.4 Vocative Verbs

95

Greek: λέγομαι Romanization: légome Translation: “to be said/called”

Example: Greek: Πώς λέγεσαι; Romanization: Pós léyese? Translation: “What’s your name?” (lit. “How are you called?”)

96

Greek: ονομάζω / ονομάζομαι Romanization: onomázo / onomázome Translation: “to name” / “to be named” (= “my name is”)

Example: Greek: Ονομάζομαι Γιώργος. Εσένα πώς σε λένε; Romanization: Onomázome Yórgos. Eséna pós se léne? Translation: “My name is George. What’s your name?”

97

Greek: καλώ / καλούμαι Romanization: kaló / kalúme Translation: “to call” / “to be called”

Example: Greek: Aν συνεχίσετε τη φασαρία, θα καλέσω την αστυνομία! Romanization: An sinehísete ti fasaría, tha kaléso tin astinomía! Translation: “If you continue this racket, I’m going to call the police!”

9.5 Verbs of Election

98

Greek: διορίζω / διορίζομαι Romanization: diorízo / diorízome Translation: “to appoint” / “to be appointed”

Example: Greek: Διορίστηκε δάσκαλος σε ένα μικρό ελληνικό νησί.  Romanization: Diorístike dáskalos se éna mikró elinikó nisí. Translation: “He was appointed teacher on a small Greek island.”

99

Greek: εκλέγω / εκλέγομαι Romanization: eklégo / eklégome Translation: “to elect” / “to be elected”

Example: Greek: Εκλέχθηκε δήμαρχος της πόλης.  Romanization: Ekléhthike dímarhos tis pólis. Translation: “He was elected mayor of the city.”

100

Greek: κρίνομαι Romanization: krínome Translation: “to be deemed”

Example: Greek: Το κτίριο κρίθηκε μη ασφαλές μετά τον σεισμό.  Romanization: To ktírio kríthike mi asfalés metá ton sizmó. Translation: “The building was deemed unsafe after the earthquake.”

10. Conclusion

This was just the beginning: A comprehensive guide for the top 100 most essential Greek verbs. 

There’s still a lot to learn after you memorize this Greek verbs list. If you feel ready to dig into Greek verbs a little bit more, check out our article about how to conjugate Greek verbs that we linked to earlier. Otherwise, we encourage you to read our Top 100 Nouns and Top 100 Adjectives articles, which will be quite useful in expanding your vocabulary. 

In the meantime, is there a verb that troubles you or a Greek verb we didn’t mention? 

Let us know in the comments section below!

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Pronouns are such useful little words! They normally substitute nouns, making written and verbal language less boring by enhancing their flow. 

If we could choose one thing to begin studying when you first start learning any new language, it would probably be its pronouns. They’re so useful that you’d find it difficult to construct a full sentence in any language without using them. 

In Greek, as in English, the pronouns are divided into various categories. So, in this article, we’ll demonstrate all the tips and tricks about personal, demonstrative, interrogative, and indefinite Greek pronouns, setting the base for your further studies.

Table of Contents

1. Personal Pronouns in Greek
2. Demonstrative Pronouns in Greek
3. Interrogative Pronouns in Greek
4. Indefinite Pronouns in Greek
5. Relative Pronouns in Greek
6. Conclusion

1. Personal Pronouns in Greek

Image Description: An owl pointing at another owl

One of the first things you need to know when you begin studying the Greek language is the use of Greek personal pronouns. From a syntax perspective, personal pronouns are most commonly used as a subject or an object within a sentence. Therefore, it’s almost impossible to engage in a simple dialogue without them.

Let’s have a look at some Greek pronouns in the nominative case, which can be used as a subject within a sentence.

• εγώ (egó) — “I”
• εσύ (esí) — “you”
• αυτός (aftós) — “he”
• αυτή (aftí) — “she”
• αυτό (aftó) — “it”
• εμείς (emís) — “we”
• εσείς (esís) — “you”
• αυτοί (aftí) — “they” (masculine)
• αυτές (aftés) — “they” (feminine)
• αυτά (aftá) — “they” (neutral)

As you might have noticed, there are three different third-person forms of the personal pronoun in plural, according to the gender of the name or noun that’s substituted. Indeed, when the word that’s substituted is masculine, for example άνδρες (ándres), meaning “men,“ then αυτοί should be used. Similarly, when the word is feminine, for example γυναίκες (ginékes), meaning “women,” then αυτές should be used. Last, but not least, when the word is neutral, for example παιδιά (pediá), meaning “children,” then αυτά should be used.

Now, let’s study some more-complex example sentences, which demonstrate the use of Greek personal pronouns in the nominative case.

Examples:

Greek: Εμείς μένουμε στο ξενοδοχείο, Ελένη. Εσείς που μένετε;

Romanization: Emís ménume sto xenodohío, Eléni. Esís pu ménete?

Translation: “We are staying at the hotel, Eleni. Where are you staying?”

Greek: Αυτοί θέλουν να πάνε σε μια ταβέρνα, όμως εμείς θέλουμε να πάμε για μπάνιο.

Romanization: Aftí thélun na páne se mia tavérna, ómos emís thélume na páme ya bánio.

Translation: “They want to go to a restaurant, but we want to go swimming.”

Greek: Τα παιδιά φορούσαν ελληνικές παραδοσιακές στολές και χόρευαν. Αυτά φαίνονταν πολύ χαρούμενα.

Romanization: Ta pediá forúsan ellinikés paradosiakés stolés ke hórevan. Aftá fénodan polí harúmena.

Translation: “Children were wearing traditional Greek suits and were dancing. They seemed very happy.”

Note that in sentences like in the example above, the pronoun Αυτά (Aftá) can also be omitted when it’s understood by the context whom we’re talking about. While in English, it’s indispensable to use the pronoun “they,” in Greek, it can be omitted. This is because the form of the verb indicates what person we’re talking about, in this case the third-person plural.

A characteristic of these pronouns is that they can stand alone in speech, just like in the second sentence of the following example.

Greek: 

• Ποιος θα πάει να φέρει ψωμί; 
• Εγώ.

Romanization: 

• Pios tha pái na féri psomí? 
• Egó.

Translation: 

• “Who’s going to get some bread?” 
• “I will.”

Now, what happens when we need to use these personal pronouns as the object of a verb within a sentence? The answer lies below, where the Greek personal pronouns are demonstrated in the objective cases, that is the accusative case (used more often for objects) and the genitive case (used less often for objects) accordingly.

• εμένα (eména) — “me” in both cases
• εσένα (eséna) — “you” in both cases
• αυτόν (aftón) / αυτού (aftú) — “him”
• αυτή(ν) (aftí(n)) / αυτής (aftís) — “her”
• αυτό (aftó) / αυτού (aftú) — “it”
• εμάς (emás) — “us” in both cases
• εσάς (esás) — “you” in both cases
• αυτούς (aftús) / αυτών (aftón) — “them” (masculine)
• αυτές (aftés) / αυτών (aftón) — “them” (feminine)
• αυτά (aftá) / αυτών (aftón) — “them” (neutral)

Examples: 

Greek: Η γυναίκα είπε αυτής να φύγει.

Romanization: I yinéka ípe aftís na fíyi.

Translation: “The woman told her to leave.”

Greek: Μην ακούς αυτούς. Εμένα να ακούς.

Romanization: Min akús aftús. Eména na akús.

Translation: “Don’t listen to them. Listen to me.”

Greek: Ο διευθυντής επέλεξε εμένα, για να κάνω αυτή τη δουλειά.

Romanization: O diefthindís epélexe eména, ya na káno aftí ti duliá.

Translation: “The director chose me to do this job.”

Greek: Ποιον επέλεξε; Εμένα.

Romanization: Pion epélexe? Eména.

Translation: “Whom did he choose? Me.”

As you can see in the second sentence of the last example, these pronouns can also stand alone in speech. The forms of the personal pronouns that we saw are called “strong” forms for that reason—they’re strong enough to maintain themselves alone in a sentence. They’re also called “emphatic,” as they’re used to emphasize a specific person as opposed to someone else. (“He chose me. Not someone else.”)

You might be wondering that since there are strong forms of the Greek personal pronouns, there might be “weak” forms as well. Well, there are, and these are used more often in speech but never alone; they need a verb to sustain themselves. In the accusative and genitive cases respectively, those are:

• με (me) / μου (mu) — “me”
• σε (se) / σου (su) — “you”
• τον (ton) / του (tu) — “him”
• τη(ν) (tin(n)) / της (tis) — “her”
• το (to) / του (tu) — “it”
• μας (mas) / μας (mas) — “us”
• σας (sas) / σας (sas) — “you”
• τους (tus) / τους (tus) — “them”
• τις  or τες* (tis or tes) / τους (tus) — “them”
• τα (ta) / τους (tus) — “them”

* τις is used before a verb, τες after a verb.

Greek: Σε βλέπω!

Romanization: Se vlépo!

Translation: “I see you!”

Greek: Της μιλάει.

Romanization: Tis milái.

Translation: “He is talking to her.”

However, what happens when we need to express possession? Then, we use the above weak personal pronouns in the genitive case to create Greek possessive pronouns:

Greek: Το φαγητό μου.

Romanization: To fayitó mu.

Translation: “My food.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το σπίτι σας.

Romanization: Aftó íne to spíti sas.

Translation: “This is your house.”

To make these weak possessive forms strong and emphatic so they can stand alone in speech, we need to add the adjective δικός / -ή / -ό (dikós / -í / -ó) in front of them in the masculine, feminine, and neuter gender respectively. This depends on the gender of the person, animal, or thing that we’re talking about.

• (δικός / -ή / -ό) μου (dikós / -í / -ó mu) — “my” (weak) / “mine” (strong)
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) σου (dikós / -í / -ó su) — “your” (weak) / “yours”
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) του (dikós / -í / -ó tu) — “his” (weak and strong)
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) της (dikós / -í / -ó tis) — “her” (weak) / “hers” (strong)
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) του (dikós / -í / -ó tu) — “its” (weak and strong)
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) μας (dikós / -í / -ó mas) — “our” (weak) / “ours” (strong)
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) σας (dikós / -í / -ó sas) — “your” (weak) / “yours” (strong)
• (δικός / -ή / -ό) τους (dikós / -í / -ó tus) — “their” (weak) / “theirs” (strong)

Compare the following examples with the two previous ones to understand their exact use and differences.

Greek: Το φαγητό είναι δικό μου.

Romanization: To fayitó íne dikó mu.

Translation: “The food is mine.” (and no one else’s, emphatic)

Greek: Αυτό το σπίτι είναι δικό σας.

Romanization: Aftó to spíti íne dikó sas.

Translation: “This house is yours.” (it doesn’t belong to anyone else, emphatic)

It’s pretty clear, right? Mind, however, the following two examples:

Greek: Το δικό μου φαγητό είναι ανάλατο.

Romanization: To dikó mu fayitó íne análato.

Translation: “My food is unsalted.” (my food as opposed to someone else’s, emphatic)

Greek: Το δικό σας σπίτι είναι πολύ καθαρό.

Romanization: To dikó sas spíti íne polí katharó.

Translation: “Your house is very clean.” (your house as opposed to someone else’s, emphatic)

When the strong possessive pronoun goes before the noun, it’s translated using the weak English possessive pronoun.

2. Demonstrative Pronouns in Greek

Pointing at an object by extending your index is totally fine in Greece as a gesture. However, when it comes to pointing at people, it’s considered rude, and you should probably avoid this. If you’re into learning more about gestures in Greek culture, you can read our related article.

Here are some useful Greek demonstrative pronouns:

• Greek: αυτός (masculine); αυτή (feminine); αυτό (neutral)
• Romanization: aftós; aftí; aftó
• Translation: “this”

• Greek: αυτοί (masculine plural); αυτές (feminine plural); αυτά (neutral plural)
• Romanization: aftí; aftés; aftá
• Translation: “these”

• Greek: εκείνος (masculine); εκείνη (feminine); εκείνο (neutral)
• Romanization: ekínos; ekíni; ekíno
• Translation: “that”

• Greek: εκείνοι (masculine plural); εκείνες (feminine plural); εκείνα (neutral plural)
• Romanization: ekíni; ekínes; ekína
• Translation: “those”

Example:

Greek: Αυτός ο δάσκαλος φαίνεται πολύ αυστηρός, ενώ εκείνη η δασκάλα είναι πολύ γλυκιά.

Romanization: Aftós o dáskalos fénete polí afstirós, enó ekíni i daskála íne polí glikiá.

Translation: “This (male) teacher seems very strict, whereas that (female) teacher is very sweet.”

3. Interrogative Pronouns in Greek

Almost every question includes an interrogative word. This statement alone highlights the importance of interrogative pronouns, not only in Greek, but in every language. The use of Greek interrogative pronouns is quite similar to the use of their English equivalents in terms of syntax and grammar.

Let’s begin with the basics.

• Greek: Τι;
• Romanization: Ti?
• Translation: “What?”

Examples: 

Greek: Τι είναι αυτό εκεί;

Romanization: Ti íne aftó ekí?

Translation: “What is that over there?”

Greek: Τι συμβαίνει;

Romanization: Ti simvéni?

Translation: “What is going on?”

However, if you had to choose from a variety of objects, you would use “which,” right? Here is its Greek equivalent. 

• Greek: Ποιο;
• Romanization: Pio?
• Translation: “Which?”

Example: 

Greek: Ποιο παντελόνι μου πηγαίνει καλύτερα;

Romanization: Pio pandelóni mu piyéni kalítera?

Translation: “Which trousers suit me better?”

A slight change is observed when asking “who.” In Greek, there are two forms, one for men and one for women. The one you use depends on the gender of the corresponding noun or name.

• Greek: Ποιος (masculine) / Ποια (feminine);
• Romanization: Pios / Pia?
• Translation: “Who?”

Example: 

Greek: Ποιος μπορεί να με βοηθήσει;

Romanization: Pios borí na me voithísi?

Translation: “Who can help me?”

When asking a general question, the masculine form is preferred, as shown in the example above. In this case, the answer is either a woman or a man.

• Greek: Ποιου/Ποιανού (masculine & neutral) / Ποιας/Ποιανής (feminine);
• Romanization: Piu/Pianú / Pias/Pianís ?
• Translation: “Whose…?”

So, this part might be a bit tricky. When referring to the interrogative pronoun “whose” in Greek, there are two types that can be used. The first one (ποιου, ποιας) is the more formal type, whereas the second one (ποιανού, ποιανής) is an informal type that’s mainly used in oral speech. Both types are correct and can be used interchangeably based on the occasion. Let’s have a look at some examples below.

Greek: Ποιου/Ποιανού είναι αυτό το παντελόνι;

Romanization: Piu/Pianú íne aftó to padelóni?

Translation: “Whose trousers are these?”

In questions like this one, we use the generic masculine type (ποιου, ποιανού), regardless of whether the answer refers to a male or a female. Therefore, “these trousers” could belong to either a man or a woman. 

Another important note on the above example, which isn’t related to pronouns, is that the word παντελόνι in Greek is singular, although in English it’s plural.

• Greek: Ποιον (masculine) / Ποια (feminine);
• Romanization: Pion / Pia ?
• Translation: “Whom…?”

Greek: Σε ποιον θέλεις να αναθέσεις αυτήν την εργασία;

Romanization: Se pion thélis na anathésis aftín tin ergasía?

Translation: “To whom would you like to assign this?”

Again, in this case, the masculine form is used as a generic form.

4. Indefinite Pronouns in Greek

Now, here’s a quick list of Greek indefinite pronouns you can use when you don’t need to be very specific. 

• Greek: κάποιος
• Romanization: kápios
• Translation: “someone” (masculine)

• Greek: κάποια
• Romanization: kápia
• Translation: “someone” (feminine)

• Greek: κάποιο
• Romanization: kápio
• Translation: “someone” / “something” (neutral)

• Greek: κάτι
• Romanization: káti
• Translation: “something”

Example: 

Greek: Κάποιος πρέπει να κάνει κάτι.

Romanization: Kápios prépi na káni káti.

Translation: “Someone has to do something.”

• Greek: κανείς / κανένας
• Romanization: kanís / kanénas
• Translation: “no one” / “nobody” (masculine)

• Greek: καμιά / καμία
• Romanization: kamiá / kamía
• Translation: “nobody” (feminine)

• Greek: κανένα
• Romanization: kanéna
• Translation: “nobody” (neutral)

Example:

Greek: Κανένας άνδρας, καμία γυναίκα και κανένα παιδί δεν πρέπει να πεινούν.

Romanization: Kanénas ándras, kamía yinéka ke kanéna pedí den prépi na pinún.

Translation: “No man, no woman, and no child should be left starving.”

• Greek: τίποτα
• Romanization: típota
• Translation: “nothing,” “anything,” “something,” “any”

Example:

Greek: Δεν θέλει τίποτα.

Romanization: Den théli típota.

Translation: “He doesn’t want anything.”

5. Relative Pronouns in Greek

Again, in the case of Greek relative pronouns, there’s a distinction when it comes to different genders. 

• Greek: ο οποίος
• Romanization: o opíos
• Translation: “who” (masculine)

Example: 

Greek: Αυτός είναι ο άνδρας ο οποίος με βοήθησε να κουβαλήσω τη βαλίτσα μου.

Romanization: Aftós íne o ándras o opíos me voíthise na kuvalíso ti valítsa mu.

Translation: “This is the man who helped me carry my suitcase.”

• Greek: η οποία
• Romanization: i opía
• Translation: “who” (feminine)

Example: 

Greek: Η Μαρία είναι κοπέλα η οποία δουλεύει στο ξενοδοχείο.

Romanization: I María íne i kopéla i opía dulévi sto xenodohío.

Translation: “Maria is the girl who works at the hotel.”

• Greek: το οποίο
• Romanization: to opío
• Translation: “whο” (neutral) / “which”

Examples:

Greek: Αυτό είναι το παιδί το οποίο γλίστρησε και χτύπησε στην παιδική χαρά.

Romanization: Aftó íne to pedí, to opío glístrise ke htípise stin pedikí hará.

Translation: “This is the child who slipped and fell over at the playground.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το σπίτι το οποίο είχαμε νοικιάσει πέρυσι.

Romanization: Aftó íne to spíti, to opío íhame nikiási périsi.

Translation: “This is the house which we rented last year.”

Feeling a bit confused? 

Not sure which type you should use in each case?

We’ve got the solution for you: The magic word is που (pu), which means “that,” and is often used to substitute ο οποίος / η οποία / το οποίο, offering the advantage that it doesn’t change according to the gender of the noun.

• Greek: που
• Romanization: pu
• Translation: “that” (for all genders)

Now, let’s adjust the above examples by using the word που. 

Greek: Αυτός είναι ο άνδρας που με βοήθησε να κουβαλήσω τη βαλίτσα μου.

Romanization: Aftós íne o ándras pu me voíthise na kuvalíso ti valítsa mu.

Translation: “This is the man that helped me carry my suitcase.”

Greek: Η Μαρία είναι κοπέλα που δουλεύει στο ξενοδοχείο.

Romanization: I María íne i kopéla pu dulévi sto xenodohío.

Translation: “Maria is the girl that works at the hotel.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το παιδί που γλίστρησε και χτύπησε στην παιδική χαρά.

Romanization: Aftó íne to pedí pu glístrise ke htípise stin pedikí hará.

Translation: “This is the child that slipped and fell over at the playground.”

Greek: Αυτό είναι το σπίτι που είχαμε νοικιάσει πέρυσι.

Romanization: Aftó íne to spíti pu íhame nikiási périsi.

Translation: “This is the house that we rented last year.”

And here are some more Greek relative pronouns: 

• Greek: οποιοσδήποτε
• Romanization: opiosdípote
• Translation: “anyone” (masculine)

• Greek: οποιαδήποτε
• Romanization: opiadípote
• Translation: “anyone” (feminine)

• Greek: οποιοδήποτε
• Romanization: opiodípote
• Translation: “anyone” (neutral)

• Greek: οτιδήποτε
• Romanization: otidípote
• Translation: “anything”

6. Conclusion

Greek pronouns are part of the core of the language. By learning them, you’ll definitely find it easier to express yourself in Greek and you’ll be able to construct meaningful sentences in no time. 

So, what else will you probably need in order to enhance your vocabulary? Nouns and adjectives, of course. We’ve got you covered on this, as well. Just take a look at our Greek Nouns and Greek Adjectives articles and learn everything you need to know.

Did our Greek language pronouns guide help you out? Is there a pronoun that troubles you, or one we forgot?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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