How to Use Greek Reflexive Pronouns in Everyday Conversation

What Are Reflexive Pronouns in Greek?

Reflexive pronouns in Greek are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They reflect the action back onto the subject, similar to English reflexive pronouns like "myself," "yourself," or "themselves." Understanding how to use these pronouns is essential for mastering Greek grammar and speaking naturally.

Forms of Greek Reflexive Pronouns

In Greek, reflexive pronouns are formed using the word "εαυτός" (eaftós) and its variations, which agree in gender, number, and case with the subject they refer to. Here are the main forms:

• εαυτός (eaftós) – masculine singular
• εαυτή (eaftí) – feminine singular
• εαυτό (eaftó) – neuter singular
• εαυτοί (eaftoí) – masculine plural
• εαυτές (eaftés) – feminine plural
• εαυτά (eaftá) – neuter plural

Using Greek Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences

Greek reflexive pronouns are typically used with prepositions or as direct or indirect objects to indicate that the action of the verb refers back to the subject. For example:

• Βλέπω τον εαυτό μου στον καθρέφτη. (I see myself in the mirror.)
• Φροντίζει τον εαυτό της. (She takes care of herself.)
• Μιλάμε για τον εαυτό μας. (We talk about ourselves.)

Reflexive Pronouns with Possessive Adjectives

When reflexive pronouns are used with possessive adjectives, the possessive agrees with the subject, and the reflexive pronoun agrees with the object. For example:

Ετοίμασα το φαγητό για τον εαυτό μου. (I prepared the food for myself.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is to confuse reflexive pronouns with personal pronouns or to omit the reflexive pronoun when it is necessary. Remember that reflexive pronouns always refer back to the subject of the sentence.

• Incorrect: Κοιτάζω αυτόν στον καθρέφτη. (I look at him in the mirror.)
• Correct: Κοιτάζω τον εαυτό μου στον καθρέφτη. (I look at myself in the mirror.)

Practice Examples with Greek Reflexive Pronouns