The conditional conjunction “if” in Modern Greek is expressed primarily through εάν (eán) in formal contexts and αν (an) in everyday speech. This fundamental grammatical particle introduces hypothetical situations, conditions, and possibilities. Greek conditional structures operate differently from English, using specific mood and tense combinations to express various degrees of possibility and reality.
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What does “if” mean in Modern Greek?
In Modern Greek, conditional meaning is expressed through the conjunctions εάν (eán) or αν (an), which introduce conditional clauses (protasis). The Greek conditional system is highly structured, distinguishing between real conditions (using indicative mood), hypothetical conditions (using subjunctive with θα), and unreal/counterfactual conditions (using past tenses). Unlike English, Greek often requires the particle θα (tha - future/conditional marker) in the main clause (apodosis) to express the result of the condition.
This lesson presents 15 examples demonstrating how Modern Greek uses αν (an) and εάν (eán) to construct conditional sentences. We’ll explore real conditions (present/future indicative), hypothetical conditions (with subjunctive mood forms), and various pragmatic uses. Examples progress from simple present conditions to more complex hypothetical and embedded conditional structures, showing how Greek distinguishes levels of possibility through mood and tense selection.
✦ Αν (an) is the everyday conditional conjunction; εάν (eán) is more formal ✦ Greek conditionals require careful mood and tense coordination between protasis and apodosis ✦ The particle θα (tha) typically appears in the main clause to express future/hypothetical results ✦ Real conditions use indicative mood; hypothetical conditions use subjunctive forms ✦ Word order in conditional clauses is more flexible than in English
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44.1a Αν (an) if έχεις (ékheis) you-have χρόνο (khrόno) time θα (tha) will έρθω (értho) I-come
44.1b An (an) if ékheis (ékheis) you-have khrόno (khrόno) time tha (tha) will értho (értho) I-come
44.2a Εάν (eán) if βρέχει (vrékhei) it-rains αύριο (ávrio) tomorrow θα (tha) will μείνουμε (meínoume) we-stay σπίτι (spíti) home
44.2b Eán (eán) if vrékhei (vrékhei) it-rains ávrio (ávrio) tomorrow tha (tha) will meínoume (meínoume) we-stay spíti (spíti) home
44.3a Θα (tha) will σε (se) you-ACC βοηθήσω (voithíso) I-help αν (an) if με (me) me ρωτήσεις (rotíseis) you-ask
44.3b Tha (tha) will se (se) you-ACC voithíso (voithíso) I-help an (an) if me (me) me rotíseis (rotíseis) you-ask
44.4a Αν (an) if ήμουν (ímun) I-was πλούσιος (ploúsios) rich θα (tha) would ταξίδευα (taxídeva) I-travel παντού (pandú) everywhere
44.4b An (an) if ímun (ímun) I-was ploúsios (ploúsios) rich tha (tha) would taxídeva (taxídeva) I-travel pandú (pandú) everywhere
44.5a Το (to) the παιδί (paidí) child ρωτάει (rotái) asks αν (an) if μπορεί (borí) it-can να (na) to παίξει (paíxei) play έξω (éxo) outside
44.5b To (to) the paidí (paidí) child rotái (rotái) asks an (an) if borí (borí) it-can na (na) to paíxei (paíxei) play éxo (éxo) outside
44.6a Εάν (eán) if διαβάσεις (diaváses) you-study σκληρά (sklirá) hard θα (tha) will περάσεις (peráseis) you-pass την (tin) the εξέταση (exétasi) exam
44.6b Eán (eán) if diaváses (diaváses) you-study sklirá (sklirá) hard tha (tha) will peráseis (peráseis) you-pass tin (tin) the exétasi (exétasi) exam
44.7a Δεν (den) not ξέρω (xéro) I-know αν (an) if/whether θα (tha) will έλθει (élthei) he-come σήμερα (símera) today
44.7b Den (den) not xéro (xéro) I-know an (an) if/whether tha (tha) will élthei (élthei) he-come símera (símera) today
44.8a Αν (an) if είχα (íkha) I-had ξέρει (xérei) known θα (tha) would είχα (íkha) have πάει (pái) gone νωρίτερα (noríttera) earlier
44.8b An (an) if íkha (íkha) I-had xérei (xérei) known tha (tha) would íkha (íkha) have pái (pái) gone noríttera (noríttera) earlier
44.9a Θα (tha) will φάμε (fáme) we-eat στο (sto) at-the εστιατόριο (estiatório) restaurant αν (an) if είναι (eíne) is ανοιχτό (anoikhtó) open
44.9b Tha (tha) will fáme (fáme) we-eat sto (sto) at-the estiatório (estiatório) restaurant an (an) if eíne (eíne) is anoikhtó (anoikhtó) open
44.10a Εάν (eán) if με (me) me αγαπούσες (agapoúses) you-loved θα (tha) would έμενες (émenes) you-stay εδώ (edó) here
44.10b Eán (eán) if me (me) me agapoúses (agapoúses) you-loved tha (tha) would émenes (émenes) you-stay edó (edó) here
44.11a Αν (an) if και (ke) even κουραστήκαμε (kourastíkame) we-tired πρέπει (prépei) must να (na) to συνεχίσουμε (synekhísoume) we-continue
44.11b An (an) if ke (ke) even kourastíkame (kourastíkame) we-tired prépei (prépei) must na (na) to synekhísoume (synekhísoume) we-continue
44.12a Θα (tha) will ήταν (ítan) it-be καλύτερα (kalýtera) better αν (an) if έφευγες (éfevges) you-left τώρα (tόra) now
44.12b Tha (tha) will ítan (ítan) it-be kalýtera (kalýtera) better an (an) if éfevges (éfevges) you-left tόra (tόra) now
44.13a Αν (an) if δεν (den) not πάρεις (páreis) you-take το (to) the φάρμακο (fármako) medicine δεν (den) not θα (tha) will γίνεις (gíneis) you-become καλά (kalá) well
44.13b An (an) if den (den) not páreis (páreis) you-take to (to) the fármako (fármako) medicine den (den) not tha (tha) will gíneis (gíneis) you-become kalá (kalá) well
44.14a Εάν (eán) if το (to) it είχα (íkha) I-had δει (dei) seen θα (tha) would σου (su) to-you το (to) it είχα (íkha) have πει (pei) said
44.14b Eán (eán) if to (to) it íkha (íkha) I-had dei (dei) seen tha (tha) would su (su) to-you to (to) it íkha (íkha) have pei (pei) said
44.15a Αν (an) if και (ke) even-if φεύγεις (févgeis) you-leave θα (tha) will σε (se) you-ACC θυμάμαι (thimáme) I-remember πάντα (pánda) always
44.15b An (an) if ke (ke) even-if févgeis (févgeis) you-leave tha (tha) will se (se) you-ACC thimáme (thimáme) I-remember pánda (pánda) always
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44.1 Αν έχεις χρόνο θα έρθω. An ékheis khrόno tha értho. “If you have time, I will come.”
44.2 Εάν βρέχει αύριο θα μείνουμε σπίτι. Eán vrékhei ávrio tha meínoume spíti. “If it rains tomorrow, we will stay home.”
44.3 Θα σε βοηθήσω αν με ρωτήσεις. Tha se voithíso an me rotíseis. “I will help you if you ask me.”
44.4 Αν ήμουν πλούσιος θα ταξίδευα παντού. An ímun ploúsios tha taxídeva pandú. “If I were rich, I would travel everywhere.”
44.5 Το παιδί ρωτάει αν μπορεί να παίξει έξω. To paidí rotái an borí na paíxei éxo. “The child asks if he can play outside.”
44.6 Εάν διαβάσεις σκληρά θα περάσεις την εξέταση. Eán diaváses sklirá tha peráseis tin exétasi. “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
44.7 Δεν ξέρω αν θα έλθει σήμερα. Den xéro an tha élthei símera. “I don’t know if he will come today.”
44.8 Αν είχα ξέρει θα είχα πάει νωρίτερα. An íkha xérei tha íkha pái noríttera. “If I had known, I would have gone earlier.”
44.9 Θα φάμε στο εστιατόριο αν είναι ανοιχτό. Tha fáme sto estiatório an eíne anoikhtó. “We will eat at the restaurant if it is open.”
44.10 Εάν με αγαπούσες θα έμενες εδώ. Eán me agapoúses tha émenes edó. “If you loved me, you would stay here.”
44.11 Αν και κουραστήκαμε πρέπει να συνεχίσουμε. An ke kourastíkame prépei na synekhísoume. “Even if we’re tired, we must continue.”
44.12 Θα ήταν καλύτερα αν έφευγες τώρα. Tha ítan kalýtera an éfevges tόra. “It would be better if you left now.”
44.13 Αν δεν πάρεις το φάρμακο δεν θα γίνεις καλά. An den páreis to fármako den tha gíneis kalá. “If you don’t take the medicine, you won’t get well.”
44.14 Εάν το είχα δει θα σου το είχα πει. Eán to íkha dei tha su to íkha pei. “If I had seen it, I would have told you.”
44.15 Αν και φεύγεις θα σε θυμάμαι πάντα. An ke févgeis tha se thimáme pánda. “Even if you leave, I will always remember you.”
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44.1 Αν έχεις χρόνο θα έρθω. An ékheis khrόno tha értho.
44.2 Εάν βρέχει αύριο θα μείνουμε σπίτι. Eán vrékhei ávrio tha meínoume spíti.
44.3 Θα σε βοηθήσω αν με ρωτήσεις. Tha se voithíso an me rotíseis.
44.4 Αν ήμουν πλούσιος θα ταξίδευα παντού. An ímun ploúsios tha taxídeva pandú.
44.5 Το παιδί ρωτάει αν μπορεί να παίξει έξω. To paidí rotái an borí na paíxei éxo.
44.6 Εάν διαβάσεις σκληρά θα περάσεις την εξέταση. Eán diaváses sklirá tha peráseis tin exétasi.
44.7 Δεν ξέρω αν θα έλθει σήμερα. Den xéro an tha élthei símera.
44.8 Αν είχα ξέρει θα είχα πάει νωρίτερα. An íkha xérei tha íkha pái noríttera.
44.9 Θα φάμε στο εστιατόριο αν είναι ανοιχτό. Tha fáme sto estiatório an eíne anoikhtó.
44.10 Εάν με αγαπούσες θα έμενες εδώ. Eán me agapoúses tha émenes edó.
44.11 Αν και κουραστήκαμε πρέπει να συνεχίσουμε. An ke kourastíkame prépei na synekhísoume.
44.12 Θα ήταν καλύτερα αν έφευγες τώρα. Tha ítan kalýtera an éfevges tόra.
44.13 Αν δεν πάρεις το φάρμακο δεν θα γίνεις καλά. An den páreis to fármako den tha gíneis kalá.
44.14 Εάν το είχα δει θα σου το είχα πει. Eán to íkha dei tha su to íkha pei.
44.15 Αν και φεύγεις θα σε θυμάμαι πάντα. An ke févgeis tha se thimáme pánda.
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Basic Conditional Conjunctions:
The primary conditional conjunctions in Modern Greek are: -
Αν (an) - general conditional “if” (everyday speech) -
Εάν (eán) - formal variant of “if” -
Αν και (an ke) - concessive “even if/even though”
Three Types of Conditional Sentences:
Type 1: Real/Probable Conditions (Present or Future) Structure: Αν + present indicative, θα + subjunctive (dependent form) -
Protasis (if-clause): Present indicative -
Apodosis (main clause): θα + dependent verb form (resembles subjunctive) -
Example: Αν έχεις χρόνο θα έρθω (If you have time, I will come) -
This expresses a real, likely condition about the present or future
Type 2: Hypothetical/Contrary-to-Present Conditions Structure: Αν + imperfect, θα + imperfect -
Protasis: Imperfect indicative -
Apodosis: θα + imperfect -
Example: Αν ήμουν πλούσιος θα ταξίδευα (If I were rich, I would travel) -
This expresses an unreal condition in the present
Type 3: Counterfactual/Contrary-to-Past Conditions Structure: Αν + past perfect, θα + past perfect -
Protasis: Past perfect (είχα + past participle) -
Apodosis: θα + past perfect -
Example: Αν είχα ξέρει θα είχα πάει (If I had known, I would have gone) -
This expresses an unreal condition in the past
The Particle θα (tha):
The particle θα is crucial in Greek conditionals. It marks: -
Future actions: θα + dependent verb form -
Conditional/hypothetical actions: θα + imperfect or past perfect -
It cannot be omitted in most conditional constructions -
It remains invariable (never changes form)
Word Order Flexibility:
Greek conditional sentences allow flexible word order: -
Protasis can precede apodosis: Αν βρέχει θα μείνουμε σπίτι -
Apodosis can precede protasis: Θα σε βοηθήσω αν με ρωτήσεις -
Both orders are equally natural and grammatical
Indirect Questions with Αν:
Αν also functions as “whether” in indirect questions: -
Δεν ξέρω αν θα έλθει (I don’t know whether/if he will come) -
Ρωτάει αν μπορεί (He asks if/whether he can) -
In this usage, it introduces embedded yes/no questions
Concessive Use:
Αν και creates concessive clauses meaning “even if/even though”: -
Αν και κουραστήκαμε πρέπει να συνεχίσουμε (Even though we’re tired, we must continue) -
Αν και φεύγεις (Even if you leave) -
This structure uses indicative mood in the subordinate clause
Negation in Conditionals:
Negation uses δεν in conditional clauses: -
Αν δεν πάρεις το φάρμακο (If you don’t take the medicine) -
Δεν ξέρω αν (I don’t know if/whether) -
The negative particle precedes the verb
Subjunctive Forms (Dependent Forms):
After θα in Type 1 conditionals, Greek uses dependent verb forms that resemble the subjunctive: -
These forms typically use the “perfective stem” (aorist stem) -
θα έρθω (I will come) - from έρχομαι -
θα περάσεις (you will pass) - from περνώ/περάσω -
θα βοηθήσω (I will help) - from βοηθώ/βοηθήσω
Modal Constructions:
Conditionals often combine with modal expressions: -
Πρέπει να (must) + subjunctive -
Μπορεί να (can) + subjunctive -
Θα ήταν καλύτερα (it would be better)
Mistake 1: Omitting θα -
❌ Incorrect: Αν έχεις χρόνο έρθω -
✓ Correct: Αν έχεις χρόνο θα έρθω -
English speakers often forget the obligatory θα particle
Mistake 2: Wrong tense combination -
❌ Incorrect: Αν ήμουν πλούσιος θα ταξιδεύω (mixing imperfect with present) -
✓ Correct: Αν ήμουν πλούσιος θα ταξίδευα (both imperfect) -
Tense harmony is essential in hypothetical conditions
Mistake 3: Using subjunctive after αν -
❌ Incorrect: Αν να έχεις χρόνο -
✓ Correct: Αν έχεις χρόνο -
Unlike some languages, Greek uses indicative mood after αν/εάν in the conditional clause
Mistake 4: Confusing εάν with άν (άν = if/supposing in archaic usage) -
Modern Greek primarily uses αν (without accent) or εάν -
Άν (with accent) is archaic/literary
Mistake 5: Literal translation from English -
English “if” clauses use a wider variety of constructions -
Greek has stricter rules about mood and tense pairing -
English “will” in if-clauses doesn’t translate to θα in the protasis
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Conditional constructions are fundamental to everyday Greek communication, used constantly in:
Everyday Negotiation: Greeks use conditionals extensively in social negotiation and polite requests. The phrase Αν έχεις χρόνο (if you have time) is a common way to soften requests, showing respect for another’s schedule. Similarly, Θα ήταν καλύτερα αν... (It would be better if...) provides gentle suggestions without being overly direct.
Hypothetical Discussions: Greek culture values animated discussion and debate. Hypothetical conditionals (Αν ήμουν... / If I were...) are used constantly in philosophical conversations, political discussions, and everyday what-if scenarios. This reflects the Greek love of exploring possibilities and theoretical situations.
Emotional Expression: Type 2 conditionals (contrary-to-present) are frequently used in emotional contexts, particularly in relationships: Εάν με αγαπούσες θα έμενες (If you loved me, you would stay). Greek popular music (λαϊκά τραγούδια) is filled with such conditional expressions of longing and regret.
Formal vs. Informal Register:
The choice between αν and εάν marks register: -
Αν is the standard form in everyday speech, SMS, casual conversation -
Εάν appears in formal writing, legal documents, academic texts, official announcements -
Both are grammatically identical in function -
Using εάν in casual conversation sounds pedantic or overly formal
Concessive Use (Αν και):
The concessive αν και (even if/even though) reflects Greek cultural attitudes about perseverance and determination. The phrase Αν και κουραστήκαμε πρέπει να συνεχίσουμε (Even though we’re tired, we must continue) embodies the Greek concept of υπομονή (patience/endurance), a valued cultural trait.
Regional Variations:
While the standard conditional system is consistent across Greek-speaking regions, some dialectal variations exist: -
Cypriot Greek sometimes uses εν instead of αν in certain contexts -
Some northern Greek dialects show subtle differences in conditional particle usage -
Pontic Greek (historically spoken in Black Sea regions) had its own conditional markers
Historical Development:
Modern Greek conditional structures evolved from Ancient Greek’s complex optative mood system: -
Ancient Greek used optative mood for hypothetical conditions -
The optative mood disappeared in Medieval Greek (Koine and Byzantine periods) -
Modern Greek developed the θα + verb construction as a replacement -
The particle θα itself derives from Ancient Greek θέλω να (I want to → it will)
In Greek Literature:
Greek poetry and prose make sophisticated use of conditional structures: -
C.P. Cavafy used counterfactual conditionals to explore alternative histories -
Modern Greek novels employ conditionals for interior monologue and hypothetical reflection -
The flexibility of word order allows poets to create emphasis and rhythm
Proverbs and Sayings:
Greek has many proverbial expressions using conditionals: -
Αν δεν τον φοβάσαι, μην τον παντρευτείς (If you don’t fear him, don’t marry him - about respect in marriage) -
Αν θέλεις να πας γρήγορα, πήγαινε μόνος. Αν θέλεις να πας μακριά, πήγαινε με παρέα (If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together)
Greek conditional sentences demonstrate several unique syntactic features:
1. Position Flexibility: Unlike English, which strongly prefers “If X, then Y” order, Greek allows both Αν X, Y and Y αν X with equal naturalness and no change in meaning.
2. The θα Particle: The obligatory nature of θα in most conditional constructions is unique among European languages. It serves as a grammatical marker that cannot be omitted without rendering the sentence ungrammatical.
3. Aspect Distinction: Greek maintains aspect distinction even in conditional constructions: -
Perfective aspect (aorist-based): θα διαβάσεις (you will study - completed action) -
Imperfective aspect (present-based): θα διαβάζεις (you will be studying - ongoing action)
4. Clitic Pronouns: Object pronouns in conditional sentences follow complex placement rules: -
They typically precede the verb: θα σε βοηθήσω (I will help you) -
But can appear in different positions in subordinate clauses -
They remain proclitics (attached to following word) rather than enclitics
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From “Ο Καπετάν Μιχάλης” (Captain Michalis / Freedom or Death) by Nikos Kazantzakis (1950):
F.1a Αν (an) if ξαναγίνω (xanagíno) I-become-again νέος (néos) young και (ke) and με (me) me ρωτήσουν (rotísun) they-ask πάλι (páli) again
F.1b An (an) if xanagíno (xanagíno) I-become-again néos (néos) young ke (ke) and me (me) me rotísun (rotísun) they-ask páli (páli) again
F.2a θα (tha) will κάνω (káno) I-do τα (ta) the ίδια (ídia) same είπε (ípe) he-said ο (o) the Καπετάν (kapetán) captain Μιχάλης (mikhális) Michalis
F.2b tha (tha) will káno (káno) I-do ta (ta) the ídia (ídia) same ípe (ípe) he-said o (o) the kapetán (kapetán) captain mikhális (mikhális) Michalis
F.3a Αν (an) if είχα (íkha) I-had χίλιες (khílies) thousand ζωές (zoés) lives όλες (óles) all θα (tha) would τις (tis) them έδινα (édina) I-give
F.3b An (an) if íkha (íkha) I-had khílies (khílies) thousand zoés (zoés) lives óles (óles) all tha (tha) would tis (tis) them édina (édina) I-give
F.4a για (ya) for την (tin) the ελευθερία (elefthería) freedom της (tis) of-the πατρίδας (patrídas) homeland μου (mu) my
F.4b ya (ya) for tin (tin) the elefthería (elefthería) freedom tis (tis) of-the patrídas (patrídas) homeland mu (mu) my
Αν ξαναγίνω νέος και με ρωτήσουν πάλι, θα κάνω τα ίδια, είπε ο Καπετάν Μιχάλης. Αν είχα χίλιες ζωές, όλες θα τις έδινα για την ελευθερία της πατρίδας μου.
An xanagíno néos ke me rotísun páli, tha káno ta ídia, ípe o kapetán mikhális. An íkha khílies zoés, óles tha tis édina ya tin elefthería tis patrídas mu.
“If I become young again and they ask me again, I will do the same, said Captain Michalis. If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all for the freedom of my homeland.”
Αν ξαναγίνω νέος και με ρωτήσουν πάλι, θα κάνω τα ίδια, είπε ο Καπετάν Μιχάλης. Αν είχα χίλιες ζωές, όλες θα τις έδινα για την ελευθερία της πατρίδας μου.
An xanagíno néos ke me rotísun páli, tha káno ta ídia, ípe o kapetán mikhális. An íkha khílies zoés, óles tha tis édina ya tin elefthería tis patrídas mu.
Conditional Structures in the Citation:
This passage contains two conditional sentences exemplifying different types:
First Conditional (Type 3 - Hypothetical Present): Αν ξαναγίνω νέος... θα κάνω τα ίδια demonstrates a hypothetical condition about the future/present: -
ξαναγίνω (xanagíno) - compound verb: ξανα- (again) + γίνομαι (become), subjunctive form -
θα κάνω - future/conditional with θα + dependent form of κάνω (do)
Second Conditional (Type 2 - Contrary-to-Present): Αν είχα χίλιες ζωές, όλες θα τις έδινα expresses an impossible condition: -
είχα - imperfect of έχω (have) -
θα... έδινα - conditional with θα + imperfect of δίνω (give) -
This structure indicates the condition cannot be realized (one cannot have a thousand lives)
Key Vocabulary: -
νέος (néos) - young (masculine nominative) -
ζωές (zoés) - lives (feminine plural accusative, from ζωή) -
ελευθερία (elefthería) - freedom (a central concept in Greek culture) -
πατρίδα (patrída) - homeland, fatherland (feminine, genitive: πατρίδας) -
χίλιες (khílies) - thousand (feminine plural, agreeing with ζωές)
Clitic Pronouns: -
με ρωτήσουν - object pronoun με (me) precedes verb -
θα τις έδινα - object pronoun τις (them, feminine plural) stands between θα and the verb
Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957) is one of Greece’s most celebrated 20th-century writers. “Captain Michalis” (Ο Καπετάν Μιχάλης), published in 1950, is set during the Cretan revolt against Ottoman rule in the 1880s.
Thematic Significance: The quoted passage uses conditional structures to express absolute commitment. The character Captain Michalis uses: -
A future hypothetical (Αν ξαναγίνω) to say he would make the same choices again -
An impossible hypothetical (Αν είχα χίλιες ζωές) to emphasize total dedication
This rhetorical use of conditionals—especially impossible ones—is common in Greek heroic discourse. By using a Type 2 conditional (contrary-to-present), the speaker emphasizes that the sacrifice would be made completely, without reservation.
Cultural Resonance: The phrase ελευθερία ή θάνατος (freedom or death) was a slogan during Greece’s War of Independence (1821-1829) and subsequent struggles. Kazantzakis’ novel explores Greek identity, honor (φιλότιμο), and the relationship between individual freedom and national liberation.
Linguistic Style: Kazantzakis writes in δημοτική (demotic Greek), the vernacular language that became standard in modern Greece. His prose is noted for combining everyday speech patterns with elevated rhetorical structures, as seen in this conditional formulation.
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The following section presents a dialogue between two friends discussing life choices, demonstrating how conditionals function in conversational Modern Greek.
44.16a Αν (an) if είχες (íkhes) you-had επιλογή (epiloyí) choice τι (ti) what θα (tha) would έκανες (ékanes) you-do
44.16b An (an) if íkhes (íkhes) you-had epiloyí (epiloyí) choice ti (ti) what tha (tha) would ékanes (ékanes) you-do
44.17a Αν (an) if μπορούσα (boroúsa) I-could να (na) to διαλέξω (dialéxo) I-choose θα (tha) would ζούσα (zoúsa) I-live στο (sto) in-the νησί (nisí) island
44.17b An (an) if boroúsa (boroúsa) I-could na (na) to dialéxo (dialéxo) I-choose tha (tha) would zoúsa (zoúsa) I-live sto (sto) in-the nisí (nisí) island
44.18a Εάν (eán) if δεν (den) not είχα (íkha) I-had συναντήσει (synandísei) met την (tin) the γυναίκα (yinéka) wife μου (mu) my
44.18b Eán (eán) if den (den) not íkha (íkha) I-had synandísei (synandísei) met tin (tin) the yinéka (yinéka) wife mu (mu) my
44.19a δεν (den) not θα (tha) would ήμουν (ímun) I-be ευτυχισμένος (eftikisménos) happy σήμερα (símera) today
44.19b den (den) not tha (tha) would ímun (ímun) I-be eftikisménos (eftikisménos) happy símera (símera) today
44.20a Θα (tha) will ήταν (ítan) it-be διαφορετικά (diaforetiká) different αν (an) if είχαμε (íkhame) we-had ξέρει (xérei) known
44.20b Tha (tha) will ítan (ítan) it-be diaforetiká (diaforetiká) different an (an) if íkhame (íkhame) we-had xérei (xérei) known
44.21a την (tin) the αλήθεια (alíthia) truth από (apó) from την (tin) the αρχή (arkhí) beginning
44.21b tin (tin) the alíthia (alíthia) truth apó (apó) from tin (tin) the arkhí (arkhí) beginning
44.22a Αν (an) if και (ke) even με (me) me κατηγορούν (katigoroún) they-accuse δεν (den) not νιώθω (nióth̠o) I-feel ενοχή (enokhí) guilt
44.22b An (an) if ke (ke) even me (me) me katigoroún (katigoroún) they-accuse den (den) not nióth̠o (nióth̠o) I-feel enokhí (enokhí) guilt
44.23a Εάν (eán) if σου (su) to-you έδινα (édina) I-gave μια (mia) one δεύτερη (défteri) second ευκαιρία (efkairía) chance
44.23b Eán (eán) if su (su) to-you édina (édina) I-gave mia (mia) one défteri (défteri) second efkairía (efkairía) chance
44.24a θα (tha) would την (tin) it εκμεταλλευόσουν (ekmetalevósun) you-exploit σωστά (sostá) correctly
44.24b tha (tha) would tin (tin) it ekmetalevósun (ekmetalevósun) you-exploit sostá (sostá) correctly
44.25a Αν (an) if το (to) it ξανασκεφτόσουν (xanaskeftósun) you-reconsider ίσως (ísos) perhaps θα (tha) would άλλαζες (állazes) you-change γνώμη (gnómi) opinion
44.25b An (an) if to (to) it xanaskeftósun (xanaskeftósun) you-reconsider ísos (ísos) perhaps tha (tha) would állazes (állazes) you-change gnómi (gnómi) opinion
44.26a Θα (tha) would ήθελα (íthela) I-want να (na) to ξέρω (xéro) I-know αν (an) if είναι (eíne) it-is αλήθεια (alíthia) true
44.26b Tha (tha) would íthela (íthela) I-want na (na) to xéro (xéro) I-know an (an) if eíne (eíne) it-is alíthia (alíthia) true
44.27a Αν (an) if δεν (den) not με (me) me εμπιστεύεσαι (embistévese) you-trust γιατί (yatí) why μου (mu) to-me το (to) it λες (les) you-say
44.27b An (an) if den (den) not me (me) me embistévese (embistévese) you-trust yatí (yatí) why mu (mu) to-me to (to) it les (les) you-say
44.28a Εάν (eán) if είχαμε (íkhame) we-had περισσότερο (perissótero) more χρόνο (khrόno) time μαζί (mazí) together
44.28b Eán (eán) if íkhame (íkhame) we-had perissótero (perissótero) more khrόno (khrόno) time mazí (mazí) together
44.29a θα (tha) would καταλαβαίναμε (katalaváname) we-understand ο (o) the ένας (énas) one τον (ton) the άλλον (állon) other καλύτερα (kalýtera) better
44.29b tha (tha) would katalaváname (katalaváname) we-understand o (o) the énas (énas) one ton (ton) the állon (állon) other kalýtera (kalýtera) better
44.30a Αν (an) if και (ke) even χωρίσαμε (khorísame) we-separated θα (tha) will σε (se) you-ACC θυμάμαι (thimáme) I-remember πάντα (pánda) always με (me) with αγάπη (agápi) love
44.30b An (an) if ke (ke) even khorísame (khorísame) we-separated tha (tha) will se (se) you-ACC thimáme (thimáme) I-remember pánda (pánda) always me (me) with agápi (agápi) love
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44.16 Αν είχες επιλογή τι θα έκανες; An íkhes epiloyí ti tha ékanes? “If you had a choice, what would you do?”
44.17 Αν μπορούσα να διαλέξω θα ζούσα στο νησί. An boroúsa na dialéxo tha zoúsa sto nisí. “If I could choose, I would live on the island.”
44.18-19 Εάν δεν είχα συναντήσει την γυναίκα μου, δεν θα ήμουν ευτυχισμένος σήμερα. Eán den íkha synandísei tin yinéka mu, den tha ímun eftikisménos símera. “If I hadn’t met my wife, I wouldn’t be happy today.”
44.20-21 Θα ήταν διαφορετικά αν είχαμε ξέρει την αλήθεια από την αρχή. Tha ítan diaforetiká an íkhame xérei tin alíthia apó tin arkhí. “It would have been different if we had known the truth from the beginning.”
44.22 Αν και με κατηγορούν δεν νιώθω ενοχή. An ke me katigoroún den nióth̠o enokhí. “Even though they accuse me, I don’t feel guilty.”
44.23-24 Εάν σου έδινα μια δεύτερη ευκαιρία, θα την εκμεταλλευόσουν σωστά; Eán su édina mia défteri efkairía, tha tin ekmetalevósun sostá? “If I gave you a second chance, would you use it properly?”
44.25 Αν το ξανασκεφτόσουν ίσως θα άλλαζες γνώμη. An to xanaskeftósun ísos tha állazes gnómi. “If you reconsidered it, perhaps you would change your mind.”
44.26 Θα ήθελα να ξέρω αν είναι αλήθεια. Tha íthela na xéro an eíne alíthia. “I would like to know if it’s true.”
44.27 Αν δεν με εμπιστεύεσαι γιατί μου το λες; An den me embistévese yatí mu to les? “If you don’t trust me, why are you telling me?”
44.28-29 Εάν είχαμε περισσότερο χρόνο μαζί, θα καταλαβαίναμε ο ένας τον άλλον καλύτερα. Eán íkhame perissótero khrόno mazí, tha katalaváname o énas ton állon kalýtera. “If we had had more time together, we would have understood each other better.”
44.30 Αν και χωρίσαμε θα σε θυμάμαι πάντα με αγάπη. An ke khorísame tha se thimáme pánda me agápi. “Even though we separated, I will always remember you with love.”
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44.16 Αν είχες επιλογή τι θα έκανες; An íkhes epiloyí ti tha ékanes?
44.17 Αν μπορούσα να διαλέξω θα ζούσα στο νησί. An boroúsa na dialéxo tha zoúsa sto nisí.
44.18-19 Εάν δεν είχα συναντήσει την γυναίκα μου, δεν θα ήμουν ευτυχισμένος σήμερα. Eán den íkha synandísei tin yinéka mu, den tha ímun eftikisménos símera.
44.20-21 Θα ήταν διαφορετικά αν είχαμε ξέρει την αλήθεια από την αρχή. Tha ítan diaforetiká an íkhame xérei tin alíthia apó tin arkhí.
44.22 Αν και με κατηγορούν δεν νιώθω ενοχή. An ke me katigoroún den nióth̠o enokhí.
44.23-24 Εάν σου έδινα μια δεύτερη ευκαιρία, θα την εκμεταλλευόσουν σωστά; Eán su édina mia défteri efkairía, tha tin ekmetalevósun sostá?
44.25 Αν το ξανασκεφτόσουν ίσως θα άλλαζες γνώμη. An to xanaskeftósun ísos tha állazes gnómi.
44.26 Θα ήθελα να ξέρω αν είναι αλήθεια. Tha íthela na xéro an eíne alíthia.
44.27 Αν δεν με εμπιστεύεσαι γιατί μου το λες; An den me embistévese yatí mu to les?
44.28-29 Εάν είχαμε περισσότερο χρόνο μαζί, θα καταλαβαίναμε ο ένας τον άλλον καλύτερα. Eán íkhame perissótero khrόno mazí, tha katalaváname o énas ton állon kalýtera.
44.30 Αν και χωρίσαμε θα σε θυμάμαι πάντα με αγάπη. An ke khorísame tha se thimáme pánda me agápi.
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Advanced Conditional Structures in Dialogue:
This philosophical dialogue demonstrates several sophisticated uses of conditionals in conversational Greek:
Embedded Conditionals: Example 44.26 shows αν introducing an indirect question (whether): Θα ήθελα να ξέρω αν είναι αλήθεια (I would like to know if/whether it’s true) -
The conditional θα ήθελα (I would like) contains another conditional clause -
Αν here means “whether” rather than “if”
Mixed Conditionals: Example 44.18-19 demonstrates a Type 3 condition with Type 2 result: Εάν δεν είχα συναντήσει... δεν θα ήμουν ευτυχισμένος -
Protasis: past perfect (past condition) -
Apodosis: conditional present (present result) -
This expresses how a past event affects the present state
Concessive Conditionals: Examples 44.22 and 44.30 use αν και (even if/even though): -
Αν και με κατηγορούν (Even though they accuse me) -
Αν και χωρίσαμε (Even though we separated) -
These use indicative mood (not subjunctive) after αν και -
Express concession rather than condition
Optative-Like Constructions: Example 44.26: Θα ήθελα να ξέρω (I would like to know) -
Uses θα + imperfect to create a polite wish -
Similar to English “I would like” -
More polite than simple θέλω να ξέρω (I want to know)
Compound Verbs in Conditionals: Several examples use compound verbs: -
ξανασκεφτόσουν (xanaskeftósun) = ξανα- (again) + σκέφτομαι (think) -
εκμεταλλευόσουν (ekmetalevósun) = exploit/take advantage -
καταλαβαίναμε (katalaváname) = understand (compound with κατα-)
Question Formation: Greek conditional questions maintain the same structure as statements: -
Αν είχες επιλογή τι θα έκανες; (If you had choice, what would you do?) -
Question word τι (what) appears in the apodosis -
The conditional structure remains unchanged
Clitic Doubling: Example 44.23-24 shows clitic pronoun patterns: -
Εάν σου έδινα μια... ευκαιρία (If I gave you a... chance) -
θα την εκμεταλλευόσουν (would you exploit it) -
Object pronouns (σου, την) appear as clitics
Aspect Selection: The dialogue shows careful aspect distinction: -
Perfective: να διαλέξω (to choose - completed action) -
Imperfective: θα ζούσα (I would live - ongoing state) -
Perfect: είχα συναντήσει (I had met - completed past action)
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This lesson on conditional sentences represents one of the most challenging aspects of Greek grammar for English speakers. The systematic presentation of examples demonstrates how conditionals function in various contexts—from simple everyday conditions to complex philosophical hypotheticals. Mastering these structures opens access to sophisticated expression in Greek, from everyday negotiations to literary and philosophical discourse.
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