“Oh, how can I say this in Greek?”

You’ve been there. We know.

That’s why we’ve created this blog post, featuring the top ten most popular questions and their answers in Greek. 

Whether you’ve just started learning Greek or you’re thinking about it, after reading this guide, you’ll be able to construct simple Greek questions and answers with accuracy. 

Table of Contents

1. What’s your name?
2. Where are you from?
3. Do you speak Greek?
4. How long have you been studying Greek?
5. Have you been to Greece?
6. What’s the weather like today?
7. Do you like Greek food?
8. What are you doing?
9. What’s wrong?
10. How much is it?
11. Conclusion

1. What’s your name?

So, what’s the first thing you want to ask when meeting someone new? Their name, of course. Here’s how to ask someone “What’s your name?” in Greek.

The Question

• Greek: Πώς σε λένε;
• Romanization: Pós se léne?
• Literal Translation: “How are you named?” / “How are you called?”
• Translation: “What’s your name?”

Unlike in English, which asks “What’s your name?” in Greek, we use the phrase Πώς σε λένε;, which better corresponds to “How are you named?” or “How are you called?” As far as Greek language questions go, this is the simplest and definitely the most popular. It can be useful when getting to know people in an informal setting. 

The Answer

• Greek: Ναταλία, κι εσένα;
• Romanization: Natalía, ki eséna?
• Translation: “Natalia, and you?”

This is the simplest answer you can give. Just state your name, followed by …κι εσένα;, which reverses the question to the individual who asked you. This is considered a decent and polite way to respond, since it shows that you’re interested in getting to know the other person. 

At this point, we should note that the word “and” is translated in Greek as και. However, when the next word begins with a vowel, when speaking, it usually becomes κι. This is very common in Greek, but even if you say και εσένα, nobody will notice.

Here are some other variations that answer the same question:

• Greek: Με λένε Μαρία. Εσένα;
• Romanization: Me léne María. Eséna?
• Literal Translation: “I am named Maria. You?”
• Translation: “My name is Maria. Yours?”

• Greek: Είμαι ο Γιώργος. Εσένα πώς σε λένε;
• Romanization: Íme o Yórgos. Eséna pós se léne?
• Translation: “I am George. What’s your name?”

To learn more about how to give a full self-introduction, check out our relevant blog post. 

2. Where are you from?

Here’s another popular question, which is a perfect conversation starter.

The Question

• Greek: Από πού είσαι;
• Romanization: Apó pu íse?
• Translation: “Where are you from?”

Generally, you can answer by saying:

 Είμαι από…. + definite article in the accusative case + place.

Here are some examples:

The Answer

• Greek: Είμαι από την Ελλάδα.
• Romanization: Íme apó tin Εláda.
• Translation: “I am from Greece.”

• Greek: Είμαι από την Αμερική.
• Romanization: Íme apó tin Amerikí.
• Translation: “I am from America.”

• Greek: Είμαι από τον Καναδά.
• Romanization: Íme apó ton Kanadá.
• Translation: “I am from Canada.”

As you might have noticed, we say Είμαι από την Αμερική and Είμαι από τον Καναδά. They’re both definite articles, but why are they different?

In Greek, nouns fall into three categories, according to their gender: feminine, masculine, and neutral. So, Αμερική is feminine and Καναδάς is masculine. Therefore, they’re accompanied by the appropriate definite article. 

If you want to learn more about definite articles and their use in Greek, we’ve got you covered. Watch our relevant video. 

3. Do you speak Greek?

Before starting a conversation with someone, it’s probably a good idea to ask them whether they speak Greek. Here are the Greek questions and answers you can use and expect. 

The Question

• Greek: Μιλάς ελληνικά;
• Romanization: Milás eliniká?
• Translation: “Do you speak Greek?”

The Answer

• Greek: Ναι, μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά.
• Romanization: Ne, miláo lígo eliniká.
• Translation: “Yes, I speak a little Greek.”

• Greek: Ναι, μιλάω πολύ καλά ελληνικά.
• Romanization: Ne, miláo polí kalá eliniká.
• Translation: “Yes, I speak Greek very well.”

• Greek: Όχι, δεν μιλάω ελληνικά.
• Romanization: Óhi, den miláo eliniká.
• Translation: “No, I don’t speak Greek.”

Of course, you can use the same phrase (Μιλάς + language;) to ask someone if they speak any other language.

4. How long have you been studying Greek?

This is one of the easy Greek questions that a foreigner may be asked during a conversation. Here’s how to ask and answer! 

The Question

• Greek: Πόσο καιρό μαθαίνεις ελληνικά;
• Romanization: Póso keró mathénis eliniká?
• Translation: “How long have you been learning Greek?”

The Answer

• Greek: Mαθαίνω ελληνικά εδώ και 1 χρόνο.
• Romanization: Mathéno eliniká edó ke énan hróno.
• Translation: “I have been learning Greek for a year now.”

5. Have you been to Greece?

Do you want to exchange some travel experience about Greece?

Then simply ask this question. 

The Question

• Greek: Έχεις επισκεφτεί την Ελλάδα;
• Romanization: Éhis episkeftí tin Elláda?
• Translation: “Have you visited Greece?”

The Answer

• Greek: Ναι, έχω πάει στην Ελλάδα δύο φορές.
• Romanization: Ne, ého pái stin Eláda dío forés.
• Translation: “Yes, I have been to Greece twice.”

• Greek: Δυστυχώς όχι, αλλά θα ήθελα.
• Romanization: Distihós óhi, alá tha íthela.
• Translation: “Unfortunately no, but I want to.”

If you’re planning to visit Greece soon, check out our Survival Greek Phrases Series.

6. What’s the weather like today?

Greece is blessed with mild weather and a Mediterranean climate. Summer is hot and sunny, whereas winter is not extremely cold. It’s a fact that many locals go swimming at the beach during the winter, as well. 

Here’s how you can ask for info about the weather in Greek. 

The Question

• Greek: Πώς είναι ο καιρός σήμερα;
• Romanization: Pós íne o kerós símera?
• Translation: “How is the weather today?”

• Greek: Τι καιρό κάνει σήμερα;
• Romanization: Ti keró káni símera?
• Translation: “What is the weather like today?”

The Answer

• Greek: Σήμερα έχει λιακάδα.
• Romanization: Símera éhi liakáda.
• Translation: “Today is sunny.”

• Greek: Σήμερα έχει συννεφιά.
• Romanization: Símera éhi sinefiá.
• Translation: “Today is cloudy.”

• Greek: Σήμερα βρέχει.
• Romanization: Símera vréhi.
• Translation: “Today it’s raining.”

Of course, these are just the most basic answers. Learn more about The Weather in Greece or enhance your vocabulary with the Top 15 Weather Conditions. 

7. Do you like Greek food?

Who doesn’t like Greek cuisine? If you haven’t tried it, it’s a must! 

Just visit a Greek restaurant, or ταβέρνα (tavérna), and try one of the following: pastitsio, mousakas, kleftiko, gemista, gyros, souvlaki, tzatziki, or an authentic Greek salad!

The Question

• Greek: Σου αρέσει το ελληνικό φαγητό;
• Romanization: Su arési to ellinikó fayitó?
• Translation: “Do you like Greek food?”

The Answer

• Greek: Ναι, μου αρέσει πάρα πολύ!
• Romanization: Ne, mu arési pára polí!
• Translation: “Yes, I like it very much!”

• Greek: Όχι, δεν μου αρέσει.
• Romanization: Óhi, den mu arési.
• Translation: “Νο, I don’t like it.”

If you need more information, you can Learn How to Order at a Greek Restaurant.

8. What are you doing?

In Greek culture, questions like this are a typical, informal way to check on someone. This question also corresponds to “How are you?”

The Question

• Greek: Τι κάνεις;
• Romanization: Ti kánis?
• Translation: “What are you doing?” / “How are you?”

The Answer

• Greek: Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ. Εσύ;
• Romanization: Íme kalá, efharistó. Esí?
• Translation: “I am fine, thank you. You?”

9. What’s wrong?

In Greece, it’s considered polite to ask someone if they’re okay. However, if you’re not close friends, the most likely answer would be “Everything is fine.”

The Question

• Greek: Τι έχεις;
• Romanization: Ti éhis?
• Translation: “What do you have?” / “What’s wrong?”

The Answer

• Greek: Τίποτα, είμαι μια χαρά.
• Romanization: Típota, íme mia hará.
• Translation: “Nothing, I am fine.”

• Greek: Δεν είμαι και πολύ καλά.
• Romanization: Den íme ke polí kalá.
• Translation: “I’m not doing very well.”

You can learn more about positive and negative emotions in our vocabulary lists. 

10. How much is it?

Last, but not least, you should know how to ask for an item’s price. Below, you can find how to do so in Greek. 

The Question

• Greek: Πόσο κοστίζει/κάνει αυτό;
• Romanization: Póso kostízi/káni aftó?
• Translation: “How much does this cost?”

The Answer

• Greek: Kοστίζει/Κάνει 10 ευρώ.
• Romanization: Κostízi/Káni déka evró.
• Translation: “It costs 10 euros.”

11. Conclusion

These were the most popular questions and their answers in Greek! We hope you’re now more confident about asking questions to your Greek friends or family.

GreekPod101.com offers you high-quality, practical lessons about the Greek language.  

At GreekPod101.com, we aim to provide you with everything you need to know about the Greek language in a fun and interesting way. Stay tuned for more articles like this one, word lists, grammar tips, and even YouTube videos, which are waiting for you to discover!

In the meantime, can you think of any more Greek questions and answers not included in this list? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll surely inform you about their Greek equivalents!

Okay, we should admit it. 

How about sentence patterns, though?

Yes, I mean versatile Greek sentence patterns, which can be adapted for anything you want to say. That’s exciting, right?

In this article, we’ll focus on practical examples, demonstrating all the basic sentence patterns in Greek. After reading this, you’ll be able to construct simple sentences in Greek, which will certainly be useful whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced learner.

Table of Contents

1. Linking Two Nouns: A is B
2. Using Adjectives to Describe a Noun: A is {Adjective}
3. Expressing Desire: I Want (to)…
4. Expressing Need: I Need (to)… / I Have to…
5. Saying What You Like: I Like (to)…
6. Politely Asking Someone to Do Something: Please…
7. Asking for Permission: May I…? / Can I…?
8. Asking for Information About Something: What is…?
9. Asking About How Something Is: How is…?
10. Asking About the Time: When is…?
11. Asking About Location or Position: Where is…?
12. Conclusion

1. Linking Two Nouns: A is B

Linking two nouns is pretty easy in Greek. Actually, this sentence pattern resembles its English equivalent. The only difference is the use of articles, which is a standard thing in Greek. 

The key concept here is the verb είμαι (íme), meaning “to be,“ which is used to link two nouns. In most cases, the second noun describes the first one. Be careful, though. All verbs in Greek get conjugated according to the person they refer to. 

Let’s have a look at some Greek sentence examples below: 

• Greek: Ο Γιάννης είναι κτηνίατρος.
• Romanization: O Yánis íne ktiníatros.
• Translation: “John is a veterinarian.”

• Greek: Η γυναίκα είναι δασκάλα.
• Romanization: I yinéka íne daskála.
• Translation: “The woman is a teacher.”

• Greek: Το ρολόι είναι δώρο.
• Romanization: To rolói íne dóro.
• Translation: “The watch is a gift.”

2. Using Adjectives to Describe a Noun: A is {Adjective}

Another alternative that might come in handy is trying to describe a noun with an adjective. This can also be done easily, by simply placing the adjective after the verb είμαι (íme).

Here are some examples:

• Greek: Το βιβλίο είναι ενδιαφέρον.
• Romanization: To vivlío íne endiaféron.
• Translation: “The book is interesting.”

• Greek: Το φαγητό είναι νόστιμο.
• Romanization: To fayitó íne nóstimo.
• Translation: “The food is delicious.”

• Greek: Η ταινία ήταν τρομακτική.
• Romanization: I tenía ítan tromaktikí.
• Translation: “The movie was scary.”

3. Expressing Desire: I Want (to)…

The verb θέλω (thélo), meaning “to want,” can be accompanied by a noun as it represents a desire. In addition,  it’s often accompanied by a verb in the subjunctive mood (i.e. by the conjunction να followed by a verb), in order to express the desire to do a certain action. Alternatively, it can be accompanied by a demonstrative pronoun. 

Let’s take a look at some examples of this Greek sentence structure:

• Greek: Θέλω κοτόπουλο.
• Romanization: Thélo kotópulo.
• Translation: “I want chicken.”

• Greek: Θέλω να κοιμηθώ.
• Romanization: Thélo na kimithó.
• Translation: “I want to sleep.”

• Greek: Θέλω να κάνω μια ερώτηση.
• Romanization: Thélo na káno mia erótisi.
• Translation: “I want to ask a question.”

• Greek: Θέλω αυτό.
• Romanization: Thélo aftó.
• Translation: “I want this.”

4. Expressing Need: I Need (to)… / I Have to…

Unlike in English, the phrase “need to” in Greek is not a synonym for “must.” Instead, it’s used as its literal translation, expressing a necessity. 

Again, in this case, these phrases are often accompanied by a noun or a verb in the subjunctive mood.

Here are some examples of Greek sentences expressing need: 

• Greek: Χρειάζομαι ένα στυλό.
• Romanization: Hriázome éna stiló.
• Translation: “I need a pen.”

• Greek: Πρέπει να φύγω.
• Romanization: Prépi na fígo.
• Translation: “I have to go.”

• Greek: Πρέπει να πάω στην τουαλέτα.
• Romanization: Prépi na páo stin tualéta.
• Translation: “I have to go to the bathroom.”

• Greek: Πρέπει να εξασκηθώ περισσότερο.
• Romanization: Prépi na exaskithó perisótero.
• Translation: “I have to practice more.”

5. Saying What You Like: I Like (to)…

Below, you can find some practical Greek sentences for beginners that you can use to describe something that you like. 

Again, when describing an action that you like, the second verb should be in the subjunctive mood.

• Greek: Μου αρέσεις.
• Romanization: Mu arésis.
• Translation: “I like you.”

• Greek: Μου αρέσει αυτό το βιβλίο.
• Romanization: Mu arési aftó to vivlío.
• Translation: “I like this book.”

• Greek: Μου αρέσει να μαγειρεύω.
• Romanization: Mu arési na mayirévo.
• Translation: “I like to cook.”

• Greek: Μου αρέσει να βλέπω το ηλιοβασίλεμα στην παραλία.
• Romanization: Mu arési na vlépo to iliovasílema stin paralía.
• Translation: “I like to watch the sunset at the beach.”

6. Politely Asking Someone to Do Something: Please…

Let’s take a look at some examples of how to form Greek sentences this way: 

• Greek: Παρακαλώ, καθίστε.
• Romanization: Parakaló,kathíste.
• Translation: “Please, sit down.”

• Greek: Παρακαλώ, περιμένετε στην ουρά.
• Romanization: Parakaló, periménete stin urá.
• Translation: “Please, wait in the line.”

• Greek: Σε παρακαλώ, άκουσέ με.
• Romanization: Se parakaló, ákusé me.
• Translation: “Please, listen to me / hear me out.” (informal)

7. Asking for Permission: May I…? / Can I…?

Knowing how to ask something politely will surely be useful, whether you’re visiting Greece or talking with your Greek friends. 

Below, you can find some of the most common polite questions. 

• Greek: Μπορώ να περάσω;
• Romanization: Boró na peráso?
• Translation: “May I come in?”

• Greek: Μπορώ να έχω λίγο νερό;
• Romanization: Boró na ého lígo neró?
• Translation: “Can I have some water?”

• Greek: Μπορώ να έχω τηλέφωνό σου;
• Romanization: Boró na ého to tiléfonó su?
• Translation: “Can I have your phone number?”

8. Asking for Information About Something: What is…?

Another important type of question is that used to ask for information about something. The protagonist here is the interrogative pronoun Τι….; (Ti…?), meaning “What…?”

• Greek: Τι είναι αυτό;
• Romanization: Ti íne aftó?
• Translation: “What is this?”

• Greek: Τι χρώμα είναι το παντελόνι που ήθελες;
• Romanization: Ti hróma íne to pandelóni pu ítheles?
• Translation: “What color are the trousers you wanted?”

9. Asking About How Something Is: How is…?

You might be wondering “How do I say this?” Wonder no more – here’s how to ask questions beginning with “How.”

• Greek: Πώς μπορώ να το πω αυτό;
• Romanization: Pós boró na to po aftó?
• Translation: “How can I say this?”

• Greek: Πώς σε λένε;
• Romanization: Pos se léne?
• Translation: “How do they call you?”
• Meaning: This is the most common way to ask someone for their name. It’s equivalent to “What’s your name?”

• Greek: Πώς μπορώ να πάω στο ξενοδοχείο;
• Romanization: Pós boró na páo sto xenodohío?
• Translation: “How can I get to the hotel?”

10. Asking About the Time: When is…?

Being on time is highly appreciated by Greeks. In addition, remembering someone’s birthday is considered a proof of friendship. 

In order to ask questions about when something is, you can follow a general rule: Πότε είναι (Póte íne) + article + noun.

Here are some of the most common relevant questions:

• Greek: Πότε είναι τα γενέθλιά σου;
• Romanization: Póte íne ta yenéthliá su?
• Translation: “When is your birthday?”

• Greek: Πότε είναι το ραντεβού;
• Romanization: Póte íne to randevú?
• Translation: “When is the appointment?”

• Greek: Πότε είναι η ώρα αναχώρησης της πτήσης μας;
• Romanization: Póte íne i óra anahórisi tis ptísis mas?
• Translation: “When is the departure time of our flight?”

• Greek: Πότε είναι η ώρα άφιξης της πτήσης μας;
• Romanization: Póte íne i óra áfixis tis ptísis mas?
• Translation: “When is the arrival time of our flight?”

11. Asking About Location or Position: Where is…?

Last but not least, another useful question is that used to ask where something is. If you’re visiting Greece for the first time, feel free to use the basic questions demonstrated below.

A general rule is: Πού είναι (Pu íne) + article + noun.

• Greek: Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
• Romanization: Pu íne i tualéta?
• Translation: “Where is the restroom?”

• Greek: Πού είναι το ασανσέρ;
• Romanization: Pu íne to asansér?
• Translation: “Where is the elevator?”

12. Conclusion

Simple Greek language sentences, like those we demonstrated above, can be useful in a wide variety of situations. That’s our goal: To provide you with practical knowledge, which can be learned in an easy and fun way. 

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting to be discovered. 

In the meantime, is there a sentence structure that troubles you? Check out our Must-Know Greek Sentence Structures series. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments, and we’d be happy to help!

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	αγαπάω or αγαπώ	αγαπούσα	αγάπησα	θα αγαπήσω	θα αγαπάω or αγαπώ	θα έχω αγαπήσει	έχω αγαπήσει	είχα αγαπήσει
εσύ	αγαπάς	αγαπούσες	αγάπησες	θα αγαπήσεις	θα αγαπάς	θα έχεις αγαπήσει	έχεις αγαπήσει	είχες αγαπήσει
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	αγαπάει or αγαπά	αγαπούσε	αγάπησε	θα αγαπήσει	θα αγαπάει or αγαπά	θα έχει αγαπήσει	έχει αγαπήσει	είχε αγαπήσει
εμείς	αγαπάμε or αγαπούμε	αγαπούσαμε	αγαπήσαμε	θα αγαπήσουμε	θα αγαπάμε or αγαπούμε	θα έχουμε αγαπήσει	έχουμε αγαπήσει	είχαμε αγαπήσει
εσείς	αγαπάτε	αγαπούσατε	αγαπήσατε	θα αγαπήσετε	θα αγαπάτε	θα έχετε αγαπήσει	έχετε αγαπήσει	είχατε αγαπήσει
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	αγαπάνε or αγαπούν(ε)	αγαπούσαν(ε)	αγάπησαν	θα αγαπήσουν(ε)	θα αγαπάνε or αγαπούν(ε)	θα έχουν(ε) αγαπήσει	έχουν(ε) αγαπήσει	είχαν(ε) αγαπήσει

	Subjunctive
	Present	Past Continuous	Simple Past	Simple Future	Future Continuous	Future Perfect	Present Perfect	Past Perfect
εγώ	να αγαπάω or να αγαπώ	–	να αγαπήσω	–	–	–	να έχω αγαπήσει	–
εσύ	να αγαπάς	–	να αγαπήσεις	–	–	–	να έχεις αγαπήσει	–
αυτός / αυτή / αυτό	να αγαπάει or να αγαπά	–	να αγαπήσει	–	–	–	να έχει αγαπήσει	–
εμείς	να αγαπάμε or να αγαπούμε	–	να αγαπήσουμε	–	–	–	να έχουμε αγαπήσει	–
εσείς	να αγαπάτε	–	να αγαπήσετε	–	–	–	να έχετε αγαπήσει	–
αυτοί / αυτές / αυτά	να αγαπάνε or να αγαπούν(ε)	–	να αγαπήσουν(ε)	–	–	–	να έχουν(ε) αγαπήσει	–

	Imperative		The participle	The infinitive
	Present	Simple Past	Present	Simple Past
εσύ	αγάπα	αγάπησε	αγαπώντας	αγαπήσει
εσείς	αγαπάτε	αγαπήστε

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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If you’ve been following us, it’s for sure that you’ve learned a bunch of Greek words and phrases. 

Well done!

However, random words and phrases can’t mean anything unless they’re placed in the correct order. This is why we’ve created a dedicated blog post showcasing the correct Greek word order.

While ancient Greek word order was a bit more complicated, things in modern Greek are much simpler. 

After reading this article, you’ll be able to construct full sentences in Greek like a native speaker.

Now, let’s have a look at some basic rules and comprehensive examples.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Word Order in Greek
2. Basic Word Order with Subject, Verb, and Object (or Predicate)
3. Word Order with Adverbial Phrases
4. Word Order with Modifiers
5. How to Change a Sentence into a Yes-or-No Question
6. How to Form Long Sentences Step-by-Step
7. Conclusion

1. Overview of Word Order in Greek

The basic word order in Greek sentences follows the SVO pattern. However, the sentence structure is flexible, and many other variations exist.

Overall, the sentence structure is the same as that in the English language. A major difference is that the subject can sometimes be omitted in Greek, as the form of the verb itself indicates the first, second, or third person so that the subject is often understood from the context. This is due to the conjugation of Greek verbs, according to which, the suffix of the verb changes based upon the person and the number of the subject.

2. Basic Word Order with Subject, Verb, and Object (or Predicate)

In this section, we’ll focus on the basic word order in modern Greek and its variations.

2.1 The Basic Word Order 

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká.

Translation: “I study Greek.”

Subject: Εγώ (Egó) | Verb: μελετώ (meletó) | Object: ελληνικά (eliniká)

Greek: Η Μαρία οδηγεί ένα αυτοκίνητο.

Romanization: I María odiyí éna aftokínito.

Translation: “Maria drives a car.”

Subject: Η Μαρία (I María) | Verb: οδηγεί (odiyí) | Object: ένα αυτοκίνητο (éna aftokínito)

Greek: Ο πατέρας μου είναι δάσκαλος.

Romanization: O patéras mu íne dáskalos.

Translation: “My father is a teacher.”

Subject: Ο πατέρας μου (O patéras mu) | Verb: είναι (íne) | Predicate: δάσκαλος (dáskalos)

Greek: Το ξενοδοχείο είναι μεγάλο.

Romanization: To xenodohío íne megálo.

Translation: “The hotel is big.”

Subject: Το ξενοδοχείο (To xenodohío) | Verb: είναι (íne) | Predicate: μεγάλο (megálo)

2.2 Word Order with Emphasis on the Object

Now, let’s take a look at what happens when we need to emphasize the object.

When we want to emphasize the object, we place the object at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb and the subject. This can also be perceived as a reversal of the basic sentence components, which in this case follow the OVS pattern, as shown in the examples below.

Greek: Ελληνικά μελετώ εγώ.

Romanization: Eliniká meletó egó.

Translation: “Greek (is what) I study.”

Subject: εγώ (egó) | Verb: μελετώ (meletó) | Object: Ελληνικά (Eliniká)

Greek: Ένα αυτοκίνητο οδηγεί η Μαρία.

Romanization: Éna aftokínito odiyí i María.

Translation: “(It is) a car (that) Maria drives.”*

Subject: η Μαρία (i María) | Verb: οδηγεί (odiyí) | Object: Ένα αυτοκίνητο (Éna aftokínito)

* This would be the answer to the question: Τι οδηγεί η Μαρία; (Ti odiyí i María?), or “What is Maria driving?” It indicates that she’s driving a car as opposed to a bus, for example.

Greek: Δάσκαλος είναι ο πατέρας μου.

Romanization: Dáskalos íne o patéras mu.

Translation: “(A) teacher is (what) my father (is).”

Subject: ο πατέρας μου (o patéras mu) | Verb: είναι (íne) | Predicate: Δάσκαλος (Dáskalos)

Greek: Μεγάλο είναι το ξενοδοχείο.

Romanization: Megálo íne to xenodohío.

Translation: “Big is (what) the hotel (is).”

Subject: το ξενοδοχείο (to xenodohío) | Verb: είναι (íne) | Predicate: Μεγάλο (Megálo)

3. Word Order with Adverbial Phrases

When it comes to adverbial phrases, Greek word order is almost identical to English. Adverbial phrases indicate information about the verb, such as “when,” “where,” or “how” something happened. These are normally placed at the end of the sentence. They can be single words (e.g. an adverb) or whole phrases (e.g. a prepositional phrase). If you want to learn more about Greek adverbs, visit our Top 100 Greek Adverbs article.

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά κάθε μέρα.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká káthe méra.

Translation: “I study Greek everyday.”

Subject: Εγώ (Egó) | Verb: μελετώ (meletó) | Object: ελληνικά (eliniká) | Adverbial phrase answering “When?”: κάθε μέρα (káthe méra)

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά στο σπίτι.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká sto spíti.

Translation: “I study Greek at home.”

Subject: Εγώ (Egó) | Verb: μελετώ (meletó) | Object: ελληνικά (eliniká) | Adverbial phrase answering “Where?”: στο σπίτι (sto spíti)

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά με το GreekPod101.com.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká me to GreekPod101.com.

Translation: “I study Greek with GreekPod101.com.”

Subject: Εγώ (Egó) | Verb: μελετώ (meletó) | Object: ελληνικά (eliniká) | Adverbial phrase answering “How?”: με το GreekPod101.com (to GreekPod101.com)

When more than one adverbial phrase needs to be included, their order is flexible. Let’s have a

look at some examples below:

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά κάθε μέρα στο σπίτι με το GreekPod101.com.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká káthe méra sto spíti me to GreekPod101.com.

Translation: “I study Greek everyday at home with GreekPod101.com.”

Subject: Εγώ (Egó) | Verb: μελετώ (meletó) | Object: ελληνικά (eliniká) | Adverbial Phrase 1: κάθε μέρα (káthe méra) [indicating time] | Adverbial Phrase 2: στο σπίτι (sto spíti me) [indicating place] | Adverbial Phrase 3: με το GreekPod101.com (to GreekPod101.com) [indicating manner]

However, it would be equally correct to use any of the following variations, with no change in the

meaning or usage.

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά στο σπίτι κάθε μέρα με το GreekPod101.com.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká sto spíti káthe méra me to GreekPod101.com.

Translation: “I study Greek at home everyday with GreekPod101.com.”

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά στο σπίτι με το GreekPod101.com κάθε μέρα.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká sto spíti me to GreekPod101.com káthe méra.

Translation: “I study Greek at home with GreekPod101.com everyday.”

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά με το GreekPod101.com στο σπίτι κάθε μέρα .

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká me to GreekPod101.com sto spíti káthe méra.

Translation: “I study Greek with GreekPod101.com at home everyday.”

4. Word Order with Modifiers

4.1 Word Order with Adjectives

In Greek language word order, adjectives are usually placed before the noun they modify. In addition, they must follow the gender, case, and the number of the noun. The same rule applies to numerals. 

Greek: Εγώ γράφω με μπλε στιλό.

Romanization: Egó gráfo me ble stiló.

Translation: “I write with a blue pen.”

Learn the Top 100 Most Common Greek Adjectives in our relevant article!

4.2 Word Order with Adverbs

Adverbs are generally placed after the verb they modify, or at the end of the sentence.

Greek: Εγώ γράφω πιο καθαρά με μπλε στιλό.

Romanization: Egó gráfo pio kathará me ble stiló.

Translation: “I write more clearly with a blue pen.”

Greek: Εγώ γράφω με μπλε στιλό πιο καθαρά.

Romanization: Egó gráfo me ble stiló pio kathará.

Translation: “I write with a blue pen more clearly.”

Do you want to learn the most common Greek adverbs? Check out our Top 100 Greek Adverbs article!

4.3 Word Order with Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are placed within a sentence, after the word they refer to, like in English.

Greek: Ο καφές που παρήγγειλα ήταν κρύος.

Romanization: O kafés pu paríngila ítan kríos.

Translation: “The coffee that I ordered was cold.”

4.4 Word Order with Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns are placed after the noun they refer to, as opposed to in English where they’re placed before the noun.

Greek: Ο καφές μου ήταν κρύος.

Romanization: O kafés mu ítan kríos.

Translation: “My coffee was cold.”

Practice makes perfect! Study the Top 100 Greek Pronouns in our article!

5. How to Change a Sentence into a Yes-or-No Question

Changing a sentence into a yes-or-no question is really easy in Greek. Usually, just adding a

question mark at the end will do the job, as demonstrated in the examples below:

Original Affirmative Sentence

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά κάθε μέρα.

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká káthe méra.

Translation: “I study Greek everyday.”

Conversion into a Yes-or-No Question:

Greek: Εγώ μελετώ ελληνικά κάθε μέρα;

Romanization: Egó meletó eliniká káthe méra?

Translation: “Do I study Greek everyday?”

As you can see, there’s no change in the sentence structure other than the addition of a question mark

at the end, which in Greek looks like an English semicolon.

6. How to Form Long Sentences Step-by-Step

The key to constructing longer and more complex sentences in Greek is to take into account everything we’ve covered so far. Here’s an example of how to construct a longer sentence in Greek, step-by-step:

Step 1: Just choose a simple SVO sentence first.

Greek: Εσύ ήπιες νερό.

Romanization: Esí ípies neró.

Translation: “You drank water.”

Note: The verb should comply with the person and number of the subject and be formed in the correct tense and mood, since Greek verbs conjugate.

Step 2: Add an adverbial phrase.

Greek: Εσύ ήπιες νερό πριν από δέκα λεπτά.

Romanization: Esí ípies neró prin apó déka leptá.

Translation: “You drank water ten minutes ago.”

Note: The adverbial phrase is placed at the end of the sentence.

Step 3: Add modifiers in the sentence.

Greek: Εσύ ήπιες δύο μικρά μπουκάλια νερό πριν από δέκα λεπτά.

Romanization: Esí ípies dío mikrá bukália neró prin apó déka leptá.

Translation: “You drank two small bottles of water ten minutes ago.”

Note: Take into account that the numeral is placed before the noun and before the adjective (if the noun has one), just like in English.

Step 4: Conversion to a Question

Greek: Εσύ ήπιες δύο μικρά μπουκάλια νερό πριν από δέκα λεπτά;

Romanization: Esí ípies dío mikrá bukália neró prin apó déka leptá?

Translation: “Did you drink two small bottles of water ten minutes ago?”

7. Conclusion

Unlike the vast Greek grammar, which consists of many rules and exceptions, Greek syntax is way easier to learn. 

As you might have noticed, there are only a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to modern Greek word order. 

Start learning Greek today in a consistent and organized manner by creating a free lifetime account on GreekPod101.com. Tons of free vocabulary lists, YouTube videos, and grammar tips are waiting for you to discover. 
In the meantime, is there a sentence structure that troubles you? Check out our Must-Know Greek Sentence Structures series. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments and we’d be happy to help!

Time is a human invention. It’s used to make our everyday lives easier, since it helps us communicate effectively. 

Ever wondered how to tell the hours, minutes, and seconds in Greek? Or about the Greek word for time? 

Even if you’ve never wondered, you’ll certainly need this knowledge while visiting Greece or when talking with your Greek friends. 

From arranging a business appointment to arranging a date with someone you really like, telling the time in Greek is a pretty important skill to learn. 

Telling the time in Greek is very similar to English, so this is considered an easy chapter. The first thing you need to know is that Greece uses both the twenty-four-hour format and the twelve-hour format, the latter of which is more often used in verbal speech. Secondly, you need to familiarize yourself with the Greek numbers.  

Thirdly, just keep reading and all of your questions around how to tell the time in Greek will be answered.

Table of Contents

1. How to Ask for the Time in Greek
2. The Hours in Greek
3. Minutes and Seconds in Greek
4. The Hours Divided into Minute-Packages
5. General Time Reference Throughout the Day
6. Time Adverbs in Greek
7. Greek Proverbs and Sayings Related to Time
8. Conclusion

1. How to Ask for the Time in Greek

Asking for the time in Greek is probably the most important aspect of time-telling you need to know. 

• Greek: Τι ώρα είναι;
• Romanization: Ti óra íne?
• Translation: “What time is it?”

Pretty easy, right?

Now let’s have a look at how to ask for the time of a specific event. 

• Greek: Τι ώρα είναι ο αγώνας / η συγκέντρωση / το ραντεβού;
• Romanization: Ti óra íne o agónas / i singéndrosi / to randevú?
• Translation: “What time is the game / the gathering / the appointment?”

Now let’s assume your phone battery is dead and you’re not wearing a watch. How could you possibly find out what time it is? The answer lies right below.

• Greek: Μήπως έχετε ώρα, παρακαλώ;
• Romanization: Mípos éhete óra, parakaló?
• Translation: “Do you have the time, please?”

The question above is widely used and it’s considered pretty polite when you’re not sure if someone has a watch or when you don’t know each other. The answer here would be the current time, thus this phrase can be used as an alternative to the simple Τι ώρα είναι; question. 

2. The Hours in Greek

First things first, let’s have a look at how to say the hours in Greek. 

• Greek: η ώρα
• Romanization: i óra
• Translation: “hour” / “o’ clock”

• Greek: ακριβώς
• Romanization: akrivós
• Translation: “sharp”

So, when you need to tell the hour, you can use the sentence below.

• Greek: Είναι……………….. η ώρα (ακριβώς).
• Romanization: Íne ………………….. i óra (akrivós).
• Translation: “It’s ……………………….. o’clock (sharp).”

While the addition of ακριβώς is optional, you can fill the blank space above with one of the hours below. 

Hours in Greek:

• μία (mía) — “one”
• δύο (dío) — “two”
• τρεις (tris) — “three”
• τέσσερις (téseris) — “four”
• πέντε (péde) — “five”
• έξι (éxi) — “six”
• επτά/εφτά (eptá/eftá) — “seven”
• οκτώ/οχτώ (októ/ohtó) — “eight”
• εννέα/εννιά (enéa/eniá) — “nine”
• δέκα (déka) — “ten”
• έντεκα (édeka) — “eleven”
• δώδεκα (dódeka) — “twelve”

In verbal speech in Greece, the most common way to tell the time is based on the twelve-hour clock. However, in written speech, it’s more common to use the twenty-four-hour clock.

3. Minutes and Seconds in Greek

Time flies. With GreekPod101.com, you won’t realize how quickly you’ll be an expert in Greek. As minutes and seconds pass by, you get a little bit closer to your Greek learning goals!

So, here’s how to say the minutes and the seconds in Greek. It will take only a minute to learn this!

• Greek: το λεπτό / τα λεπτά
• Romanization: to leptó / ta leptá
• Translation: “minute” / “minutes”

• Greek: το δευτερόλεπτο / τα δευτερόλεπτα
• Romanization: to defterólepto / ta defterólepta
• Translation: “second” / “seconds”

• Greek: και
• Romanization: ke
• Translation: equivalent to “and” / “past” in English

• Greek: παρά
• Romanization: pará
• Translation: equivalent to “to” in English

Now, let’s have a look at how to tell the time through some comprehensive examples:

• Greek: Είναι τρεις και δεκαοκτώ (03:18 / 15:18).
• Romanization: Íne tris ke dekaoktó.
• Translation: “It’s eighteen past three.”

• Greek: Είναι δύο παρά εικοσιπέντε (01:35 / 13:35).
• Romanization: Íne dío pará ikosipénde.
• Translation: “It’s twenty-five to two.”

4. The Hours Divided into Minute-Packages

• Greek: μισή
• Romanization: misí
• Translation: “half”

• Greek: τέταρτο
• Romanization: tétarto
• Translation: “quarter”

There is no Greek equivalent for “a third” of the hour. This can be translated in Greek as και είκοσι

or παρά είκοσι, as referenced in the previous section of this article. 

Here are some helpful phrases for telling time in Greek this way:

• Greek: Είναι έξι και τέταρτο.
• Romanization: Íne éxi ke tétarto.
• Translation: “It’s a quarter past six.”

• Greek: Είναι οκτώ παρά τέταρτο.
• Romanization: Íne októ pará tétarto.
• Translation: “It’s a quarter to eight.”

• Greek: Είναι έξι και μισή.
• Romanization: Íne éxi ke misí.
• Translation: “It’s half past six.”

5. General Time Reference Throughout the Day

Since the twelve-hour clock is preferred in oral speech in Greece, when someone says “at nine o’clock,” you probably need to know if they’re referring to the morning or the evening. This is indicated by using the phrases below.

• Greek: το πρωί
• Romanization: to proí
• Translation: “in the morning”

Example:

Greek: Στις έξι (η ώρα) το πρωί. 

Romanization: Stis éxi (i óra) to proí.

Translation: “At six (o’clock) in the morning.”

• Greek: το απόγευμα
• Romanization: to apóyevma
• Translation: “the afternoon”

Example:

Greek: Στις τρεις (η ώρα) το απόγευμα. 

Romanization: Stis tris (i óra) to apóyevma.

Translation: “At three (o’clock) in the afternoon.”

• Greek: το βράδυ
• Romanization: to vrádi
• Translation: “the night”

Example:

Greek: Στις δέκα (η ώρα) το βράδυ. 

Romanization: Stis déka (i óra) to vrádi.

Translation: “At ten (o’clock) at night.”

While the words above are common in everyday speech, in formal situations—for example, in the news—the way to indicate the exact time in Greek is by using the appropriate phrase from the list below.

• Greek: προ μεσημβρίας (π.μ.)
• Romanization: pro mesimvrías
• Translation: “ante meridiem” (a.m.) / “before midday”

• Greek: μετά μεσημβρίαν (μ.μ.)
• Romanization: metá mesimvrían
• Translation: “post meridiem” (p.m.) / “after midday”

However, at this point, you should note that in Greek you need to say the full phrase instead of just the initials. 

Here are some more time reference phrases you can use to indicate different time periods throughout the day. 

• Greek: το μεσημέρι
• Romanization: to mesiméri
• Translation: “noon” / “midday”

Example:

Greek: Στις δώδεκα το μεσημέρι. 

Romanization: Stis dódeka to mesiméri.

Translation: “At twelve o’clock noon.”

• Greek: τα μεσάνυχτα
• Romanization: ta mesánihta
• Translation: “midnight”

Example:

Greek: Είναι δώδεκα τα μεσάνυχτα. 

Romanization: Íne dódeka ta mesánihta.

Translation: “It’s twelve o’clock midnight.”

• Greek: το ξημέρωμα / τα ξημερώματα
• Romanization: to ximéroma / ta ximerómata
• Translation: “dawn/early morning hours”

Example:

Greek: Ήρθε στις πέντε η ώρα τα ξημερώματα. 

Romanization: Írthe stis pénde i óra ta ximerómata.

Translation: “He came at five o’clock in the morning.”

6. Time Adverbs in Greek

In this section, we present you with a list of some useful time adverbs in Greek to cover each and every case. All of these words for time in Greek can answer the question “When?”

• Greek: τώρα
• Romanization: tóra
• Translation: “now”

• Greek: αυτήν τη στιγμή
• Romanization: aftín ti stigmí
• Translation: “currently” / “at this moment”

• Greek: εν τω μεταξύ
• Romanization: en to metaxí
• Translation: “meanwhile”

• Greek: πριν
• Romanization: prin
• Translation: “before”

• Greek: μετά
• Romanization: metá
• Translation: “after” / “later”

• Greek: σύντομα
• Romanization: síndoma
• Translation: “soon”

• Greek: σχεδόν
• Romanization: schedón
• Translation: “almost”

• Greek: σε λίγο / σε λιγάκι
• Romanization: se lígo / se ligáki
• Translation: “in a bit” / “in a little while”

• Greek: το συντομότερο δυνατό
• Romanization: to sindomótero dinató
• Translation: “as soon as possible”

• Greek: οποιαδήποτε στιγμή
• Romanization: opiadípote stigmí
• Translation: “anytime”

• Greek: για πολύ καιρό
• Romanization: ya polí keró
• Translation: “for a long time”

7. Greek Proverbs and Sayings Related to Time

Learning some proverbs always takes you a step further into getting to know the Greek culture. Therefore, here are some of the most popular proverbs, sayings, and time expressions in Greek.

• Greek: Ο χρόνος είναι χρήμα.
• Romanization: O hrónos íne hríma.
• Translation: “Time is money.”

• Greek: Ο χρόνος είναι ο καλύτερος γιατρός.
• Romanization: O hrónos íne o kalíteros yatrós.
• Translation: “Time is the best doctor (corresponding to ‘Time heals all wounds.’).”

• Greek: Ο χρόνος πίσω δεν γυρνά.
• Romanization: O hrónos píso den yirná.
• Translation: “Time doesn’t come back.”

• Greek: Ή τώρα ή ποτέ.
• Romanization: Í tóra i poté.
• Translation: “It’s either now or never.”

8. Conclusion

O χρόνος πίσω δεν γυρνά. This is certain. 

So start learning Greek today with GreekPod101.com!

Ή τώρα ή ποτε!

Start by practicing the pronunciation of some of the most important words included in this article. Then, we suggest that you read our blog post on Dates in Greek to gain a more spherical knowledge on the subject. 

Then, you can create a free personal account and browse through our wide variety of educational material. You can also upgrade to Premium Plus and take advantage of our MyTeacher program to learn Greek with your own personal tutor, who will answer any questions you might have!

In the meantime… What time is it now while you read this blog post? Write the current hour in Greek in the comments section below.