How to Use Greek Adjectives: Agreement and Placement Explained

Understanding Greek Adjectives: Basics for English Speakers

Greek adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns, similar to English. However, unlike English, Greek adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case. This means the ending of the adjective changes depending on the noun it modifies.

Gender Agreement in Greek Adjectives

Greek nouns have three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. Adjectives change their endings to match the gender of the noun. For example, the adjective meaning "good" is καλός (kalós) for masculine, καλή (kalí) for feminine, and καλό (kaló) for neuter.

Number Agreement: Singular and Plural Forms

Adjectives also change to agree with the number of the noun. Singular adjectives have different endings than plural ones. For example, the masculine singular καλός becomes καλοί (kaloí) in the masculine plural.

Case Agreement: Nominative, Genitive, Accusative, and Vocative

Greek has four main cases that affect adjective endings: nominative, genitive, accusative, and vocative. Each case serves a different grammatical function, and adjectives must match the noun's case. For example, the nominative masculine singular of "good" is καλός, but the genitive masculine singular is καλού.

Placement of Adjectives in Greek Sentences

In Greek, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, unlike English where adjectives typically precede the noun. For example, "the good man" is ο καλός άντρας (o kalós ántras), literally "the man good." However, some adjectives can precede the noun for emphasis or stylistic reasons.

Adjectives After the Noun

The most common placement is after the noun. This is the default and neutral position. For example, "a beautiful house" is ένα όμορφο σπίτι (éna ómorfo spíti), literally "a house beautiful."

Adjectives Before the Noun

Placing an adjective before the noun can add emphasis or poetic effect. For example, καλός άνθρωπος (kalós ánthropos) means "a good man" with emphasis on "good." This placement is less common in everyday speech but important to recognize.

Summary: Key Points to Remember About Greek Adjectives

• Adjectives agree with nouns in gender, number, and case.
• Most adjectives follow the noun they describe.
• Adjective endings change depending on grammatical case.
• Some adjectives can precede the noun for emphasis.
• Learning adjective agreement is essential for correct Greek grammar.