Welcome to Lesson 40 of the Latinum Institute Modern Greek Course. In this lesson, we explore θα (tha), the essential particle that English speakers express with the modal verb “will.” Unlike English, where “will” is a full modal verb that conjugates (will, would), Greek θα is an invariable particle—it never changes form. This particle, historically derived from θέλει να (thélei na, “wants to”), has become the standard way to express futurity in Modern Greek.
Understanding θα is crucial for autodidact learners because it unlocks both major future tenses in Greek: the perfective future (for single, completed actions) and the continuous future (for ongoing or habitual actions). English “will” typically corresponds to Greek θα + perfective stem, while “will be -ing” corresponds to θα + present tense.
Link to course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
FAQ: What does “will” mean in Modern Greek?
In Modern Greek, the concept of “will” (future intention, prediction, or promise) is expressed through the particle θα (tha) combined with verb forms. This particle appears before the verb to indicate future time. Greek distinguishes between perfective future (single, completed future actions) and continuous future (ongoing or repeated future actions), both formed with θα. For example, “I will go” is θα πάω (tha páo) for a single trip, while “I will be going” (habitually) is θα πηγαίνω (tha pigaíno).
Throughout these 15 main examples and 15 additional narrative examples, you’ll see θα appearing in various contexts: making plans, stating intentions, expressing predictions, describing future habits, and discussing conditional situations. Each example shows the particle in natural Greek sentence structure, with word-by-word glossing to help you understand how θα functions with different verb forms and tenses.
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θα (tha) is an invariable particle, not a conjugating verb -
It combines with verbs to create future tenses -
θα + perfective stem = perfective future (single completed action) -
θα + present tense = continuous future (ongoing/habitual action) -
Historically derived from θέλει να (”wants to”) -
Essential for expressing all types of future meaning in Modern Greek -
Positioned directly before the verb (or before object pronouns attached to the verb)
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40.1a Αύριο (Ávrio) tomorrow θα (tha) will πάω (páo) go-1SG στη (sti) to-the δουλειά (douleiá) work 40.1b Ávrio (Ávrio) tomorrow tha (tha) will páo (páo) go-1SG sti (sti) to-the douleiá (douleiá) work
40.2a Εσύ (Esý) you-NOM θα (tha) will φάς (fas) eat-2SG μαζί (mazí) together μας (mas) us-with απόψε (apópse) tonight 40.2b Esý (Esý) you-NOM tha (tha) will fas (fas) eat-2SG mazí (mazí) together mas (mas) us-with apópse (apópse) tonight
40.3a Η (I) the Μαρία (María) Maria-NOM θα (tha) will διαβάσει (diavásei) read-study-3SG όλο (ólo) all το (to) the βιβλίο (vivlío) book 40.3b I (I) the María (María) Maria-NOM tha (tha) will diavásei (diavásei) read-3SG ólo (ólo) all to (to) the vivlío (vivlío) book
40.4a Θα (Tha) will βρέξει (vréxei) rain-3SG σήμερα (símera) today το (to) the απόγευμα (apógevma) afternoon 40.4b Tha (Tha) will vréxei (vréxei) rain-3SG símera (símera) today to (to) the apógevma (apógevma) afternoon
40.5a Εμείς (Emeís) we-NOM θα (tha) will ταξιδέψουμε (taxidépsoume) travel-1PL στην (stin) to-the Κρήτη (Kríti) Crete του (tou) of-the καλοκαιριού (kalokairiou) summer-GEN 40.5b Emeís (Emeís) we-NOM tha (tha) will taxidépsoume (taxidépsoume) travel-1PL stin (stin) to-the Kríti (Kríti) Crete tou (tou) of-the kalokairiou (kalokairiou) summer-GEN
40.6a Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will έρθεις (értheis) come-2SG να (na) SUBJ με (me) me-ACC δεις (deis) see-2SG 40.6b Póte (Póte) when tha (tha) will értheis (értheis) come-2SG na (na) SUBJ me (me) me-ACC deis (deis) see-2SG
40.7a Θα (Tha) will τηλεφωνήσω (tilefoníso) telephone-1SG στον (ston) to-the πατέρα (patéra) father μου (mou) my αργότερα (argótera) later 40.7b Tha (Tha) will tilefoníso (tilefoníso) telephone-1SG ston (ston) to-the patéra (patéra) father mou (mou) my argótera (argótera) later
40.8a Αυτοί (Aftoí) they-NOM θα (tha) will μαγειρέψουν (mageirépson) cook-3PL ελληνικό (ellinikó) Greek φαγητό (fagitó) food για (gia) for εμάς (emás) us-ACC 40.8b Aftoí (Aftoí) they-NOM tha (tha) will mageirépson (mageirépson) cook-3PL ellinikó (ellinikó) Greek fagitó (fagitó) food gia (gia) for emás (emás) us-ACC
40.9a Τι (Ti) what θα (tha) will κάνεις (káneis) do-2SG το (to) the Σαββατοκύριακο (Savvatokýriako) weekend 40.9b Ti (Ti) what tha (tha) will káneis (káneis) do-2SG to (to) the Savvatokýriako (Savvatokýriako) weekend
40.10a Θα (Tha) will πάμε (páme) go-1PL στο (sto) to-the σινεμά (sinemá) cinema ή (í) or θα (tha) will μείνουμε (meínoume) stay-1PL σπίτι (spíti) home 40.10b Tha (Tha) will páme (páme) go-1PL sto (sto) to-the sinemá (sinemá) cinema í (í) or tha (tha) will meínoume (meínoume) stay-1PL spíti (spíti) home
40.11a Του (Tou) of-the χρόνου (hrónou) year θα (tha) will τελειώσω (teleióso) finish-1SG τις (tis) the σπουδές (spoudés) studies μου (mou) my 40.11b Tou (Tou) of-the hrónou (hrónou) year tha (tha) will teleióso (teleióso) finish-1SG tis (tis) the spoudés (spoudés) studies mou (mou) my
40.12a Θα (Tha) will διαβάζω (diavázo) read-study-1SG κάθε (káthe) every μέρα (méra) day για (gia) for δύο (dýo) two ώρες (óres) hours 40.12b Tha (Tha) will diavázo (diavázo) read-study-1SG káthe (káthe) every méra (méra) day gia (gia) for dýo (dýo) two óres (óres) hours
40.13a Πιστεύω (Pistévo) believe-1SG ότι (óti) that θα (tha) will έχουμε (échoume) have-1PL καλό (kaló) good καιρό (kairó) weather αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow 40.13b Pistévo (Pistévo) believe-1SG óti (óti) that tha (tha) will échoume (échoume) have-1PL kaló (kaló) good kairó (kairó) weather ávrio (ávrio) tomorrow
40.14a Αν (An) if έχω (écho) have-1SG χρόνο (hróno) time θα (tha) will σε (se) you-ACC βοηθήσω (voithíso) help-1SG με (me) with την (tin) the άσκηση (áskisi) exercise 40.14b An (An) if écho (écho) have-1SG hróno (hróno) time tha (tha) will se (se) you-ACC voithíso (voithíso) help-1SG me (me) with tin (tin) the áskisi (áskisi) exercise
40.15a Θα (Tha) will τον (ton) him-ACC συναντήσουμε (synantísoume) meet-1PL στην (stin) at-the πλατεία (plateía) square στις (stis) at-the οκτώ (októ) eight το (to) the βράδυ (vrády) evening 40.15b Tha (Tha) will ton (ton) him-ACC synantísoume (synantísoume) meet-1PL stin (stin) at-the plateía (plateía) square stis (stis) at-the októ (októ) eight to (to) the vrády (vrády) evening
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40.1 Αύριο θα πάω στη δουλειά. Ávrio tha páo sti douleiá. “Tomorrow I will go to work.”
40.2 Εσύ θα φας μαζί μας απόψε; Esý tha fas mazí mas apópse? “Will you eat with us tonight?”
40.3 Η Μαρία θα διαβάσει όλο το βιβλίο. I María tha diavásei ólo to vivlío. “Maria will read the entire book.”
40.4 Θα βρέξει σήμερα το απόγευμα. Tha vréxei símera to apógevma. “It will rain this afternoon.”
40.5 Εμείς θα ταξιδέψουμε στην Κρήτη του καλοκαιριού. Emeís tha taxidépsoume stin Kríti tou kalokairiou. “We will travel to Crete this summer.”
40.6 Πότε θα έρθεις να με δεις; Póte tha értheis na me deis? “When will you come to see me?”
40.7 Θα τηλεφωνήσω στον πατέρα μου αργότερα. Tha tilefoníso ston patéra mou argótera. “I will telephone my father later.”
40.8 Αυτοί θα μαγειρέψουν ελληνικό φαγητό για εμάς. Aftoí tha mageirépson ellinikó fagitó gia emás. “They will cook Greek food for us.”
40.9 Τι θα κάνεις το Σαββατοκύριακο; Ti tha káneis to Savvatokýriako? “What will you do on the weekend?”
40.10 Θα πάμε στο σινεμά ή θα μείνουμε σπίτι; Tha páme sto sinemá í tha meínoume spíti? “Will we go to the cinema or will we stay home?”
40.11 Του χρόνου θα τελειώσω τις σπουδές μου. Tou hrónou tha teleióso tis spoudés mou. “Next year I will finish my studies.”
40.12 Θα διαβάζω κάθε μέρα για δύο ώρες. Tha diavázo káthe méra gia dýo óres. “I will study every day for two hours.”
40.13 Πιστεύω ότι θα έχουμε καλό καιρό αύριο. Pistévo óti tha échoume kaló kairó ávrio. “I believe that we will have good weather tomorrow.”
40.14 Αν έχω χρόνο θα σε βοηθήσω με την άσκηση. An écho hróno tha se voithíso me tin áskisi. “If I have time I will help you with the exercise.”
40.15 Θα τον συναντήσουμε στην πλατεία στις οκτώ το βράδυ. Tha ton synantísoume stin plateía stis októ to vrády. “We will meet him in the square at eight in the evening.”
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40.1 Αύριο θα πάω στη δουλειά. Ávrio tha páo sti douleiá.
40.2 Εσύ θα φας μαζί μας απόψε; Esý tha fas mazí mas apópse?
40.3 Η Μαρία θα διαβάσει όλο το βιβλίο. I María tha diavásei ólo to vivlío.
40.4 Θα βρέξει σήμερα το απόγευμα. Tha vréxei símera to apógevma.
40.5 Εμείς θα ταξιδέψουμε στην Κρήτη του καλοκαιριού. Emeís tha taxidépsoume stin Kríti tou kalokairiou.
40.6 Πότε θα έρθεις να με δεις; Póte tha értheis na me deis?
40.7 Θα τηλεφωνήσω στον πατέρα μου αργότερα. Tha tilefoníso ston patéra mou argótera.
40.8 Αυτοί θα μαγειρέψουν ελληνικό φαγητό για εμάς. Aftoí tha mageirépson ellinikó fagitó gia emás.
40.9 Τι θα κάνεις το Σαββατοκύριακο; Ti tha káneis to Savvatokýriako?
40.10 Θα πάμε στο σινεμά ή θα μείνουμε σπίτι; Tha páme sto sinemá í tha meínoume spíti?
40.11 Του χρόνου θα τελειώσω τις σπουδές μου. Tou hrónou tha teleióso tis spoudés mou.
40.12 Θα διαβάζω κάθε μέρα για δύο ώρες. Tha diavázo káthe méra gia dýo óres.
40.13 Πιστεύω ότι θα έχουμε καλό καιρό αύριο. Pistévo óti tha échoume kaló kairó ávrio.
40.14 Αν έχω χρόνο θα σε βοηθήσω με την άσκηση. An écho hróno tha se voithíso me tin áskisi.
40.15 Θα τον συναντήσουμε στην πλατεία στις οκτώ το βράδυ. Tha ton synantísoume stin plateía stis októ to vrády.
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These are the grammar rules for θα (will).
Unlike English “will,” which is a modal verb that conjugates (will, would, won’t), Greek θα is an invariable particle—it never changes form regardless of person, number, or tense. The particle θα always appears before the verb to indicate future time.
Historical Development: θα derives from the ancient Greek phrase θέλει να (thélei na), literally “wants to,” which grammaticalized over centuries into the modern future marker. This explains why future constructions in Greek feel more like expressions of intention or volition than pure predictions.
Modern Greek has two primary future tenses formed with θα:
1. Perfective Future (Simple Future)
Formation: θα + perfective stem + present tense endings
Function: Expresses single, completed future actions or actions with a definite endpoint
Example formations: -
πάω (páo, “I go”) → έφυγα (éfyga, aorist) → θα φύγω (tha fýgo, “I will leave”) -
διαβάζω (diavázo, “I read/study”) → διάβασα (diávasa) → θα διαβάσω (tha diaváso, “I will read”) -
τρώω (tróo, “I eat”) → έφαγα (éfaga) → θα φάω (tha fáo, “I will eat”)
Person conjugation for θα φύγω (”I will leave”): -
θα φύγω (tha fýgo) - I will leave -
θα φύγεις (tha fýgeis) - you will leave -
θα φύγει (tha fýgei) - he/she/it will leave -
θα φύγουμε (tha fýgoume) - we will leave -
θα φύγετε (tha fýgete) - you (plural) will leave -
θα φύγουν (tha fýgoun) - they will leave
2. Continuous Future
Formation: θα + present tense (unchanged)
Function: Expresses ongoing, habitual, or repeated future actions; emphasizes duration
Example formations: -
πηγαίνω (pigaíno, “I go”) → θα πηγαίνω (tha pigaíno, “I will be going”) -
διαβάζω (diavázo, “I read”) → θα διαβάζω (tha diavázo, “I will be reading”) -
τρώω (tróo, “I eat”) → θα τρώω (tha tróo, “I will be eating”)
Person conjugation for θα διαβάζω (”I will be studying”): -
θα διαβάζω (tha diavázo) - I will be studying -
θα διαβάζεις (tha diavázeis) - you will be studying -
θα διαβάζει (tha diavázei) - he/she/it will be studying -
θα διαβάζουμε (tha diavázoume) - we will be studying -
θα διαβάζετε (tha diavázete) - you (plural) will be studying -
θα διαβάζουν (tha diavázoun) - they will be studying
The choice between perfective and continuous future depends on aspect, not merely time:
Perfective Future: Actions viewed as complete wholes, single events, or actions with clear endpoints -
Θα πάω στο σχολείο (Tha páo sto scholeío) - “I will go to school” (one trip) -
Θα διαβάσω το βιβλίο (Tha diaváso to vivlío) - “I will read the book” (complete it) -
Θα τηλεφωνήσω (Tha tilefoníso) - “I will call” (make one call)
Continuous Future: Actions viewed as ongoing processes, habits, or repeated actions -
Θα πηγαίνω στο σχολείο (Tha pigaíno sto scholeío) - “I will be going to school” (regularly) -
Θα διαβάζω κάθε μέρα (Tha diavázo káthe méra) - “I will be studying every day” (habitual) -
Θα τηλεφωνώ συχνά (Tha telefonó sychná) - “I will be calling often” (repeatedly)
Formation: θα + έχω (present) + past participle (invariable)
Function: Actions that will be completed by a specific future time
Person conjugation: -
θα έχω διαβάσει (tha écho diavásei) - I will have studied -
θα έχεις διαβάσει (tha écheis diavásei) - you will have studied -
θα έχει διαβάσει (tha échei diavásei) - he/she/it will have studied -
θα έχουμε διαβάσει (tha échoume diavásei) - we will have studied -
θα έχετε διαβάσει (tha échete diavásei) - you (plural) will have studied -
θα έχουν διαβάσει (tha échoun diavásei) - they will have studied
Example: Μέχρι αύριο θα έχω τελειώσει τη δουλειά (Méchri ávrio tha écho teleiósei ti douleiá) - “By tomorrow I will have finished the work.”
Standard position: θα appears immediately before the verb -
Θα πάω αύριο (Tha páo ávrio) - “I will go tomorrow”
With object pronouns: Clitics appear between θα and the verb -
Θα τον δω (Tha ton do) - “I will see him” -
Θα σου τηλεφωνήσω (Tha sou tilefoníso) - “I will call you”
With negation: δεν appears before θα -
Δεν θα πάω (Den tha páo) - “I will not go” -
Δεν θα το κάνω (Den tha to káno) - “I will not do it”
With subordinators: θα follows subordinating particles -
Αν θα πάω... (An tha páo...) - “If I go...” -
Όταν θα έρθεις... (Ótan tha értheis...) - “When you come...”
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Plans and intentions: Θα πάμε διακοπές τον Αύγουστο (Tha páme diakopés ton Ávgusto) - “We will go on vacation in August” -
Predictions: Θα βρέξει αύριο (Tha vréxei ávrio) - “It will rain tomorrow” -
Promises: Θα σε βοηθήσω (Tha se voithíso) - “I will help you” -
Offers: Θα φέρω εγώ το κρασί (Tha féro egó to krasí) - “I will bring the wine” -
Questions about future: Τι θα κάνουμε; (Ti tha kánoume?) - “What will we do?” -
Conditional statements: Αν έχω χρόνο, θα έρθω (An écho hróno, tha értho) - “If I have time, I will come”
Mistake 1: Using θα as a full verb -
❌ Εγώ θάω πάω (trying to conjugate θα) -
✓ Εγώ θα πάω (Egó tha páo) - “I will go”
Mistake 2: Confusing perfective and continuous -
Context: Describing a one-time future event -
❌ Θα πηγαίνω αύριο στο σχολείο (implies habitual) -
✓ Θα πάω αύριο στο σχολείο (Tha páo ávrio sto scholeío) - “I will go to school tomorrow”
Mistake 3: Wrong word order with clitics -
❌ Τον θα δω (ton tha do) -
✓ Θα τον δω (Tha ton do) - “I will see him”
Mistake 4: Using English “going to” structure -
❌ Πάω να φάω (literal translation of “going to eat”) -
✓ Θα φάω (Tha fáo) - “I will eat”
Mistake 5: Using present tense without θα for future -
Context: Talking about tomorrow -
❌ Αύριο πάω (Ávrio páo) - ambiguous, sounds like present -
✓ Αύριο θα πάω (Ávrio tha páo) - “Tomorrow I will go”
Mistake 6: Forgetting that the participle doesn’t change in future perfect -
❌ Θα έχω διαβάσουμε (trying to match plural) -
✓ Θα έχουμε διαβάσει (Tha échoume diavásei) - “We will have studied” (participle always -σει)
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θα is one of the most frequently used particles in Modern Greek, essential for any discussion of future plans, predictions, or intentions. It appears in all registers: from casual conversation to formal writing, from news broadcasts to literature. Unlike some future constructions in other languages, θα carries no particular formality or informality—it is simply the standard, neutral way to express futurity.
Colloquial usage: In everyday speech, Greeks use θα constantly for making plans, asking about intentions, and discussing the future. The question “Τι θα κάνουμε;” (Ti tha kánoume? “What will we do?”) is as common as its English equivalent.
Written usage: In formal Greek, θα appears frequently in news reports, academic writing, and official documents. For example, news articles about upcoming events or government policies rely heavily on perfective future constructions with θα.
The use of θα reflects certain cultural attitudes in Greek society:
1. Flexibility and contingency: Greeks often combine future constructions with conditional phrases (αν/an “if,” όταν/ótan “when”), reflecting a cultural understanding that plans are subject to circumstances: “Θα πάμε αν έχουμε χρόνο” (Tha páme an échoume hróno) - “We’ll go if we have time.”
2. Optimism in predictions: Weather predictions, economic forecasts, and social expectations frequently employ θα with optimistic or neutral framing, even when uncertainty is implied.
3. Social commitments: Using θα in promises or offers (Θα σε βοηθήσω / Tha se voithíso “I will help you”) creates social obligation. Breaking such commitments can affect relationships, as the future marker implies firm intention.
While θα is standard throughout Greek-speaking regions, some dialectal variations exist:
Cypriot Greek: Sometimes uses an alternative future construction with εννά (enná), though θα is also widely understood and used, especially in formal contexts.
Pontic Greek: Uses ένα (éna) instead of θα, a preservation of an older form.
Standard Modern Greek (Athens, Thessaloniki, major urban centers): θα is universal and consistent.
The evolution from θέλει να → θα represents a common linguistic process called grammaticalization, where a full lexical verb (θέλω “I want”) becomes a grammatical particle. This process occurred gradually: -
Ancient Greek: Used various constructions for future (future tense endings) -
Medieval/Byzantine Greek: θέλω να begins appearing in future contexts -
Early Modern Greek: Contraction to θα begins -
Contemporary Greek: θα is fully grammaticalized and obligatory for future reference
This historical development explains why Greek future constructions feel more “volitional” (expressing will/intention) than purely temporal—the etymology of “wanting” still subtly influences the semantics.
Softening requests: θα can soften imperatives by framing them as future actions rather than direct commands: -
Direct: Έλα! (Éla!) - “Come!” -
Softened: Θα έρθεις; (Tha értheis?) - “Will you come?” (less direct)
Expressing inevitability: θα in predictions about natural phenomena or social trends suggests inevitability: -
Θα γίνει (Tha gínei) - “It will happen” (implying: inevitably)
Hedging predictions: Combined with belief verbs, θα allows speakers to hedge: -
Νομίζω ότι θα βρέξει (Nomízo óti tha vréxei) - “I think it will rain” (hedged prediction)
Several fixed expressions use θα: -
Θα δούμε (Tha doúme) - “We’ll see” (common response to uncertain plans) -
Θα τα πούμε (Tha ta poúme) - “We’ll talk” / “See you later” (informal goodbye) -
Θα φανεί (Tha faneí) - “It will show” / “Time will tell” -
Θα σου πω (Tha sou po) - “I’ll tell you” (introducing information) -
Μα θα δεις (Ma tha deis) - “But you’ll see!” (expressing certainty)
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From contemporary Greek fiction (pedagogical adaptation of modern prose style):
Η (I) the Ελένη (Eléni) Eleni-NOM κοίταξε (koítaxe) looked-3SG έξω (éxo) outside από (apó) from το (to) the παράθυρο (paráthyro) window. Αύριο (Ávrio) tomorrow θα (tha) will φύγει (fýgei) leave-3SG από (apó) from την (tin) the πόλη (póli) city αυτή (aftí) this. Θα (Tha) will πάει (páei) go-3SG στο (sto) to-the νησί (nisí) island όπου (ópou) where γεννήθηκε (genníthike) was-born-3SG η (i) the μητέρα (mitéra) mother της (tis) her. Εκεί (Ekeí) there θα (tha) will μείνει (meínei) stay-3SG για (gia) for ένα (éna) one καλοκαίρι (kalokéri) summer ολόκληρο (olókliro) whole. Θα (Tha) will κολυμπάει (kolympáei) swim-3SG κάθε (káthe) every πρωί (proí) morning στη (sti) in-the θάλασσα (thálassa) sea, θα (tha) will διαβάζει (diaváfei) read-3SG βιβλία (vivlía) books κάτω (káto) under από (apó) from τα (ta) the δέντρα (déntra) trees, και (kai) and θα (tha) will ξεχάσει (xechásei) forget-3SG όλες (óles) all τις (tis) the στεναχώριες (stenachóries) sorrows της (tis) her πόλης (pólis) of-city-GEN.
I (I) the Eléni (Eléni) Eleni-NOM koítaxe (koítaxe) looked-3SG éxo (éxo) outside apó (apó) from to (to) the paráthyro (paráthyro) window. Ávrio (Ávrio) tomorrow tha (tha) will fýgei (fýgei) leave-3SG apó (apó) from tin (tin) the póli (póli) city aftí (aftí) this. Tha (Tha) will páei (páei) go-3SG sto (sto) to-the nisí (nisí) island ópou (ópou) where genníthike (genníthike) was-born-3SG i (i) the mitéra (mitéra) mother tis (tis) her. Ekeí (Ekeí) there tha (tha) will meínei (meínei) stay-3SG gia (gia) for éna (éna) one kalokéri (kalokéri) summer olókliro (olókliro) whole. Tha (Tha) will kolympáei (kolympáei) swim-3SG káthe (káthe) every proí (proí) morning sti (sti) in-the thálassa (thálassa) sea, tha (tha) will diaváfei (diavázei) read-3SG vivlía (vivlía) books káto (káto) under apó (apó) from ta (ta) the déntra (déntra) trees, kai (kai) and tha (tha) will xechásei (xechásei) forget-3SG óles (óles) all tis (tis) the stenachóries (stenachóries) sorrows tis (tis) her pólis (pólis) of-city-GEN.
Η Ελένη κοίταξε έξω από το παράθυρο. Αύριο θα φύγει από την πόλη αυτή. Θα πάει στο νησί όπου γεννήθηκε η μητέρα της. Εκεί θα μείνει για ένα καλοκαίρι ολόκληρο. Θα κολυμπάει κάθε πρωί στη θάλασσα, θα διαβάζει βιβλία κάτω από τα δέντρα, και θα ξεχάσει όλες τις στεναχώριες της πόλης.
I Eléni koítaxe éxo apó to paráthyro. Ávrio tha fýgei apó tin póli aftí. Tha páei sto nisí ópou genníthike i mitéra tis. Ekeí tha meínei gia éna kalokéri olókliro. Tha kolympáei káthe proí sti thálassa, tha diaváfei vivlía káto apó ta déntra, kai tha xechásei óles tis stenachóries tis pólis.
“Eleni looked out the window. Tomorrow she will leave this city. She will go to the island where her mother was born. There she will stay for an entire summer. She will swim every morning in the sea, she will read books under the trees, and she will forget all the sorrows of the city.”
Η Ελένη κοίταξε έξω από το παράθυρο. Αύριο θα φύγει από την πόλη αυτή. Θα πάει στο νησί όπου γεννήθηκε η μητέρα της. Εκεί θα μείνει για ένα καλοκαίρι ολόκληρο. Θα κολυμπάει κάθε πρωί στη θάλασσα, θα διαβάζει βιβλία κάτω από τα δέντρα, και θα ξεχάσει όλες τις στεναχώριες της πόλης.
I Eléni koítaxe éxo apó to paráthyro. Ávrio tha fýgei apó tin póli aftí. Tha páei sto nisí ópou genníthike i mitéra tis. Ekeí tha meínei gia éna kalokéri olókliro. Tha kolympáei káthe proí sti thálassa, tha diaváfei vivlía káto apó ta déntra, kai tha xechásei óles tis stenachóries tis pólis.
This passage exemplifies typical Modern Greek narrative prose describing future plans and intentions. Notice the systematic use of θα throughout:
Perfective Future (single, completed actions): -
θα φύγει (tha fýgei) - “she will leave” - a single departure -
θα πάει (tha páei) - “she will go” - one journey -
θα μείνει (tha meínei) - “she will stay” - though extended, viewed as complete action -
θα ξεχάσει (tha xechásei) - “she will forget” - resultative action
Continuous Future (habitual, repeated actions): -
θα κολυμπάει (tha kolympáei) - “she will swim” - every morning (habitual) -
θα διαβάζει (tha diaváfei) - “she will read” - ongoing summer activity
This aspectual distinction is crucial: single future events use perfective forms, while repeated or ongoing future activities use continuous forms.
Key Vocabulary: -
παράθυρο (paráthyro) - window -
νησί (nisí) - island -
γεννήθηκε (genníthike) - was born (aorist passive) -
ολόκληρο (olókliro) - whole, entire -
θάλασσα (thálassa) - sea -
στεναχώριες (stenachóries) - sorrows, troubles
The passage demonstrates natural Modern Greek prose rhythm, with θα appearing six times to structure the protagonist’s future plans. The mixture of perfective and continuous futures creates narrative texture, distinguishing between decisive actions (leaving, going) and ongoing states or habits (swimming, reading).
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40.16a Ο (O) the Νίκος (Níkos) Nikos-NOM και (kai) and η (i) the Σοφία (Sofía) Sofia-NOM θα (tha) will παντρευτούν (pantreftoún) marry-3PL τον (ton) the Μάιο (Máio) May-ACC 40.16b O (O) the Níkos (Níkos) Nikos-NOM kai (kai) and i (i) the Sofía (Sofía) Sofia-NOM tha (tha) will pantreftoún (pantreftoún) marry-3PL ton (ton) the Máio (Máio) May-ACC
40.17a Θα (Tha) will κάνουν (kánoun) do-make-3PL τον (ton) the γάμο (gámo) wedding στο (sto) in-the χωριό (chorió) village του (tou) of-the Νίκου (Níkou) Nikos-GEN 40.17b Tha (Tha) will kánoun (kánoun) do-make-3PL ton (ton) the gámo (gámo) wedding sto (sto) in-the chorió (chorió) village tou (tou) of-the Níkou (Níkou) Nikos-GEN
40.18a Η (I) the οικογένεια (ikogéneia) family της (tis) her Σοφίας (Sofías) Sofia-GEN θα (tha) will έρθει (érthei) come-3SG από (apó) from την (tin) the Αθήνα (Athína) Athens 40.18b I (I) the ikogéneia (ikogéneia) family tis (tis) her Sofías (Sofías) Sofia-GEN tha (tha) will érthei (érthei) come-3SG apó (apó) from tin (tin) the Athína (Athína) Athens
40.19a Θα (Tha) will προσκαλέσουν (proskalésoun) invite-3PL εκατό (ekató) hundred ανθρώπους (anthrópous) people-ACC περίπου (perípou) approximately 40.19b Tha (Tha) will proskalésoun (proskalésoun) invite-3PL ekató (ekató) hundred anthrópous (anthrópous) people-ACC perípou (perípou) approximately
40.20a Η (I) the μητέρα (mitéra) mother του (tou) of-the Νίκου (Níkou) Nikos-GEN θα (tha) will μαγειρέψει (mageirépsei) cook-3SG παραδοσιακά (paradosiaká) traditional φαγητά (fagitá) foods 40.20b I (I) the mitéra (mitéra) mother tou (tou) of-the Níkou (Níkou) Nikos-GEN tha (tha) will mageirépsei (mageirépsei) cook-3SG paradosiaká (paradosiaká) traditional fagitá (fagitá) foods
40.21a Ο (O) the πατέρας (patéras) father θα (tha) will παίζει (páizei) play-3SG λύρα (lýra) lyre όλο (ólo) all το (to) the βράδυ (vrády) evening 40.21b O (O) the patéras (patéras) father tha (tha) will páizei (páizei) play-3SG lýra (lýra) lyre ólo (ólo) all to (to) the vrády (vrády) evening
40.22a Οι (Oi) the καλεσμένοι (kalésmenoi) guests-NOM θα (tha) will χορεύουν (choréfoun) dance-3PL μέχρι (méchri) until το (to) the πρωί (proí) morning 40.22b Oi (Oi) the kalésmenoi (kalésmenoi) guests-NOM tha (tha) will choréfoun (choréfoun) dance-3PL méchri (méchri) until to (to) the proí (proí) morning
40.23a Μετά (Metá) after τον (ton) the γάμο (gámo) wedding θα (tha) will πάνε (páne) go-3PL ταξίδι (taxídi) trip στην (stin) to-the Ιταλία (Italía) Italy 40.23b Metá (Metá) after ton (ton) the gámo (gámo) wedding tha (tha) will páne (páne) go-3PL taxídi (taxídi) trip stin (stin) to-the Italía (Italía) Italy
40.24a Θα (Tha) will επισκεφτούν (episkeftoún) visit-3PL τη (ti) the Ρώμη (Rómi) Rome, τη (ti) the Φλωρεντία (Florentía) Florence και (kai) and τη (ti) the Βενετία (Venetía) Venice 40.24b Tha (Tha) will episkeftoún (episkeftoún) visit-3PL ti (ti) the Rómi (Rómi) Rome, ti (ti) the Florentía (Florentía) Florence kai (kai) and ti (ti) the Venetía (Venetía) Venice
40.25a Στη (Sti) in-the Ρώμη (Rómi) Rome θα (tha) will δουν (doun) see-3PL το (to) the Κολοσσαίο (Kolossaío) Colosseum και (kai) and το (to) the Βατικανό (Vatikanó) Vatican 40.25b Sti (Sti) in-the Rómi (Rómi) Rome tha (tha) will doun (doun) see-3PL to (to) the Kolossaío (Kolossaío) Colosseum kai (kai) and to (to) the Vatikanó (Vatikanó) Vatican
40.26a Θα (Tha) will φάνε (fáne) eat-3PL αυθεντική (afthentikí) authentic ιταλική (italikí) Italian πίτσα (pítsa) pizza και (kai) and ζυμαρικά (zymariká) pasta 40.26b Tha (Tha) will fáne (fáne) eat-3PL afthentikí (afthentikí) authentic italikí (italikí) Italian pítsa (pítsa) pizza kai (kai) and zymariká (zymariká) pasta
40.27a Στη (Sti) in-the Βενετία (Venetía) Venice θα (tha) will κάνουν (kánoun) do-make-3PL βόλτα (vólta) ride με (me) with γόνδολα (góndola) gondola 40.27b Sti (Sti) in-the Venetía (Venetía) Venice tha (tha) will kánoun (kánoun) do-make-3PL vólta (vólta) ride me (me) with góndola (góndola) gondola
40.28a Όταν (Ótan) when θα (tha) will γυρίσουν (gyríoun) return-3PL θα (tha) will αρχίσουν (archísoun) begin-3PL να (na) SUBJ χτίζουν (chtízoun) build-3PL το (to) the σπίτι (spíti) house τους (tous) their 40.28b Ótan (Ótan) when tha (tha) will gyríoun (gyríoun) return-3PL tha (tha) will archísoun (archísoun) begin-3PL na (na) SUBJ chtízoun (chtízoun) build-3PL to (to) the spíti (spíti) house tous (tous) their
40.29a Θα (Tha) will ψάξουν (psáxoun) search-3PL για (gia) for οικόπεδο (ikópedo) plot κοντά (kontá) near στη (sti) to-the θάλασσα (thálassa) sea 40.29b Tha (Tha) will psáxoun (psáxoun) search-3PL gia (gia) for ikópedo (ikópedo) plot kontá (kontá) near sti (sti) to-the thálassa (thálassa) sea
40.30a Και (Kai) and σε (se) in δύο (dýo) two χρόνια (chrónia) years θα (tha) will έχουν (échoun) have-3PL το (to) the όνειρό (óneiró) dream τους (tous) their 40.30b Kai (Kai) and se (se) in dýo (dýo) two chrónia (chrónia) years tha (tha) will échoun (échoun) have-3PL to (to) the óneiró (óneiró) dream tous (tous) their
40.16 Ο Νίκος και η Σοφία θα παντρευτούν τον Μάιο. O Níkos kai i Sofía tha pantreftoún ton Máio. “Nikos and Sofia will get married in May.”
40.17 Θα κάνουν τον γάμο στο χωριό του Νίκου. Tha kánoun ton gámo sto chorió tou Níkou. “They will have the wedding in Nikos’s village.”
40.18 Η οικογένεια της Σοφίας θα έρθει από την Αθήνα. I ikogéneia tis Sofías tha érthei apó tin Athína. “Sofia’s family will come from Athens.”
40.19 Θα προσκαλέσουν εκατό ανθρώπους περίπου. Tha proskalésoun ekató anthrópous perípou. “They will invite about a hundred people.”
40.20 Η μητέρα του Νίκου θα μαγειρέψει παραδοσιακά φαγητά. I mitéra tou Níkou tha mageirépsei paradosiaká fagitá. “Nikos’s mother will cook traditional foods.”
40.21 Ο πατέρας θα παίζει λύρα όλο το βράδυ. O patéras tha páizei lýra ólo to vrády. “The father will play the lyre all evening.”
40.22 Οι καλεσμένοι θα χορεύουν μέχρι το πρωί. Oi kalésmenoi tha choréfoun méchri to proí. “The guests will dance until morning.”
40.23 Μετά τον γάμο θα πάνε ταξίδι στην Ιταλία. Metá ton gámo tha páne taxídi stin Italía. “After the wedding they will take a trip to Italy.”
40.24 Θα επισκεφτούν τη Ρώμη, τη Φλωρεντία και τη Βενετία. Tha episkeftoún ti Rómi, ti Florentía kai ti Venetía. “They will visit Rome, Florence, and Venice.”
40.25 Στη Ρώμη θα δουν το Κολοσσαίο και το Βατικανό. Sti Rómi tha doun to Kolossaío kai to Vatikanó. “In Rome they will see the Colosseum and the Vatican.”
40.26 Θα φάνε αυθεντική ιταλική πίτσα και ζυμαρικά. Tha fáne afthentikí italikí pítsa kai zymariká. “They will eat authentic Italian pizza and pasta.”
40.27 Στη Βενετία θα κάνουν βόλτα με γόνδολα. Sti Venetía tha kánoun vólta me góndola. “In Venice they will take a gondola ride.”
40.28 Όταν θα γυρίσουν θα αρχίσουν να χτίζουν το σπίτι τους. Ótan tha gyríoun tha archísoun na chtízoun to spíti tous.
40.29 Θα ψάξουν για οικόπεδο κοντά στη θάλασσα. Tha psáxoun gia ikópedo kontá sti thálassa.
40.30 Και σε δύο χρόνια θα έχουν το όνειρό τους. Kai se dýo chrónia tha échoun to óneiró tous.
This narrative showcases the systematic use of θα in connected discourse describing future plans and events. The passage demonstrates several important patterns:
Perfective Future Dominance in Narrative: Most verbs appear in perfective future because the narrative describes a sequence of discrete events: the wedding (θα παντρευτούν), having the ceremony (θα κάνουν), visits to specific cities (θα επισκεφτούν), seeing monuments (θα δουν), eating specific meals (θα φάνε), searching for land (θα ψάξουν), and achieving their dream (θα έχουν).
Continuous Future for Ongoing Activities: Two verbs use continuous future to emphasize duration or repetition: -
θα παίζει (tha páizei) - “will play” - the father playing lyre throughout the evening -
θα χορεύουν (tha choréfoun) - “will dance” - guests dancing continuously until morning
This aspectual choice creates vivid atmosphere: the discrete events (wedding, travel) frame the continuous activities (music, dancing).
Temporal Sequencing with θα: The narrative uses temporal markers to organize future events: -
τον Μάιο (ton Máio) - “in May” (definite time) -
μετά τον γάμο (metá ton gámo) - “after the wedding” (sequence) -
όταν θα γυρίσουν (ótan tha gyríoun) - “when they return” (subordinate future) -
σε δύο χρόνια (se dýo chrónia) - “in two years” (distant future)
Compound Future Constructions: Example 40.28 shows subordinate clause + main clause, both with θα: Όταν θα γυρίσουν θα αρχίσουν να χτίζουν το σπίτι τους “When they return, they will begin to build their house”
Here θα appears three times: twice in finite verb constructions (θα γυρίσουν, θα αρχίσουν) and implicitly in the infinitive construction (να χτίζουν, which expresses ongoing future building).
Cultural Context in the Narrative: The wedding description reflects traditional Greek customs: village celebration, family cooking traditional foods (παραδοσιακά φαγητά), lyre music (λύρα, traditional instrument), and all-night dancing. The honeymoon to Italy and subsequent house-building near the sea represent modern aspirations blended with traditional values (staying connected to family, building in Greece).
Vocabulary Notes: -
παντρεύω (pantrévo) - to marry (middle voice: παντρεύομαι) -
γάμος (gámos) - wedding -
καλεσμένοι (kalésmenoi) - guests (from καλώ “I invite”) -
χορεύω (chorévo) - to dance -
οικόπεδο (ikópedo) - plot of land -
όνειρο (óneiro) - dream
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This lesson is part of the comprehensive Modern Greek language course developed by the Latinum Institute, which has been creating language learning materials since 2006. Our methodology is specifically designed for autodidact learners—those who prefer to study independently and at their own pace.
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This lesson focuses on word #40 from our comprehensive 1000-word vocabulary list: “will” (expressed in Greek as the particle θα). The CSV-based approach ensures systematic coverage of essential vocabulary, with each lesson building on previously learned material while introducing new grammatical concepts.
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Study Section A carefully: Read through the interlinear glossing, paying attention to word-by-word correspondence -
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This course uses the ISO 843 standard for romanization of Modern Greek, which is based on the ELOT 743 system officially adopted by the Greek government. This system provides consistent, reversible transliteration that represents Modern Greek pronunciation accurately.
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Lesson 40 Modern Greek Complete
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