How to Use Greek Interrogative Pronouns and Form Questions in Greek

Understanding Greek Interrogative Pronouns

Interrogative pronouns are words used to ask questions. In Greek, these pronouns are essential for forming questions about people, things, places, reasons, and more. Mastering them will help you ask clear and precise questions in Greek.

Common Greek Interrogative Pronouns

• Τι (Ti) – What
• Ποιος (Poios) – Who (masculine)
• Ποια (Poia) – Who (feminine)
• Ποιο (Poio) – What/Which (neuter)
• Πού (Pou) – Where
• Πότε (Pote) – When
• Γιατί (Giati) – Why
• Πώς (Pos) – How

Each of these pronouns serves a specific purpose in questions. For example, Τι asks about things or actions, while Ποιος asks about people.

Forming Questions in Greek Using Interrogative Pronouns

In Greek, questions can be formed by placing the interrogative pronoun at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb and subject if necessary. The intonation usually rises at the end of the question.

For example:

• Τι κάνεις; (Ti kaneis?) – What are you doing?
• Πού είσαι; (Pou eisai?) – Where are you?
• Πότε έρχεσαι; (Pote erchesai?) – When are you coming?
• Γιατί με ρωτάς; (Giati me rotas?) – Why are you asking me?

Additional Tips for Question Formation in Greek

Unlike English, Greek does not always require auxiliary verbs like "do" or "does" to form questions. The interrogative pronoun and verb conjugation are usually enough.

Also, note that the word order in Greek questions can be flexible, but the interrogative pronoun typically comes first to indicate a question.

Examples of Greek Interrogative Pronouns in Sentences

Practice Forming Questions in Greek

Try creating your own questions using the interrogative pronouns listed above. Remember to start with the pronoun, then add the verb and any other necessary words.

1. Choose an interrogative pronoun (e.g., Πού)
2. Think of a verb to use (e.g., είσαι – you are)
3. Form a question: Πού είσαι; (Where are you?)
4. Practice with different pronouns and verbs to build confidence.