είναι
einai
The English phrase "it is" is translated in Greek as είναι (einai).
The phrase είναι is used to state that something exists or has a particular quality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form είναι is the third-person singular of the verb είμαι (to be) and covers 'he is', 'she is' and 'it is'.
How do you pronounce it?
einai
When do people say it?
Έτσι είναι can be used informally to convey acceptance or resignation, which translates to "that's how it is".
Did you know?
- While you may learn it as 'it is', the modern Greek verb είναι actually has roots in the Ancient Greek word ἔνι, which originally meant 'it is in' or 'is located in'.
- Greek uses είναι to express both 'it is' and 'there is' depending on the context, whereas English uses two different verbs.
- The verb είμαι from which είναι derives is one of the most irregular verbs in the Greek language, changing its root significantly across different tenses.
Examples in context
- Δεν ξέρω τι είναι.I don't know what it is.This sentence shows how to use είναι.Tatoeba #7766448 by amoeba, translation #43145 by Dorenda
- Η φαντασία σου είναι.It is just your imagination.This sentence uses είναι.Tatoeba #7271818 by amoeba, translation #42489 by CK
- Ίσως να είναι αληθινό.Perhaps it is true.Tatoeba #3781243 by ggia, translation #1722129 by kerbear407
- Αυτό είναι ένα φανταστικό έργο τέχνης.This is a fantastic work of art.
- Έτσι είναι, δυστυχώς.That's how it is, unfortunately.
- Επί της ουσίας, αυτό είναι λάθος.Essentially, this is wrong.
- Αυτό είναι ένα καταπληκτικό τραγούδι!This is an amazing song!
- Έτσι είναι, αλλά δεν με ενοχλεί.That's how it is, but it doesn't bother me.
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Anastasia are looking at a piece of fruit in the kitchen.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι γλυκό αυτό το μήλο;Einai glyko afto to milo;Is this apple sweet?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, είναι πολύ γλυκό.Nai, einai poly glyko.Yes, it is very sweet.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι φρέσκο;Einai fresko;Is it fresh?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, είναι φρέσκο από σήμερα.Nai, einai fresko apo simera.Yes, it is fresh from today.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries είναι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
