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Α1

The verb’s little words: θα, να, ας, μη

Four particles steer the Greek verb: θα (future), να (want/should), ας (let’s), μη (don’t).

θα — the future

θα + verb = future or supposition: Θα έρθω αύριο (I’ll come tomorrow), Θα είναι ο Νίκος (that must be Nikos). At A1, θα + present gives you a serviceable future.

να — the do-everything word

Where English uses an infinitive, Greek uses να + a conjugated verb: Θέλω να φάω (I want to eat), Μπορείς να έρθεις; (can you come?), Πρέπει να φύγω (I must leave). Modern Greek has no infinitive — να does its job.

ας and μη

ας = “let’s / let it”: Ας πάμε! (let’s go!), Ας είναι (so be it). μη(ν) = prohibition or worry: Μην αργείς! (don’t be late!), often alone: Μη! (don’t!).

Order with the pronouns

Particle first, then the weak pronoun, then the verb: Θα σου πω (I’ll tell you), Να με περιμένεις! (wait for me!), Μην το ξεχάσεις! (don’t forget it!).

Your turn

Choose the correct form.