Welcome to Lesson 42 of our Modern Greek course, where we explore κάνω (káno), one of the most versatile and fundamental verbs in the Greek language. This verb corresponds to English “make,” “do,” and “create,” serving as a productive workhorse in everyday communication.
Link to Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
What does κάνω mean in Greek?
The verb κάνω (káno) is a first-conjugation active verb that expresses causation, creation, and general action. Unlike English, which distinguishes sharply between “make” and “do,” Greek often uses κάνω for both concepts. This verb appears in countless idioms and fixed expressions, making it essential for natural Greek communication. In its present tense, it conjugates regularly: κάνω (I make/do), κάνεις (you make/do), κάνει (he/she/it makes/does), κάνουμε (we make/do), κάνετε (you make/do), κάνουν (they make/do).
The fifteen examples in this lesson demonstrate κάνω in various contexts: creating physical objects, performing actions, causing effects, asking about activities, and appearing in common Greek expressions. We’ll see how this verb combines with nouns to form verbal phrases (κάνω υπομονή = “I have patience,” literally “I make patience”), how it functions in questions (τι κάνεις; = “how are you?” literally “what do you do?”), and how it appears in both concrete and abstract contexts.
Understanding κάνω is crucial for Greek learners because it unlocks a vast territory of everyday expression. Whether you’re discussing work, hobbies, weather (κάνει κρύο = “it’s cold,” literally “it makes cold”), or simply greeting someone, this verb will serve you constantly.
Key Takeaways: -
Κάνω covers both “make” and “do” in Greek -
It forms numerous idiomatic expressions with nouns -
Regular first-conjugation verb with predictable forms -
Essential for everyday Greek conversation -
Appears in greetings, questions, and descriptions of actions
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Modern Greek uses the Greek alphabet, a writing system with 24 letters descended from ancient Greek. The script writes left-to-right and includes both lowercase and uppercase forms. Greek orthography is relatively phonetic compared to English, though there are several vowel sounds represented by multiple letter combinations.
Key Features: -
Stress marks (τόνοι): Every Greek word has one stressed syllable marked with an accent (΄) over the vowel -
Two forms of sigma: σ is used in initial and medial positions, ς at word endings -
Vowel digraphs: ου represents /u/, ει and οι both represent /i/, αι represents /e/ -
Historical orthography: Some spellings preserve ancient forms (e.g., αυ, ευ)
Transliteration System: We use a simplified phonetic transliteration where each Greek letter or digraph is consistently represented. The main correspondences are: α=a, β=v, γ=g/y, δ=d, ε=e, ζ=z, η=i, θ=th, ι=i, κ=k, λ=l, μ=m, ν=n, ξ=x, ο=o, π=p, ρ=r, σ/ς=s, τ=t, υ=i/y, φ=f, χ=h, ψ=ps, ω=o.
Common Learner Mistakes: -
Forgetting to mark stress accents when writing -
Confusing the various letters that represent /i/ sound (η, ι, υ, ει, οι) -
Pronouncing β as “b” instead of “v” -
Using σ instead of ς at word endings -
Mispronouncing γ before front vowels (it sounds like English “y”)
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42.1a Κάνω (káno) I-make ένα (éna) a τραπέζι (trapézi) table από (apó) from ξύλο (xýlo) wood
42.1b Káno (káno) I-make éna (éna) a trapézi (trapézi) table apó (apó) from xýlo (xýlo) wood
42.2a Η (i) the μητέρα (mitéra) mother μου (mu) my κάνει (káni) makes καλό (kaló) good φαγητό (fagitó) food
42.2b I (i) the mitéra (mitéra) mother mu (mu) my káni (káni) makes kaló (kaló) good fagitó (fagitó) food
42.3a Τι (ti) what κάνεις (kánis) you-do σήμερα (símera) today το (to) the απόγευμα (apógevma) afternoon
42.3b Ti (ti) what kánis (kánis) you-do símera (símera) today to (to) the apógevma (apógevma) afternoon
42.4a Κάνουμε (kánume) we-make διακοπές (diakopés) vacation στην (stin) in-the Κρήτη (Kríti) Crete κάθε (káthe) every καλοκαίρι (kalokéri) summer
42.4b Kánume (kánume) we-make diakopés (diakopés) vacation stin (stin) in-the Kríti (Kríti) Crete káthe (káthe) every kalokéri (kalokéri) summer
42.5a Κάνει (káni) it-makes κρύο (krýo) cold έξω (éxo) outside απόψε (apópse) tonight
42.5b Káni (káni) it-makes krýo (krýo) cold éxo (éxo) outside apópse (apópse) tonight
42.6a Ο (o) the αδελφός (adelfós) brother μου (mu) my κάνει (káni) does γυμναστική (gymnastikí) exercise κάθε (káthe) every πρωί (proí) morning
42.6b O (o) the adelfós (adelfós) brother mu (mu) my káni (káni) does gymnastikí (gymnastikí) exercise káthe (káthe) every proí (proí) morning
42.7a Τι (ti) what κάνουν (kánun) they-do οι (i) the φίλοι (fíli) friends σου (su) your το (to) the Σάββατο (Sávvato) Saturday
42.7b Ti (ti) what kánun (kánun) they-do i (i) the fíli (fíli) friends su (su) your to (to) the Sávvato (Sávvato) Saturday
42.8a Κάνω (káno) I-make υπομονή (ipomoní) patience όταν (ótan) when περιμένω (periméno) I-wait
42.8b Káno (káno) I-make ipomoní (ipomoní) patience ótan (ótan) when periméno (periméno) I-wait
42.9a Η (i) the δασκάλα (daskála) teacher κάνει (káni) makes το (to) the μάθημα (máthima) lesson πολύ (polý) very ενδιαφέρον (endiaféron) interesting
42.9b I (i) the daskála (daskála) teacher káni (káni) makes to (to) the máthima (máthima) lesson polý (polý) very endiaféron (endiaféron) interesting
42.10a Κάνουμε (kánume) we-make παρέα (paréa) company με (me) with τους (tus) the γείτονες (gítones) neighbors μας (mas) our
42.10b Kánume (kánume) we-make paréa (paréa) company me (me) with tus (tus) the gítones (gítones) neighbors mas (mas) our
42.11a Κάνεις (kánis) you-do λάθος (láthos) mistake αν (an) if πιστεύεις (pistévis) you-believe αυτό (aftó) this
42.11b Kánis (kánis) you-do láthos (láthos) mistake an (an) if pistévis (pistévis) you-believe aftó (aftó) this
42.12a Ο (o) the ζωγράφος (zográfos) painter κάνει (káni) makes όμορφα (ómorfa) beautiful πορτρέτα (portréta) portraits
42.12b O (o) the zográfos (zográfos) painter káni (káni) makes ómorfa (ómorfa) beautiful portréta (portréta) portraits
42.13a Κάνω (káno) I-make ό,τι (ó,ti) whatever μπορώ (boró) I-can για (ya) for να (na) to βοηθήσω (voithíso) help
42.13b Káno (káno) I-make ó,ti (ó,ti) whatever boró (boró) I-can ya (ya) for na (na) to voithíso (voithíso) help
42.14a Κάνουν (kánun) they-make φασαρία (fasaría) noise οι (i) the γάτες (gátes) cats τη (ti) the νύχτα (nýhta) night
42.14b Kánun (kánun) they-make fasaría (fasaría) noise i (i) the gátes (gátes) cats ti (ti) the nýhta (nýhta) night
42.15a Πρέπει (prépi) must να (na) to κάνω (káno) I-make μια (mia) a απόφαση (apófasi) decision σύντομα (sýntoma) soon
42.15b Prépi (prépi) must na (na) to káno (káno) I-make mia (mia) a apófasi (apófasi) decision sýntoma (sýntoma) soon
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42.1 Κάνω ένα τραπέζι από ξύλο. Káno éna trapézi apó xýlo. “I’m making a table out of wood.”
42.2 Η μητέρα μου κάνει καλό φαγητό. I mitéra mu káni kaló fagitó. “My mother makes good food.”
42.3 Τι κάνεις σήμερα το απόγευμα; Ti kánis símera to apógevma? “What are you doing this afternoon?”
42.4 Κάνουμε διακοπές στην Κρήτη κάθε καλοκαίρι. Kánume diakopés stin Kríti káthe kalokéri. “We vacation in Crete every summer.”
42.5 Κάνει κρύο έξω απόψε. Káni krýo éxo apópse. “It’s cold outside tonight.”
42.6 Ο αδελφός μου κάνει γυμναστική κάθε πρωί. O adelfós mu káni gymnastikí káthe proí. “My brother exercises every morning.”
42.7 Τι κάνουν οι φίλοι σου το Σάββατο; Ti kánun i fíli su to Sávvato? “What are your friends doing on Saturday?”
42.8 Κάνω υπομονή όταν περιμένω. Káno ipomoní ótan periméno. “I’m patient when I wait.”
42.9 Η δασκάλα κάνει το μάθημα πολύ ενδιαφέρον. I daskála káni to máthima polý endiaféron. “The teacher makes the lesson very interesting.”
42.10 Κάνουμε παρέα με τους γείτονές μας. Kánume paréa me tus gítones mas. “We socialize with our neighbors.”
42.11 Κάνεις λάθος αν πιστεύεις αυτό. Kánis láthos an pistévis aftó. “You’re mistaken if you believe that.”
42.12 Ο ζωγράφος κάνει όμορφα πορτρέτα. O zográfos káni ómorfa portréta. “The painter makes beautiful portraits.”
42.13 Κάνω ό,τι μπορώ για να βοηθήσω. Káno ó,ti boró ya na voithíso. “I do whatever I can to help.”
42.14 Κάνουν φασαρία οι γάτες τη νύχτα. Kánun fasaría i gátes ti nýhta. “The cats make noise at night.”
42.15 Πρέπει να κάνω μια απόφαση σύντομα. Prépi na káno mia apófasi sýntoma. “I must make a decision soon.”
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42.1 Κάνω ένα τραπέζι από ξύλο. Káno éna trapézi apó xýlo.
42.2 Η μητέρα μου κάνει καλό φαγητό. I mitéra mu káni kaló fagitó.
42.3 Τι κάνεις σήμερα το απόγευμα; Ti kánis símera to apógevma?
42.4 Κάνουμε διακοπές στην Κρήτη κάθε καλοκαίρι. Kánume diakopés stin Kríti káthe kalokéri.
42.5 Κάνει κρύο έξω απόψε. Káni krýo éxo apópse.
42.6 Ο αδελφός μου κάνει γυμναστική κάθε πρωί. O adelfós mu káni gymnastikí káthe proí.
42.7 Τι κάνουν οι φίλοι σου το Σάββατο; Ti kánun i fíli su to Sávvato?
42.8 Κάνω υπομονή όταν περιμένω. Káno ipomoní ótan periméno.
42.9 Η δασκάλα κάνει το μάθημα πολύ ενδιαφέρον. I daskála káni to máthima polý endiaféron.
42.10 Κάνουμε παρέα με τους γείτονές μας. Kánume paréa me tus gítones mas.
42.11 Κάνεις λάθος αν πιστεύεις αυτό. Kánis láthos an pistévis aftó.
42.12 Ο ζωγράφος κάνει όμορφα πορτρέτα. O zográfos káni ómorfa portréta.
42.13 Κάνω ό,τι μπορώ για να βοηθήσω. Káno ó,ti boró ya na voithíso.
42.14 Κάνουν φασαρία οι γάτες τη νύχτα. Kánun fasaría i gátes ti nýhta.
42.15 Πρέπει να κάνω μια απόφαση σύντομα. Prépi na káno mia apófasi sýntoma.
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These are the grammar rules for κάνω (káno)
The verb κάνω belongs to the first conjugation (Group A1) of Modern Greek verbs, characterized by the -ω ending in the first person singular present tense. It is an active voice verb with regular conjugation patterns.
Present Tense - Active Voice: -
κάνω (káno) = I make/do -
κάνεις (kánis) = you make/do (singular informal) -
κάνει (káni) = he/she/it makes/does -
κάνουμε (kánume) or κάνομε (kánome) = we make/do -
κάνετε (kánete) = you make/do (plural or formal) -
κάνουν (kánun) or κάνουνε (kánune) = they make/do
Stress Pattern: The stress remains on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable throughout the present tense conjugation. This is typical of first conjugation verbs.
Past Simple (Aorist): The aorist stem is έκαν- (ékan-), formed with the past marker έ- (é-) prefix and an internal vowel change: -
έκανα (ékana) = I made/did -
έκανες (ékanes) = you made/did -
έκανε (ékane) = he/she/it made/did -
κάναμε (káname) = we made/did -
κάνατε (kánate) = you made/did -
έκαναν (ékanan) = they made/did
Note: The aorist drops the augment έ- in the first and second person plural.
Future Simple: Formed with θα (tha) + present stem: -
θα κάνω (tha káno) = I will make/do -
θα κάνεις (tha kánis) = you will make/do -
θα κάνει (tha káni) = he/she/it will make/do -
θα κάνουμε (tha kánume) = we will make/do -
θα κάνετε (tha kánete) = you will make/do -
θα κάνουν (tha kánun) = they will make/do
Continuous Aspect in Past and Future: For ongoing actions in the past or future, Greek uses imperfective stems. Past continuous uses έ- prefix with present stem: έκανα (ékana) becomes continuous imperfect, while future continuous uses θα + να + present subjunctive.
One of the most distinctive features of κάνω is its ability to form compound predicates with nouns, creating expressions where English would use different verbs: -
κάνω υπομονή (káno ipomoní) = “I am patient” (literally: I make patience) -
κάνω παρέα (káno paréa) = “I socialize” (literally: I make company) -
κάνω λάθος (káno láthos) = “I make a mistake” -
κάνω δουλειά (káno duliá) = “I work” (literally: I do work) -
κάνω ντους (káno dus) = “I shower” (literally: I do shower) -
κάνω μάθημα (káno máthima) = “I teach” or “I study” depending on context
These fixed expressions are idiomatic and must be learned as units. The noun usually appears without an article in such constructions.
Κάνω is the standard verb for weather conditions in Greek, always used impersonally in the third person singular: -
κάνει κρύο (káni krýo) = it’s cold -
κάνει ζέστη (káni zésti) = it’s hot -
κάνει καλό καιρό (káni kaló keró) = the weather is nice -
κάνει άσχημο καιρό (káni áshimo keró) = the weather is bad
This construction is unique to Greek and contrasts with English “be” constructions.
The phrase τι κάνεις; (ti kánis?) is the most common Greek greeting, equivalent to English “How are you?” The literal meaning is “What are you doing?” but the idiomatic function is a greeting. Responses include: -
Καλά, εσύ; (Kalá, esý?) = Fine, and you? -
Όλα καλά (Óla kalá) = Everything’s fine -
Έτσι κι έτσι (Étsi ki étsi) = So-so
English distinguishes between “make” (create, produce) and “do” (perform an action), but Greek uses κάνω for both meanings. Context determines the interpretation: -
κάνω ένα τραπέζι (káno éna trapézi) = I make a table (creation) -
κάνω γυμναστική (káno gymnastikí) = I do exercise (action)
Additionally, κάνω appears in many contexts where English uses completely different verbs, as seen in the weather expressions and verbal phrases above.
When κάνω appears after να (na), it takes the subjunctive form, which is identical to the present indicative in Modern Greek: -
πρέπει να κάνω (prépi na káno) = I must do/make -
θέλω να κάνω (thélo na káno) = I want to do/make -
μπορώ να κάνω (boró na káno) = I can do/make
The subjunctive is required after modal expressions, purpose clauses, and temporal clauses with future reference.
Omitting articles: Greek requires the definite article more frequently than English. Don’t say κάνω φαγητό when you mean “I make the food” - say κάνω το φαγητό (káno to fagitó).
Incorrect weather expressions: Don’t say είναι κρύο (íne krýo) for “it’s cold.” Always use κάνει κρύο (káni krýo).
Wrong verb choice: English speakers often use other verbs where Greek requires κάνω. For “I’m having breakfast,” Greeks say κάνω πρωινό (káno proinó), not έχω πρωινό.
Stress placement: The stress must fall on the penultimate syllable: KÁno, not káNO. Incorrect stress changes meaning or makes words incomprehensible.
Confusing aspect: English “I was making” requires imperfect έκανα (ékana) not aorist. The distinction between completed and ongoing action is crucial in Greek.
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Κάνω is one of the most frequent verbs in spoken Modern Greek, appearing in countless everyday situations. Its versatility makes it essential vocabulary from the earliest stages of learning. The verb appears across all registers - from informal conversation to formal writing - though some of its idiomatic expressions (like κάνω παρέα) are more colloquial.
In frequency studies of Modern Greek, κάνω consistently ranks among the top 50 words, comparable to verbs like “be,” “have,” and “go” in English. Native speakers use it dozens of times per day in varied contexts.
The greeting τι κάνεις; (ti kánis?) reveals something fundamental about Greek social culture. Unlike English “How are you?” which asks about a state of being, the Greek question literally asks “What are you doing?” This reflects a more action-oriented, engaged approach to interpersonal connection. Greeks genuinely want to know what you’re up to, not just to exchange pleasantries.
When Greeks meet friends or acquaintances, they often follow τι κάνεις; with more specific questions about family, work, or mutual friends. The greeting opens a genuine conversation, not just a ritualized exchange. Foreigners who answer literally (”I’m going to the market” or “I’m working”) rather than conventionally (”Fine, thanks”) sometimes surprise Greek speakers, though the literal answer is not incorrect.
The numerous fixed expressions using κάνω provide insights into Greek cultural priorities: -
κάνω παρέα (socializing as “making company”) emphasizes the social nature of Greek culture, where companionship and group activity are highly valued -
κάνω υπομονή (being patient as “making patience”) suggests that patience is something actively created rather than passively possessed -
κάνω οικονομία (being economical as “making economy”) reflects traditional Greek values of household management and thrift
These expressions cannot be translated word-for-word into English, demonstrating how language encodes cultural concepts.
Modern Greek shows relatively little regional variation in the core conjugation of κάνω, as Standard Modern Greek (based on the southern dialects) has been well-established since the 20th century. However, some dialectal differences exist: -
Cypriot Greek: Uses κάμνω (kámno) or καμνώ (kamnó) as the present tense form, preserving the ancient nasal consonant -
Northern Greek dialects: Sometimes use different verbal phrases where Standard Greek uses κάνω -
Pontic Greek: Has retained older forms of the verb that differ significantly from Standard Modern Greek
For learners, Standard Modern Greek (as taught here) will be understood throughout Greece and Cyprus, even if local pronunciations vary.
Κάνω derives from Ancient Greek ποιέω (poiéo), meaning “to make” or “to create,” the source of English “poem” and “poetry.” The modern form shows the typical sound changes of Greek linguistic evolution: -
Initial π (p) → κ (k) -
Diphthong οι (oi) → α (a) -
Loss of the ε (e) vowel -
Simplification of the conjugation
The Ancient Greek verb had a middle/passive voice form, but Modern Greek has simplified this to active voice with separate passive forms using different verb stems. This evolution parallels broader changes in Greek grammar over 2,500 years.
In contemporary Greece, κάνω remains as vital as ever. Modern technology has generated new expressions: -
κάνω post (káno post) = I post (on social media) -
κάνω like (káno like) = I like (on social media) -
κάνω share (káno share) = I share (online)
These borrowings show how κάνω naturally incorporates new concepts, maintaining its role as Greek’s most versatile verb. The verb’s flexibility allows Greek to adapt to modern life while preserving its grammatical patterns.
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We present an excerpt from Nikos Kazantzakis’s Βίος και Πολιτεία του Αλέξη Ζορμπά (Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas, 1946), where the verb κάνω appears in characteristic Cretan dialect-influenced Greek:
Τι (ti) what κάνεις (kánis) you-do εδώ (edó) here μόνος (mónos) alone σου (su) your και (ke) and ξενιτεμένος (xeniteménos) stranger στον (ston) in-the κόσμο (kósmo) world
Ti (ti) what kánis (kánis) you-do edó (edó) here mónos (mónos) alone su (su) your ke (ke) and xeniteménos (xeniteménos) stranger ston (ston) in-the kósmo (kósmo) world
Κάνω (káno) I-do ό,τι (ó,ti) whatever μπορώ (boró) I-can για (ya) for να (na) to ζήσω (zíso) live
Káno (káno) I-do ó,ti (ó,ti) whatever boró (boró) I-can ya (ya) for na (na) to zíso (zíso) live
Και (ke) and τι (ti) what κάνεις (kánis) you-do στη (sti) in-the ζωή (zoí) life σου (su) your
Ke (ke) and ti (ti) what kánis (kánis) you-do sti (sti) in-the zoí (zoí) life su (su) your
Κάνω (káno) I-do κι (ki) also εγώ (egó) I ό,τι (ó,ti) whatever μπορώ (boró) I-can
Káno (káno) I-do ki (ki) also egó (egó) I ó,ti (ó,ti) whatever boró (boró) I-can
Τι κάνεις εδώ μόνος σου και ξενιτεμένος στον κόσμο; Κάνω ό,τι μπορώ για να ζήσω. Και τι κάνεις στη ζωή σου; Κάνω κι εγώ ό,τι μπορώ.
Ti kánis edó mónos su ke xeniteménos ston kósmo? Káno ó,ti boró ya na zíso. Ke ti kánis sti zoí su? Káno ki egó ó,ti boró.
“What are you doing here alone and a stranger in the world? I do whatever I can to live. And what do you do in your life? I too do whatever I can.”
Τι κάνεις εδώ μόνος σου και ξενιτεμένος στον κόσμο; Κάνω ό,τι μπορώ για να ζήσω. Και τι κάνεις στη ζωή σου; Κάνω κι εγώ ό,τι μπορώ.
Ti kánis edó mónos su ke xeniteménos ston kósmo? Káno ó,ti boró ya na zíso. Ke ti kánis sti zoí su? Káno ki egó ó,ti boró.
Key Vocabulary: -
εδώ (edó) = here -
μόνος (mónos) = alone (masculine singular nominative; agrees with the understood subject “you”) -
ξενιτεμένος (xeniteménos) = stranger, exile, someone away from home (from ξενιτιά = foreign land, exile) -
κόσμος (kósmos) = world -
ό,τι (ó,ti) = whatever (relative pronoun) -
μπορώ (boró) = I can (first person singular present) -
ζήσω (zíso) = to live (aorist subjunctive after να) -
ζωή (zoí) = life -
κι (ki) = and (shortened form of και before vowels) -
εγώ (egó) = I (emphatic pronoun)
Grammatical Features: -
μόνος σου: The pronoun σου (your) combines with μόνος to mean “by yourself, on your own” -
για να ζήσω: Purpose clause construction “in order to live” uses για + να + subjunctive -
κι εγώ: The emphatic pronoun εγώ adds emphasis: “I too” or “I myself” -
Repetition of κάνω: The dialogue features anaphora (repetition) of κάνω, emphasizing the existential doing
This brief exchange comes from one of Modern Greek literature’s most celebrated novels. Kazantzakis’s Zorba embodies a philosophy of vital action over passive contemplation, and the verb κάνω perfectly captures this worldview. The character’s response - “I do whatever I can to live” - exemplifies the Zorban ethos: life is defined by doing, by action, by making the most of existence.
The parallel structure of the dialogue (τι κάνεις... κάνω / τι κάνεις... κάνω) creates a rhythmic, almost musical quality typical of Kazantzakis’s prose. The simplicity of the verb κάνω belies the philosophical depth of the conversation: these two characters are discussing nothing less than the meaning of existence, yet they do so using one of Greek’s most basic verbs.
The word ξενιτεμένος (stranger, exile) carries particular weight in Greek culture, where diaspora and separation from homeland have been recurring historical themes. To be ξενιτεμένος is not merely to be in a foreign place but to exist in a state of existential displacement.
Kazantzakis wrote in Demotic Greek (the vernacular), which became the standard for Modern Greek literature in the 20th century. His work helped legitimize everyday Greek as a literary language, and passages like this demonstrate how the simple, powerful verb κάνω can carry profound meaning in artistic prose.
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42.16a Το (to) the πρωί (proí) morning οι (i) the Αθηναίοι (athinéi) Athenians κάνουν (kánun) do τον (ton) the καφέ (kafé) coffee τους (tus) their
42.16b To (to) the proí (proí) morning i (i) the athinéi (athinéi) Athenians kánun (kánun) do ton (ton) the kafé (kafé) coffee tus (tus) their
42.17a Στο (sto) in-the κέντρο (kéndro) center της (tis) the πόλης (pólis) city κάνουν (kánun) they-make δουλειά (duliá) work εκατοντάδες (ekatondádes) hundreds άνθρωποι (ánthropi) people
42.17b Sto (sto) in-the kéndro (kéndro) center tis (tis) the pólis (pólis) city kánun (kánun) they-make duliá (duliá) work ekatondádes (ekatondádes) hundreds ánthropi (ánthropi) people
42.18a Οι (i) the φοιτητές (fitités) students κάνουν (kánun) make μάθημα (máthima) lesson στο (sto) in-the πανεπιστήμιο (panepistímio) university
42.18b I (i) the fitités (fitités) students kánun (kánun) make máthima (máthima) lesson sto (sto) in-the panepistímio (panepistímio) university
42.19a Το (to) the μεσημέρι (mesiméri) noon κάνει (káni) it-makes πολλή (polí) much ζέστη (zésti) heat και (ke) and οι (i) the άνθρωποι (ánthropi) people κάνουν (kánun) make διάλειμμα (diálima) break
42.19b To (to) the mesiméri (mesiméri) noon káni (káni) it-makes polí (polí) much zésti (zésti) heat ke (ke) and i (i) the ánthropi (ánthropi) people kánun (kánun) make diálima (diálima) break
42.20a Στα (sta) in-the εστιατόρια (estiatória) restaurants οι (i) the σεφ (sef) chefs κάνουν (kánun) make νόστιμα (nóstima) delicious πιάτα (piáta) dishes
42.20b Sta (sta) in-the estiatória (estiatória) restaurants i (i) the sef (sef) chefs kánun (kánun) make nóstima (nóstima) delicious piáta (piáta) dishes
42.21a Οι (i) the τουρίστες (turístes) tourists κάνουν (kánun) make φωτογραφίες (fotografíes) photographs στην (stin) at-the Ακρόπολη (Akrópoli) Acropolis
42.21b I (i) the turístes (turístes) tourists kánun (kánun) make fotografíes (fotografíes) photographs stin (stin) at-the Akrópoli (Akrópoli) Acropolis
42.22a Τα (ta) the παιδιά (pediá) children κάνουν (kánun) do τα (ta) the μαθήματά (mathímata) homework τους (tus) their το (to) the απόγευμα (apógevma) afternoon
42.22b Ta (ta) the pediá (pediá) children kánun (kánun) do ta (ta) the mathímata (mathímata) homework tus (tus) their to (to) the apógevma (apógevma) afternoon
42.23a Στα (sta) in-the πάρκα (párka) parks οι (i) the οικογένειες (ikoyénies) families κάνουν (kánun) make βόλτα (vólta) walk
42.23b Sta (sta) in-the párka (párka) parks i (i) the ikoyénies (ikoyénies) families kánun (kánun) make vólta (vólta) walk
42.24a Το (to) the βράδυ (vrádi) evening κάνει (káni) it-makes πιο (pio) more δροσερά (droserá) cool
42.24b To (to) the vrádi (vrádi) evening káni (káni) it-makes pio (pio) more droserá (droserá) cool
42.25a Οι (i) the νέοι (néi) young-people κάνουν (kánun) make παρέα (paréa) company στα (sta) in-the καφενεία (kafenía) cafes
42.25b I (i) the néi (néi) young-people kánun (kánun) make paréa (paréa) company sta (sta) in-the kafenía (kafenía) cafes
42.26a Οι (i) the μουσικοί (musikí) musicians κάνουν (kánun) make συναυλίες (sinavlíes) concerts στα (sta) in-the θέατρα (théatra) theaters
42.26b I (i) the musikí (musikí) musicians kánun (kánun) make sinavlíes (sinavlíes) concerts sta (sta) in-the théatra (théatra) theaters
42.27a Η (i) the κυβέρνηση (kivérnisi) government κάνει (káni) makes ανακοινώσεις (anakinósis) announcements για (ya) for την (tin) the οικονομία (ikonomía) economy
42.27b I (i) the kivérnisi (kivérnisi) government káni (káni) makes anakinósis (anakinósis) announcements ya (ya) for tin (tin) the ikonomía (ikonomía) economy
42.28a Οι (i) the δημοσιογράφοι (dimosiogrάfi) journalists κάνουν (kánun) do ερωτήσεις (erotísis) questions στους (stus) to-the πολιτικούς (politikús) politicians
42.28b I (i) the dimosiogrάfi (dimosiogrάfi) journalists kánun (kánun) do erotísis (erotísis) questions stus (stus) to-the politikús (politikús) politicians
42.29a Τη (ti) the νύχτα (nýhta) night οι (i) the Αθηναίοι (athinéi) Athenians κάνουν (kánun) do ό,τι (ó,ti) whatever τους (tus) them αρέσει (arési) pleases
42.29b Ti (ti) the nýhta (nýhta) night i (i) the athinéi (athinéi) Athenians kánun (kánun) do ó,ti (ó,ti) whatever tus (tus) them arési (arési) pleases
42.30a Έτσι (étsi) thus κάνουν (kánun) they-do κάθε (káthe) every μέρα (méra) day στην (stin) in-the πρωτεύουσα (protévusa) capital
42.30b Étsi (étsi) thus kánun (kánun) they-do káthe (káthe) every méra (méra) day stin (stin) in-the protévusa (protévusa) capital
42.16 Το πρωί οι Αθηναίοι κάνουν τον καφέ τους. To proí i athinéi kánun ton kafé tus. “In the morning, Athenians make their coffee.”
42.17 Στο κέντρο της πόλης κάνουν δουλειά εκατοντάδες άνθρωποι. Sto kéndro tis pólis kánun duliá ekatondádes ánthropi. “In the city center, hundreds of people work.”
42.18 Οι φοιτητές κάνουν μάθημα στο πανεπιστήμιο. I fitités kánun máthima sto panepistímio. “Students attend classes at the university.”
42.19 Το μεσημέρι κάνει πολλή ζέστη και οι άνθρωποι κάνουν διάλειμμα. To mesiméri káni polí zésti ke i ánthropi kánun diálima. “At noon it’s very hot and people take a break.”
42.20 Στα εστιατόρια οι σεφ κάνουν νόστιμα πιάτα. Sta estiatória i sef kánun nóstima piáta. “In restaurants, chefs make delicious dishes.”
42.21 Οι τουρίστες κάνουν φωτογραφίες στην Ακρόπολη. I turístes kánun fotografíes stin Akrópoli. “Tourists take photographs at the Acropolis.”
42.22 Τα παιδιά κάνουν τα μαθήματά τους το απόγευμα. Ta pediá kánun ta mathímata tus to apógevma. “Children do their homework in the afternoon.”
42.23 Στα πάρκα οι οικογένειες κάνουν βόλτα. Sta párka i ikoyénies kánun vólta. “In the parks, families take walks.”
42.24 Το βράδυ κάνει πιο δροσερά. To vrádi káni pio droserá. “In the evening it gets cooler.”
42.25 Οι νέοι κάνουν παρέα στα καφενεία. I néi kánun paréa sta kafenía. “Young people socialize in the cafes.”
42.26 Οι μουσικοί κάνουν συναυλίες στα θέατρα. I musikí kánun sinavlíes sta théatra. “Musicians give concerts in the theaters.”
42.27 Η κυβέρνηση κάνει ανακοινώσεις για την οικονομία. I kivérnisi káni anakinósis ya tin ikonomía. “The government makes announcements about the economy.”
42.28 Οι δημοσιογράφοι κάνουν ερωτήσεις στους πολιτικούς. I dimosiogrάfi kánun erotísis stus politikús. “Journalists ask questions to the politicians.”
42.29 Τη νύχτα οι Αθηναίοι κάνουν ό,τι τους αρέσει. Ti nýhta i athinéi kánun ó,ti tus arési. “At night, Athenians do whatever they like.”
42.30 Έτσι κάνουν κάθε μέρα στην πρωτεύουσα. Étsi kánun káthe méra stin protévusa. “This is what they do every day in the capital.”
42.16 Το πρωί οι Αθηναίοι κάνουν τον καφέ τους. To proí i athinéi kánun ton kafé tus.
42.17 Στο κέντρο της πόλης κάνουν δουλειά εκατοντάδες άνθρωποι. Sto kéndro tis pólis kánun duliá ekatondádes ánthropi.
42.18 Οι φοιτητές κάνουν μάθημα στο πανεπιστήμιο. I fitités kánun máthima sto panepistímio.
42.19 Το μεσημέρι κάνει πολλή ζέστη και οι άνθρωποι κάνουν διάλειμμα. To mesiméri káni polí zésti ke i ánthropi kánun diálima.
42.20 Στα εστιατόρια οι σεφ κάνουν νόστιμα πιάτα. Sta estiatória i sef kánun nóstima piáta.
42.21 Οι τουρίστες κάνουν φωτογραφίες στην Ακρόπολη. I turístes kánun fotografíes stin Akrópoli.
42.22 Τα παιδιά κάνουν τα μαθήματά τους το απόγευμα. Ta pediá kánun ta mathímata tus to apógevma.
42.23 Στα πάρκα οι οικογένειες κάνουν βόλτα. Sta párka i ikoyénies kánun vólta.
42.24 Το βράδυ κάνει πιο δροσερά. To vrádi káni pio droserá.
42.25 Οι νέοι κάνουν παρέα στα καφενεία. I néi kánun paréa sta kafenía.
42.26 Οι μουσικοί κάνουν συναυλίες στα θέατρα. I musikí kánun sinavlíes sta théatra.
42.27 Η κυβέρνηση κάνει ανακοινώσεις για την οικονομία. I kivérnisi káni anakinósis ya tin ikonomía.
42.28 Οι δημοσιογράφοι κάνουν ερωτήσεις στους πολιτικούς. I dimosiogrάfi kánun erotísis stus politikús.
42.29 Τη νύχτα οι Αθηναίοι κάνουν ό,τι τους αρέσει. Ti nýhta i athinéi kánun ó,ti tus arési.
42.30 Έτσι κάνουν κάθε μέρα στην πρωτεύουσα. Étsi kánun káthe méra stin protévusa.
This news report demonstrates several important features of κάνω in authentic Greek usage:
Compound Predicates: The report showcases multiple idiomatic expressions with κάνω: -
κάνουν δουλειά (they work) -
κάνουν μάθημα (they attend class) -
κάνουν διάλειμμα (they take a break) -
κάνουν φωτογραφίες (they take photographs) -
κάνουν βόλτα (they take a walk) -
κάνουν παρέα (they socialize) -
κάνουν ερωτήσεις (they ask questions)
Each expression follows the pattern κάνω + noun (without article in most cases), creating a verbal phrase that functions as a single semantic unit.
Weather Usage: Twice the report uses impersonal κάνει for weather: -
κάνει πολλή ζέστη (it’s very hot) -
κάνει πιο δροσερά (it gets cooler)
These constructions are obligatory in Greek; using είναι (to be) instead would be incorrect.
Article Usage: Note the definite article patterns: -
τον καφέ τους (their coffee) - article + noun + possessive -
τα μαθήματά τους (their homework) - article + noun + possessive (with accent shift) -
την οικονομία (the economy) - article required with abstract nouns in specific reference
Time Expressions: The report structures itself around temporal markers: -
το πρωί (in the morning) -
το μεσημέρι (at noon) -
το απόγευμα (in the afternoon) -
το βράδυ (in the evening) -
τη νύχτα (at night)
All use the accusative case to express time when, a fundamental Greek construction.
Subject-Verb Agreement: The plural verb form κάνουν agrees with plural subjects throughout: -
οι Αθηναίοι κάνουν -
εκατοντάδες άνθρωποι κάνουν -
οι φοιτητές κάνουν -
τα παιδιά κάνουν (neuter plural takes plural verb)
Modern Greek maintains strict subject-verb agreement in person and number.
Register and Style: This journalistic Greek uses Standard Modern Greek vocabulary and syntax appropriate for news reporting. The style is descriptive rather than narrative, focusing on habitual actions (the simple present tense in Greek can express both present momentary actions and habitual actions, as in this text).
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This lesson is part of a comprehensive Modern Greek language course developed by the Latinum Institute, an educational organization that has been creating language learning materials since 2006. The Latinum Institute specializes in the construed text methodology, which provides word-by-word glossing to make authentic texts accessible to beginning learners.
Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
The methodology employed here - interlinear glossing with systematic transliteration - accelerates comprehension by showing the precise relationship between Greek words and their English equivalents. This approach allows learners to engage with natural Greek sentences from the earliest stages of study, building both grammatical knowledge and reading fluency simultaneously.
Each lesson in this series is built around a high-frequency English word from a carefully curated 1000-word vocabulary list. The Greek equivalents are taught through varied, authentic contexts that demonstrate real usage patterns. By proceeding systematically through this vocabulary, students build a solid foundation for reading and understanding Modern Greek.
The Latinum Institute’s approach emphasizes: -
Authentic materials: Real Greek sentences and literary citations rather than artificial textbook constructions -
Systematic progression: Building vocabulary through frequency-based selection -
Multiple exposures: Each target word appears in 15+ varied contexts per lesson -
Cultural integration: Grammar and vocabulary taught within cultural and literary contexts -
Autodidact methodology: Materials designed for self-directed learners
This course is particularly valuable for English speakers learning Greek independently, as the detailed glossing makes it possible to understand complex sentences without constantly consulting dictionaries. The inclusion of romanization ensures that learners can pronounce Greek correctly even before fully mastering the alphabet.
For more information about the Latinum Institute’s methodology and additional courses, visit https://latinum.org.uk or read reviews at https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk.
The verb κάνω, as explored in this lesson, exemplifies why systematic study of high-frequency words pays such rich dividends. This single verb unlocks countless expressions and appears in virtually every Greek conversation. By mastering its conjugation and idiomatic uses, learners gain access to a vast territory of everyday Greek communication.
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