Welcome to Lesson 55 of the Latinum Institute Modern Greek course! This lesson focuses on πίσω (píso), a fundamental adverb of direction and position meaning “back,” “behind,” or “backward.” This small but essential word appears constantly in everyday Greek communication, from giving directions to describing spatial relationships to expressing temporal concepts like “going back in time.”
FAQ: What does πίσω mean in Modern Greek?
The adverb πίσω (píso) primarily expresses directional and positional concepts related to “back” or “behind.” It can indicate physical direction (going back, moving backward), spatial position (behind something), or even temporal direction (back in time, returning to a previous state). Understanding πίσω is crucial for navigating Greek conversations about location, movement, and spatial relationships.
Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
In the following examples, you’ll encounter πίσω in various contexts—from simple statements about physical position to complex narratives involving return and retrospection. The word functions independently as an adverb, combines with prepositions (especially από), and appears in numerous idiomatic expressions. This lesson uses the proven interlinear method to help autodidact students absorb these patterns naturally.
Key Takeaways: -
πίσω is the standard adverb for “back,” “behind,” and “backward” -
Combines with από to form πίσω από (behind - prepositional phrase) -
Essential for giving and understanding directions -
Used both literally (spatial) and figuratively (temporal, metaphorical) -
Common in everyday conversation and literary language
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Modern Greek uses the Greek alphabet (24 letters) in its monotonic orthography system (introduced in 1982). The language is written left-to-right. This lesson uses standard romanization where acute accents (΄) mark stressed syllables. The pronunciation of πίσω is [ˈpiso] with stress on the first syllable.
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55.1a Ο σκύλος είναι πίσω από το σπίτι. 55.1b O (o) the skýlos (skílos) dog eínai (íne) is píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from to (to) the spíti (spíti) house.
55.2a Γύρισε πίσω στο σχολείο. 55.2b Gýrise (yírise) he/she-returned píso (píso) back sto (sto) to-the scholeío (scholío) school.
55.3a Το βιβλίο είναι πίσω σου. 55.3b To (to) the vivlío (vivlío) book eínai (íne) is píso (píso) behind su (su) you-GEN.
55.4a Πήγαινε πίσω δύο βήματα. 55.4b Pígaine (pígene) go píso (píso) back dýo (dío) two vímata (vímata) steps.
55.5a Η γάτα κρύβεται πίσω από την πόρτα. 55.5b I (i) the gáta (gáta) cat krývetai (krívete) hides píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from tin (tin) the pórta (pórta) door.
55.6a Θα έρθω πίσω αύριο. 55.6b Tha (tha) FUT értho (értho) I-will-come píso (píso) back ávrio (ávrio) tomorrow.
55.7a Κοίταξε πίσω σου. 55.7b Koítaxe (kítakse) look píso (píso) behind su (su) you-GEN.
55.8a Το αυτοκίνητο πήγε πίσω. 55.8b To (to) the aftokínito (aftokínito) car píge (píye) went píso (píso) backward.
55.9a Κάθησε πίσω από εμένα. 55.9b Káthise (káthise) sit-IMP píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from eména (eména) me-ACC.
55.10a Πάμε πίσω στην αρχή. 55.10b Páme (páme) let’s-go píso (píso) back stin (stin) to-the archí (archí) beginning.
55.11a Το παιδί κρύφτηκε πίσω από το δέντρο. 55.11b To (to) the paidí (pedí) child krýftike (kríftike) hid píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from to (to) the déntro (déndro) tree.
55.12a Γύρισα πίσω και είδα τον φίλο μου. 55.12b Gýrisa (yírisa) I-turned píso (píso) back ke (ke) and eída (ída) I-saw ton (ton) the fílo (fílo) friend mu (mu) my.
55.13a Η εκκλησία είναι πίσω από το πάρκο. 55.13b I (i) the ekklisía (eklisía) church eínai (íne) is píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from to (to) the párko (párko) park.
55.14a Πρέπει να πάω πίσω στη δουλειά. 55.14b Prépei (prépi) must na (na) SUBJ páo (páo) I-go píso (píso) back sti (sti) to-the duleiá (duliá) work.
55.15a Ο ήλιος ήταν πίσω από τα σύννεφα. 55.15b O (o) the ílios (ílios) sun ítan (ítan) was píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from ta (ta) the sýnnefa (sínefa) clouds.
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55.1 Ο σκύλος είναι πίσω από το σπίτι. O skýlos eínai píso apó to spíti. “The dog is behind the house.”
55.2 Γύρισε πίσω στο σχολείο. Gýrise píso sto scholeío. “He/She returned to school.”
55.3 Το βιβλίο είναι πίσω σου. To vivlío eínai píso su. “The book is behind you.”
55.4 Πήγαινε πίσω δύο βήματα. Pígaine píso dýo vímata. “Go back two steps.”
55.5 Η γάτα κρύβεται πίσω από την πόρτα. I gáta krývetai píso apó tin pórta. “The cat is hiding behind the door.”
55.6 Θα έρθω πίσω αύριο. Tha értho píso ávrio. “I will come back tomorrow.”
55.7 Κοίταξε πίσω σου. Koítaxe píso su. “Look behind you.”
55.8 Το αυτοκίνητο πήγε πίσω. To aftokínito píge píso. “The car went backward.”
55.9 Κάθησε πίσω από εμένα. Káthise píso apó eména. “Sit behind me.”
55.10 Πάμε πίσω στην αρχή. Páme píso stin archí. “Let’s go back to the beginning.”
55.11 Το παιδί κρύφτηκε πίσω από το δέντρο. To paidí krýftike píso apó to déntro. “The child hid behind the tree.”
55.12 Γύρισα πίσω και είδα τον φίλο μου. Gýrisa píso ke eída ton fílo mu. “I turned back and saw my friend.”
55.13 Η εκκλησία είναι πίσω από το πάρκο. I ekklisía eínai píso apó to párko. “The church is behind the park.”
55.14 Πρέπει να πάω πίσω στη δουλειά. Prépei na páo píso sti duleiá. “I must go back to work.”
55.15 Ο ήλιος ήταν πίσω από τα σύννεφα. O ílios ítan píso apó ta sýnnefa. “The sun was behind the clouds.”
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55.1 Ο σκύλος είναι πίσω από το σπίτι. O skýlos eínai píso apó to spíti.
55.2 Γύρισε πίσω στο σχολείο. Gýrise píso sto scholeío.
55.3 Το βιβλίο είναι πίσω σου. To vivlío eínai píso su.
55.4 Πήγαινε πίσω δύο βήματα. Pígaine píso dýo vímata.
55.5 Η γάτα κρύβεται πίσω από την πόρτα. I gáta krývetai píso apó tin pórta.
55.6 Θα έρθω πίσω αύριο. Tha értho píso ávrio.
55.7 Κοίταξε πίσω σου. Koítaxe píso su.
55.8 Το αυτοκίνητο πήγε πίσω. To aftokínito píge píso.
55.9 Κάθησε πίσω από εμένα. Káthise píso apó eména.
55.10 Πάμε πίσω στην αρχή. Páme píso stin archí.
55.11 Το παιδί κρύφτηκε πίσω από το δέντρο. To paidí krýftike píso apó to déndro.
55.12 Γύρισα πίσω και είδα τον φίλο μου. Gýrisa píso ke eída ton fílo mu.
55.13 Η εκκλησία είναι πίσω από το πάρκο. I ekklisía eínai píso apó to párko.
55.14 Πρέπει να πάω πίσω στη δουλειά. Prépei na páo píso sti duleiá.
55.15 Ο ήλιος ήταν πίσω από τα σύννεφα. O ílios ítan píso apó ta sýnnefa.
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These are the grammar rules for πίσω
πίσω (píso) functions as an adverb of place and direction in Modern Greek. It carries multiple related meanings that English expresses through different words: “back,” “behind,” “backward,” and “backwards.”
1. Basic Function as Adverb
As an independent adverb, πίσω modifies verbs to indicate direction or movement: -
Πήγαινε πίσω (Pígaine píso) = “Go back/backward” -
Έρχομαι πίσω (Érchomai píso) = “I come back” -
Γυρίζω πίσω (Gyrízo píso) = “I return” (literally “I turn back”)
2. Prepositional Phrase: πίσω από
When expressing “behind” with a noun object, Greek uses πίσω από (píso apó): -
πίσω από το σπίτι (píso apó to spíti) = “behind the house” -
πίσω από την πόρτα (píso apó tin pórta) = “behind the door”
The preposition από (from) is required when a noun follows. The noun takes the accusative case after από.
3. Possessive Construction: πίσω + Genitive Pronoun
Greek can express “behind me/you/him” etc. by placing a genitive pronoun directly after πίσω: -
πίσω μου (píso mu) = “behind me” -
πίσω σου (píso su) = “behind you” -
πίσω του (píso tu) = “behind him” -
πίσω της (píso tis) = “behind her” -
πίσω μας (píso mas) = “behind us” -
πίσω σας (píso sas) = “behind you (plural/formal)” -
πίσω τους (píso tus) = “behind them”
4. Temporal and Metaphorical Uses
πίσω extends beyond physical space: -
Πάμε πίσω στο 1990 (Páme píso sto 1990) = “Let’s go back to 1990” -
Γύρισε πίσω στα παλιά (Gýrise píso sta paliá) = “He/she went back to the old ways”
5. Comparative Form
Like other adverbs, πίσω can be modified: -
πιο πίσω (pio píso) = “further back” -
πολύ πίσω (polý píso) = “very far back”
6. Common Verbal Collocations -
πηγαίνω πίσω (pigéno píso) = I go back -
έρχομαι πίσω (érchomai píso) = I come back -
γυρίζω πίσω (gyrízo píso) = I return, I turn back -
κοιτάζω πίσω (kitázo píso) = I look back -
πέφτω πίσω (péfto píso) = I fall back/backward
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using πίσω alone when a noun object follows -
❌ πίσω το σπίτι (píso to spíti) -
✓ πίσω από το σπίτι (píso apó to spíti) = “behind the house”
Mistake 2: Confusing πίσω (back/behind) with μετά (after - temporal) -
πίσω από το σπίτι = “behind the house” (spatial) -
μετά το σχολείο = “after school” (temporal)
Mistake 3: Using accusative pronouns instead of genitive with πίσω -
❌ πίσω με (píso me) -
✓ πίσω μου (píso mu) = “behind me”
Mistake 4: Forgetting the required verb with πίσω in directional contexts -
❌ Εγώ πίσω (Egó píso) - incomplete -
✓ Πάω πίσω (Páo píso) = “I go back” -
✓ Είμαι πίσω (Eímai píso) = “I am behind/in back”
Summary
πίσω patterns: -
Alone with motion verbs: directional meaning (”back,” “backward”) -
πίσω από + noun (accusative): positional (”behind X”) -
πίσω + genitive pronoun: positional (”behind me/you/etc.”) -
With temporal/metaphorical contexts: “back in time,” “back to previous state”
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Frequency and Register
πίσω is an extremely common word in Modern Greek, used across all registers from casual conversation to formal writing. It appears constantly in: -
Daily directions and navigation -
Spatial descriptions -
Instructions and commands -
Narrative and literary language
Regional Variations
The word πίσω is standard across all Greek dialects, though pronunciation may vary slightly. In some regional varieties, you might hear οπίσω (opíso), which is a more formal or archaic variant meaning the same thing.
Idiomatic Expressions
Several important Greek idioms feature πίσω: -
Δεν κοιτάζω πίσω (Den kitázo píso) = “I don’t look back” (I don’t dwell on the past) -
Πίσω χέρι (Píso chéri) = “Back hand” (metaphor for bribery, under-the-table dealing) -
Από πίσω (Apó píso) = “From behind” (can mean “in a sneaky way”) -
Μένω πίσω (Méno píso) = “I stay behind” (I fall behind, lag)
Cultural Observations
In Greek culture, directions often reference prominent landmarks, and πίσω από is essential for this: -
Πίσω από την εκκλησία (Píso apó tin ekklisía) = “Behind the church” -
Πίσω από το καφενείο (Píso apó to kafenío) = “Behind the café”
Greeks frequently gesture when using directional language. When saying πίσω, speakers often point or gesture with their thumb over their shoulder to indicate “back there” or “behind.”
Syntactical Peculiarities
Unlike English, Greek can place πίσω either before or after the verb for emphasis: -
Πίσω πήγε (Píso píge) = “BACK he/she went” (emphasis on direction) -
Πήγε πίσω (Píge píso) = “He/she went back” (neutral)
The construction πίσω + genitive pronoun (πίσω μου, πίσω σου) is uniquely Greek. English requires “behind me,” but Greek treats it more like a possessive relationship, literally something like “my behind-space.”
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This section presents an authentic excerpt from Modern Greek poetry featuring πίσω, demonstrating its use in literary context.
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
From George Seferis (Γιώργος Σεφέρης, 1900-1971), Nobel Prize winner in Literature (1963), from his poem in Τετράδιο Γυμνασμάτων Β’ (Book of Exercises II):
F.1a Σκέφτηκα τα δάχτυλά σου να χτυπούν τα τζάμια F.1b Skéftika (sképtika) I-thought ta (ta) the dáchtylá (dáchtilá) fingers su (su) your na (na) SUBJ chtypún (chtipún) they-knock ta (ta) the tzámia (tzámia) windows
F.2a σκέφτηκα την καρδιά σου να χτυπά πίσω απ’ τα τζάμια F.2b skéftika (sképtika) I-thought tin (tin) the kardiá (kardiá) heart su (su) your na (na) SUBJ chtypá (chtipá) it-beats píso (píso) behind ap’ (ap’) from ta (ta) the tzámia (tzámia) windows
F.3a και πόσα λίγα πράματα χωρίζουν έναν άνθρωπο F.3b ke (ke) and pósa (pósa) how-many líga (líga) few prámata (prámata) things chorízun (chorízun) separate énan (énan) one ánthropu (ánthropu) person-ACC
F.4a που δεν τα ξεπερνά. F.4b pu (pu) who/that den (den) not ta (ta) them xeperná (kseperná) he-overcomes.
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Σκέφτηκα τα δάχτυλά σου να χτυπούν τα τζάμια σκέφτηκα την καρδιά σου να χτυπά πίσω απ’ τα τζάμια και πόσα λίγα πράματα χωρίζουν έναν άνθρωπο που δεν τα ξεπερνά.
Skéftika ta dáchtylá su na chtypún ta tzámia skéftika tin kardiá su na chtypá píso ap’ ta tzámia ke pósa líga prámata chorízun énan ánthropu pu den ta xeperná.
“I thought of your fingers knocking on the windows I thought of your heart beating behind the windows and how few things separate a person who cannot overcome them.”
F-C: Original Greek Text Only
Σκέφτηκα τα δάχτυλά σου να χτυπούν τα τζάμια σκέφτηκα την καρδιά σου να χτυπά πίσω απ’ τα τζάμια και πόσα λίγα πράματα χωρίζουν έναν άνθρωπο που δεν τα ξεπερνά.
Skéftika ta dáchtylá su na chtypún ta tzámia skéftika tin kardiá su na chtypá píso ap’ ta tzámia ke pósa líga prámata chorízun énan ánthropu pu den ta xeperná.
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Notes
In this excerpt, πίσω απ’ τα τζάμια (píso ap’ ta tzámia) means “behind the windows.” Note: -
απ’ is the contracted form of από before a word starting with a vowel -
τα τζάμια (ta tzámia) = “the windows” (neuter plural) -
The construction πίσω απ’ + accusative follows the standard pattern
Other vocabulary: -
σκέφτηκα (skéftika) = “I thought” (aorist of σκέφτομαι) -
δάχτυλα (dáchtyla) = “fingers” -
χτυπούν (chtypún) = “they knock/beat” (present subjunctive after να) -
καρδιά (kardiá) = “heart” -
χωρίζουν (chorízun) = “they separate” -
ξεπερνά (xeperná) = “he/she overcomes”
F-E: Literary and Cultural Commentary
George Seferis (1900-1971) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963, becoming the first Greek to receive this honor. His poetry is characterized by deep introspection, exploration of Greek identity, and the trauma of displacement following the Asia Minor catastrophe of 1922.
In these lines from Book of Exercises II (published posthumously), Seferis uses πίσω to create a powerful image of separation and barrier. The heart beating “behind the windows” (πίσω απ’ τα τζάμια) suggests emotional distance, the fragility of connection, and the transparency yet impenetrability of barriers between people.
The poem reflects Seferis’s characteristic themes: isolation, the difficulty of genuine human connection, and the seemingly small obstacles that prove insurmountable. The use of πίσω here transcends simple spatial description—it becomes metaphorical of psychological and emotional distance.
Seferis spent much of his life as a diplomat, representing Greece abroad, which deepened his sense of exile and separation. His poetry often explores what lies “behind” appearances, what is hidden or obscured, making πίσw a word of particular resonance in his work.
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The following narrative demonstrates πίσω in the context of a story about returning to one’s village, using natural conversational Greek.
Part A: Interlinear Construed Text
55.16a Ο Νίκος αποφάσισε να γυρίσει πίσω στο χωριό του. 55.16b O (o) the Níkos (níkos) Nikos apofásise (apofásise) decided na (na) SUBJ gyrísei (yirísi) he-return píso (píso) back sto (sto) to-the chorió (chorió) village tu (tu) his.
55.17a Είχε φύγει πριν από δέκα χρόνια για την Αθήνα. 55.17b Eíche (íche) he-had fýgei (fíyi) left prin (prin) before apó (apó) from déka (déka) ten chrónia (chrónia) years gia (ya) for tin (tin) the Athína (athína) Athens.
55.18a Καθώς οδηγούσε, κοίταζε πίσω του στον καθρέφτη. 55.18b Kathós (kathós) as odogoúse (odoghúse) he-was-driving koítaze (kítaze) he-looked píso (píso) behind tu (tu) him ston (ston) in-the kathréfti (kathréfti) mirror.
55.19a Η Αθήνα έμενε πίσω, μικρή και μακρινή. 55.19b I (i) the Athína (athína) Athens émene (émene) remained píso (píso) behind mikrí (mikrí) small ke (ke) and makriní (makriní) distant.
55.20a Το βουνό ήταν πίσω από τα σύννεφα. 55.20b To (to) the vunó (vunó) mountain ítan (ítan) was píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from ta (ta) the sýnnefa (sínefa) clouds.
55.21a Σταμάτησε το αυτοκίνητο και κοίταξε πίσω. 55.21b Stamátise (stamátise) he-stopped to (to) the aftokínito (aftokínito) car ke (ke) and koítaxe (kítakse) he-looked píso (píso) back.
55.22a Οι αναμνήσεις ήρθαν πίσω στο μυαλό του. 55.22b I (i) the anamníseis (anamníseis) memories írthane (írthane) came píso (píso) back sto (sto) to-the mialó (mialó) mind tu (tu) his.
55.23a Το σπίτι ήταν ακριβώς πίσω από την εκκλησία. 55.23b To (to) the spíti (spíti) house ítan (ítan) was akrivós (akrivós) exactly píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from tin (tin) the ekklisía (eklisía) church.
55.24a Η μητέρα του στεκόταν πίσω από το παράθυρο. 55.24b I (i) the mitéra (mitéra) mother tu (tu) his stekótan (stekótan) was-standing píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from to (to) the paráthurov (paráthiro) window.
55.25a Περπάτησε πίσω στα μονοπάτια της παιδικής του ηλικίας. 55.25b Perpátise (perpátise) he-walked píso (píso) back sta (sta) on-the monopátia (monopátia) paths tis (tis) the pedikís (pedikís) childhood tu (tu) his ilikías (ilikías) age.
55.26a Ο σκύλος της γειτονιάς ήταν πίσω από τον φράχτη. 55.26b O (o) the skýlos (skílos) dog tis (tis) the gitonias (yitonías) neighborhood ítan (ítan) was píso (píso) behind apó (apó) from ton (ton) the fráchti (fráchti) fence.
55.27a “Γύρισες πίσω!” φώναξε η μητέρα του. 55.27b “Gýrises (yírises) you-returned píso (píso) back!” fónaxe (fónakse) shouted i (i) the mitéra (mitéra) mother tu (tu) his.
55.28a Κάθισαν πίσω στην αυλή, όπως παλιά. 55.28b Káthisan (káthisan) they-sat píso (píso) back stin (stin) in-the avlí (avlí) yard ópos (ópos) as paliá (paliá) old-days.
55.29a Ο χρόνος είχε γυρίσει πίσω. 55.29b O (o) the chrónos (chrónos) time eíche (íche) had gyrísei (yirísi) turned píso (píso) back.
55.30a Όλα ήταν ακριβώς όπως τα είχε αφήσει πίσω του. 55.30b Óla (óla) everything ítan (ítan) was akrivós (akrivós) exactly ópos (ópos) as ta (ta) them eíche (íche) he-had afísei (afísi) left píso (píso) behind tu (tu) him.
Part B: Natural Sentences
55.16 Ο Νίκος αποφάσισε να γυρίσει πίσω στο χωριό του. O Níkos apofásise na gyrísei píso sto chorió tu. “Nikos decided to return to his village.”
55.17 Είχε φύγει πριν από δέκα χρόνια για την Αθήνα. Eíche fýgei prin apó déka chrónia gia tin Athína. “He had left ten years ago for Athens.”
55.18 Καθώς οδηγούσε, κοίταζε πίσω του στον καθρέφτη. Kathós odogoúse, koítaze píso tu ston kathréfti. “As he was driving, he looked behind him in the mirror.”
55.19 Η Αθήνα έμενε πίσω, μικρή και μακρινή. I Athína émene píso, mikrí ke makriní. “Athens remained behind, small and distant.”
55.20 Το βουνό ήταν πίσω από τα σύννεφα. To vunó ítan píso apó ta sýnnefa. “The mountain was behind the clouds.”
55.21 Σταμάτησε το αυτοκίνητο και κοίταξε πίσω. Stamátise to aftokínito ke koítaxe píso. “He stopped the car and looked back.”
55.22 Οι αναμνήσεις ήρθαν πίσω στο μυαλό του. I anamníseis írthane píso sto mialó tu. “The memories came back to his mind.”
55.23 Το σπίτι ήταν ακριβώς πίσω από την εκκλησία. To spíti ítan akrivós píso apó tin ekklisía. “The house was exactly behind the church.”
55.24 Η μητέρα του στεκόταν πίσω από το παράθυρο. I mitéra tu stekótan píso apó to paráthurov. “His mother was standing behind the window.”
55.25 Περπάτησε πίσω στα μονοπάτια της παιδικής του ηλικίας. Perpátise píso sta monopátia tis pedikís tu ilikías. “He walked back on the paths of his childhood.”
55.26 Ο σκύλος της γειτονιάς ήταν πίσω από τον φράχτη. O skýlos tis gitonias ítan píso apó ton fráchti. “The neighborhood dog was behind the fence.”
55.27 “Γύρισες πίσω!” φώναξε η μητέρα του. “Gýrises píso!” fónaxe i mitéra tu. “’You came back!’ his mother shouted.”
55.28 Κάθισαν πίσω στην αυλή, όπως παλιά. Káthisan píso stin avlí, ópos paliá. “They sat back in the yard, like in the old days.”
55.29 Ο χρόνος είχε γυρίσει πίσω. O chrónos eíche gyrísei píso. “Time had turned back.”
55.30 Όλα ήταν ακριβώς όπως τα είχε αφήσει πίσω του. Óla ítan akrivós ópos ta eíche afísei píso tu. “Everything was exactly as he had left it behind.”
Part C: Target Language Only
55.16 Ο Νίκος αποφάσισε να γυρίσει πίσω στο χωριό του. O Níkos apofásise na gyrísei píso sto chorió tu.
55.17 Είχε φύγει πριν από δέκα χρόνια για την Αθήνα. Eíche fýgei prin apó déka chrónia gia tin Athína.
55.18 Καθώς οδηγούσε, κοίταζε πίσw του στον καθρέφτη. Kathós odogoúse, koítaze píso tu ston kathréfti.
55.19 Η Αθήνα έμενε πίσω, μικρή και μακρινή. I Athína émene píso, mikrí ke makriní.
55.20 Το βουνό ήταν πίσω από τα σύννεφα. To vunó ítan píso apó ta sýnnefa.
55.21 Σταμάτησε το αυτοκίνητο και κοίταξε πίσω. Stamátise to aftokínito ke koítaxe píso.
55.22 Οι αναμνήσεις ήρθαν πίσω στο μυαλό του. I anamníseis írthane píso sto mialó tu.
55.23 Το σπίτι ήταν ακριβώς πίσω από την εκκλησία. To spíti ítan akrivós píso apó tin ekklisía.
55.24 Η μητέρα του στεκόταν πίσω από το παράθυρο. I mitéra tu stekótan píso apó to paráthurov.
55.25 Περπάτησε πίσω στα μονοπάτια της παιδικής του ηλικίας. Perpátise píso sta monopátia tis pedikís tu ilikías.
55.26 Ο σκύλος της γειτονιάς ήταν πίσω από τον φράχτη. O skýlos tis gitonias ítan píso apó ton fráchti.
55.27 “Γύρισες πίσω!” φώναξε η μητέρα του. “Gýrises píso!” fónaxe i mitéra tu.
55.28 Κάθισαν πίσω στην αυλή, όπως παλιά. Káthisan píso stin avlí, ópos paliá.
55.29 Ο χρόνος είχε γυρίσει πίσω. O chrónos eíche gyrísei píso.
55.30 Όλα ήταν ακριβώς όπως τα είχε αφήσει πίσω του. Óla ítan akrivós ópos ta eíche afísei píso tu.
Part D: Grammar Notes for Genre Section
This narrative section demonstrates several advanced uses of πίσω:
1. Temporal/Metaphorical Return: -
γυρίσει πίσω στο χωριό (return back to the village) -
ήρθαν πίσω (came back - of memories) -
γυρίσει πίσω (time turned back)
2. Spatial Position: -
πίσω από την εκκλησία (behind the church) -
πίσω από το παράθυρο (behind the window) -
πίσω από τα σύννεφα (behind the clouds)
3. With Possessive Pronouns: -
πίσω του (behind him) -
αφήσει πίσω του (left behind him)
4. Figurative Usage: -
περπάτησε πίσω στα μονοπάτια (walked back on the paths - metaphorical return to childhood) -
έμενε πίσω (remained behind - being left in the past)
5. Verbal Collocations in Context: -
γυρίζω πίσω (I return) -
κοιτάζω πίσω (I look back) -
έρχομαι πίσω (I come back) -
αφήνω πίσω (I leave behind)
The narrative also shows how πίσω creates emotional resonance in Greek storytelling, linking physical return with psychological and temporal themes of nostalgia and remembrance.
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Basic Pronunciation
πίσω is pronounced [ˈpiso] in IPA: -
π = [p] as in “pen” -
ί = [i] as in “meet” (stressed syllable) -
σ = [s] as in “sun” -
ω = [o] as in “note”
Stress Pattern
The acute accent (΄) over ί indicates stress on the first syllable: ΠΊ-σω. This is critical—stressing the wrong syllable makes the word difficult to understand.
Common Pronunciation Errors for English Speakers -
Pronouncing ω as “w”: Greek ω (omega) is a vowel [o], not the consonant “w” -
❌ “PEE-sow” -
✓ “PEE-so” -
Unstressed pronunciation: Missing the stress on the first syllable -
❌ “pi-SO” -
✓ “PEE-so” -
Adding extra vowels: English speakers sometimes add a schwa -
❌ “PEE-so-uh” -
✓ “PEE-so”
Pronunciation in Phrases -
πίσω από [ˈpiso aˈpo] - “behind” (preposition) -
πίσω μου [ˈpiso mu] - “behind me” -
γυρίζω πίσω [ɣiˈrizo ˈpiso] - “I return”
Regional Variations
In some Greek dialects, you may hear slight variations: -
Cypriot Greek: May pronounce the σ slightly softer -
Cretan dialect: May stress slightly differently in rapid speech
However, the standard Modern Greek pronunciation [ˈpiso] is understood everywhere.
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The Latinum Institute Modern Language Course Series
This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute’s comprehensive approach to language learning, designed specifically for autodidact students. Since 2006, the Latinum Institute has been creating materials that emphasize comprehensible input through interlinear glossing methodology.
Course Index:
https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Our Methodology
The interlinear glossing technique used in Section A allows you to see exactly how Greek structures sentences, word by word. By presenting both the Greek script and romanization with English glosses in a dual-line format, students can: -
Absorb authentic Greek sentence patterns naturally -
See the relationship between Greek words and their meanings -
Build vocabulary systematically through frequency-based progression -
Understand grammatical structures inductively before formal explanation
Frequency-Based Vocabulary
This course follows a carefully researched frequency list, ensuring that you learn the most useful words first. πίσω appears as lesson 55 because of its high frequency in spoken and written Greek. Each lesson builds on vocabulary from previous lessons while introducing one new high-frequency item.
Authentic Greek Language
We prioritize authentic Greek from native speakers and canonical Greek literature. The literary citation from George Seferis demonstrates how πίσω functions in actual Greek writing, not artificial textbook examples. This exposes learners to the language as it’s really used.
The Autodidact Advantage
This course is designed for independent learners who want to study at their own pace. The complete grammatical explanations, cultural notes, and extensive examples mean you don’t need a teacher to make progress—though the material also works excellently in classroom settings.
Trust and Quality
Since 2006, the Latinum Institute has helped thousands of language learners worldwide. Our materials are trusted by students, teachers, and language enthusiasts. See reviews at: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
Why Interlinear Glossing Works
Traditional grammar-translation methods frontload rules before practice. Interlinear glossing does the opposite—it immerses you in comprehensible Greek from day one, allowing patterns to emerge naturally. This accelerates acquisition and builds intuitive understanding of how Greek works.
Beyond This Lesson
As you continue through the Modern Greek course, you’ll encounter increasingly sophisticated uses of core vocabulary. The beauty of frequency-based learning is that words like πίσω will reappear naturally in future lessons, reinforcing your knowledge while introducing new contexts.
Next Steps
Continue with Lesson 56 to maintain your momentum. Regular, consistent exposure to Greek through this interlinear method will build your competence steadily. Try reading the target language-only sections (Section C and Genre Part C) to test your comprehension—you’ll be surprised how much you can understand through pattern recognition.
Welcome to the fascinating world of Modern Greek. Καλή επιτυχία! (Kalí epitychía!) - Good luck!
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