How to Form and Use the Greek Passive Voice for English Speakers

Understanding the Greek Passive Voice

The passive voice in Greek is used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action, rather than the doer. This is similar to English, where sentences like "The book was read by Maria" use the passive voice. Learning how to form and use the passive voice is essential for expressing a variety of ideas in Greek.

Formation of the Greek Passive Voice

Greek verbs change their endings to form the passive voice, and these changes depend on the verb tense and mood. The passive voice is formed differently in the present, past, and future tenses. Below are the main ways to form the passive voice in Greek:

Present Passive Voice

In the present tense, the passive voice is formed by adding specific endings to the verb stem. For example, the verb γράφω (to write) in the present passive becomes γράφoμαι (I am written). The endings typically include -ομαι, -εσαι, -εται, etc.

Example:
Active: Εγώ γράφω ένα γράμμα. (I write a letter.)
Passive: Ένα γράμμα γράφεται από μένα. (A letter is written by me.)

Aorist Passive Voice

The aorist tense in Greek expresses a simple past action. The passive aorist is formed by adding the endings -θηκα, -θηκες, -θηκε, etc., to the verb stem.

Example:
Active: Έγραψα το γράμμα. (I wrote the letter.)
Passive: Το γράμμα γράφτηκε. (The letter was written.)

Future Passive Voice

The future passive is formed by using the future tense of the verb γίνομαι (to become) plus the perfect participle of the main verb.

Example:
Active: Θα γράψω το γράμμα. (I will write the letter.)
Passive: Το γράμμα θα γραφτεί. (The letter will be written.)

Usage of the Greek Passive Voice

The passive voice is used in Greek to emphasize the action or the recipient of the action rather than the doer. It is common in formal writing, news reports, and when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

For example, in the sentence Η πόρτα κλείνει αυτόματα. (The door closes automatically.), the passive voice highlights the action happening to the door.

Common Passive Voice Endings in Greek

• -ομαι (present, 1st person singular)
• -εσαι (present, 2nd person singular)
• -εται (present, 3rd person singular)
• -όμαστε (present, 1st person plural)
• -εστε (present, 2nd person plural)
• -ονται (present, 3rd person plural)
• -θηκα (aorist, 1st person singular)
• -θηκες (aorist, 2nd person singular)
• -θηκε (aorist, 3rd person singular)

Examples of Greek Passive Voice in Sentences

Tips for English Speakers Learning Greek Passive Voice

1. Remember that Greek passive endings change with tense and person, so practice conjugations regularly.
2. Use the passive voice when the doer is unknown or less important.
3. Listen to native speakers and read Greek texts to see passive voice in context.
4. Practice forming sentences in both active and passive voices to understand the differences.