Introduction
The Greek verb παίρνω (paírno) is one of the most essential and frequently used verbs in Modern Greek, ranking 47th in frequency. It primarily means “to take,” but its semantic range extends to “get,” “receive,” “grab,” “obtain,” and even appears in numerous idiomatic expressions. Unlike English “take,” which remains relatively stable across tenses, παίρνω undergoes significant morphological changes, particularly in its aorist (simple past) form, where the stem changes from παιρν- to πηρ-/παρ-.
The verb belongs to Group A conjugation (unaccented -ω ending) but displays irregular patterns inherited from its Byzantine Greek ancestor ἐπαίρνω, itself derived from Ancient Greek ἐπαίρω (epaírō, “to lift up, to rouse”). This lesson will systematically explore how παίρνω functions across different contexts, from concrete physical actions to abstract concepts and cultural idioms.
Understanding παίρνω is crucial for everyday communication in Greek, as it appears in contexts ranging from simple transactions (”I take the bus”) to abstract decision-making (”I take responsibility”) to colloquial expressions (”I’m mad” - literally “I take them”). Through 30 carefully constructed examples, this lesson will build your competence with this fundamental verb.
Link to Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Key Takeaways -
παίρνω is an irregular Group A verb meaning “take/get/receive” -
Present stem: παιρν-, Aorist stem: πηρ-/παρ- -
Multiple semantic fields: physical taking, receiving, obtaining, and idiomatic uses -
Common confusion: παίρνω vs. περνάω (both sound similar but mean different things) -
Extremely high frequency in everyday Modern Greek conversation
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47.1a Παίρνω (Paírnο) το (to) λεωφορείο (leoforeío) κάθε (káthe) μέρα (méra). 47.1b Paírno (paírno) I-take to (to) the leoforeío (leoforeío) bus káthe (káthe) every méra (méra) day.
47.2a Η (I) Μαρία (María) πήρε (píre) το (to) βιβλίο (vivlío) από (apó) το (to) τραπέζι (trapézi). 47.2b I (i) the María (maría) Maria píre (píre) took to (to) the vivlío (vivlío) book apó (apó) from to (to) the trapézi (trapézi) table.
47.3a Θα (Tha) πάρω (páro) καφέ (kafé) αργότερα (argótera). 47.3b Tha (tha) will páro (páro) I-take kafé (kafé) coffee argótera (argótera) later.
47.4a Ο (O) γιατρός (giatrós) μου (mu) είπε (ípe) να (na) παίρνω (paírno) χάπια (chápia). 47.4b O (o) the giatrós (giatrós) doctor mu (mu) my ípe (ípe) said na (na) to paírno (paírno) I-take chápia (chápia) pills.
47.5a Πήραν (Píran) την (tin) απόφαση (apófasi) χθες (chthes). 47.5b Píran (píran) they-took tin (tin) the apófasi (apófasi) decision chthes (chthes) yesterday.
47.6a Παίρνεις (Paírneis) μέρος (méros) στον (ston) αγώνα (agóna); 47.6b Paírneis (paírneis) you-take méros (méros) part ston (ston) in-the agóna (agóna) race/contest?
47.7a Δεν (Den) έχω (écho) πάρει (párei) τηλέφωνο (tiléfono) τον (ton) Γιώργο (Giórgo). 47.7b Den (den) not écho (ého) I-have párei (párei) taken tiléfono (tiléfono) telephone ton (ton) the Giórgo (giórgo) George-ACC.
47.8a Πάρε (Páre) την (tin) ομπρέλα (ombréla) σου (su)! 47.8b Páre (páre) take tin (tin) the ombréla (ombréla) umbrella su (su) your!
47.9a Τα (Ta) παιδιά (paidiá) παίρνουν (paírnun) μαθήματα (mathímata) μουσικής (musikís). 47.9b Ta (ta) the paidiá (paidiá) children paírnun (paírnun) they-take mathímata (mathímata) lessons musikís (musikís) of-music-GEN.
47.10a Πόσο (Póso) χρόνο (chróno) παίρνει (paírnei) το (to) ταξίδι (taxídi); 47.10b Póso (póso) how-much chróno (chróno) time paírnei (paírnei) it-takes to (to) the taxídi (taxídi) journey?
47.11a Έπαιρνα (Épaírna) πάντα (pánta) το (to) πρωινό (proinó) σπίτι (spíti). 47.11b Épaírna (épaírna) I-was-taking pánta (pánta) always to (to) the proinó (proinó) breakfast spíti (spíti) at-home.
47.12a Θα (Tha) πάρουμε (párume) αυτό (aftó) το (to) σπίτι (spíti). 47.12b Tha (tha) will párume (párume) we-take aftó (aftó) this to (to) the spíti (spíti) house.
47.13a Πήρα (Píra) τον (ton) δρόμο (drómo) που (pu) ξέρω (xéro). 47.13b Píra (píra) I-took ton (ton) the drómo (drómo) road pu (pu) that xéro (xéro) I-know.
47.14a Η (I) δουλειά (duliá) του (tu) παίρνει (paírnei) πολύ (polý) χρόνο (chróno). 47.14b I (i) the duliá (duliá) work tu (tu) his paírnei (paírnei) takes polý (polý) much chróno (chróno) time.
47.15a Τα (Ta) έχω (écho) πάρει (párei) με (me) τον (ton) αδερφό (aderfó) μου (mu). 47.15b Ta (ta) them écho (ého) I-have párei (párei) taken me (me) with ton (ton) the aderfó (aderfó) brother mu (mu) my.
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47.1 Παίρνω το λεωφορείο κάθε μέρα. Paírno to leoforeío káthe méra. “I take the bus every day.”
47.2 Η Μαρία πήρε το βιβλίο από το τραπέζι. I María píre to vivlío apó to trapézi. “Maria took the book from the table.”
47.3 Θα πάρω καφέ αργότερα. Tha páro kafé argótera. “I will have/get coffee later.”
47.4 Ο γιατρός μου είπε να παίρνω χάπια. O giatrós mu ípe na paírno chápia. “My doctor told me to take pills.”
47.5 Πήραν την απόφαση χθες. Píran tin apófasi chthes. “They made the decision yesterday.”
47.6 Παίρνεις μέρος στον αγώνα; Paírneis méros ston agóna? “Are you taking part in the race?”
47.7 Δεν έχω πάρει τηλέφωνο τον Γιώργο. Den ého párei tiléfono ton Giórgo. “I haven’t called George.”
47.8 Πάρε την ομπρέλα σου! Páre tin ombréla su! “Take your umbrella!”
47.9 Τα παιδιά παίρνουν μαθήματα μουσικής. Ta paidiá paírnun mathímata musikís. “The children take music lessons.”
47.10 Πόσο χρόνο παίρνει το ταξίδι; Póso chróno paírnei to taxídi? “How much time does the journey take?”
47.11 Έπαιρνα πάντα το πρωινό σπίτι. Épaírna pánta to proinó spíti. “I always used to have breakfast at home.”
47.12 Θα πάρουμε αυτό το σπίτι. Tha párume aftó to spíti. “We will take/buy this house.”
47.13 Πήρα τον δρόμο που ξέρω. Píra ton drómo pu xéro. “I took the road that I know.”
47.14 Η δουλειά του παίρνει πολύ χρόνο. I duliá tu paírnei polý chróno. “His work takes a lot of time.”
47.15 Τα έχω πάρει με τον αδερφό μου. Ta ého párei me ton aderfó mu. “I’m mad at my brother.” (idiomatic)
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47.1 Παίρνω το λεωφορείο κάθε μέρα. Paírno to leoforeío káthe méra.
47.2 Η Μαρία πήρε το βιβλίο από το τραπέζι. I María píre to vivlío apó to trapézi.
47.3 Θα πάρω καφέ αργότερα. Tha páro kafé argótera.
47.4 Ο γιατρός μου είπε να παίρνω χάπια. O giatrós mu ípe na paírno chápia.
47.5 Πήραν την απόφαση χθες. Píran tin apófasi chthes.
47.6 Παίρνεις μέρος στον αγώνα; Paírneis méros ston agóna?
47.7 Δεν έχω πάρει τηλέφωνο τον Γιώργο. Den ého párei tiléfono ton Giórgo.
47.8 Πάρε την ομπρέλα σου! Páre tin ombréla su!
47.9 Τα παιδιά παίρνουν μαθήματα μουσικής. Ta paidiá paírnun mathímata musikís.
47.10 Πόσο χρόνο παίρνει το ταξίδι; Póso chróno paírnei to taxídi?
47.11 Έπαιρνα πάντα το πρωινό σπίτι. Épaírna pánta to proinó spíti.
47.12 Θα πάρουμε αυτό το σπίτι. Tha párume aftó to spíti.
47.13 Πήρα τον δρόμο που ξέρω. Píra ton drómo pu xéro.
47.14 Η δουλειά του παίρνει πολύ χρόνο. I duliá tu paírnei polý chróno.
47.15 Τα έχω πάρει με τον αδερφό μου. Ta ého párei me ton aderfó mu.
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These are the grammar rules for παίρνω
παίρνω is a Group A verb (unaccented -ω) but with irregular stem changes, especially in the aorist tense. It belongs to the class of verbs that add a nasal infix (-ν-) in the present tense.
Present Tense (Ενεστώτας) -
παίρνω (paírno) - I take -
παίρνεις (paírneis) - you take -
παίρνει (paírnei) - he/she/it takes -
παίρνουμε (paírnume) - we take -
παίρνετε (paírnete) - you (plural) take -
παίρνουν (paírnun) - they take
Aorist/Simple Past (Αόριστος) The aorist stem changes dramatically from παιρν- to πηρ-/παρ-: -
πήρα (píra) - I took -
πήρες (píres) - you took -
πήρε (píre) - he/she/it took -
πήραμε (pírame) - we took -
πήρατε (pírate) - you (plural) took -
πήραν (píran) - they took
Future Simple (Μέλλοντας) Formed with θα + perfective stem + present endings: -
θα πάρω (tha páro) - I will take -
θα πάρεις (tha páreis) - you will take -
θα πάρει (tha párei) - he/she/it will take -
θα πάρουμε (tha párume) - we will take -
θα πάρετε (tha párete) - you (plural) will take -
θα πάρουν (tha párun) - they will take
Imperfect/Past Continuous (Παρατατικός) For verbs with fewer than three syllables, the augment ε- is added: -
έπαιρνα (épaírna) - I was taking -
έπαιρνες (épaírnes) - you were taking -
έπαιρνε (épaírne) - he/she/it was taking -
παίρναμε (paírname) - we were taking -
παίρνατε (paírnate) - you (plural) were taking -
έπαιρναν (épaírnan) - they were taking
Perfect Tenses Use auxiliary έχω + infinitive form (identical to 3rd person singular aorist): -
έχω πάρει (ého párei) - I have taken -
είχα πάρει (ícha párei) - I had taken -
θα έχω πάρει (tha ého párei) - I will have taken
Imperative (Προστακτική) -
πάρε (páre) - take! (singular) -
πάρτε (párte) - take! (plural)
Subjunctive (Υποτακτική) Formed with να + verb: -
να πάρω (na páro) - to take / that I take -
να πάρεις (na páreis) - that you take
Participle (Μετοχή) -
παίρνοντας (paírnontas) - taking (present active participle) -
παρμένος, -η, -ο (parménos, -i, -o) - taken (passive participle)
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Physical taking: Παίρνω το βιβλίο (I take the book) -
Receiving: Παίρνω ένα δώρο (I receive a gift) -
Getting/obtaining: Παίρνω το λεωφορείο (I get/take the bus) -
Making decisions: Παίρνω απόφαση (I make a decision) -
Time duration: Παίρνει πολύ χρόνο (It takes a lot of time) -
Idiomatic: Παίρνω τηλέφωνο = to call; Τα παίρνω = to be mad (slang)
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Confusing with περνάω: παίρνω (take) vs. περνάω (pass/spend time) - they sound similar but are completely different -
WRONG: *Παίρνω καλά (trying to say “I’m doing well”) -
RIGHT: Περνάω καλά (I’m doing well) -
Forgetting the aorist stem change: The present stem παιρν- changes to πηρ-/παρ- -
WRONG: *Θα παίρνω το βιβλίο (mixing present with future) -
RIGHT: Θα πάρω το βιβλίο (I will take the book) -
Direct object case: Remember that direct objects typically take accusative case -
το βιβλίο (the book - accusative) -
τον Γιώργο (George - accusative, note the τον not ο) -
Overusing in contexts where English uses “take”: Some English “take” expressions use different verbs in Greek -
“Take a photo” = Βγάζω φωτογραφία (not *παίρνω φωτογραφία) -
“Take a walk” = Κάνω έναν περίπατο (not *παίρνω περίπατο)
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παίρνω is one of the most common verbs in Modern Greek, used across all registers from casual conversation to formal writing. Its high frequency (rank 47) reflects its essential role in everyday communication. The verb appears equally in: -
Informal speech: Τα έχω πάρει μαζί του! (I’m so mad at him! - slang) -
Neutral contexts: Παίρνω το λεωφορείο (I take the bus) -
Formal contexts: Η κυβέρνηση πήρε μέτρα (The government took measures)
Greek has developed numerous idiomatic expressions with παίρνω: -
Παίρνω τηλέφωνο κάποιον - To call someone (literally “take telephone someone”) -
Τα παίρνω (με κάποιον) - To be mad at someone (slang, literally “I take them”) -
Παίρνω μέρος - To participate (literally “take part”) -
Παίρνω είδηση - To get news/information -
Παίρνω ανάσα - To catch one’s breath -
Παίρνω θάρρος - To gain courage -
Παίρνω πίσω - To take back, withdraw -
Παίρνω στα σοβαρά - To take seriously
The expression “Παίρνω τηλέφωνο” (to call) reflects an older technology where one literally “took” the telephone receiver. This expression persists in modern Greek despite smartphones replacing traditional telephones.
The slang “Τα παίρνω” (to be mad) is particularly common in everyday speech and reflects Greek directness in expressing emotions. The construction is fascinating: “I take them” somehow evolved to mean “I’m mad” - the “them” (τα) is grammatically neuter plural but doesn’t refer to anything specific.
While παίρνω is standard across Greek dialects, some regional variations exist in pronunciation: -
Cretan dialect might show palatalization: παίρνιου (instead of standard παίρνω) -
Cypriot Greek sometimes uses alternative past forms -
Standard Modern Greek (based on Athenian/southern varieties) is what we teach here
The verb evolved from Byzantine Greek παίρνω, which came from Ancient Greek ἐπαίρω (epaírō), meaning “to lift up, to raise, to rouse.” The loss of the initial ε- (aphaeresis) is a common development in Greek linguistic history. The semantic shift from “lift up” to “take” occurred during the Byzantine period.
Interestingly, the nasal infix -ν- was added during this evolution, creating the present stem παιρν- from the older root αιρ-/ειρ-. This explains why the aorist preserves a form closer to the ancient root: πήρα (< ἦρα).
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The following passage comes from a contemporary Greek text demonstrating authentic usage of παίρνω in context:
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
Όταν (Ótan) πήρε (píre) την (tin) απόφαση (apófasi) να (na) φύγει (fýgei), κανείς (kanís) δεν (den) μπορούσε (borúse) να (na) τον (ton) σταματήσει (stamatísei). Έπαιρνε (Épaírne) μαζί (mazí) του (tu) μόνο (móno) λίγα (líga) πράγματα (prágmata) - ένα (éna) βιβλίο (vivlío), λίγα (líga) ρούχα (rúcha), και (kai) τις (tis) αναμνήσεις (anamníseis) που (pu) κανένας (kanénas) δεν (den) μπορεί (boréi) να (na) πάρει (párei).
Ótan (ótan) when píre (píre) he-took tin (tin) the apófasi (apófasi) decision na (na) to fýgei (fýgei) he-leave, kanís (kanís) no-one den (den) not borúse (borúse) could na (na) to ton (ton) him stamatísei (stamatísei) stop. Épaírne (épaírne) he-was-taking mazí (mazí) together tu (tu) his móno (móno) only líga (líga) few prágmata (prágmata) things - éna (éna) one vivlío (vivlío) book, líga (líga) few rúcha (rúcha) clothes, kai (kai) and tis (tis) the anamníseis (anamníseis) memories pu (pu) that kanénas (kanénas) no-one den (den) not boréi (boréi) can na (na) to párei (párei) take.
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Όταν πήρε την απόφαση να φύγει, κανείς δεν μπορούσε να τον σταματήσει. Έπαιρνε μαζί του μόνο λίγα πράγματα - ένα βιβλίο, λίγα ρούχα, και τις αναμνήσεις που κανένας δεν μπορεί να πάρει.
Ótan píre tin apófasi na fýgei, kanís den borúse na ton stamatísei. Épaírne mazí tu móno líga prágmata - éna vivlío, líga rúcha, kai tis anamníseis pu kanénas den boréi na párei.
“When he made the decision to leave, no one could stop him. He was taking with him only a few things - a book, some clothes, and the memories that no one can take.”
F-C: Original Text Only
Όταν πήρε την απόφαση να φύγει, κανείς δεν μπορούσε να τον σταματήσει. Έπαιρνε μαζί του μόνο λίγα πράγματα - ένα βιβλίο, λίγα ρούχα, και τις αναμνήσεις που κανένας δεν μπορεί να πάρει.
Ótan píre tin apófasi na fýgei, kanís den borúse na ton stamatísei. Épaírne mazí tu móno líga prágmata - éna vivlío, líga rúcha, kai tis anamníseis pu kanénas den boréi na párei.
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Notes -
πήρε την απόφαση: aorist form, “made/took the decision” - fixed expression -
να φύγει: subjunctive “to leave” - purpose clause -
Έπαιρνε: imperfect, “he was taking” - describes ongoing past action -
μαζί του: “with him” - μαζί + genitive pronoun -
κανείς/κανένας: negative pronoun “no one/nobody” -
δεν μπορεί να πάρει: present subjunctive after modal verb “cannot take” -
αναμνήσεις: feminine plural “memories”
F-E: Literary Commentary
This passage demonstrates the poetic quality that παίρνω can achieve in Greek literature, particularly in the contrast between what can be physically taken (πράγματα, βιβλίο, ρούχα) and what cannot (αναμνήσεις). The use of both aorist (πήρε - completed action) and imperfect (έπαιρνε - ongoing process) creates a temporal depth, showing both the moment of decision and the continuing act of preparation.
The phrase “αναμνήσεις που κανένας δεν μπορεί να πάρει” (memories that no one can take) plays on the dual meaning of παίρνω - physical taking versus abstract possession - to create an emotionally resonant image of departure and loss. This reflects a common theme in Greek literature: the distinction between material possessions and internal, spiritual resources.
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Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
47.16a Ο (O) Νίκος (Níkos) πήρε (píre) το (to) τρένο (tréno) το (to) πρωί (prοí). 47.16b O (o) the Níkos (níkos) Nikos píre (píre) took to (to) the tréno (tréno) train to (to) the proí (proí) morning.
47.17a Έπαιρνε (Épaírne) το (to) ίδιο (ídio) ταξίδι (taxídi) κάθε (káthe) Σάββατο (Sávvato). 47.17b Épaírne (épaírne) he-was-taking to (to) the ídio (ídio) same taxídi (taxídi) journey káthe (káthe) every Sávvato (sávvato) Saturday.
47.18a Αυτή (Aftí) τη (ti) φορά (forá) όμως (ómos), είχε (íche) πάρει (párei) και (kai) μια (mia) βαλίτσα (valítsa). 47.18b Aftí (aftí) this ti (ti) the forá (forá) time ómos (ómos) however, íche (íche) he-had párei (párei) taken kai (kai) also mia (mia) a valítsa (valítsa) suitcase.
47.19a Η (I) απόφαση (apófasi) που (pu) είχε (íche) πάρει (párei) δεν (den) ήταν (ítan) εύκολη (éfkoli). 47.19b I (i) the apófasi (apófasi) decision pu (pu) that íche (íche) he-had párei (párei) taken den (den) not ítan (ítan) was éfkoli (éfkoli) easy.
47.20a Θα (Tha) έπαιρνε (épaírne) χρόνια (chrónia) για (gia) να (na) ξεχάσει (xechásei). 47.20b Tha (tha) it-would épaírne (épaírne) take chrónia (chrónia) years gia (gia) for na (na) to xechásei (xechásei) forget.
47.21a Στον (Ston) σταθμό (stathmó), πήρε (píre) έναν (énan) καφέ (kafé) και (kai) κάθισε (káthise). 47.21b Ston (ston) at-the stathmó (stathmó) station, píre (píre) he-took énan (énan) a kafé (kafé) coffee kai (kai) and káthise (káthise) sat-down.
47.22a Παίρνοντας (Paírnontas) βαθιές (vathiés) ανάσες (anáses), προσπαθούσε (prospathúse) να (na) ηρεμήσει (iremísei). 47.22b Paírnontas (paírnontas) taking vathiés (vathiés) deep anáses (anáses) breaths, prospathúse (prospathúse) he-was-trying na (na) to iremísei (iremísei) calm-down.
47.23a Τα (Ta) είχε (íche) πάρει (párei) με (me) όλους (ólus) εκείνη (ekíni) τη (ti) μέρα (méra). 47.23b Ta (ta) them íche (íche) he-had párei (párei) taken me (me) with ólus (ólus) everyone ekíni (ekíni) that ti (ti) the méra (méra) day.
47.24a Κανείς (Kanís) δεν (den) του (tu) είχε (íche) πάρει (párei) τηλέφωνο (tiléfono). 47.24b Kanís (kanís) no-one den (den) not tu (tu) him íche (íche) had párei (párei) taken tiléfono (tiléfono) telephone.
47.25a Το (To) τρένο (tréno) θα (tha) έπαιρνε (épaírne) τρεις (treis) ώρες (óres). 47.25b To (to) the tréno (tréno) train tha (tha) would épaírne (épaírne) take treis (treis) three óres (óres) hours.
47.26a Πήρε (Píre) το (to) βιβλίο (vivlío) από (apó) την (tin) τσάντα (tsánta) του (tu). 47.26b Píre (píre) he-took to (to) the vivlío (vivlío) book apó (apó) from tin (tin) the tsánta (tsánta) bag tu (tu) his.
47.27a Αλλά (Allá) δεν (den) μπορούσε (borúse) να (na) πάρει (párei) το (to) μυαλό (mialó) του (tu) από (apó) το (to) χωριό (chorió). 47.27b Allá (allá) but den (den) not borúse (borúse) he-could na (na) to párei (párei) take to (to) the mialó (mialó) mind tu (tu) his apó (apó) from to (to) the chorió (chorió) village.
47.28a Θα (Tha) πάρει (párei) πολύ (polý) καιρό (kairó) μέχρι (méchri) να (na) συνηθίσει (sinithísei). 47.28b Tha (tha) it-will párei (párei) take polý (polý) much kairó (kairó) time méchri (méchri) until na (na) to sinithísei (sinithísei) he-get-used-to.
47.29a Παίρνοντας (Paírnontas) θάρρος (thárros), σκέφτηκε (skéftike) το (to) μέλλον (méllon). 47.29b Paírnontas (paírnontas) taking thárros (thárros) courage, skéftike (skéftike) he-thought to (to) the méllon (méllon) future.
47.30a Αυτό (Aftó) το (to) ταξίδι (taxídi) θα (tha) του (tu) έπαιρνε (épaírne) όλη (óli) του (tu) τη (ti) ζωή (zoí). 47.30b Aftó (aftó) this to (to) the taxídi (taxídi) journey tha (tha) would tu (tu) him épaírne (épaírne) take óli (óli) all tu (tu) his ti (ti) the zoí (zoí) life.
Part B: Natural Sentences
47.16 Ο Νίκος πήρε το τρένο το πρωί. O Níkos píre to tréno to proí. “Nikos took the train in the morning.”
47.17 Έπαιρνε το ίδιο ταξίδι κάθε Σάββατο. Épaírne to ídio taxídi káthe Sávvato. “He used to take the same journey every Saturday.”
47.18 Αυτή τη φορά όμως, είχε πάρει και μια βαλίτσα. Aftí ti forá ómos, íche párei kai mia valítsa. “This time, however, he had also taken a suitcase.”
47.19 Η απόφαση που είχε πάρει δεν ήταν εύκολη. I apófasi pu íche párei den ítan éfkoli. “The decision he had made was not easy.”
47.20 Θα έπαιρνε χρόνια για να ξεχάσει. Tha épaírne chrónia gia na xechásei. “It would take years to forget.”
47.21 Στον σταθμό, πήρε έναν καφέ και κάθισε. Ston stathmó, píre énan kafé kai káthise. “At the station, he got a coffee and sat down.”
47.22 Παίρνοντας βαθιές ανάσες, προσπαθούσε να ηρεμήσει. Paírnontas vathiés anáses, prospathúse na iremísei. “Taking deep breaths, he was trying to calm down.”
47.23 Τα είχε πάρει με όλους εκείνη τη μέρα. Ta íche párei me ólus ekíni ti méra. “He had gotten mad at everyone that day.”
47.24 Κανείς δεν του είχε πάρει τηλέφωνο. Kanís den tu íche párei tiléfono. “No one had called him.”
47.25 Το τρένο θα έπαιρνε τρεις ώρες. To tréno tha épaírne treis óres. “The train would take three hours.”
47.26 Πήρε το βιβλίο από την τσάντα του. Píre to vivlío apó tin tsánta tu. “He took the book from his bag.”
47.27 Αλλά δεν μπορούσε να πάρει το μυαλό του από το χωριό. Allá den borúse na párei to mialó tu apó to chorió. “But he couldn’t take his mind off the village.”
47.28 Θα πάρει πολύ καιρό μέχρι να συνηθίσει. Tha párei polý kairó méchri na sinithísei. “It will take a long time until he gets used to it.”
47.29 Παίρνοντας θάρρος, σκέφτηκε το μέλλον. Paírnontas thárros, skéftike to méllon. “Taking courage, he thought about the future.”
47.30 Αυτό το ταξίδι θα του έπαιρνε όλη του τη ζωή. Aftó to taxídi tha tu épaírne óli tu ti zoí. “This journey would take him his whole life.”
Part C: Target Language Only
47.16 Ο Νίκος πήρε το τρένο το πρωί. O Níkos píre to tréno to proí.
47.17 Έπαιρνε το ίδιο ταξίδι κάθε Σάββατο. Épaírne to ídio taxídi káthe Sávvato.
47.18 Αυτή τη φορά όμως, είχε πάρει και μια βαλίτσα. Aftí ti forá ómos, íche párei kai mia valítsa.
47.19 Η απόφαση που είχε πάρει δεν ήταν εύκολη. I apófasi pu íche párei den ítan éfkoli.
47.20 Θα έπαιρνε χρόνια για να ξεχάσει. Tha épaírne chrónia gia na xechásei.
47.21 Στον σταθμό, πήρε έναν καφέ και κάθισε. Ston stathmó, píre énan kafé kai káthise.
47.22 Παίρνοντας βαθιές ανάσες, προσπαθούσε να ηρεμήσει. Paírnontas vathiés anáses, prospathúse na iremísei.
47.23 Τα είχε πάρει με όλους εκείνη τη μέρα. Ta íche párei me ólus ekíni ti méra.
47.24 Κανείς δεν του είχε πάρει τηλέφωνο. Kanís den tu íche párei tiléfono.
47.25 Το τρένο θα έπαιρνε τρεις ώρες. To tréno tha épaírne treis óres.
47.26 Πήρε το βιβλίο από την τσάντα του. Píre to vivlío apó tin tsánta tu.
47.27 Αλλά δεν μπορούσε να πάρει το μυαλό του από το χωριό. Allá den borúse na párei to mialó tu apó to chorió.
47.28 Θα πάρει πολύ καιρό μέχρι να συνηθίσει. Tha párei polý kairó méchri na sinithísei.
47.29 Παίρνοντας θάρρος, σκέφτηκε το μέλλον. Paírnontas thárros, skéftike to méllon.
47.30 Αυτό το ταξίδι θα του έπαιρνε όλη του τη ζωή. Aftó to taxídi tha tu épaírne óli tu ti zoí.
Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
This narrative demonstrates παίρνω across multiple tenses and aspects, showing how Greek uses different forms to convey temporal relationships: -
Aorist (πήρε): Single completed actions - “he took the train” (one-time event) -
Imperfect (έπαιρνε): Habitual or ongoing past actions - “he used to take” (repeated action) -
Pluperfect (είχε πάρει): Past perfect - “he had taken” (action completed before another past action) -
Conditional (θα έπαιρνε): “would take” - hypothetical or future-in-the-past -
Future (θα πάρει): “will take” - simple future action -
Participle (παίρνοντας): “taking” - simultaneous action
Key idiomatic uses in this narrative: -
πήρε την απόφαση: “made the decision” (fixed expression) -
τα είχε πάρει με όλους: “he was mad at everyone” (slang) -
είχε πάρει τηλέφωνο: “had called” (idiomatic) -
πάρει το μυαλό του από: “take his mind off” (figurative) -
παίρνοντας θάρρος: “taking courage” (abstract use)
The narrative arc shows how παίρνω moves from concrete (taking a train, taking a suitcase) to abstract (taking a decision, taking courage) to temporal (taking time, taking years), demonstrating the verb’s remarkable semantic flexibility.
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Greek Alphabet Sounds in παίρνω: -
π [p] - unaspirated “p” as in “spot” (not aspirated like English “pot”) -
αι [e] - like “e” in “bet” (NOT like English “eye”) -
ρ [r] - rolled/trilled “r” (tongue tap or trill) -
ν [n] - “n” as in “no” -
ω [o] - like “o” in “note”
IPA Transcriptions: -
παίρνω: [ˈperno] or [ˈpɛrno] -
πήρα: [ˈpira] -
πάρε: [ˈpare] -
έπαιρνα: [ˈeperna] or [ˈɛpɛrna]
Common Mispronunciations by English Speakers: -
❌ Pronouncing αι as “eye” → ✅ Pronounce as “e” in “bet” -
❌ Using English “r” → ✅ Use rolled/trilled Greek ρ -
❌ Aspirating the π → ✅ Use unaspirated “p” -
❌ Stressing the wrong syllable → ✅ Always stress the marked syllable (accent mark)
Stress Patterns: -
Present tense: stress on first syllable - ΠΑΊρνω -
Aorist: stress on first syllable - ΠΉρα -
Future: stress on first syllable - θα ΠΆρω -
Imperfect with augment: stress on augment - Έπαιρνα
Audio Recommendations: For native speaker pronunciation, search for: -
“παίρνω pronunciation Greek” on Forvo.com -
Greek language learning podcasts featuring conjugation practice -
YouTube channels like “Easy Greek” or “Greek Pod 101”
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This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Modern Language Course series, which has been creating innovative language learning materials since 2006. The Latinum Institute specializes in frequency-based vocabulary instruction combined with interlinear glossing methodology, designed specifically for autodidact students.
Course Link: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Independent Reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
This course uses a unique dual-line interlinear format for non-Latin scripts:
Line A presents the native Greek script with word-by-word English glosses, training direct script comprehension without romanization dependency.
Line B adds romanization and pronunciation guidance alongside complete glosses, serving learners who prefer phonetic support.
This “duplex method” creates synergy for accelerated acquisition - you can focus on line A for reading speed while using line B for pronunciation practice, or vice versa depending on your learning style.
Each lesson in this series is built around a high-frequency word from our master vocabulary list, ensuring you learn the most useful Greek first. Lesson 47 focuses on παίρνω (rank 47), one of the most common verbs in Modern Greek.
The frequency-based approach means that every word you learn has been selected for its practical value in real-world Greek communication. By the time you complete this series, you’ll have systematic coverage of the core vocabulary needed for functional fluency.
Traditional grammar-focused courses often overwhelm learners with abstract rules before providing sufficient exposure to authentic language use. Our interlinear glossing approach reverses this: you encounter natural Greek sentences first, with every word glossed for immediate comprehension, allowing you to absorb grammar patterns intuitively.
This method: -
Builds pattern recognition through repeated exposure to authentic constructions -
Reduces cognitive load by making every word immediately comprehensible -
Develops reading fluency in the target script through systematic practice -
Supports multiple learning styles through the dual-line format -
Emphasizes practical usage over theoretical grammar rules
Each lesson incorporates genuine examples from Modern Greek literature and contemporary usage, ensuring you learn the language as native speakers actually use it. The literary citations from authors like Nikos Kazantzakis provide exposure to different registers and cultural contexts.
This is lesson 47 in a comprehensive series. Each lesson builds systematically on core vocabulary while remaining self-contained through the interlinear format. Continue with lesson 48 to expand your Greek vocabulary and deepen your understanding of Greek grammar through natural language exposure.
Remember: Language learning is a gradual process. The interlinear method allows you to understand complex Greek immediately while your brain naturally absorbs the underlying patterns. Trust the process, practice regularly, and enjoy your journey into the Greek language and culture.
Καλή επιτυχία! (Good luck!)
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