How to Form and Use Greek Relative Clauses for English Speakers

Understanding Greek Relative Clauses

Relative clauses in Greek are used to provide additional information about a noun, similar to English. They are introduced by relative pronouns and help connect ideas smoothly in sentences.

What is a Relative Clause?

A relative clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun, giving more detail about it. For example, in English: "The man who is speaking is my teacher." The phrase "who is speaking" is the relative clause.

Formation of Greek Relative Clauses

In Greek, relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns that agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they refer to. The most common relative pronoun is που (pronounced /pu/), which is invariable and used in many cases.

Common Greek Relative Pronouns

Here are some of the key relative pronouns used in Greek:

• που (pu) – who, which, that (invariable)
• ο οποίος (o opoíos) – who, which, that (agrees in gender, number, case)
• όπου (ópou) – where
• όταν (ótan) – when

Using που in Relative Clauses

The relative pronoun που is the most frequently used and can refer to people, things, or places. It does not change form regardless of gender, number, or case.

Example:
Ο άντρας που μιλάει είναι δάσκαλος.
Translation: The man who is speaking is a teacher.

Using ο οποίος and its Forms

The pronoun ο οποίος and its forms (η οποία, το οποίο, οι οποίοι, etc.) agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they refer to. They are more formal and precise than που.

Example:
Η γυναίκα η οποία ήρθε είναι γιατρός.
Translation: The woman who came is a doctor.

Usage Tips for English Speakers Learning Greek Relative Clauses

Here are some tips to help you use Greek relative clauses correctly:

• Use που for everyday speech as it is simple and widely accepted.
• Use ο οποίος and its forms in formal writing or when clarity is needed.
• Remember that που does not change form, but ο οποίος agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case.
• Practice by identifying relative clauses in Greek texts and translating them.
• Listen to native speakers to get a feel for natural usage.

Examples of Greek Relative Clauses in Sentences

Here are some example sentences to illustrate Greek relative clauses:

• Το βιβλίο που διαβάζω είναι ενδιαφέρον. (The book that I am reading is interesting.)
• Ο φίλος ο οποίος μένει εδώ είναι καλός. (The friend who lives here is kind.)
• Η πόλη όπου γεννήθηκα είναι όμορφη. (The city where I was born is beautiful.)
• Η μέρα όταν σε είδα ήταν ξεχωριστή. (The day when I saw you was special.)

Summary

Greek relative clauses are essential for adding detail and connecting ideas. Using the relative pronouns που and ο οποίος correctly will help you form clear and natural sentences. Practice regularly to become comfortable with their formation and usage.