αν
an
In Greek, 'if' is expressed by the conjunction αν (an). It is also spelled εάν (eán). Wiktionary also lists άμα (áma) and ει (ei).
Meaning: supposing that (conj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αν | an | ||
| εάν | eán | alternative form | |
| άμα | áma | /ˈa.ma/ | |
| ει | ei |
The primary way to say 'if' to express a supposition is through αν. You may also encounter the phrase ακόμα κι αν, which means 'even if' and the word είτε, which means 'whether'.
Which one should you use?
While αν is the standard form, εάν is an alternative spelling. The word άμα is a colloquial version of αν, and ει is another form used for 'if'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more eloquent, written or official language, you should use εάν. In informal, spoken conversation, you will often hear the colloquial form άμα.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using αν to introduce a conditional clause, the verb in that clause is typically in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
an
Did you know?
- While αν means 'if', the word άμα originally meant 'at the same time' in Ancient Greek, shifting its meaning over centuries to imply 'as soon as' or 'if'.
- Greek has a specific way of expressing 'if only', using αν combined with a specific verb form to express deep regret or longing, which is distinct from a standard conditional 'if'.
- The distinction between αν and εάν is purely orthographic, meaning they are pronounced exactly the same way in modern Greek.
Examples in context
- Έλα αν είναι δυνατόν.Come if possible.This sentence shows how to use αν to express a condition of possibility.Tatoeba #9500001 by Niki99, translation #30573 by CM
- Δεν ξέρω αν έχω χρόνο.I don't know if I have the time.This sentence demonstrates using αν to express uncertainty.Tatoeba #7795384 by janMiso, translation #1292 by Ramses
- Κι αν κάτι πήγε στραβά;What if something went wrong?This sentence uses αν to pose a hypothetical question.Tatoeba #2998327 by mululatv, translation #2960340 by Hybrid
- Εάν επιθυμείτε να παραγγείλετε, μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε μαζί μας.If you wish to order, you can contact us.
- Αν τελειώσεις τη δουλειά, θα πάμε για φαγητό.If you finish your work, we will go out for dinner.
- Ακόμα κι αν έχεις δίκιο, πρέπει να τηρήσεις τους κανόνες.Even if you are right, you must follow the rules.
- 262 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Kostas are discussing plans for the weekend.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘα πάμε στη θάλασσα αν έχει ηλιοβόσκια.Tha pame sti thalassa an echei iliovoskia.We will go to the beach if it is sunny.
- Κώστας KostasΚαι αν βρέξει, τι θα κάνουμε;Kai an vrexei, ti tha kanoume?And if it rains, what will we do?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΑν βρέξει, θα μείνουμε στο σπίτι.An vrexei, tha meinoume sto spiti.If it rains, we will stay at home.
- Κώστας KostasΕντάξει, Κυριακή, συμφωνώ.Entaxei, Kyriaki, symfono.Okay, Kyriaki, I agree.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if” translations and entries αν, εάν, άμα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries άμα, αν, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
