The Greek adverb τότε (tóte) serves dual functions as both a temporal marker (”at that time,” “back then”) and a logical connector (”in that case,” “therefore”). This versatility makes τότε (frequency rank 52) one of the most essential adverbs in Greek discourse, appearing constantly in narrative, argumentation, and conditional reasoning.
τότε derives from Ancient Greek τότε, itself from the demonstrative root το- (that) + the temporal suffix -τε. This etymology reveals the word’s core function: pointing to a specific moment or situation distinct from the present. Unlike English “then,” which can be ambiguous, Greek often differentiates more precisely: τότε for past time or logical consequence, έπειτα for sequential “afterwards,” and λοιπόν for conclusive “therefore.”
In Greek syntax, τότε typically appears at clause-initial position for emphasis or immediately before the verb. It forms the natural complement to τώρα (now), creating temporal contrasts that structure Greek narrative: τότε ... τώρα (then ... now), πριν ... τότε ... μετά (before ... then ... after). In conditional sentences, τότε introduces the consequent clause: αν ... τότε (if ... then).
The word also functions as a powerful rhetorical device. When a Greek speaker begins with “Τότε...” they may be drawing a logical conclusion, challenging an assertion, or redirecting conversation. This pragmatic flexibility makes τότε essential for both understanding and producing natural Greek discourse.
Link to course index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Key Takeaways: -
τότε (tóte) means “then” in both temporal and logical senses -
Temporal use: “at that time,” “back then” (contrasts with τώρα) -
Logical use: “in that case,” “therefore” (draws conclusions) -
Essential in conditional constructions: αν...τότε (if...then) -
Forms temporal sequences with πριν (before) and μετά (after) -
Derives from Ancient Greek demonstrative root το- (that)
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52.1a Τότε (Tóte) then ήμουν (ímun) I-was νέος (néos) young και (kai) and ευτυχισμένος (eftychisménos) happy
52.1b Tóte (Tóte) then ímun (ímun) I-was-IMPERF néos (néos) young-MASC eftychisménos (eftychisménos) happy-MASC
52.2a Αν (An) if έχεις (écheis) you-have δίκιο (díkio) right τότε (tóte) then πρέπει (prépei) must να (na) to το (to) it αποδείξεις (apodeixeis) you-prove
52.2b An (An) if écheis (écheis) you-have díkio (díkio) right tóte (tóte) then prépei (prépei) must na (na) to to (to) it-ACC apodeixeis (apodeixeis) you-prove-SUBJ
52.3a Πριν (Prin) before ήταν (ítan) it-was εδώ (edó) here τότε (tóte) then έφυγε (éfyge) he-left
52.3b Prin (Prin) before ítan (ítan) it-was-IMPERF edó (edó) here tóte (tóte) then éfyge (éfyge) he-left-AOR
52.4a Τότε (Tóte) then κατάλαβα (katálava) I-understood την (tin) the αλήθεια (alíthia) truth
52.4b Tóte (Tóte) then katálava (katálava) I-understood-AOR tin (tin) the-FEM-ACC alíthia (alíthia) truth
52.5a Από (Apó) from τότε (tóte) then δεν (den) not τον (ton) him είδα (eída) I-saw ξανά (xaná) again
52.5b Apó (Apó) from tóte (tóte) then den (den) not ton (ton) him-ACC eída (eída) I-saw-AOR xaná (xaná) again
52.6a Τότε (Tóte) then γιατί (giatí) why δεν (den) not μου (mu) to-me το (to) it είπες (eípes) you-said
52.6b Tóte (Tóte) then giatí (giatí) why den (den) not mu (mu) to-me-DAT to (to) it-ACC eípes (eípes) you-said-AOR
52.7a Μέχρι (Méchri) until τότε (tóte) then όλα (óla) everything ήταν (ítan) was καλά (kalá) well
52.7b Méchri (Méchri) until tóte (tóte) then óla (óla) everything ítan (ítan) was-IMPERF kalá (kalá) well
52.8a Η (I) the ζωή (zoí) life μου (mu) my τότε (tóte) then ήταν (ítan) was διαφορετική (diaforetikí) different
52.8b I (I) the zoí (zoí) life mu (mu) my tóte (tóte) then ítan (ítan) was-IMPERF diaforetikí (diaforetikí) different-FEM
52.9a Τότε (Tóte) then θα (tha) will πάμε (páme) we-go μαζί (mazí) together
52.9b Tóte (Tóte) then tha (tha) will páme (páme) we-go-SUBJ mazí (mazí) together
52.10a Ο (O) the πατέρας (patéras) father μου (mu) my τότε (tóte) then δούλευε (dúleve) was-working στο (sto) in-the εργοστάσιο (ergostásio) factory
52.10b O (O) the patéras (patéras) father mu (mu) my tóte (tóte) then dúleve (dúleve) was-working-IMPERF sto (sto) in-the-NEUT ergostásio (ergostásio) factory
52.11a Αν (An) if δεν (den) not με (me) me πιστεύεις (pistéveis) you-believe τότε (tóte) then φύγε (fýge) leave
52.11b An (An) if den (den) not me (me) me-ACC pistéveis (pistéveis) you-believe tóte (tóte) then fýge (fýge) leave-IMP
52.12a Τότε (Tóte) then που (pu) that ήρθα (írtha) I-came εδώ (edó) here γνώρισα (gnórisa) I-met πολλούς (polús) many ανθρώπους (anthrópus) people
52.12b Tóte (Tóte) then pu (pu) that írtha (írtha) I-came-AOR edó (edó) here gnórisa (gnórisa) I-met-AOR polús (polús) many-MASC-PL-ACC anthrópus (anthrópus) people
52.13a Κι (Ki) and εγώ (egó) I τότε (tóte) then σκεφτόμουν (skeftómun) was-thinking το (to) the ίδιο (ídio) same
52.13b Ki (Ki) and egó (egó) I tóte (tóte) then skeftómun (skeftómun) was-thinking-IMPERF to (to) the-NEUT ídio (ídio) same
52.14a Από (Apó) from τότε (tóte) then και (kai) and μετά (metá) after τα (ta) the πράγματα (prágmata) things άλλαξαν (állaxan) changed
52.14b Apó (Apó) from tóte (tóte) then kai (kai) and metá (metá) after ta (ta) the-NEUT-PL prágmata (prágmata) things állaxan (állaxan) changed-AOR
52.15a Τι (Ti) what έκανες (ékanes) you-did τότε (tóte) then όταν (ótan) when το (to) it έμαθες (émathes) you-learned
52.15b Ti (Ti) what ékanes (ékanes) you-did-AOR tóte (tóte) then ótan (ótan) when to (to) it-ACC émathes (émathes) you-learned-AOR
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52.1 Τότε ήμουν νέος και ευτυχισμένος. Tóte ímun néos kai eftychisménos. “Back then I was young and happy.”
52.2 Αν έχεις δίκιο, τότε πρέπει να το αποδείξεις. An écheis díkio, tóte prépei na to apodeixeis. “If you’re right, then you must prove it.”
52.3 Πριν ήταν εδώ, τότε έφυγε. Prin ítan edó, tóte éfyge. “First he was here, then he left.”
52.4 Τότε κατάλαβα την αλήθεια. Tóte katálava tin alíthia. “That’s when I understood the truth.”
52.5 Από τότε δεν τον είδα ξανά. Apó tóte den ton eída xaná. “Since then I haven’t seen him again.”
52.6 Τότε γιατί δεν μου το είπες; Tóte giatí den mu to eípes? “Then why didn’t you tell me?”
52.7 Μέχρι τότε όλα ήταν καλά. Méchri tóte óla ítan kalá. “Until then everything was fine.”
52.8 Η ζωή μου τότε ήταν διαφορετική. I zoí mu tóte ítan diaforetikí. “My life back then was different.”
52.9 Τότε θα πάμε μαζί. Tóte tha páme mazí. “Then we’ll go together.”
52.10 Ο πατέρας μου τότε δούλευε στο εργοστάσιο. O patéras mu tóte dúleve sto ergostásio. “My father was working at the factory back then.”
52.11 Αν δεν με πιστεύεις, τότε φύγε. An den me pistéveis, tóte fýge. “If you don’t believe me, then leave.”
52.12 Τότε που ήρθα εδώ, γνώρισα πολλούς ανθρώπους. Tóte pu írtha edó, gnórisa polús anthrópus. “When I came here, I met many people.”
52.13 Κι εγώ τότε σκεφτόμουν το ίδιο. Ki egó tóte skeftómun to ídio. “I was thinking the same thing at that time.”
52.14 Από τότε και μετά τα πράγματα άλλαξαν. Apó tóte kai metá ta prágmata állaxan. “From then on things changed.”
52.15 Τι έκανες τότε όταν το έμαθες; Ti ékanes tóte ótan to émathes? “What did you do when you found out?”
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52.1 Τότε ήμουν νέος και ευτυχισμένος. Tóte ímun néos kai eftychisménos.
52.2 Αν έχεις δίκιο, τότε πρέπει να το αποδείξεις. An écheis díkio, tóte prépei na to apodeixeis.
52.3 Πριν ήταν εδώ, τότε έφυγε. Prin ítan edó, tóte éfyge.
52.4 Τότε κατάλαβα την αλήθεια. Tóte katálava tin alíthia.
52.5 Από τότε δεν τον είδα ξανά. Apó tóte den ton eída xaná.
52.6 Τότε γιατί δεν μου το είπες; Tóte giatí den mu to eípes?
52.7 Μέχρι τότε όλα ήταν καλά. Méchri tóte óla ítan kalá.
52.8 Η ζωή μου τότε ήταν διαφορετική. I zoí mu tóte ítan diaforetikí.
52.9 Τότε θα πάμε μαζί. Tóte tha páme mazí.
52.10 Ο πατέρας μου τότε δούλευε στο εργοστάσιο. O patéras mu tóte dúleve sto ergostásio.
52.11 Αν δεν με πιστεύεις, τότε φύγε. An den me pistéveis, tóte fýge.
52.12 Τότε που ήρθα εδώ, γνώρισα πολλούς ανθρώπους. Tóte pu írtha edó, gnórisa polús anthrópus.
52.13 Κι εγώ τότε σκεφτόμουν το ίδιο. Ki egó tóte skeftómun to ídio.
52.14 Από τότε και μετά τα πράγματα άλλαξαν. Apó tóte kai metá ta prágmata állaxan.
52.15 Τι έκανες τότε όταν το έμαθες; Ti ékanes tóte ótan to émathes?
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These are the grammar rules for τότε (then):
Basic Function:
τότε is an invariable temporal and logical adverb. Like τώρα, it never changes form for gender, number, or case. However, τότε serves more complex functions than simple temporal marking—it operates in both temporal and logical domains, making it essential for narrative sequencing and argumentation.
Temporal Uses: -
Past time reference - “back then,” “at that time”: -
Τότε ήμουν νέος = “Back then I was young” -
Indicates a specific past moment or period -
Often contrasts with τώρα (now) -
Typically used with imperfect tense for ongoing past states -
Sequential “then” - “next,” “after that”: -
Πριν ήταν εδώ, τότε έφυγε = “First he was here, then he left” -
Marks the next event in a sequence -
Often used with aorist tense for completed actions -
Can be replaced by έπειτα (afterwards) or μετά (after) -
Specific moment in the past - “that’s when”: -
Τότε κατάλαβα την αλήθεια = “That’s when I understood the truth” -
Points to precise moment of realization or change -
Always used with aorist tense -
Emphasizes the significance of that particular moment
Logical/Consequential Uses: -
Conditional consequent - “then” in if-then statements: -
Αν έχεις δίκιο, τότε πρέπει να το αποδείξεις = “If you’re right, then you must prove it” -
Introduces the logical consequence of a condition -
Standard structure: αν + condition, τότε + consequence -
τότε can be omitted but makes logic explicit -
Inferential “then” - “in that case”: -
Τότε γιατί δεν μου το είπες; = “Then why didn’t you tell me?” (logical challenge) -
Draws conclusion from previous statement -
Often marks logical objection or question -
Can express surprise or disagreement -
Conclusive “therefore”: -
Similar to λοιπόν but less formal -
Τότε θα πάμε μαζί = “Then we’ll go together” (based on what was just established)
Common Prepositional Phrases: -
από τότε (apó tóte) = “since then,” “from that time” -
Από τότε δεν τον είδα = “Since then I haven’t seen him” -
Marks starting point extending to present -
Often used with perfect or present tense -
μέχρι τότε (méchri tóte) = “until then,” “up to that point” -
Μέχρι τότε όλα ήταν καλά = “Until then everything was fine” -
Marks endpoint of a previous state -
Implies change occurred at that moment -
από τότε και μετά (apó tóte kai metá) = “from then on” -
Από τότε και μετά τα πράγματα άλλαξαν = “From then on things changed” -
More emphatic than simple από τότε -
Stresses permanent change -
τότε που (tóte pu) = “when,” “at the time that” -
Τότε που ήρθα εδώ = “When I came here” (at that time when) -
Creates temporal clause -
More specific than simple όταν (when)
Syntactic Position: -
Clause-initial (emphatic): -
Τότε κατάλαβα = “That’s when I understood” (emphasis on the moment) -
Τότε γιατί... = “Then why...” (logical challenge) -
Post-verbal (neutral): -
Ήμουν τότε νέος = “I was young at that time” (background information) -
Less emphatic, more descriptive -
Mid-clause (contextual): -
Η ζωή μου τότε ήταν διαφορετική = “My life at that time was different” -
Integrates temporal information into larger description
Contrast Structures:
τότε frequently appears in explicit contrasts: -
τότε ... τώρα (then ... now): -
Τότε ήμουν φτωχός, τώρα είμαι πλούσιος = “Then I was poor, now I’m rich” -
Creates before/after framework -
πριν ... τότε ... μετά (before ... then ... after): -
Πριν μίλησε, τότε έφυγε, μετά επέστρεψε = “First he spoke, then he left, afterwards he returned” -
Three-part temporal sequence -
τώρα ... τότε (now ... then): -
Τώρα μένω εδώ, τότε έμενα εκεί = “Now I live here, then I lived there” -
Present contrasted with past
Verb Tenses with τότε: -
Imperfect tense (most common for states): -
Τότε ήμουν νέος = “I was young back then” -
Τότε δούλευε = “He was working at that time” -
Describes ongoing past states or habitual actions -
Aorist tense (for completed actions): -
Τότε κατάλαβα = “That’s when I understood” -
Τότε έφυγε = “Then he left” -
Marks specific completed events -
Future tense (in logical consequences): -
Τότε θα πάμε = “Then we’ll go” -
Used in conditional or inferential contexts -
Follows from logical reasoning
Related Adverbs:
Understanding distinctions helps proper usage: -
έπειτα (épeita) = “afterwards,” “then” (strictly sequential) -
More formal than τότε -
Emphasizes temporal succession -
Cannot be used for logical “then” -
λοιπόν (loipón) = “therefore,” “so then” (strictly logical) -
Cannot be used for past time -
Stronger logical conclusion than τότε -
More conversational than άρα (therefore) -
ύστερα (ýstera) = “later,” “afterwards” -
Less specific than τότε -
Cannot be used for “back then”
Common Mistakes: -
Incorrect: Using τότε for future planning without conditional context -
English: “Then we’ll meet at noon tomorrow” -
Incorrect: *Τότε θα συναντηθούμε το μεσημέρι αύριο -
Correct: Θα συναντηθούμε το μεσημέρι αύριο (no “then” needed) -
Exception: Τότε θα συναντηθούμε = “In that case we’ll meet” (logical consequence) -
Incorrect: Confusing τότε (then) with τόσο (so much) -
τότε = adverb “then” -
τόσο = adverb “so much” -
Different words despite similar sound -
Incorrect: Using τότε with present tense for past reference -
Incorrect: *Τότε είμαι νέος -
Correct: Τότε ήμουν νέος (imperfect) -
τότε requires past tense for temporal “back then” -
Incorrect: Omitting τότε in formal if-then statements -
Less clear: Αν έχεις δίκιο, πρέπει να το αποδείξεις -
Better: Αν έχεις δίκιο, τότε πρέπει να το αποδείξεις -
τότε makes logical structure explicit
Rhetorical Functions:
Beyond literal meaning, τότε serves important discourse functions: -
Challenge or objection: -
Τότε γιατί δεν το έκανες; = “Then why didn’t you do it?” (questioning consistency) -
Drawing conclusion: -
Τότε συμφωνούμε = “Then we agree” (summarizing discussion) -
Expressing consequence: -
Τότε δεν έχουμε επιλογή = “Then we have no choice” (accepting logical outcome)
Summary:
τότε is a versatile adverb serving both temporal and logical functions. It marks past time (”back then”), sequential events (”then, next”), and logical consequences (”therefore, in that case”). Mastery requires understanding which function is active in each context, particularly the distinction between temporal and logical uses. The word combines with prepositions (από τότε, μέχρι τότε) to create specific temporal relationships and appears constantly in conditional reasoning (αν...τότε).
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Temporal Orientation in Greek Culture:
Greek culture maintains a complex relationship with time, reflected in the sophisticated use of temporal adverbs. τότε appears constantly in Greek conversation, far more frequently than “then” in English, because Greek speakers explicitly mark temporal relationships rather than leaving them implicit. This cultural pattern stems partly from the Greek language’s rich aspectual system (imperfect vs. aorist) which requires speakers to specify not just when but how actions occurred.
Narrative Tradition:
Greece’s oral storytelling tradition, extending from Homer through contemporary folk narratives, relies heavily on temporal markers like τότε to structure chronology. Greek narratives typically move through clear temporal sequences: πρώτα (first), τότε (then), μετά (after), τελικά (finally). This explicit sequencing reflects cultural values of clarity and logical progression in communication.
The τώρα/τότε Dichotomy:
Greek conversation frequently structures itself around the τώρα/τότε (now/then) contrast. When Greeks discuss personal history, political change, or social transformation, they often frame narratives as τότε (the way things were) versus τώρα (how they are now). This binary appears in discussions ranging from family stories to national politics: -
Τότε ζούσαμε διαφορετικά = “We lived differently back then” -
Τώρα όλα έχουν αλλάξει = “Now everything has changed”
This framing reflects a cultural consciousness of historical rupture, particularly given Greece’s turbulent 20th century history (wars, dictatorship, economic crises).
Philosophical Resonance:
The use of τότε in logical argumentation connects to Greece’s philosophical heritage. The standard conditional structure αν...τότε (if...then) reflects patterns of reasoning that trace back to ancient Greek philosophy and mathematics. Modern Greeks continue to value explicit logical connection, making τότε as a logical connector more common than equivalent structures in English.
Conversational Patterns:
In Greek conversation, τότε serves multiple pragmatic functions: -
Challenging inconsistency: “Τότε γιατί...” (Then why...) - questioning someone’s logic or actions -
Reaching agreement: “Τότε συμφωνούμε” (Then we agree) - confirming mutual understanding -
Expressing resignation: “Τότε δεν υπάρχει τίποτα να κάνουμε” (Then there’s nothing we can do) -
Transitioning topics: “Τότε, για το άλλο θέμα...” (So then, about the other matter...)
Regional and Register Variations:
While τότε is universal across Greek dialects, some variations exist: -
Formal written Greek may prefer ένεκα τούτου (on account of this) or συνεπώς (consequently) for logical conclusions -
Conversational Greek uses τότε freely for both temporal and logical functions -
Cypriot Greek pronounces it with slight variation but identical usage -
Pontic Greek preserves older forms but speakers use τότε in Standard Greek contexts
Historical Consciousness:
Greeks often use τότε when discussing historical periods, reflecting strong historical consciousness: -
Τότε επί Χούντας = “Back then during the Junta” (1967-1974 dictatorship) -
Τότε πριν το ευρώ = “Back when before the euro” -
Τότε στα παλιά χρόνια = “Back in the old days”
These phrases demonstrate how τότε anchors collective memory and structures historical narrative.
Idiomatic Expressions: -
Από τότε που ήμουν μικρός = “Ever since I was little” (extended past period) -
Τότε τότε = “Just then,” “right at that moment” (precise timing) -
Ούτε τότε ούτε τώρα = “Neither then nor now” (consistent across time) -
Από τότε και πέρα = “From that point onward” (emphatic starting point) -
Τότε ήταν τότε, τώρα είναι τώρα = “Then was then, now is now” (things have changed)
Emotional Coloring:
The intonation and placement of τότε convey subtle emotional nuances: -
Τότε! (sharp, rising intonation) = frustration: “Well then!” (exasperation) -
Τότε; (questioning intonation) = challenge: “Is that so?” (skepticism) -
Τότε... (trailing off) = nostalgia: “Back then...” (wistful remembering) -
Α, τότε! = sudden understanding: “Ah, in that case!” (realization)
Modern Usage Trends:
Contemporary Greek, particularly in digital communication, sometimes uses τότε in abbreviated forms: -
τοτ (tot) - informal abbreviation in texting -
Τότε ε; (Tote e?) - “So then, huh?” (seeking confirmation with particle ε)
However, formal and spoken Greek maintain full τότε usage, as the word is too central to Greek discourse structure to undergo significant simplification.
Cultural Memory and Identity:
The frequency of τότε in Greek conversation relates to cultural preoccupation with memory and change. Greece’s position between past glory (ancient civilization) and modern challenges creates a cultural tendency to reference “back then” frequently—whether “then” means childhood, pre-crisis prosperity, or ancient greatness. τότε thus becomes not just a temporal marker but a way of negotiating relationship with history.
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Source: Giorgos Seferis (Γιώργος Σεφέρης), Mythistorema (Μυθιστόρημα), 1935
This passage from Seferis, Greece’s Nobel laureate poet, demonstrates τότε marking temporal transformation and loss. Seferis frequently uses temporal markers to structure memory and historical consciousness.
F.1a Τότε (Tóte) then ήμασταν (ímaste) we-were ολόκληροι (olókliroi) whole και (kai) and περιμέναμε (periméname) we-were-waiting
F.1b Tóte (Tóte) then ímaste (ímaste) we-were-IMPERF olókliroi (olókliroi) whole-MASC-PL kai (kai) and periméname (periméname) we-were-waiting-IMPERF
F.2a Περιμέναμε (Periméname) we-were-waiting τα (ta) the καράβια (karávia) ships που (pu) that δεν (den) not ήρθαν (írthan) came ποτέ (poté) never
F.2b Periméname (Periméname) we-were-waiting-IMPERF ta (ta) the-NEUT-PL karávia (karávia) ships pu (pu) that den (den) not írthan (írthan) came-AOR poté (poté) never
F.3a Τώρα (Tóra) now είμαστε (eímaste) we-are σπασμένοι (spasménoi) broken από (apó) by την (tin) the αναμονή (anamoní) waiting
F.3b Tóra (Tóra) now eímaste (eímaste) we-are spasménoi (spasménoi) broken-MASC-PL apó (apó) by tin (tin) the-FEM-ACC anamoní (anamoní) waiting
Τότε ήμασταν ολόκληροι και περιμέναμε. Περιμέναμε τα καράβια που δεν ήρθαν ποτέ. Τώρα είμαστε σπασμένοι από την αναμονή.
Tóte ímaste olókliroi kai periméname. Periméname ta karávia pu den írthan poté. Tóra eímaste spasménoi apó tin anamoní.
“Then we were whole and we were waiting. We were waiting for the ships that never came. Now we are broken by the waiting.”
Τότε ήμασταν ολόκληροι και περιμέναμε. Περιμέναμε τα καράβια που δεν ήρθαν ποτέ. Τώρα είμαστε σπασμένοι από την αναμονή.
Tóte ímaste olókliroi kai periméname. Periméname ta karávia pu den írthan poté. Tóra eímaste spasménoi apó tin anamoní.
Key Vocabulary: -
ολόκληροι (olókliroi) - “whole, complete, intact” (masculine plural) -
περιμέναμε (periméname) - imperfect of περιμένω (to wait), continuous past action -
καράβια (karávia) - “ships” (neuter plural), diminutive of καράβι -
ήρθαν (írthan) - aorist of έρχομαι (to come), “they came” -
ποτέ (poté) - “never, ever” -
σπασμένοι (spasménoi) - “broken” (masculine plural participle) -
αναμονή (anamoní) - “waiting, expectation”
Grammar Points: -
τότε/τώρα contrast: The poem structures itself around the binary opposition τότε (then, when we were whole) versus τώρα (now, broken) -
Imperfect tense dominance in τότε clause: -
ήμασταν (we were) - ongoing state -
περιμέναμε (we were waiting) - continuous action -
Both imperfects create atmosphere of suspended time -
Aorist for negative completion: -
δεν ήρθαν ποτέ (never came) - aorist marks the definitive non-arrival -
Present tense with τώρα: -
τώρα είμαστε (now we are) - current broken state -
Creates sharp temporal break from past -
Participle as predicate adjective: -
σπασμένοι (broken) - perfect passive participle functioning as adjective -
Shows result of process (breaking from waiting)
Syntactic Features: -
Repetition of περιμέναμε (we were waiting) - creates rhythmic emphasis -
Parallel structure: Τότε ήμασταν [adjective] / Τώρα είμαστε [adjective] -
Simple sentence structure belies profound emotional content
This passage from Seferis’s Mythistorema demonstrates how τότε functions not merely as temporal marker but as existential divide. The poem uses τότε to mark a lost state of wholeness, contrasting it sharply with τώρα, the broken present. This binary structure—τότε/wholeness versus τώρa/fragmentation—reflects Seferis’s broader thematics of loss, exile, and historical rupture.
The ships that never came evoke multiple Greek contexts: ancient Greeks waiting for ships from Troy, modern Greek refugees waiting for return, the general human condition of hope deferred. τότε marks not just a chronological past but an ontological one—a state of being (wholeness, hope) fundamentally different from the present.
Seferis’s choice of imperfect tense with τότε (ήμασταν, περιμέναμε) creates a sense of ongoing past duration. We weren’t just whole; we were being whole. We didn’t just wait; we were waiting in a continuous, suspended state. This aspectual choice makes τότε encompass not a moment but an entire era of being.
The aorist ήρθαν (came) combined with ποτέ (never) marks definitive failure. The ships definitively never arrived, transforming ongoing waiting into permanent disappointment. This grammatical shift from imperfect (ongoing) to aorist (completed) mirrors the transformation from hope to loss.
The stark τότε/τώρα contrast exemplifies how Greek temporal adverbs structure not just chronology but meaning. τότε = wholeness, hope, waiting in expectation. τώρα = brokenness, the result of waiting that never bore fruit. The two adverbs become philosophical opposites, not just temporal markers.
This usage reflects Greek poetic tradition’s sophisticated deployment of temporal markers to create metaphysical frameworks. From Homer forward, Greek poetry has used temporal adverbs to organize not just narrative time but existential states. Seferis, writing in modernist tradition while deeply rooted in Greek linguistic and poetic heritage, uses τότε to mark the irretrievable past—a past not just chronologically distant but ontologically different from the diminished present.
The passage also demonstrates τότε‘s emotional weight in Greek. When Greeks say τότε, especially in nostalgic or mournful contexts, they evoke not just “back then” but “when things were different,” “before the fall,” “in better times.” This cultural loading makes τότε one of the most emotionally resonant words in the Greek language.
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Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
52.16a Όταν (Ótan) when ήμουν (ímun) I-was μικρός (mikrós) small τότε (tóte) then ζούσαμε (zúsame) we-lived στο (sto) in-the χωριό (chorió) village
52.16b Ótan (Ótan) when ímun (ímun) I-was-IMPERF mikrós (mikrós) small-MASC tóte (tóte) then zúsame (zúsame) we-lived-IMPERF sto (sto) in-the-NEUT chorió (chorió) village
52.17a Το (To) the σπίτι (spíti) house μας (mas) our τότε (tóte) then ήταν (ítan) was μικρό (mikró) small αλλά (allá) but ζεστό (zestó) warm
52.17b To (To) the spíti (spíti) house mas (mas) our tóte (tóte) then ítan (ítan) was-IMPERF mikró (mikró) small-NEUT allá (allá) but zestó (zestó) warm-NEUT
52.18a Ο (O) the παππούς (pappús) grandfather μου (mu) my τότε (tóte) then μου (mu) to-me διηγούνταν (diigúntan) was-telling ιστορίες (istoríes) stories
52.18b O (O) the pappús (pappús) grandfather mu (mu) my tóte (tóte) then mu (mu) to-me-DAT diigúntan (diigúntan) was-telling-IMPERF istoríes (istoríes) stories
52.19a Από (Apó) from τότε (tóte) then έχουν (échun) have περάσει (perási) passed σαράντα (saránda) forty χρόνια (chrónia) years
52.19b Apó (Apó) from tóte (tóte) then échun (échun) have perási (perási) passed-PERF saránda (saránda) forty chrónia (chrónia) years
52.20a Τότε (Tóte) then δεν (den) not είχαμε (eíchame) we-had τηλεόραση (tileórasi) television ούτε (úte) nor τηλέφωνο (tiléfono) telephone
52.20b Tóte (Tóte) then den (den) not eíchame (eíchame) we-had-IMPERF tileórasi (tileórasi) television úte (úte) nor tiléfono (tiléfono) telephone
52.21a Παίζαμε (Paízame) we-played έξω (éxo) outside όλη (óli) all την (tin) the ημέρα (iméra) day τότε (tóte) then
52.21b Paízame (Paízame) we-played-IMPERF éxo (éxo) outside óli (óli) all-FEM tin (tin) the-FEM-ACC iméra (iméra) day tóte (tóte) then
52.22a Τότε (Tóte) then γνώρισα (gnórisa) I-met τον (ton) the καλύτερο (kalýtero) best φίλο (fílo) friend μου (mu) my
52.22b Tóte (Tóte) then gnórisa (gnórisa) I-met-AOR ton (ton) the-MASC-ACC kalýtero (kalýtero) best-MASC-ACC fílo (fílo) friend mu (mu) my
52.23a Ήταν (Ítan) it-was ο (o) the Νίκος (Níkos) Nikos και (kai) and τότε (tóte) then ήμασταν (ímaste) we-were αχώριστοι (achóristoi) inseparable
52.23b Ítan (Ítan) it-was-IMPERF o (o) the Níkos (Níkos) Nikos kai (kai) and tóte (tóte) then ímaste (ímaste) we-were-IMPERF achóristoi (achóristoi) inseparable-MASC-PL
52.24a Μέχρι (Méchri) until τότε (tóte) then δεν (den) not ήξερα (íxera) I-knew τι (ti) what σημαίνει (simaínei) means φιλία (filía) friendship
52.24b Méchri (Méchri) until tóte (tóte) then den (den) not íxera (íxera) I-knew-IMPERF ti (ti) what simaínei (simaínei) means filía (filía) friendship
52.25a Το (To) the καλοκαίρι (kalokéri) summer τότε (tóte) then κολυμπούσαμε (kolympúsame) we-swam στο (sto) in-the ποτάμι (potámi) river
52.25b To (To) the kalokéri (kalokéri) summer tóte (tóte) then kolympúsame (kolympúsame) we-swam-IMPERF sto (sto) in-the-NEUT potámi (potámi) river
52.26a Και (Kai) and το (to) the χειμώνα (cheimóna) winter τότε (tóte) then έπαιζαμε (épaizame) we-played στο (sto) in-the χιόνι (chióni) snow
52.26b Kai (Kai) and to (to) the-ACC cheimóna (cheimóna) winter tóte (tóte) then épaizame (épaizame) we-played-IMPERF sto (sto) in-the-NEUT chióni (chióni) snow
52.27a Από (Apó) from τότε (tóte) then και (kai) and μετά (metá) after η (i) the ζωή (zoí) life μου (mu) my άλλαξε (állaxe) changed πολλές (pollés) many φορές (forés) times
52.27b Apó (Apó) from tóte (tóte) then kai (kai) and metá (metá) after i (i) the zoí (zoí) life mu (mu) my állaxe (állaxe) changed-AOR pollés (pollés) many-FEM-PL-ACC forés (forés) times
52.28a Αλλά (Allá) but τότε (tóte) then ήμουν (ímun) I-was ελεύθερος (eléftheros) free και (kai) and χαρούμενος (charúmenos) happy
52.28b Allá (Allá) but tóte (tóte) then ímun (ímun) I-was-IMPERF eléftheros (eléftheros) free-MASC charúmenos (charúmenos) happy-MASC
52.29a Τότε (Tóte) then δεν (den) not ήξερα (íxera) I-knew για (gia) about προβλήματα (provlímata) problems και (kai) and ανησυχίες (anisychíes) worries
52.29b Tóte (Tóte) then den (den) not íxera (íxera) I-knew-IMPERF gia (gia) about provlímata (provlímata) problems kai (kai) and anisychíes (anisychíes) worries
52.30a Θυμάμαι (Thymáme) I-remember τότε (tóte) then σαν (san) as να (na) to ήταν (ítan) it-was χθες (chthes) yesterday
52.30b Thymáme (Thymáme) I-remember tóte (tóte) then san (san) as na (na) to ítan (ítan) it-was-IMPERF chthes (chthes) yesterday
Part B: Natural Sentences
52.16 Όταν ήμουν μικρός, τότε ζούσαμε στο χωριό. Ótan ímun mikrós, tóte zúsame sto chorió. “When I was small, we lived in the village then.”
52.17 Το σπίτι μας τότε ήταν μικρό αλλά ζεστό. To spíti mas tóte ítan mikró allá zestó. “Our house back then was small but warm.”
52.18 Ο παππούς μου τότε μου διηγούνταν ιστορίες. O pappús mu tóte mu diigúntan istoríes. “My grandfather used to tell me stories back then.”
52.19 Από τότε έχουν περάσει σαράντα χρόνια. Apó tóte échun perási saránda chrónia. “Forty years have passed since then.”
52.20 Τότε δεν είχαμε τηλεόραση ούτε τηλέφωνο. Tóte den eíchame tileórasi úte tiléfono. “Back then we didn’t have television or telephone.”
52.21 Παίζαμε έξω όλη την ημέρα τότε. Paízame éxo óli tin iméra tóte. “We played outside all day back then.”
52.22 Τότε γνώρισα τον καλύτερο φίλο μου. Tóte gnórisa ton kalýtero fílo mu. “That’s when I met my best friend.”
52.23 Ήταν ο Νίκος και τότε ήμασταν αχώριστοι. Ítan o Níkos kai tóte ímaste achóristoi. “It was Nikos and we were inseparable then.”
52.24 Μέχρι τότε δεν ήξερα τι σημαίνει φιλία. Méchri tóte den íxera ti simaínei filía. “Until then I didn’t know what friendship meant.”
52.25 Το καλοκαίρι τότε κολυμπούσαμε στο ποτάμι. To kalokéri tóte kolympúsame sto potámi. “In the summer we would swim in the river then.”
52.26 Και το χειμώνα τότε έπαιζαμε στο χιόνι. Kai to cheimóna tóte épaizame sto chióni. “And in the winter we would play in the snow then.”
52.27 Από τότε και μετά η ζωή μου άλλαξε πολλές φορές. Apó tóte kai metá i zoí mu állaxe pollés forés. “From then on my life changed many times.”
52.28 Αλλά τότε ήμουν ελεύθερος και χαρούμενος. Allá tóte ímun eléftheros kai charúmenos. “But back then I was free and happy.”
52.29 Τότε δεν ήξερα για προβλήματα και ανησυχίες. Tóte den íxera gia provlímata kai anisychíes. “Back then I didn’t know about problems and worries.”
52.30 Θυμάμαι τότε σαν να ήταν χθες. Thymáme tóte san na ítan chthes. “I remember then as if it were yesterday.”
Part C: Target Language Only
52.16 Όταν ήμουν μικρός, τότε ζούσαμε στο χωριό. Ótan ímun mikrós, tóte zúsame sto chorió.
52.17 Το σπίτι μας τότε ήταν μικρό αλλά ζεστό. To spíti mas tóte ítan mikró allá zestó.
52.18 Ο παππούς μου τότε μου διηγούνταν ιστορίες. O pappús mu tóte mu diigúntan istoríes.
52.19 Από τότε έχουν περάσει σαράντα χρόνια. Apó tóte échun perási saránda chrónia.
52.20 Τότε δεν είχαμε τηλεόραση ούτε τηλέφωνο. Tóte den eíchame tileórasi úte tiléfono.
52.21 Παίζαμε έξω όλη την ημέρα τότε. Paízame éxo óli tin iméra tóte.
52.22 Τότε γνώρισα τον καλύτερο φίλο μου. Tóte gnórisa ton kalýtero fílo mu.
52.23 Ήταν ο Νίκος και τότε ήμασταν αχώριστοι. Ítan o Níkos kai tóte ímaste achóristoi.
52.24 Μέχρι τότε δεν ήξερα τι σημαίνει φιλία. Méchri tóte den íxera ti simaínei filía.
52.25 Το καλοκαίρι τότε κολυμπούσαμε στο ποτάμι. To kalokéri tóte kolympúsame sto potámi.
52.26 Και το χειμώνα τότε έπαιζαμε στο χιόνι. Kai to cheimóna tóte épaizame sto chióni.
52.27 Από τότε και μετά η ζωή μου άλλαξε πολλές φορές. Apó tóte kai metá i zoí mu állaxe pollés forés.
52.28 Αλλά τότε ήμουν ελεύθερος και χαρούμενος. Allá tóte ímun eléftheros kai charúmenos.
52.29 Τότε δεν ήξερα για προβλήματα και ανησυχίες. Tóte den íxera gia provlímata kai anisychíes.
52.30 Θυμάμαι τότε σαν να ήταν χθες. Thymáme tóte san na ítan chthes.
Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
This narrative demonstrates τότε functioning as the structural backbone of nostalgic reminiscence—a common genre in Greek storytelling. Several key patterns emerge: -
Imperfect tense dominance: Nearly every verb with τότε is imperfect (ζούσαμε, ήταν, διηγούνταν, παίζαμε), creating the characteristic “used to” quality of nostalgic narrative. This aspectual choice makes τότε encompass not moments but sustained states of being. -
Temporal framing: Όταν ήμουν μικρός, τότε... (When I was small, then...) - τότε redundantly emphasizes the temporal setting after όταν (when) for narrative clarity and emotional emphasis. -
Contrast structure: The narrative builds toward implicit contrast with present (though τώρα isn’t stated, it’s understood). Τότε repeatedly marks “how things were” with the understanding that they’re different now. -
Boundary markers: -
Από τότε (since then) marks the starting point of change -
Μέχρι τότε (until then) marks the endpoint of previous ignorance -
Από τότε και μετά (from then on) marks permanent transformation -
Aorist for pivotal moments: Τότε γνώρισα (That’s when I met) - aorist marks the specific moment of meeting within the imperfect-dominated nostalgic frame. -
Seasonal structure: Το καλοκαίρι τότε / Το χειμώνα τότε - τότε with seasons creates cyclical time within past time, suggesting habitual patterns. -
Final temporal collapse: Θυμάμαι τότε σαν να ήταν χθες (I remember then as if it were yesterday) - the simile collapses temporal distance, showing how τότε can feel subjectively close despite chronological remoteness.
This narrative pattern—imperfect-dominated reminiscence structured by τότε—is characteristic of Greek autobiographical storytelling, whether in literature, conversation, or memoir.
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This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute Modern Language Course series, designed specifically for autodidact learners using a frequency-based curriculum. Each lesson centers on one high-frequency word from our universal 1000-word core vocabulary list, building systematically through the essential elements of Modern Greek.
The Latinum Institute Methodology:
Since 2006, the Latinum Institute has pioneered interlinear glossing techniques that accelerate language acquisition by allowing learners to absorb grammar and vocabulary simultaneously. Our approach emphasizes: -
Granular word-by-word glossing that trains pattern recognition -
Dual-format presentation with Greek script and transliteration for optimal accessibility -
Authentic literary citations from canonical Greek authors -
Cultural context integrated with grammatical instruction -
Self-contained lessons that don’t require cumulative vocabulary building
Course Structure:
Each lesson provides 30 comprehensive examples (15 core + 15 genre-specific), progressing from simple constructions to complex authentic usage. The interlinear format makes even advanced vocabulary accessible from the first lesson, allowing you to engage with rich, natural Greek immediately.
Why This Approach Works:
Traditional courses force learners to wait years before reading authentic texts. Our interlinear method provides immediate access to real Greek while building grammatical understanding organically.
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