Welcome to Lesson 10 of the Modern Greek course from the Latinum Institute. In this lesson, we will explore the Greek pronoun that corresponds to the English word "it." Unlike English, Greek pronouns must agree in gender with the nouns they replace, so "it" has three forms: αυτό (aftó) for neuter, αυτή (aftí) for feminine, and αυτός (aftós) for masculine.
For the complete course index and additional lessons, please visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
The word "it" in Greek is expressed through three gender-specific pronouns: -
αυτό (aftó) - neuter form, used with neuter nouns -
αυτή (aftí) - feminine form, used with feminine nouns -
αυτός (aftós) - masculine form, used with masculine nouns
These pronouns function as both demonstrative ("this/that") and personal pronouns ("it"), depending on context and position in the sentence.
Throughout this lesson's examples, you will encounter all three forms of "it" in various contexts. The examples demonstrate: -
Subject position (it is...) -
Object position (I see it) -
Different genders with common Greek nouns -
Natural, everyday usage in contemporary Greek
Question: What does "it" mean in Modern Greek? Answer: "It" in Modern Greek is expressed by three pronouns that must agree with the gender of the noun they replace: αυτό (aftó) for neuter nouns, αυτή (aftí) for feminine nouns, and αυτός (aftós) for masculine nouns. Unlike English, which uses one form regardless of what "it" refers to, Greek requires you to know the gender of the noun being replaced.
Course: Modern Greek Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Lesson Number: 10 Topic: Personal and Demonstrative Pronouns - "it" Learning Objectives: Students will learn to use the three forms of "it" in Greek correctly, understand gender agreement, and apply these pronouns in various grammatical contexts. Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Greek alphabet and pronunciation, familiarity with grammatical gender concept Duration: Self-paced study, approximately 45-60 minutes
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Greek has three forms of "it" based on grammatical gender -
The neuter form αυτό is the most common, as many abstract concepts are neuter -
Position in the sentence affects meaning (demonstrative vs. personal pronoun) -
Gender agreement is mandatory - using the wrong form is grammatically incorrect -
These pronouns can also mean "this" or "that" depending on context
10.1 Αυτό it (af-TÓ) είναι is (Í-ne) το the (to) βιβλίο book (vi-VLÍ-o) μου my (mu)
10.2 Το the (to) είδα saw (Í-dha) αυτό it (af-TÓ) χθες yesterday (khthes)
10.3 Αυτή it/she (af-TÍ) είναι is (Í-ne) η the (i) καρέκλα chair (ka-RÉ-kla)
10.4 Πού where (pu) είναι is (Í-ne) αυτό it (af-TÓ)?
10.5 Αυτός it/he (af-TÓS) είναι is (Í-ne) ο the (o) υπολογιστής computer (i-po-lo-yi-STÍS)
10.6 Δεν not (dhen) το it (to) θέλω want (THÉ-lo) αυτό that (af-TÓ)
10.7 Την it/her (tin) έβαλα put (É-va-la) αυτή it (af-TÍ) εκεί there (e-KÍ)
10.8 Αυτό it (af-TÓ) δεν not (dhen) λειτουργεί works (li-tur-YÍ)
10.9 Τον it/him (ton) πήρα took (PÍ-ra) αυτόν it (af-TÓN) μαζί with (ma-ZÍ) μου me (mu)
10.10 Μπορείς can (bo-RÍS) να to (na) το it (to) δεις see (dhis) αυτό that (af-TÓ)?
10.11 Αυτή it/she (af-TÍ) η the (i) πόρτα door (PÓR-ta) είναι is (Í-ne) κλειστή closed (kli-STÍ)
10.12 Το it (to) αγόρασα bought (a-GHÓ-ra-sa) αυτό that (af-TÓ) σήμερα today (SÍ-me-ra)
10.13 Αυτό it/this (af-TÓ) που that (pu) λες say (les) είναι is (Í-ne) σωστό correct (so-STÓ)
10.14 Την it/her (tin) άφησα left (Á-fi-sa) αυτή it (af-TÍ) στο at-the (sto) σπίτι house (SPÍ-ti)
10.15 Αυτός it/he (af-TÓS) ο the (o) καιρός weather (ke-RÓS) είναι is (Í-ne) υπέροχος wonderful (i-PÉ-ro-khos)
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10.1 Αυτό είναι το βιβλίο μου. It is my book.
10.2 Το είδα αυτό χθες. I saw it yesterday.
10.3 Αυτή είναι η καρέκλα. It is the chair.
10.4 Πού είναι αυτό; Where is it?
10.5 Αυτός είναι ο υπολογιστής. It is the computer.
10.6 Δεν το θέλω αυτό. I don't want it.
10.7 Την έβαλα αυτή εκεί. I put it there.
10.8 Αυτό δεν λειτουργεί. It doesn't work.
10.9 Τον πήρα αυτόν μαζί μου. I took it with me.
10.10 Μπορείς να το δεις αυτό; Can you see it?
10.11 Αυτή η πόρτα είναι κλειστή. This door is closed.
10.12 Το αγόρασα αυτό σήμερα. I bought it today.
10.13 Αυτό που λες είναι σωστό. What you say is correct.
10.14 Την άφησα αυτή στο σπίτι. I left it at home.
10.15 Αυτός ο καιρός είναι υπέροχος. This weather is wonderful.
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10.1 Αυτό είναι το βιβλίο μου.
10.2 Το είδα αυτό χθες.
10.3 Αυτή είναι η καρέκλα.
10.4 Πού είναι αυτό;
10.5 Αυτός είναι ο υπολογιστής.
10.6 Δεν το θέλω αυτό.
10.7 Την έβαλα αυτή εκεί.
10.8 Αυτό δεν λειτουργεί.
10.9 Τον πήρα αυτόν μαζί μου.
10.10 Μπορείς να το δεις αυτό;
10.11 Αυτή η πόρτα είναι κλειστή.
10.12 Το αγόρασα αυτό σήμερα.
10.13 Αυτό που λες είναι σωστό.
10.14 Την άφησα αυτή στο σπίτι.
10.15 Αυτός ο καιρός είναι υπέροχος.
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The Greek pronoun system for "it" is fundamentally different from English. While English uses one word regardless of what "it" refers to, Greek requires three different forms based on grammatical gender:
The Three Forms: -
Masculine: αυτός (aftós) - also means "he" or "this" -
Feminine: αυτή (aftí) - also means "she" or "this" -
Neuter: αυτό (aftó) - also means "this"
Case System: Greek pronouns change form based on their grammatical function: -
Nominative (subject): αυτός, αυτή, αυτό -
Accusative (direct object): αυτόν, αυτή(ν), αυτό -
Genitive (possession): αυτού, αυτής, αυτού
Position and Meaning: When these pronouns appear with the definite article, they become demonstrative: -
αυτό το βιβλίο = this book -
το βιβλίο αυτό = this book (emphatic)
Weak Forms: Greek also uses weak (clitic) pronouns for "it": -
Masculine accusative: τον (ton) -
Feminine accusative: την (tin) -
Neuter accusative: το (to)
-
Using the wrong gender: English speakers often default to neuter αυτό for everything. Remember: you must match the gender of the original noun. -
Word order confusion: The weak pronouns (το, τον, την) come BEFORE the verb in statements but AFTER in commands. -
Forgetting the article: When αυτό means "this," it often requires the article: αυτό το παιδί (this child). -
Overusing the strong form: Greeks often use just the weak pronoun (το) rather than the full αυτό when context is clear.
English "it" is: -
Gender-neutral -
One form for all uses -
Position-flexible
Greek "it" is: -
Gender-specific (3 forms) -
Changes by case (nominative, accusative, genitive) -
Has both strong (αυτό) and weak (το) forms -
Position affects meaning
-
Identify the noun's gender that "it" replaces -
το βιβλίο (book) is neuter → use αυτό/το -
η καρέκλα (chair) is feminine → use αυτή/την -
ο υπολογιστής (computer) is masculine → use αυτός/τον -
Determine the grammatical function -
Subject = nominative (αυτό, αυτή, αυτός) -
Direct object = accusative (αυτό/το, αυτή(ν)/την, αυτόν/τον) -
Choose strong or weak form -
Emphasis or clarity needed = strong form (αυτό) -
Simple reference = weak form (το) -
Check word order -
Weak pronouns before verb: Το είδα (I saw it) -
With modal verbs: Μπορώ να το δω (I can see it)
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For English speakers learning Greek, the concept of grammatical gender in pronouns represents a significant cultural and linguistic shift. In Greek-speaking cultures, the proper use of gendered pronouns is not just a grammatical requirement but a marker of educational level and linguistic competence.
Historical Perspective: The three-gender system (masculine, feminine, neuter) has been part of Greek since ancient times. Modern Greek has simplified many aspects of the ancient language, but gender remains fundamental. This system reflects a worldview where all nouns are categorized by gender, influencing how Greeks conceptualize objects and abstractions.
Contemporary Usage: In modern Greek society, correct pronoun usage is essential for clear communication. Greeks don't consciously think about gender when speaking—it's automatic. However, mistakes in gender agreement immediately mark someone as a non-native speaker. This is particularly important in professional settings where language competence affects credibility.
Digital Communication: In texting and informal digital communication, Greeks often use abbreviated forms. The weak pronouns (το, την, τον) are preferred for their brevity. Understanding when to use full versus abbreviated forms helps learners navigate different social contexts.
Regional Variations: While Standard Modern Greek is used throughout Greece and Cyprus, some dialects show variations in pronoun usage. Cypriot Greek, for instance, has some distinctive pronoun forms that differ from mainland Greek.
Learning Tips: Greeks appreciate when foreigners attempt their language, and minor gender mistakes are usually overlooked in casual conversation. However, mastering the gender system opens doors to deeper cultural integration and more sophisticated communication.
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From "Το Τρίτο Στεφάνι" (The Third Wedding) by Κώστας Ταχτσής (Kostas Tachtsis), 1962:
"Αυτό το σπίτι το αγάπησα πολύ. Το είχα κάνει δικό μου, το φρόντιζα σαν να ήταν ζωντανό πλάσμα. Κι αυτό μου το ανταπέδιδε. Ήταν πάντα εκεί, σταθερό, ασφαλές, γεμάτο μνήμες."
Αυτό this (af-TÓ) το the (to) σπίτι house (SPÍ-ti) το it (to) αγάπησα loved (a-GHÁ-pi-sa) πολύ much (po-LÍ). Το it (to) είχα had (Í-kha) κάνει made (KÁ-ni) δικό own (dhi-KÓ) μου my (mu), το it (to) φρόντιζα cared-for (FRÓN-di-za) σαν as (san) να to (na) ήταν was (Í-tan) ζωντανό living (zon-da-NÓ) πλάσμα creature (PLÁS-ma). Κι and (ki) αυτό it (af-TÓ) μου to-me (mu) το it (to) ανταπέδιδε returned (an-da-PÉ-dhi-dhe). Ήταν was (Í-tan) πάντα always (PÁN-da) εκεί there (e-KÍ), σταθερό stable (sta-the-RÓ), ασφαλές safe (as-fa-LÉS), γεμάτο full (ye-MÁ-to) μνήμες memories (MNÍ-mes).
Αυτό το σπίτι το αγάπησα πολύ. Το είχα κάνει δικό μου, το φρόντιζα σαν να ήταν ζωντανό πλάσμα. Κι αυτό μου το ανταπέδιδε. Ήταν πάντα εκεί, σταθερό, ασφαλές, γεμάτο μνήμες.
I loved this house very much. I had made it my own, I cared for it as if it were a living creature. And it reciprocated. It was always there, stable, safe, full of memories.
Αυτό το σπίτι το αγάπησα πολύ. Το είχα κάνει δικό μου, το φρόντιζα σαν να ήταν ζωντανό πλάσμα. Κι αυτό μου το ανταπέδιδε. Ήταν πάντα εκεί, σταθερό, ασφαλές, γεμάτο μνήμες.
This passage beautifully demonstrates the various uses of "it" in Greek. The author uses both the strong form (αυτό) and the weak form (το) to create rhythm and emphasis. Notice how: -
"Αυτό το σπίτι" - The demonstrative use ("this house") begins the passage with emphasis -
"το αγάπησα" - The weak pronoun precedes the verb, showing standard word order -
"Το είχα κάνει" - Again, weak pronoun before verb in a compound tense -
"το φρόντιζα" - Repetition of the weak pronoun creates a rhythmic effect -
"Κι αυτό μου το ανταπέδιδε" - The strong form (αυτό) emphasizes the house as an active agent
The passage personifies the house, treating it as a living being. This is reflected grammatically—while "house" (σπίτι) is neuter in Greek, the author's emotional connection transforms it into something animate through careful pronoun usage. The repetition of "το" creates a loving, almost caressing tone, while "αυτό" gives the house agency and personality.
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10.16 Το the (to) νέο new (NÉ-o) νομοσχέδιο bill (no-mo-SKHÉ-dhi-o) το it (to) ψήφισε voted (PSÍ-fi-se) η the (i) Βουλή Parliament (vu-LÍ) χθες yesterday (khthes) το the (to) βράδυ evening (VRÁ-dhi)
10.17 Αυτό it (af-TÓ) θα will (tha) τεθεί be-put (te-THÍ) σε in (se) ισχύ force (is-KHÍ) από from (a-PÓ) την the (tin) επόμενη next (e-PÓ-me-ni) εβδομάδα week (ev-dho-MÁ-dha)
10.18 Οι the (i) πολίτες citizens (po-LÍ-tes) το it (to) υποδέχτηκαν welcomed (i-po-DHÉKH-ti-kan) με with (me) ανάμεικτα mixed (a-NÁ-mik-ta) συναισθήματα feelings (si-nes-THÍ-ma-ta)
10.19 Την the (tin) απόφαση decision (a-PÓ-fa-si) την it (tin) ανακοίνωσε announced (a-na-KÍ-no-se) ο the (o) πρωθυπουργός prime-minister (pro-thi-pur-GHÓS)
10.20 Αυτή it (af-TÍ) προβλέπει provides (pro-VLÉ-pi) αλλαγές changes (a-la-YÉS) στο in-the (sto) φορολογικό tax (fo-ro-lo-yi-KÓ) σύστημα system (SÍ-sti-ma)
10.21 Το the (to) υπουργείο ministry (i-pur-YÍ-o) το it (to) εξετάζει examines (e-kse-TÁ-zi) ακόμη still (a-KÓ-mi)
10.22 Τον the (ton) νέο new (NÉ-o) κανονισμό regulation (ka-no-nis-MÓ) τον him/it (ton) επικρίνουν criticize (e-pi-KRÍ-nun) οι the (i) ειδικοί experts (i-dhi-KÍ)
10.23 Αυτός it (af-TÓS) θα will (tha) επηρεάσει affect (e-pi-re-Á-si) χιλιάδες thousands (khi-li-Á-dhes) επιχειρήσεις businesses (e-pi-khi-RÍ-sis)
10.24 Το it (to) συζήτησαν discussed (si-ZÍ-ti-san) για for (ya) ώρες hours (Ó-res) οι the (i) βουλευτές deputies (vu-lef-TÉS)
10.25 Την the (tin) πρόταση proposal (PRÓ-ta-si) την it (tin) απέρριψε rejected (a-PÉ-ri-pse) η the (i) αντιπολίτευση opposition (an-di-po-LÍ-tef-si)
10.26 Αυτή it (af-TÍ) δεν not (dhen) ικανοποιεί satisfies (i-ka-no-pi-Í) τις the (tis) απαιτήσεις demands (a-pe-TÍ-sis) τους their (tus)
10.27 Το the (to) θέμα issue (THÉ-ma) το it (to) θεωρούν consider (the-o-RÚN) κρίσιμο critical (KRÍ-si-mo) όλοι all (Ó-li)
10.28 Αυτό it (af-TÓ) αποτελεί constitutes (a-po-te-LÍ) μεγάλη big (me-GHÁ-li) πρόκληση challenge (PRÓ-kli-si) για for (ya) την the (tin) κυβέρνηση government (ki-VÉR-ni-si)
10.29 Τον the (ton) προϋπολογισμό budget (pro-i-po-lo-yis-MÓ) τον it (ton) παρουσίασαν presented (pa-ru-SÍ-a-san) αναλυτικά analytically (a-na-li-ti-KÁ)
10.30 Αυτός it (af-TÓS) προκάλεσε caused (pro-KÁ-le-se) έντονες intense (ÉN-to-nes) αντιδράσεις reactions (an-di-DHRÁ-sis) στη in-the (sti) Βουλή Parliament (vu-LÍ)
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10.16 Το νέο νομοσχέδιο το ψήφισε η Βουλή χθες το βράδυ. Parliament voted on the new bill last night.
10.17 Αυτό θα τεθεί σε ισχύ από την επόμενη εβδομάδα. It will come into force next week.
10.18 Οι πολίτες το υποδέχτηκαν με ανάμεικτα συναισθήματα. Citizens received it with mixed feelings.
10.19 Την απόφαση την ανακοίνωσε ο πρωθυπουργός. The prime minister announced it.
10.20 Αυτή προβλέπει αλλαγές στο φορολογικό σύστημα. It provides for changes in the tax system.
10.21 Το υπουργείο το εξετάζει ακόμη. The ministry is still examining it.
10.22 Τον νέο κανονισμό τον επικρίνουν οι ειδικοί. Experts are criticizing the new regulation.
10.23 Αυτός θα επηρεάσει χιλιάδες επιχειρήσεις. It will affect thousands of businesses.
10.24 Το συζήτησαν για ώρες οι βουλευτές. The deputies discussed it for hours.
10.25 Την πρόταση την απέρριψε η αντιπολίτευση. The opposition rejected the proposal.
10.26 Αυτή δεν ικανοποιεί τις απαιτήσεις τους. It does not satisfy their demands.
10.27 Το θέμα το θεωρούν κρίσιμο όλοι. Everyone considers the issue critical.
10.28 Αυτό αποτελεί μεγάλη πρόκληση για την κυβέρνηση. It constitutes a major challenge for the government.
10.29 Τον προϋπολογισμό τον παρουσίασαν αναλυτικά. They presented the budget in detail.
10.30 Αυτός προκάλεσε έντονες αντιδράσεις στη Βουλή. It caused intense reactions in Parliament.
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10.16 Το νέο νομοσχέδιο το ψήφισε η Βουλή χθες το βράδυ.
10.17 Αυτό θα τεθεί σε ισχύ από την επόμενη εβδομάδα.
10.18 Οι πολίτες το υποδέχτηκαν με ανάμεικτα συναισθήματα.
10.19 Την απόφαση την ανακοίνωσε ο πρωθυπουργός.
10.20 Αυτή προβλέπει αλλαγές στο φορολογικό σύστημα.
10.21 Το υπουργείο το εξετάζει ακόμη.
10.22 Τον νέο κανονισμό τον επικρίνουν οι ειδικοί.
10.23 Αυτός θα επηρεάσει χιλιάδες επιχειρήσεις.
10.24 Το συζήτησαν για ώρες οι βουλευτές.
10.25 Την πρόταση την απέρριψε η αντιπολίτευση.
10.26 Αυτή δεν ικανοποιεί τις απαιτήσεις τους.
10.27 Το θέμα το θεωρούν κρίσιμο όλοι.
10.28 Αυτό αποτελεί μεγάλη πρόκληση για την κυβέρνηση.
10.29 Τον προϋπολογισμό τον παρουσίασαν αναλυτικά.
10.30 Αυτός προκάλεσε έντονες αντιδράσεις στη Βουλή.
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News reporting in Greek demonstrates sophisticated pronoun usage patterns that differ significantly from English journalistic style:
Clitic Doubling: A distinctive feature in Greek news language is "clitic doubling" - using both the weak pronoun and the full noun phrase: -
Το νομοσχέδιο το ψήφισε η Βουλή (The bill, they voted it, the Parliament) -
Την απόφαση την ανακοίνωσε ο πρωθυπουργός (The decision, he announced it, the prime minister)
This construction adds emphasis and clarity, ensuring the topic remains clear despite complex sentence structures.
Formal Register Considerations: News Greek tends to: -
Use the full forms (αυτός, αυτή, αυτό) more frequently than casual speech -
Place pronouns strategically for emphasis -
Maintain strict gender agreement even with borrowed terms
Word Order for Effect: Greek news often uses marked word order: -
Object-fronting with pronoun resumption: Το θέμα το θεωρούν κρίσιμο -
This creates topic prominence while maintaining grammatical clarity
Avoiding Ambiguity: Professional Greek journalism employs pronouns carefully to prevent confusion: -
Clear antecedent reference -
Strategic use of demonstratives (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) when multiple referents are possible -
Repetition of nouns rather than overuse of pronouns in complex passages
Common News Vocabulary Gender Patterns: -
το νομοσχέδιο (bill) - neuter -
η απόφαση (decision) - feminine -
ο κανονισμός (regulation) - masculine -
το θέμα (issue) - neuter -
ο προϋπολογισμός (budget) - masculine
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