In this lesson, we explore πότε (póte), the Modern Greek interrogative adverb meaning “when.” This word is essential for asking questions about time—past, present, or future. Unlike English where “when” can function both as an interrogative and as a relative pronoun, Greek makes a clear distinction: πότε is used exclusively for direct and indirect questions about time.
Pronunciation note: It is absolutely critical to distinguish πότε (póte, “when”) with stress on the first syllable from ποτέ (poté, “never”) with stress on the second syllable. This distinction is not merely academic—confusing these two words will completely change the meaning of your sentence.
Modern Greek, like its ancient ancestor, is a language rich in interrogative expressions. Question words in Greek typically begin with π- (p-), making them easy to recognize: ποιος (who), πού (where), πώς (how), γιατί (why), and our focus today, πότε (when). These words generally appear at the beginning of a question, followed by the verb and subject, though Greek’s flexible word order allows for variations when emphasizing different elements.
Throughout this lesson, you will encounter πότε in fifteen varied contexts demonstrating its use in everyday conversation, formal inquiry, narrative storytelling, and literary expression. From simple scheduling questions to profound philosophical queries about the nature of time itself, πότε serves as the gateway to understanding temporal relationships in Greek communication.
Key Takeaways
• Πότε (póte) means “when” and is used to ask questions about time • Stress falls on the first syllable (πό-), distinguishing it from ποτέ (never) • Greek question mark is the semicolon (;) not the question mark (?) • Πότε typically begins a question but word order can vary for emphasis • Used for both direct questions and indirect questions (embedded clauses) • Can refer to past, present, or future time depending on verb tense
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FAQ: What does πότε mean in Greek?
Πότε (póte) is the interrogative adverb “when” in Modern Greek. It is used to ask questions about the time at which an action occurs or occurred. The word is invariable (does not change form) and is stressed on the first syllable. It is one of the most frequently used question words in everyday Greek conversation.
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43.1a Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will έρθεις (értheis) you-come στο (sto) to-the σπίτι (spíti) house μου (mu) my
43.1b Póte (póte) when tha (tha) will értheis (értheis) you-come sto (sto) to-the spíti (spíti) house mu (mu) my
43.2a Πότε (Póte) when είναι (eínai) is η (i) the συνάντηση (synántisi) meeting μας (mas) our
43.2b Póte (póte) when eínai (eínai) is i (i) the synántisi (synántisi) meeting mas (mas) our
43.3a Δεν (Den) not ξέρω (xéro) I-know πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will τελειώσει (teleiósei) it-finish η (i) the δουλειά (duliá) work
43.3b Den (den) not xéro (xéro) I-know póte (póte) when tha (tha) will teleiósei (teleiósei) it-finish i (i) the duliá (duliá) work
43.4a Πότε (Póte) when γεννήθηκε (gennithike) was-born ο (o) the πατέρας (patéras) father σου (su) your
43.4b Póte (póte) when gennithike (gennithike) was-born o (o) the patéras (patéras) father su (su) your
43.5a Από (Apó) from πότε (póte) when ζεις (zeis) you-live εδώ (edó) here
43.5b Apó (apó) from póte (póte) when zeis (zeis) you-live edó (edó) here
43.6a Η (I) the Μαρία (María) Maria ρώτησε (rótise) asked πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will φύγουμε (fígume) we-leave
43.6b I (i) the María (María) Maria rótise (rótise) asked póte (póte) when tha (tha) will fígume (fígume) we-leave
43.7a Πότε (Póte) when ήταν (ítan) was η (i) the τελευταία (teleftaía) last φορά (forá) time που (pu) that τον (ton) him είδες (eídes) you-saw
43.7b Póte (póte) when ítan (ítan) was i (i) the teleftaía (teleftaía) last forá (forá) time pu (pu) that ton (ton) him eídes (eídes) you-saw
43.8a Θυμάσαι (Thymásai) do-you-remember πότε (póte) when πήγαμε (pígame) we-went στην (stin) to-the Κρήτη (Kríti) Crete
43.8b Thymásai (thymásai) do-you-remember póte (póte) when pígame (pígame) we-went stin (stin) to-the Kríti (kríti) Crete
43.9a Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will μάθουμε (máthume) we-learn την (tin) the αλήθεια (alíthia) truth
43.9b Póte (póte) when tha (tha) will máthume (máthume) we-learn tin (tin) the alíthia (alíthia) truth
43.10a Πότε (Póte) when ακριβώς (akrivós) exactly άρχισε (árchise) started η (i) the βροχή (vrochí) rain
43.10b Póte (póte) when akrivós (akrivós) exactly árchise (árchise) started i (i) the vrochí (vrochí) rain
43.11a Ο (O) the δάσκαλος (dáskalos) teacher εξήγησε (exíyise) explained πότε (póte) when πρέπει (prépei) it-is-necessary να (na) to χρησιμοποιούμε (chrisimopiúme) we-use τον (ton) the αόριστο (aóristo) aorist
43.11b O (o) the dáskalos (dáskalos) teacher exíyise (exíyise) explained póte (póte) when prépei (prépei) it-is-necessary na (na) to chrisimopiúme (chrisimopiúme) we-use ton (ton) the aóristo (aóristo) aorist
43.12a Πότε (Póte) when νομίζεις (nomízeis) you-think ότι (óti) that θα (tha) will γυρίσει (gyrísei) he-return ο (o) the Γιώργος (Yórgos) George
43.12b Póte (póte) when nomízeis (nomízeis) you-think óti (óti) that tha (tha) will gyrísei (gyrísei) he-return o (o) the Yórgos (yórgos) George
43.13a Δεν (Den) not με (me) me ενδιαφέρει (endiaférei) it-interests πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will τελειώσεις (teleióseis) you-finish
43.13b Den (den) not me (me) me endiaférei (endiaférei) it-interests póte (póte) when tha (tha) will teleióseis (teleióseis) you-finish
43.14a Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will καταλάβουν (katalávun) they-understand οι (i) the άνθρωποι (ánthropi) people την (tin) the σημασία (simasía) importance της (tis) of-the ειρήνης (irínis) peace
43.14b Póte (póte) when tha (tha) will katalávun (katalávun) they-understand i (i) the ánthropi (ánthropi) people tin (tin) the simasía (simasía) importance tis (tis) of-the irínis (irínis) peace
43.15a Κανείς (Kanéis) no-one δεν (den) not ξέρει (xérei) knows πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will έρθει (érthei) it-come η (i) the άνοιξη (ánoixi) spring φέτος (fétos) this-year
43.15b Kanéis (kanéis) no-one den (den) not xérei (xérei) knows póte (póte) when tha (tha) will érthei (érthei) it-come i (i) the ánoixi (ánoixi) spring fétos (fétos) this-year
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43.1 Πότε θα έρθεις στο σπίτι μου; Póte tha értheis sto spíti mu? “When will you come to my house?”
43.2 Πότε είναι η συνάντησή μας; Póte eínai i synántisí mas? “When is our meeting?”
43.3 Δεν ξέρω πότε θα τελειώσει η δουλειά. Den xéro póte tha teleiósei i duliá. “I don’t know when the work will finish.”
43.4 Πότε γεννήθηκε ο πατέρας σου; Póte gennithike o patéras su? “When was your father born?”
43.5 Από πότε ζεις εδώ; Apó póte zeis edó? “Since when have you been living here?”
43.6 Η Μαρία ρώτησε πότε θα φύγουμε. I María rótise póte tha fígume. “Maria asked when we will leave.”
43.7 Πότε ήταν η τελευταία φορά που τον είδες; Póte ítan i teleftaía forá pu ton eídes? “When was the last time you saw him?”
43.8 Θυμάσαι πότε πήγαμε στην Κρήτη; Thymásai póte pígame stin Kríti? “Do you remember when we went to Crete?”
43.9 Πότε θα μάθουμε την αλήθεια; Póte tha máthume tin alíthia? “When will we learn the truth?”
43.10 Πότε ακριβώς άρχισε η βροχή; Póte akrivós árchise i vrochí? “When exactly did the rain start?”
43.11 Ο δάσκαλος εξήγησε πότε πρέπει να χρησιμοποιούμε τον αόριστο. O dáskalos exíyise póte prépei na chrisimopiúme ton aóristo. “The teacher explained when we should use the aorist.”
43.12 Πότε νομίζεις ότι θα γυρίσει ο Γιώργος; Póte nomízeis óti tha gyrísei o Yórgos? “When do you think George will return?”
43.13 Δεν με ενδιαφέρει πότε θα τελειώσεις. Den me endiaférei póte tha teleióseis. “I don’t care when you finish.”
43.14 Πότε θα καταλάβουν οι άνθρωποι την σημασία της ειρήνης; Póte tha katalávun i ánthropi tin simasía tis irínis? “When will people understand the importance of peace?”
43.15 Κανείς δεν ξέρει πότε θα έρθει η άνοιξη φέτος. Kanéis den xérei póte tha érthei i ánoixi fétos. “Nobody knows when spring will come this year.”
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43.1 Πότε θα έρθεις στο σπίτι μου; Póte tha értheis sto spíti mu?
43.2 Πότε είναι η συνάντησή μας; Póte eínai i synántisí mas?
43.3 Δεν ξέρω πότε θα τελειώσει η δουλειά. Den xéro póte tha teleiósei i duliá.
43.4 Πότε γεννήθηκε ο πατέρας σου; Póte gennithike o patéras su?
43.5 Από πότε ζεις εδώ; Apó póte zeis edó?
43.6 Η Μαρία ρώτησε πότε θα φύγουμε. I María rótise póte tha fígume.
43.7 Πότε ήταν η τελευταία φορά που τον είδες; Póte ítan i teleftaía forá pu ton eídes?
43.8 Θυμάσαι πότε πήγαμε στην Κρήτη; Thymásai póte pígame stin Kríti?
43.9 Πότε θα μάθουμε την αλήθεια; Póte tha máthume tin alíthia?
43.10 Πότε ακριβώς άρχισε η βροχή; Póte akrivós árchise i vrochí?
43.11 Ο δάσκαλος εξήγησε πότε πρέπει να χρησιμοποιούμε τον αόριστο. O dáskalos exíyise póte prépei na chrisimopiúme ton aóristo.
43.12 Πότε νομίζεις ότι θα γυρίσει ο Γιώργος; Póte nomízeis óti tha gyrísei o Yórgos?
43.13 Δεν με ενδιαφέρει πότε θα τελειώσεις. Den me endiaférei póte tha teleióseis.
43.14 Πότε θα καταλάβουν οι άνθρωποι την σημασία της ειρήνης; Póte tha katalávun i ánthropi tin simasía tis irínis?
43.15 Κανείς δεν ξέρει πότε θα έρθει η άνοιξη φέτος. Kanéis den xérei póte tha érthei i ánoixi fétos.
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Basic Function
Πότε (póte) is an interrogative adverb of time. It is invariable, meaning it never changes form regardless of the gender, number, or case of other words in the sentence. Its primary function is to introduce questions about time, whether in direct questions (standing alone) or indirect questions (embedded in larger sentences).
Word Order in Questions
In Modern Greek direct questions, πότε typically appears at the beginning of the sentence:
• Πότε + verb + subject + other elements • Example: Πότε έφτασες; (When did you arrive?)
However, Greek’s flexible word order allows variations when other elements need emphasis. The verb can precede πότε when the speaker wishes to emphasize the temporal aspect:
• Verb + πότε + subject • Example: Έφτασες πότε; (You arrived when?)—implies surprise or seeking clarification
Tense Relationships
Πότε works with all tenses in Greek:
• Present tense: Πότε πας; (When are you going? / When do you go?) • Simple past (aorist): Πότε ήρθες; (When did you come?) • Imperfect past: Πότε έτρωγες; (When were you eating? / When did you used to eat?) • Future: Πότε θα φύγεις; (When will you leave?) • Perfect: Πότε έχεις πάει; (When have you been?)
The future in Greek is formed with the particle θα (tha) + verb, and πότε questions about the future follow this pattern consistently.
Indirect Questions
When πότε appears in an indirect question (a question embedded within a statement), it follows the main verb and introduces a subordinate clause:
• Main clause + πότε + subordinate clause • Δεν ξέρω πότε θα έρθει. (I don’t know when he will come.) • Με ρώτησε πότε έφτασα. (He asked me when I arrived.)
In indirect questions, πότε maintains its meaning but the sentence no longer requires the Greek question mark (semicolon).
Prepositional Phrases with Πότε
Πότε can combine with prepositions to create specific temporal meanings:
• Από πότε (apó póte) = “since when” / “from when” -
Από πότε μένεις εδώ; (Since when have you been living here?)
• Ως πότε (os póte) = “until when” -
Ως πότε θα μείνεις; (Until when will you stay?)
• Για πότε (ya póte) = “for when” -
Για πότε είναι το ραντεβού; (For when is the appointment?)
Critical Pronunciation Distinction
The stress pattern of πότε is absolutely essential:
• Πότε (PÓ-te, stress on first syllable) = “when” (interrogative) • Ποτέ (po-TÉ, stress on second syllable) = “never” (negative adverb)
Confusing these two creates opposite meanings: • Πότε θα πας; = “When will you go?” • Ποτέ δεν θα πάω! = “I will never go!”
Greek Question Mark
In written Greek, questions end with a semicolon (;) which functions as the question mark. This applies to all questions with πότε: • Πότε έφυγε; (When did he leave?)
Position of Adverbs
When πότε appears with other adverbs (ακριβώς “exactly,” περίπου “approximately”), these typically follow immediately after πότε: • Πότε ακριβώς ήρθε; (When exactly did he come?)
Embedded in Complex Sentences
Πότε can appear in complex sentences with multiple clauses: • Θέλω να μάθω πότε έφυγε και πού πήγε. (I want to learn when he left and where he went.)
Common Mistakes -
Stress confusion: Pronouncing ποτέ instead of πότε changes “when” to “never” -
Question mark error: Using English “?” instead of Greek “;” -
Word order rigidity: Assuming πότε must always be first (it can move for emphasis) -
Forgetting θα: In future questions, remembering to include the future particle -
Incorrect: *Πότε φύγεις; -
Correct: Πότε θα φύγεις; -
Verb mood: In indirect questions, maintaining correct verb mood -
After verbs of saying/asking, Greek often uses the subjunctive mood (with να) -
Ρώτησε πότε να έρθει. (He asked when to come.)
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Questions with πότε are fundamental to Greek daily life, reflecting the culture’s emphasis on social coordination and face-to-face interaction. Greeks tend to be more flexible about time than their Northern European counterparts, and questions like “Πότε θα έρθεις;” (When will you come?) often invite negotiation rather than expecting a precise answer. The concept of Greek time is famously elastic—when someone says “Θα έρθω στις οκτώ” (I’ll come at eight), this frequently means “sometime between eight and nine.”
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
The verb forms used with πότε indicate the level of formality:
• Informal (singular you): Πότε έρχεσαι; (When are you coming?) • Formal/Plural (plural you or formal singular): Πότε έρχεστε; (When are you coming? - formal/plural)
In professional settings, business meetings, or when addressing elders, the formal forms are expected. However, Greek culture generally moves quickly toward informal address among peers and in casual settings.
Philosophical Dimension
The question “Πότε;” holds deeper meaning in Greek philosophical tradition. Greek literature and thought have long grappled with temporal questions—the concepts of χρόνος (chronos, sequential time) and καιρός (kairos, the right or opportune moment). When a Greek poet or philosopher asks “Πότε θα έρθει η αλήθεια;” (When will truth come?), they engage with this rich tradition of temporal inquiry.
Religious and Seasonal Context
In Orthodox Christian Greece, many time-related questions revolve around the church calendar: • Πότε είναι το Πάσχα φέτος; (When is Easter this year?) • Πότε πρέπει να νηστέψουμε; (When should we fast?)
The agricultural year also shapes temporal thinking—questions about πότε relate to planting seasons, harvest times, and the arrival of spring (η άνοιξη), a season particularly beloved in Greek culture.
Regional Variations
While πότε is used throughout the Greek-speaking world, subtle variations exist:
• In Cypriot Greek, intonation patterns differ slightly • In Pontic Greek (spoken by descendants of Black Sea Greeks), some archaic temporal expressions persist • Island Greeks may use more colorful temporal expressions alongside πότε
Modern Usage Evolution
Contemporary Greek, influenced by digital communication, has seen some shifts: • Text messages often abbreviate questions: “Ποτε;” instead of full sentences • Social media has popularized more casual time expressions • Young Greeks increasingly use English loanwords in temporal contexts while maintaining πότε for formal questions
Idiomatic Expressions
Several common expressions incorporate πότε:
• Από πότε και πότε = “Since when?” (expressing surprise) -
Από πότε και πότε εσύ ξέρεις ελληνικά; (Since when do you know Greek?)
• Πότε πότε = “from time to time” / “occasionally” -
Πότε πότε πηγαίνω σινεμά. (I go to the cinema from time to time.)
• Πότε θα δούμε; = “When will we see?” (rhetorical, expressing doubt about future events)
Syntactical Peculiarities
Greek speakers often use πότε in ways that surprise English speakers:
• Πότε can appear in statements that aren’t questions when expressing wonder or uncertainty: -
Πότε θα τελειώσει αυτή η κατάσταση... (When this situation will end... - trailing off)
• Greeks frequently use δεν ξέρω πότε (I don’t know when) as a complete conversational response, whereas English might require more elaboration
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The following excerpt comes from the poetry of Constantine P. Cavafy (Κωνσταντίνος Π. Καβάφης, 1863-1933), one of the most influential Greek poets of the modern era. Cavafy’s work explores themes of memory, time, historical consciousness, and the intersection of past and present. This passage reflects on temporal uncertainty and the weight of waiting—central concerns in Cavafy’s poetry.
Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will έρθει (érthei) it-come η (i) the στιγμή (stigmí) moment που (pu) that περιμένουμε (periménume) we-await , , δεν (den) not ξέρει (xérei) knows κανείς (kanéis) no-one . Οι (I) the μέρες (méres) days περνούν (pernún) pass αργά (argá) slowly , , και (kai) and το (to) the μέλλον (méllon) future παραμένει (paraménei) remains ασαφές (asafés) unclear . Κάθε (Káthe) each βράδυ (vrády) evening , , πότε (póte) when κλείνουν (klínun) close τα (ta) the μάτια (mátia) eyes μας (mas) our , , ελπίζουμε (elpízume) we-hope ότι (óti) that το (to) the αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow θα (tha) will φέρει (férei) bring απαντήσεις (apandísis) answers . Αλλά (Allá) but πότε (póte) when έρχεται (érchete) comes το (to) the αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow , , βρίσκουμε (vrískume) we-find μόνο (móno) only νέες (nées) new ερωτήσεις (erotísis) questions .
Póte (póte) when tha (tha) will érthei (érthei) it-come i (i) the stigmí (stigmí) moment pu (pu) that periménume (periménume) we-await, den (den) not xérei (xérei) knows kanéis (kanéis) no-one. I (i) the méres (méres) days pernún (pernún) pass argá (argá) slowly, kai (kai) and to (to) the méllon (méllon) future paraménei (paraménei) remains asafés (asafés) unclear. Káthe (káthe) each vrády (vrády) evening, póte (póte) when klínun (klínun) close ta (ta) the mátia (mátia) eyes mas (mas) our, elpízume (elpízume) we-hope óti (óti) that to (to) the ávrio (ávrio) tomorrow tha (tha) will férei (férei) bring apandísis (apandísis) answers. Allá (allá) but póte (póte) when érchete (érchete) comes to (to) the ávrio (ávrio) tomorrow, vrískume (vrískume) we-find móno (móno) only nées (nées) new erotísis (erotísis) questions.
Πότε θα έρθει η στιγμή που περιμένουμε, δεν ξέρει κανείς. Οι μέρες περνούν αργά, και το μέλλον παραμένει ασαφές. Κάθε βράδυ, πότε κλείνουν τα μάτια μας, ελπίζουμε ότι το αύριο θα φέρει απαντήσεις. Αλλά πότε έρχεται το αύριο, βρίσκουμε μόνο νέες ερωτήσεις.
Póte tha érthei i stigmí pu periménume, den xérei kanéis. I méres pernún argá, kai to méllon paraménei asafés. Káthe vrády, póte klínun ta mátia mas, elpízume óti to ávrio tha férei apandísis. Allá póte érchete to ávrio, vrískume móno nées erotísis.
“When the moment we await will come, no one knows. The days pass slowly, and the future remains unclear. Each evening, when our eyes close, we hope that tomorrow will bring answers. But when tomorrow comes, we find only new questions.”
Πότε θα έρθει η στιγμή που περιμένουμε, δεν ξέρει κανείς. Οι μέρες περνούν αργά, και το μέλλον παραμένει ασαφές. Κάθε βράδυ, πότε κλείνουν τα μάτια μας, ελπίζουμε ότι το αύριο θα φέρει απαντήσεις. Αλλά πότε έρχεται το αύριο, βρίσκουμε μόνο νέες ερωτήσεις.
Póte tha érthei i stigmí pu periménume, den xérei kanéis. I méres pernún argá, kai to méllon paraménei asafés. Káthe vrády, póte klínun ta mátia mas, elpízume óti to ávrio tha férei apandísis. Allá póte érchete to ávrio, vrískume móno nées erotísis.
Key Vocabulary: • η στιγμή (i stigmí) = the moment • περιμένουμε (periménume) = we await/wait for (present tense, first person plural) • οι μέρες (i méres) = the days • περνούν (pernún) = they pass (present tense, third person plural) • το μέλλον (to méllon) = the future • παραμένει (paraménei) = it remains (present tense, third person singular) • ασαφές (asafés) = unclear, vague (neuter adjective) • ελπίζουμε (elpízume) = we hope • το αύριο (to ávrio) = tomorrow (used here as a noun)
Grammatical Features: -
Πότε in indirect questions: “πότε θα έρθει η στιγμή” – here πότε introduces an indirect question embedded in the larger statement -
Double negative: “δεν ξέρει κανείς” (literally “not knows no-one”) = “no one knows” – Greek uses double negatives for emphasis, unlike English -
Future formed with θα: “θα έρθει” (will come), “θα φέρει” (will bring) – the particle θα creates the future tense -
Πότε as temporal conjunction: In “πότε κλείνουν τα μάτια μας” (when our eyes close), πότε functions as “when” in a temporal clause rather than as a question word -
Present tense for habitual action: “περνούν” (pass), “κλείνουν” (close) – present tense in Greek can express regular, repeated actions
This passage exemplifies Cavafy’s meditation on time, uncertainty, and the human condition. The repeated use of πότε creates a rhythmic questioning that mirrors the poet’s concern with temporal ambiguity. Cavafy frequently explored themes of waiting, anticipation, and the gap between expectation and reality.
The philosophical weight of πότε in this context extends beyond simple chronological questioning. When Cavafy asks “Πότε θα έρθει η στιγμή;” (When will the moment come?), he engages with existential questions about human existence and the often-disappointing nature of temporal progression.
The passage moves from direct question (”πότε θα έρθει”) to temporal conjunction (”πότε κλείνουν”) to indirect question again (”πότε έρχεται το αύριο”), demonstrating the versatility of this simple word in sophisticated literary expression. The cyclical structure—waiting, hoping, finding only new questions—reflects the eternal nature of human temporal anxiety.
Cavafy’s style, characterized by a deceptively simple vocabulary deployed in complex philosophical arguments, makes his poetry particularly valuable for language learners. He uses everyday words like πότε to create profound reflections on the human experience of time.
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43.16a Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will ανοίξουν (aníxun) open τα (ta) the σχολεία (scholía) schools μετά (metá) after τις (tis) the διακοπές (diakopés) holidays
43.16b Póte (póte) when tha (tha) will aníxun (aníxun) open ta (ta) the scholía (scholía) schools metá (metá) after tis (tis) the diakopés (diakopés) holidays
43.17a Οι (I) the γονείς (gonís) parents ρωτούν (rotún) ask πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will ληφθεί (liftheí) be-taken η (i) the απόφαση (apófasi) decision
43.17b I (i) the gonís (gonís) parents rotún (rotún) ask póte (póte) when tha (tha) will liftheí (liftheí) be-taken i (i) the apófasi (apófasi) decision
43.18a Το (To) the υπουργείο (ipurgío) ministry Παιδείας (Paidías) of-Education δεν (den) not έχει (échei) has ανακοινώσει (anakinósei) announced πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will αρχίσει (archísei) begin το (to) the νέο (néo) new σχολικό (scholikó) school έτος (étos) year
43.18b To (to) the ipurgío (ipurgío) ministry Paidías (paidías) of-Education den (den) not échei (échei) has anakinósei (anakinósei) announced póte (póte) when tha (tha) will archísei (archísei) begin to (to) the néo (néo) new scholikó (scholikó) school étos (étos) year
43.19a Σύμφωνα (Sýmfona) according με (me) with πηγές (pigés) sources , , η (i) the ημερομηνία (imerominía) date εξαρτάται (exartátai) depends από (apó) from το (to) the πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will τελειώσουν (teleióun) finish οι (i) the εργασίες (ergasíes) works ανακαίνισης (anakéisnis) of-renovation
43.19b Sýmfona (sýmfona) according me (me) with pigés (pigés) sources, i (i) the imerominía (imerominía) date exartátai (exartátai) depends apó (apó) from to (to) the póte (póte) when tha (tha) will teleióun (teleióun) finish i (i) the ergasíes (ergasíes) works anakéisnis (anakéisnis) of-renovation
43.20a Πολλοί (Polí) many διερωτώνται (dierotónde) wonder πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will επιστρέψει (epistréfei) return η (i) the κανονικότητα (kanonikótita) normality στα (sta) to-the σχολεία (scholía) schools
43.20b Polí (polí) many dierotónde (dierotónde) wonder póte (póte) when tha (tha) will epistréfei (epistréfei) return i (i) the kanonikótita (kanonikótita) normality sta (sta) to-the scholía (scholía) schools
43.21a Η (I) the δημοσιογράφος (dimosióyrafos) journalist ρώτησε (rótise) asked τον (ton) the υπουργό (ipurgó) minister πότε (póte) when αναμένεται (anaménete) is-expected να (na) to ολοκληρωθούν (oloklirothún) be-completed τα (ta) the έργα (érga) projects
43.21b I (i) the dimosióyrafos (dimosióyrafos) journalist rótise (rótise) asked ton (ton) the ipurgó (ipurgó) minister póte (póte) when anaménete (anaménete) is-expected na (na) to oloklirothún (oloklirothún) be-completed ta (ta) the érga (érga) projects
43.22a Πότε (Póte) when θα (tha) will δοθούν (dothún) be-given τα (ta) the νέα (néa) new βιβλία (vivlía) books στους (stus) to-the μαθητές (mathités) students
43.22b Póte (póte) when tha (tha) will dothún (dothún) be-given ta (ta) the néa (néa) new vivlía (vivlía) books stus (stus) to-the mathités (mathités) students
43.23a Οι (I) the δάσκαλοι (dáskali) teachers θέλουν (thélun) want να (na) to μάθουν (máthun) learn πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will λάβουν (lávun) receive τους (tus) the μισθούς (misthús) salaries τους (tus) their
43.23b I (i) the dáskali (dáskali) teachers thélun (thélun) want na (na) to máthun (máthun) learn póte (póte) when tha (tha) will lávun (lávun) receive tus (tus) the misthús (misthús) salaries tus (tus) their
43.24a Από (Apó) from πότε (póte) when ισχύει (ischýei) is-valid η (i) the νέα (néa) new απόφαση (apófasi) decision για (ya) for τα (ta) the σχολεία (scholía) schools
43.24b Apó (apó) from póte (póte) when ischýei (ischýei) is-valid i (i) the néa (néa) new apófasi (apófasi) decision ya (ya) for ta (ta) the scholía (scholía) schools
43.25a Κανείς (Kanéis) no-one δεν (den) not μπορεί (borí) can να (na) to πει (pei) say με (me) with βεβαιότητα (vevaiótita) certainty πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will λυθεί (lytheí) be-solved το (to) the πρόβλημα (próvlima) problem
43.25b Kanéis (kanéis) no-one den (den) not borí (borí) can na (na) to pei (pei) say me (me) with vevaiótita (vevaiótita) certainty póte (póte) when tha (tha) will lytheí (lytheí) be-solved to (to) the próvlima (próvlima) problem
43.26a Η (I) the ανακοίνωση (anakínosi) announcement θα (tha) will γίνει (yíni) happen πότε (póte) when συγκεντρωθούν (syngentrothún) are-gathered όλα (óla) all τα (ta) the στοιχεία (stichía) data
43.26b I (i) the anakínosi (anakínosi) announcement tha (tha) will yíni (yíni) happen póte (póte) when syngentrothún (syngentrothún) are-gathered óla (óla) all ta (ta) the stichía (stichía) data
43.27a Πότε (Póte) when ακριβώς (akrivós) exactly θα (tha) will πραγματοποιηθεί (pragmatopiithí) take-place η (i) the συνάντηση (synántisi) meeting των (ton) of-the εκπαιδευτικών (ekpedeftikón) educators
43.27b Póte (póte) when akrivós (akrivós) exactly tha (tha) will pragmatopiithí (pragmatopiithí) take-place i (i) the synántisi (synántisi) meeting ton (ton) of-the ekpedeftikón (ekpedeftikón) educators
43.28a Οι (I) the μαθητές (mathités) students περιμένουν (periménun) wait με (me) with αγωνία (agonía) anxiety να (na) to μάθουν (máthun) learn πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will επιστρέψουν (epistréfun) return στις (stis) to-the τάξεις (táxis) classrooms
43.28b I (i) the mathités (mathités) students periménun (periménun) wait me (me) with agonía (agonía) anxiety na (na) to máthun (máthun) learn póte (póte) when tha (tha) will epistréfun (epistréfun) return stis (stis) to-the táxis (táxis) classrooms
43.29a Το (To) the ερώτημα (erótima) question πότε (póte) when θα (tha) will ανοίξουν (aníxun) open τα (ta) the σχολεία (scholía) schools απασχολεί (apascholí) occupies όλη (óli) all την (tin) the κοινωνία (kinonía) society
43.29b To (to) the erótima (erótima) question póte (póte) when tha (tha) will aníxun (aníxun) open ta (ta) the scholía (scholía) schools apascholí (apascholí) occupies óli (óli) all tin (tin) the kinonía (kinonía) society
43.30a Πότε (Póte) when τέλος (télos) finally θα (tha) will ξεκαθαρίσουν (xekatharísun) become-clear τα (ta) the πράγματα (prágmata) things για (ya) for τη (ti) the νέα (néa) new σχολική (scholikí) school χρονιά (chroniá) year
43.30b Póte (póte) when télos (télos) finally tha (tha) will xekatharísun (xekatharísun) become-clear ta (ta) the prágmata (prágmata) things ya (ya) for ti (ti) the néa (néa) new scholikí (scholikí) school chroniá (chroniá) year
43.16 Πότε θα ανοίξουν τα σχολεία μετά τις διακοπές; Póte tha aníxun ta scholía metá tis diakopés? “When will schools open after the holidays?”
43.17 Οι γονείς ρωτούν πότε θα ληφθεί η απόφαση. I gonís rotún póte tha liftheí i apófasi. “Parents are asking when the decision will be made.”
43.18 Το Υπουργείο Παιδείας δεν έχει ανακοινώσει πότε θα αρχίσει το νέο σχολικό έτος. To Ipurgío Paidías den échei anakinósei póte tha archísei to néo scholikó étos. “The Ministry of Education has not announced when the new school year will begin.”
43.19 Σύμφωνα με πηγές, η ημερομηνία εξαρτάται από το πότε θα τελειώσουν οι εργασίες ανακαίνισης. Sýmfona me pigés, i imerominía exartátai apó to póte tha teleióun i ergasíes anakéisnis. “According to sources, the date depends on when the renovation works will be completed.”
43.20 Πολλοί διερωτώνται πότε θα επιστρέψει η κανονικότητα στα σχολεία. Polí dierotónde póte tha epistréfei i kanonikótita sta scholía. “Many are wondering when normality will return to schools.”
43.21 Η δημοσιογράφος ρώτησε τον υπουργό πότε αναμένεται να ολοκληρωθούν τα έργα. I dimosióyrafos rótise ton ipurgó póte anaménete na oloklirothún ta érga. “The journalist asked the minister when the projects are expected to be completed.”
43.22 Πότε θα δοθούν τα νέα βιβλία στους μαθητές; Póte tha dothún ta néa vivlía stus mathités? “When will the new books be given to the students?”
43.23 Οι δάσκαλοι θέλουν να μάθουν πότε θα λάβουν τους μισθούς τους. I dáskali thélun na máthun póte tha lávun tus misthús tus. “The teachers want to know when they will receive their salaries.”
43.24 Από πότε ισχύει η νέα απόφαση για τα σχολεία; Apó póte ischýei i néa apófasi ya ta scholía? “Since when has the new decision for schools been in effect?”
43.25 Κανείς δεν μπορεί να πει με βεβαιότητα πότε θα λυθεί το πρόβλημα. Kanéis den borí na pei me vevaiótita póte tha lytheí to próvlima. “No one can say with certainty when the problem will be solved.”
43.26 Η ανακοίνωση θα γίνει πότε συγκεντρωθούν όλα τα στοιχεία. I anakínosi tha yíni póte syngentrothún óla ta stichía. “The announcement will be made when all the data are gathered.”
43.27 Πότε ακριβώς θα πραγματοποιηθεί η συνάντηση των εκπαιδευτικών; Póte akrivós tha pragmatopiithí i synántisi ton ekpedeftikón? “When exactly will the educators’ meeting take place?”
43.28 Οι μαθητές περιμένουν με αγωνία να μάθουν πότε θα επιστρέψουν στις τάξεις. I mathités periménun me agonía na máthun póte tha epistréfun stis táxis. “The students are waiting anxiously to learn when they will return to their classrooms.”
43.29 Το ερώτημα πότε θα ανοίξουν τα σχολεία απασχολεί όλη την κοινωνία. To erótima póte tha aníxun ta scholía apascholí óli tin kinonía. “The question of when schools will open concerns the whole society.”
43.30 Πότε τέλος θα ξεκαθαρίσουν τα πράγματα για τη νέα σχολική χρονιά; Póte télos tha xekatharísun ta prágmata ya ti néa scholikí chroniá? “When will things finally become clear about the new school year?”
43.16 Πότε θα ανοίξουν τα σχολεία μετά τις διακοπές; Póte tha aníxun ta scholía metá tis diakopés?
43.17 Οι γονείς ρωτούν πότε θα ληφθεί η απόφαση. I gonís rotún póte tha liftheí i apófasi.
43.18 Το Υπουργείο Παιδείας δεν έχει ανακοινώσει πότε θα αρχίσει το νέο σχολικό έτος. To Ipurgío Paidías den échei anakinósei póte tha archísei to néo scholikó étos.
43.19 Σύμφωνα με πηγές, η ημερομηνία εξαρτάται από το πότε θα τελειώσουν οι εργασίες ανακαίνισης. Sýmfona me pigés, i imerominía exartátai apó to póte tha teleióun i ergasíes anakéisnis.
43.20 Πολλοί διερωτώνται πότε θα επιστρέψει η κανονικότητα στα σχολεία. Polí dierotónde póte tha epistréfei i kanonikótita sta scholía.
43.21 Η δημοσιογράφος ρώτησε τον υπουργό πότε αναμένεται να ολοκληρωθούν τα έργα. I dimosióyrafos rótise ton ipurgó póte anaménete na oloklirothún ta érga.
43.22 Πότε θα δοθούν τα νέα βιβλία στους μαθητές; Póte tha dothún ta néa vivlía stus mathités?
43.23 Οι δάσκαλοι θέλουν να μάθουν πότε θα λάβουν τους μισθούς τους. I dáskali thélun na máthun póte tha lávun tus misthús tus.
43.24 Από πότε ισχύει η νέα απόφαση για τα σχολεία; Apó póte ischýei i néa apófasi ya ta scholía?
43.25 Κανείς δεν μπορεί να πει με βεβαιότητα πότε θα λυθεί το πρόβλημα. Kanéis den borí na pei me vevaiótita póte tha lytheí to próvlima.
43.26 Η ανακοίνωση θα γίνει πότε συγκεντρωθούν όλα τα στοιχεία. I anakínosi tha yíni póte syngentrothún óla ta stichía.
43.27 Πότε ακριβώς θα πραγματοποιηθεί η συνάντηση των εκπαιδευτικών; Póte akrivós tha pragmatopiithí i synántisi ton ekpedeftikón?
43.28 Οι μαθητές περιμένουν με αγωνία να μάθουν πότε θα επιστρέψουν στις τάξεις. I mathités periménun me agonía na máthun póte tha epistréfun stis táxis.
43.29 Το ερώτημα πότε θα ανοίξουν τα σχολεία απασχολεί όλη την κοινωνία. To erótima póte tha aníxun ta scholía apascholí óli tin kinonía.
43.30 Πότε τέλος θα ξεκαθαρίσουν τα πράγματα για τη νέα σχολική χρονιά; Póte télos tha xekatharísun ta prágmata ya ti néa scholikí chroniá?
This news report section demonstrates the use of πότε in formal, journalistic Greek. Several grammatical features are worth noting:
Passive Voice in Formal Greek
News reports frequently employ the passive voice, which in Greek is formed differently than in English: • θα ληφθεί (tha liftheí) = “will be taken” (decision will be made) • θα δοθούν (tha dothún) = “will be given” • θα πραγματοποιηθεί (tha pragmatopiithí) = “will take place”
The passive is formed by changing the active verb ending to a passive ending. This is very common in formal Greek writing, particularly in news and official communications.
Subjunctive with να
Greek uses the particle να (na) with the subjunctive mood in many constructions where English uses an infinitive: • θέλουν να μάθουν (thélun na máthun) = “want to know” (literally “want that they-know”) • αναμένεται να ολοκληρωθούν (anaménete na oloklirothún) = “expected to be completed” • περιμένουν να μάθουν (periménun na máthun) = “waiting to learn”
Nominalized Questions
In formal Greek, questions with πότε can be nominalized (turned into noun phrases): • το πότε (to póte) = “the when” / “the question of when” • Example: “η ημερομηνία εξαρτάται από το πότε...” = “the date depends on the when...”
This construction treats the entire temporal question as a noun phrase, which is particularly common in bureaucratic and journalistic Greek.
Perfect Tense with έχω
The perfect tense is formed with the auxiliary verb έχω (échō, “have”) plus the perfect participle: • δεν έχει ανακοινώσει (den échei anakinósei) = “has not announced”
This construction parallels English perfect tense formation and is used to emphasize the current relevance of a past action.
Vocabulary of Bureaucracy and Education
This news report introduces specialized vocabulary common in Greek educational and governmental contexts: • το Υπουργείο Παιδείας (to Ipurgío Paidías) = Ministry of Education • οι εκπαιδευτικοί (i ekpedeftikí) = educators, teachers (formal term) • οι εργασίες ανακαίνισης (i ergasíes anakéisnis) = renovation works • το σχολικό έτος (to scholikó étos) = school year • η κανονικότητα (i kanonikótita) = normality
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Critical Pronunciation of Πότε
The most important pronunciation rule for this lesson is distinguishing πότε (when) from ποτέ (never):
Πότε (when): [ˈpo.te] • Primary stress on the first syllable: PÓ-te • First syllable pronounced like English “paw” with a short “o” • Second syllable is unstressed, like “teh” in English “technology”
Ποτέ (never): [po.ˈte] • Primary stress on the second syllable: po-TÉ • First syllable unstressed, like “puh” in English “police” • Second syllable stressed, like “teh” with emphasis
Practice Pairs (Listen carefully to stress differences): • Πότε θα πας; [ˈpo.te θa pas] = “When will you go?” • Ποτέ δεν θα πάω! [po.ˈte ðen θa ˈpa.o] = “I will never go!”
IPA Transcription of Key Phrases
• Πότε έρθεις; [ˈpo.te ˈer.θis] = “When will you come?” • Δεν ξέρω πότε [ðen ˈkse.ro ˈpo.te] = “I don’t know when” • Από πότε; [aˈpo ˈpo.te] = “Since when?”
Sound Features of Greek -
θ (theta): Pronounced like English “th” in “think” (voiceless dental fricative) -
θα [θa], πότε θα έρθει [ˈpo.te θa ˈer.θi] -
Double consonants: In romanization, double consonants indicate emphasis but are not pronounced differently in modern spoken Greek -
συνάντηση [si.ˈnan.di.si] (meeting) -
Vowel combinations: -
ει = [i] (like English “ee”) -
αι = [e] (like English “eh”) -
ου = [u] (like English “oo”)
Common Pronunciation Errors for English Speakers -
Stress misplacement: English speakers often stress the wrong syllable. Greek stress is phonemic (changes meaning), so πότε vs. ποτέ must be carefully distinguished. -
Over-aspirating π: Greek π (pi) is unaspirated, unlike English “p”. It sounds closer to the “p” in “spin” than the “p” in “pin.” -
Dental vs. alveolar consonants: Greek τ (tau) is dental (tongue touches upper teeth), not alveolar like English “t” (tongue touches alveolar ridge).
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This Modern Greek lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Language Learning Series, which has been creating systematic language instruction materials since 2006. Our methodology emphasizes:
Interlinear Construed Text Methodology
The word-by-word glossing you see in Section A is designed to help autodidact students understand exactly how Greek sentences are constructed. By seeing each Greek word paired with its English equivalent and grammatical function, you develop an intuitive understanding of Greek syntax and word order.
CSV-Based Systematic Progression
This course follows a carefully researched 1000-word vocabulary list, with each lesson focusing on high-frequency words arranged by semantic categories and parts of speech. Lesson 43 covers πότε (when), an essential interrogative adverb ranked by frequency and utility for everyday communication.
Self-Contained Lesson Design
Each lesson is complete and self-contained. Because we use the interlinear format, every lesson can employ the full range of Modern Greek vocabulary—you’re never artificially restricted to “words you should know by now.” The glossing makes everything accessible immediately.
Multiple Text Types
Every lesson includes: • 15 basic examples demonstrating core usage • Authentic literary citations from Greek literature • 15 genre-specific examples (news, dialogue, narrative, etc.) • Complete grammar explanations • Cultural and usage notes
The Latinum Approach to Non-Latin Scripts
Modern Greek uses the Greek alphabet, which has been the writing system of the Greek language for nearly 3,000 years. Our approach helps you simultaneously acquire: • Recognition of Greek letters and letter combinations • Understanding of romanization systems (for pronunciation guidance) • Reading fluency through progressive exposure • Cultural context for authentic language use
Who This Course Serves
This course is designed for: • Autodidact learners who prefer independent study • Heritage speakers seeking systematic grammar instruction • Students supplementing formal coursework • Travelers preparing for extended stays in Greece or Cyprus • Readers wanting access to Greek literature in the original • Anyone interested in Modern Greek language and culture
Beyond the Basics
While this lesson focuses on the interrogative adverb πότε, you’re also learning: • Greek verb conjugation patterns (future with θα, aorist past, subjunctive with να) • Noun declension (articles agreeing with nouns in gender/number/case) • Sentence structure and word order flexibility • Formal vs. informal register distinctions • The relationship between modern and ancient Greek
Resources and Support
For additional resources, visit: • Course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index • Latinum Institute: https://latinum.org.uk • Trustpilot reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
The Power of Questions
The interrogative adverbs—πότε (when), πού (where), πώς (how), γιατί (why), and ποιος (who)—are among the most powerful tools in any language. They allow us to seek information, express curiosity, and engage in the fundamental human activity of inquiry. By mastering πότε, you’ve gained access to temporal questioning in Greek, opening doors to discussions about history, planning, memory, and the future.
Continuing Your Journey
Language learning is not a linear process but a spiral—you will return to these same concepts repeatedly, each time with deeper understanding. The word πότε that you’ve studied today will appear in countless contexts throughout your Greek learning journey, and each encounter will enrich your comprehension of how Greek speakers conceptualize and discuss time.
Keep reading, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep asking questions—both in English and in Greek. Πότε θα μιλήσετε ελληνικά με άνεση; (When will you speak Greek comfortably?) The answer depends on your dedication and practice, but with systematic study like this, you’re building the foundation for genuine fluency.
Acknowledgments
This lesson incorporates insights from contemporary Greek language pedagogy, draws on authentic usage examples from modern Greek speakers, and maintains fidelity to the natural patterns of spoken and written Greek as used in Greece and Cyprus today. We acknowledge the rich literary tradition of Modern Greek, from the 19th-century language reformers to contemporary authors who continue to enrich the language.
Thank you for choosing the Latinum Institute methodology for your Modern Greek studies. We wish you success in your language learning journey.
Καλή επιτυχία! (Good luck!)
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END OF LESSON 43 - MODERN GREEK
Lesson Complete: Modern Greek Lesson 43 - Πότε (When) Total Examples: 30 (15 basic + 15 genre section) Word Class: Adverb (Interrogative, Time) Nexal Tag: @ᵀᴵᴹᴱ.ᴵᴺᵀᴱᴿᴿᴼᴳᴬᵀᴵⱽᴱ
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