Greek punctuation

The surprising signs

Three differences from Western European habits: the question mark is written “;” (Τι κάνεις;), the semicolon's job is done by the άνω τελεία “·” (a raised dot), and quotation marks are « … » (guillemets), written without inner spaces.

• Τι ώρα είναι;What time is it?
• Δεν ήρθε· ήταν άρρωστος.He didn’t come; he was ill.
• Είπε: «Έρχομαι αμέσως.»He said, “I’m coming right away.”

The comma: where it goes — and where it doesn't

The κόμμα separates lists (ψωμί, τυρί, ελιές), sets off the vocative (Γιώργο, έλα!) and precedes αλλά. BUT: no comma before ότι, να, που — Νομίζω ότι έχεις δίκιο. Ο φίλος που ήρθε. The exact opposite of German (and often English) habits.

• Αγόρασα ψωμί, τυρί και ελιές.I bought bread, cheese and olives.
• Γιώργο, έλα εδώ!Giorgos, come here!
• Νομίζω ότι έχεις δίκιο.I think you’re right.
• Ο Νίκος, που μόλις ήρθε, είναι φίλος μου.Nikos, who has just arrived, is a friend of mine.

Common abbreviations

They are everywhere in real texts — learn to read them at a glance.

• Φέρε φρούτα, π.χ. μήλα ή αχλάδια.Bring some fruit, e.g. apples or pears.
• Αγόρασε γάλα, ψωμί κ.λπ.Buy milk, bread, etc.
• Θα έρθω στις 6 μ.μ.I’ll come at 6 p.m.

Your turn

Choose the correct form.