Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “they” in Greek! Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or looking to expand your knowledge of Greek grammar, this guide will provide you with all the necessary tips and examples. We’ll cover the formal and informal ways of expressing “they,” as well as regional variations that might be helpful to know. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way:
In Greek, the formal way to say “they” is translated as “αυτοί” (aftí). This form is used when addressing individuals or groups of people in a respectful and formal manner. Here are a few examples:
Αυτοί είναι οι φίλοι μου. (Aftí íne ee félee moo) – They are my friends.
Αυτοί είναι οι γονείς του. (Aftí íne ee yonís too) – They are his parents.
Remember to use the formal “αυτοί” (aftí) when addressing someone respectfully, such as elders, authority figures, or unfamiliar individuals.
Informal Way:
When it comes to informal situations, Greek provides another way to say “they.” Instead of using “αυτοί,” we use the word “εκείνοι” (ekíni). This form is commonly used among friends, peers, or in casual conversations. Let’s see some examples:
Εκείνοι είναι οι καλύτεροί μου φίλοι. (Ekínee íne ee kalítiri moov félee) – They are my best friends.
Εκείνοι είναι οι γονείς μου. (Ekínee íne ee yonís moo) – They are my parents.
Please note that using “εκείνοι” (ekíni) in formal settings might be considered impolite. Save it for casual conversations among friends or family members.
Regional Variations:
While formal and informal “they” words remain standard throughout Greece, there are some regional variations worth acknowledging. These variations occur mainly in dialects and might provide context or enrich your knowledge of Greek language diversity. Here are a few examples:
1. Cypriot Greek:
In Cypriot Greek, the formal way to say “they” is similar to the standard Greek “αυτοί” (aftí). However, the word “ούτοι” (ófti) can also be used. For informal situations, Cypriots often use the word “εκείνοι” (ekíni), just like in standard Greek.
2. Pontic Greek:
Pontic Greek, spoken mainly in northern Greece, has its own distinct vocabulary and grammar. In Pontic Greek, the formal way to say “they” is “ουτυοί” (oútui), while the informal way is “εκοίνοι” (ekoíni).
Summary:
To summarize, the formal way to say “they” in Greek is “αυτοί” (aftí), while the informal way is “εκείνοι” (ekíni). Remember to use “αυτοί” (aftí) to address people with respect, and reserve “εκείνοι” (ekíni) for more casual situations among friends or peers. Regional variations exist, such as “ούτοι” (ófti) in Cypriot Greek and “ουτυοί” (oútui) in Pontic Greek. Practice using these words in various contexts to strengthen your command over the Greek language!
We hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you feel more confident in using “they” in Greek. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to explore more aspects of the beautiful Greek language. Happy learning!
