έχω
écho/ˈexo/
In Greek, 'I have' is expressed as έχω (écho).
The phrase is used to indicate that the speaker possesses or owns something.
How does it change in a sentence?
έχω is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb έχω. If you want to change the subject, you can use έχεις for 'you have' (singular, informal) and έχουμε for 'we have'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈexo/
Did you know?
- The Ancient Greek form ἔχω has remained remarkably stable for thousands of years, meaning the way you say 'I have' today is nearly identical to how a classical philosopher would have said it.
- In many Greek idioms, έχω is used to describe physical sensations or states, such as 'having hunger' or 'having fear', rather than using a separate verb.
- The verb έχω is used in the expression έχω την υπομονή, meaning 'I have the patience', but can be used sarcastically to indicate a total lack of patience.
Examples in context
- Έχω κάτι να πω.I have something to say.This sentence shows how to use έχω to express having something to say.Tatoeba #2428132 by mululatv, translation #806851 by Source_VOA
- Ά, δεν έχω ιδέα!Oh, I have no idea!This sentence demonstrates the use of έχω in the idiom 'to have no idea'.Tatoeba #2387060 by mululatv, translation #9401187 by Nylez
- Εγώ έχω τη λίστα.I have the list.This sentence illustrates how to use έχω to indicate possession of an object.Tatoeba #5413443 by Zeus, translation #2360393 by CK
- Έχω ένα βιβλίο.I have a book.
- Διαθέτω ένα αυτοκίνητο.I have a car.
- Έχω ένα φοβερό αυτοκίνητο.I have an awesome car.
- 255 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Kyriaki are looking for a pen in the office.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις στυλό, Κυριακή;Echeis stylo, Kyriaki?Do you have a pen, Kyriaki?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌχι, δεν έχω τίποτα στην τσάντα μου.Ochi, den echo tipota stin tsanta mou.No, I have nothing in my bag.
- Κώστας KostasΕγώ έχω ένα επιπλέον εδώ.Ego echo ena epipleon edo.I have an extra one here.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Κώστα!Efcharisto poly, Kosta!Thank you very much, Kostas!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry έχω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
