Welcome to Lesson 9 of the Latinum Institute Modern Greek Course. In this lesson, we will explore the Greek pronouns for "you" - εσύ (esý) for singular informal, and εσείς (esís) for plural or formal singular. For the complete course index and additional lessons, please visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index.
The word "you" in Modern Greek has two main forms: εσύ (esý) is used when addressing one person informally (like French "tu" or German "du"), while εσείς (esís) is used either for addressing multiple people or for formal/polite address to one person (like French "vous" or German "Sie"). Additionally, the accusative forms σε (se) and εσάς (esás) are used when "you" is the object of a sentence.
Q: What does "you" mean in Modern Greek? A: "You" in Modern Greek is εσύ (esý) for informal singular, εσείς (esís) for plural or formal singular. The accusative forms are σε (se) and εσάς (esás).
Type: Language Learning Material Language: Modern Greek for English Speakers Level: Beginner Topic: Personal Pronouns - Second Person Skills: Reading, Grammar, Cultural Understanding
In this lesson, we will explore various uses of "you" in Modern Greek through 15 natural examples showing different contexts, grammatical cases, and levels of formality. You'll learn when to use εσύ versus εσείς, and how these pronouns change form depending on their grammatical function in the sentence.
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Modern Greek distinguishes between informal singular (εσύ) and formal/plural (εσείς) forms of "you" -
The pronouns change form based on grammatical case (nominative, accusative, genitive) -
Context and relationship determine which form to use -
Unlike English, Greek often omits the subject pronoun as it's implied by the verb ending -
The accusative forms σε/εσάς are extremely common in everyday speech
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9.1 Εσύ (e-SÝ) you πού (pu) where πας (pas) go-you; (Note: The stress on the final syllable of πας indicates present tense, 2nd person singular)
9.2 Θέλω (THÉ-lo) want-I να (na) to σε (se) you βοηθήσω (vo-i-THÍ-so) help-I;
9.3 Εσείς (e-SÍS) you-formal τι (ti) what κάνετε (KÁ-ne-te) do-you; (Note: -ετε ending indicates 2nd person plural/formal)
9.4 Σε (se) you αγαπώ (a-gha-PÓ) love-I πολύ (po-LÍ) much;
9.5 Μπορείς (bo-RÍS) can-you εσύ (e-SÝ) you να (na) to έρθεις (ÉR-this) come-you αύριο (ÁV-ri-o) tomorrow;
9.6 Το (to) the βιβλίο (vi-VLÍ-o) book είναι (Í-ne) is για (ya) for εσένα (e-SÉ-na) you-emphatic; (Note: εσένα is the emphatic accusative form)
9.7 Εσείς (e-SÍS) you-plural πότε (PÓ-te) when θα (tha) will φύγετε (FÍ-ye-te) leave-you;
9.8 Ο (o) the πατέρας (pa-TÉ-ras) father σου (su) your σε (se) you περιμένει (pe-ri-MÉ-ni) waits-for; (Note: σου is the genitive of εσύ, meaning "your")
9.9 Πώς (pos) how σε (se) you λένε (LÉ-ne) call-they; (Note: This is how you ask "What's your name?" literally "How do they call you?")
9.10 Εσύ (e-SÝ) you είσαι (Í-se) are-you ο (o) the καλύτερος (ka-LÍ-te-ros) best μαθητής (ma-thi-TÍS) student;
9.11 Θα (tha) will σας (sas) you-plural-accusative δω (dho) see-I αργότερα (ar-GHÓ-te-ra) later;
9.12 Από (a-PÓ) from πού (pu) where είστε (Í-ste) are-you εσείς (e-SÍS) you-formal; (Note: A polite way to ask where someone is from)
9.13 Μαζί (ma-ZÍ) with σου (su) you-genitive θέλω (THÉ-lo) want-I να (na) to μιλήσω (mi-LÍ-so) speak-I;
9.14 Εσείς (e-SÍS) you-all τι (ti) what ώρα (Ó-ra) hour τρώτε (TRÓ-te) eat-you;
9.15 Χωρίς (ho-RÍS) without εσένα (e-SÉ-na) you-emphatic-accusative δεν (dhen) not μπορώ (bo-RÓ) can-I;
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9.1 Εσύ πού πας; Where are you going?
9.2 Θέλω να σε βοηθήσω. I want to help you.
9.3 Εσείς τι κάνετε; What are you doing? (formal/plural)
9.4 Σε αγαπώ πολύ. I love you very much.
9.5 Μπορείς εσύ να έρθεις αύριο; Can you come tomorrow?
9.6 Το βιβλίο είναι για εσένα. The book is for you.
9.7 Εσείς πότε θα φύγετε; When will you leave? (plural)
9.8 Ο πατέρας σου σε περιμένει. Your father is waiting for you.
9.9 Πώς σε λένε; What's your name? (literally: How do they call you?)
9.10 Εσύ είσαι ο καλύτερος μαθητής. You are the best student.
9.11 Θα σας δω αργότερα. I will see you later. (plural/formal)
9.12 Από πού είστε εσείς; Where are you from? (formal)
9.13 Μαζί σου θέλω να μιλήσω. I want to speak with you.
9.14 Εσείς τι ώρα τρώτε; What time do you eat? (plural)
9.15 Χωρίς εσένα δεν μπορώ. I can't (do it) without you.
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9.1 Εσύ πού πας;
9.2 Θέλω να σε βοηθήσω.
9.3 Εσείς τι κάνετε;
9.4 Σε αγαπώ πολύ.
9.5 Μπορείς εσύ να έρθεις αύριο;
9.6 Το βιβλίο είναι για εσένα.
9.7 Εσείς πότε θα φύγετε;
9.8 Ο πατέρας σου σε περιμένει.
9.9 Πώς σε λένε;
9.10 Εσύ είσαι ο καλύτερος μαθητής.
9.11 Θα σας δω αργότερα.
9.12 Από πού είστε εσείς;
9.13 Μαζί σου θέλω να μιλήσω.
9.14 Εσείς τι ώρα τρώτε;
9.15 Χωρίς εσένα δεν μπορώ.
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Modern Greek has a T-V distinction (informal vs. formal address), similar to many European languages but unlike modern English. Here are the essential forms:
Singular Informal (like "tu" in French): -
Nominative: εσύ (esý) - used as subject -
Accusative: σε (se) / εσένα (eséna - emphatic) - used as direct object -
Genitive: σου (su) / εσού (esú - emphatic) - used for possession "your"
Plural/Formal (like "vous" in French): -
Nominative: εσείς (esís) - used as subject -
Accusative: σας (sas) / εσάς (esás - emphatic) - used as direct object -
Genitive: σας (sas) - used for possession "your"
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Identify the relationship: Is this person a friend, family member, or child? Use εσύ. Is this a stranger, elder, or professional context? Use εσείς. -
Determine the grammatical role: -
Subject of verb → Nominative (εσύ/εσείς) -
Object of verb → Accusative (σε/σας) -
Possession → Genitive (σου/σας) -
Check if emphasis is needed: Use the longer forms (εσένα, εσάς) for emphasis or after prepositions. -
Remember verb agreement: The verb ending must match the pronoun (singular -ς/-εις vs. plural/formal -τε/-ετε).
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Using εσείς for one person informally - This sounds overly distant or cold with friends and family. -
Forgetting to change the verb ending - "Εσείς είσαι" is wrong; it must be "Εσείς είστε." -
Using nominative after prepositions - After για (for), με (with), χωρίς (without), use accusative: "για σένα" not "για εσύ." -
Overusing the subject pronoun - Greek often drops the subject pronoun when it's clear from the verb: "Πού πας;" is more natural than "Εσύ πού πας;" -
Confusing σου (your) with σε (you) - "Σου" shows possession, "σε" is the object form.
Unlike English, which uses "you" for all situations, Greek distinguishes: -
Number (one person vs. many) -
Formality (informal vs. formal) -
Grammatical case (subject vs. object vs. possessive)
This is similar to the historical English distinction between "thou" (informal singular) and "you" (formal/plural), but Greek maintains this actively.
Informal Singular Declension: -
Nominative: εσύ -
Accusative: σε (σένα/εσένα emphatic) -
Genitive: σου (εσού emphatic)
Formal/Plural Declension: -
Nominative: εσείς -
Accusative: σας (εσάς emphatic) -
Genitive: σας
Verb Endings: -
Singular: -ς (πας), -εις (έρχεσαι) -
Plural/Formal: -τε (πάτε), -στε/-εστε (έρχεστε)
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The distinction between εσύ and εσείς reflects deep cultural values in Greek society. Greeks place great importance on showing proper respect through language, and the choice between informal and formal address can significantly impact social interactions.
When to Use εσύ (Informal): -
With friends and peers of similar age -
With children and teenagers (if you're an adult) -
Among university students with each other -
With family members -
After someone explicitly invites you to "speak in the singular" (μίλα μου στον ενικό)
When to Use εσείς (Formal): -
With strangers, regardless of age -
In professional settings -
With elderly people (shows respect) -
With service personnel (waiters, shop assistants) -
In official or bureaucratic contexts -
With your professors or teachers -
With your friends' parents (initially)
Cultural Notes:
Greeks often transition from εσείς to εσύ as relationships develop, but this transition should be initiated by the older or more senior person. It's considered presumptuous for a younger person to switch to εσύ without invitation.
In business contexts, even long-term colleagues might maintain the εσείς form to preserve professional boundaries. However, in creative fields or startups, the informal εσύ is becoming more common.
The phrase "Μήπως μπορούμε να μιλάμε στον ενικό;" (Perhaps we can speak in the singular?) is a polite way to suggest switching to informal address. This is a significant social moment that marks a warming of the relationship.
Interestingly, in Greek Orthodox religious contexts, God is addressed with εσύ, reflecting the personal relationship between the faithful and the divine, while clergy are typically addressed with εσείς out of respect for their position.
Online communication has somewhat relaxed these rules, with younger Greeks often defaulting to εσύ in social media interactions, though εσείς is still preferred in professional emails or when age and status differences are apparent.
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From "Τα Μάτια σου Δεκατέσσερα" (Your Eyes Fourteen) by Odysseas Elytis (1911-1996), Nobel Prize winner in Literature (1979):
Original Greek Text: "Εσύ είσαι η ζωή μου. Τα μάτια σου με κοιτάζουν και βλέπω τον κόσμο διαφορετικά. Χωρίς εσένα, η μέρα δεν έχει φως και η νύχτα δεν έχει όνειρα. Πες μου, πώς να σε ξεχάσω όταν κάθε στιγμή σε θυμάμαι;"
Εσύ (e-SÝ) you είσαι (Í-se) are η (i) the ζωή (zo-Í) life μου (mu) my. Τα (ta) the μάτια (MÁ-tya) eyes σου (su) your με (me) me κοιτάζουν (ki-TÁ-zun) look-at και (ke) and βλέπω (VLÉ-po) see-I τον (ton) the κόσμο (KÓZ-mo) world διαφορετικά (dhia-fo-re-ti-KÁ) differently. Χωρίς (ho-RÍS) without εσένα (e-SÉ-na) you-emphatic, η (i) the μέρα (MÉ-ra) day δεν (dhen) not έχει (É-hi) has φως (fos) light και (ke) and η (i) the νύχτα (NÍH-ta) night δεν (dhen) not έχει (É-hi) has όνειρα (Ó-ni-ra) dreams. Πες (pes) tell μου (mu) me, πώς (pos) how να (na) to σε (se) you ξεχάσω (kse-HÁ-so) forget-I όταν (Ó-tan) when κάθε (KÁ-the) every στιγμή (stigh-MÍ) moment σε (se) you θυμάμαι (thi-MÁ-me) remember-I;
"Εσύ είσαι η ζωή μου. Τα μάτια σου με κοιτάζουν και βλέπω τον κόσμο διαφορετικά. Χωρίς εσένα, η μέρα δεν έχει φως και η νύχτα δεν έχει όνειρα. Πες μου, πώς να σε ξεχάσω όταν κάθε στιγμή σε θυμάμαι;"
You are my life. Your eyes look at me and I see the world differently. Without you, the day has no light and the night has no dreams. Tell me, how can I forget you when every moment I remember you?
Εσύ είσαι η ζωή μου. Τα μάτια σου με κοιτάζουν και βλέπω τον κόσμο διαφορετικά. Χωρίς εσένα, η μέρα δεν έχει φως και η νύχτα δεν έχει όνειρα. Πες μου, πώς να σε ξεχάσω όταν κάθε στιγμή σε θυμάμαι;
This excerpt from Elytis demonstrates the intimate use of εσύ in Greek poetry. The passage showcases several forms of the second-person pronoun: -
εσύ (nominative) - as the subject -
σου (genitive) - showing possession ("your eyes") -
εσένα (emphatic accusative) - after the preposition "without" -
σε (accusative) - as direct object of the verbs
The repetition of "you" forms throughout creates an intense, personal atmosphere typical of love poetry. Elytis, influenced by surrealism, uses simple grammatical structures to convey profound emotion. The informal εσύ throughout the passage establishes an intimate tone - using εσείς here would destroy the poem's emotional impact.
Notice how Greek allows for more variation than English: where English repeats "you," Greek shifts between εσύ, σου, εσένα, and σε, creating a musical quality. The emphatic εσένα after "χωρίς" (without) particularly emphasizes the beloved's absence.
This text also demonstrates a key difference from English: Greek includes the explicit pronoun εσύ in "Εσύ είσαι" for emphasis, while in everyday speech it might be omitted. In poetry, these choices carry artistic weight.
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9.16 Εσείς (e-SÍS) you-formal τι (ti) what θα (tha) will πάρετε (PÁ-re-te) take-you να (na) to φάτε (FÁ-te) eat-you;
9.17 Σας (sas) you-formal-accusative συστήνω (si-STÍ-no) recommend-I την (tin) the μουσακά (mu-sa-KÁ) moussaka μας (mas) our· είναι (Í-ne) is πολύ (po-LÍ) very νόστιμος (NÓ-sti-mos) delicious!
9.18 Μπορείτε (bo-RÍ-te) can-you-formal να (na) to μου (mu) me φέρετε (FÉ-re-te) bring-you τον (ton) the κατάλογο (ka-TÁ-lo-gho) menu, παρακαλώ (pa-ra-ka-LÓ) please;
9.19 Εσύ (e-SÝ) you Γιάννη (YÁ-ni) Yanni-vocative, θέλεις (THÉ-lis) want-you κρασί (kra-SÍ) wine ή (i) or μπίρα (BÍ-ra) beer;
9.20 Σε (se) you παρακαλώ (pa-ra-ka-LÓ) please-I, μην (min) don't καπνίζεις (kap-NÍ-zis) smoke-you εδώ (e-DHÓ) here μέσα (MÉ-sa) inside.
9.21 Εσείς (e-SÍS) you-plural οι (i) the δυο (dhí-o) two, θα (tha) will καθίσετε (ka-THÍ-se-te) sit-you στην (stin) at-the βεράντα (ve-RÁN-da) veranda;
9.22 Θα (tha) will σας (sas) you-formal-accusative φέρω (FÉ-ro) bring-I αμέσως (a-MÉ-sos) immediately νερό (ne-RÓ) water και (ke) and ψωμί (pso-MÍ) bread.
9.23 Μαρία (ma-RÍ-a) Maria, εσύ (e-SÝ) you τι (ti) what προτιμάς (pro-ti-MÁS) prefer-you, ψάρι (PSÁ-ri) fish ή (i) or κρέας (KRÉAS) meat;
9.24 Σας (sas) you-formal-genitive αρέσει (a-RÉ-si) pleases η (i) the ελληνική (e-li-ni-KÍ) Greek κουζίνα (ku-ZÍ-na) cuisine; (Note: "Σας αρέσει" literally means "Does it please to you?")
9.25 Μπορείς (bo-RÍS) can-you να (na) to μου (mu) me πεις (pis) tell-you τι (ti) what έχει (É-hi) has μέσα (MÉ-sa) inside το (to) the ντολμαδάκι (dol-ma-DHÁ-ki) dolma;
9.26 Εσείς (e-SÍS) you-formal από (a-PÓ) from πού (pu) where είστε (Í-ste) are-you, αν (an) if επιτρέπεται (e-pi-TRÉ-pe-te) is-permitted;
9.27 Θέλετε (THÉ-le-te) want-you-plural να (na) to σας (sas) you-accusative προτείνω (pro-TÍ-no) suggest-I κάτι (KÁ-ti) something από (a-PÓ) from τα (ta) the ορεκτικά (o-rek-ti-KÁ) appetizers μας (mas) our;
9.28 Σε (se) you ευχαριστώ (ef-ha-ri-STÓ) thank-I πολύ (po-LÍ) very-much για (ya) for την (tin) the πρόσκληση (PRÓS-kli-si) invitation!
9.29 Πώς (pos) how σας (sas) you-formal-accusative φάνηκε (FÁ-ni-ke) seemed το (to) the φαγητό (fa-yi-TÓ) food;
9.30 Καλή (ka-LÍ) good όρεξη (Ó-rek-si) appetite σε (se) to όλους (Ó-lus) all σας (sas) you-plural! (Note: "Καλή όρεξη" is the Greek equivalent of "Bon appétit")
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9.16 Εσείς τι θα πάρετε να φάτε; What will you have to eat? (formal)
9.17 Σας συστήνω τη μουσακά μας· είναι πολύ νόστιμος! I recommend our moussaka; it's very delicious!
9.18 Μπορείτε να μου φέρετε τον κατάλογο, παρακαλώ; Could you bring me the menu, please?
9.19 Εσύ Γιάννη, θέλεις κρασί ή μπίρα; Yanni, do you want wine or beer?
9.20 Σε παρακαλώ, μην καπνίζεις εδώ μέσα. Please don't smoke in here.
9.21 Εσείς οι δυο, θα καθίσετε στη βεράντα; Will you two sit on the veranda?
9.22 Θα σας φέρω αμέσως νερό και ψωμί. I'll bring you water and bread right away.
9.23 Μαρία, εσύ τι προτιμάς, ψάρι ή κρέας; Maria, what do you prefer, fish or meat?
9.24 Σας αρέσει η ελληνική κουζίνα; Do you like Greek cuisine?
9.25 Μπορείς να μου πεις τι έχει μέσα το ντολμαδάκι; Can you tell me what's inside the dolma?
9.26 Εσείς από πού είστε, αν επιτρέπεται; Where are you from, if I may ask?
9.27 Θέλετε να σας προτείνω κάτι από τα ορεκτικά μας; Would you like me to suggest something from our appetizers?
9.28 Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ για την πρόσκληση! Thank you very much for the invitation!
9.29 Πώς σας φάνηκε το φαγητό; How did you find the food?
9.30 Καλή όρεξη σε όλους σας! Bon appétit to all of you!
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9.16 Εσείς τι θα πάρετε να φάτε;
9.17 Σας συστήνω τη μουσακά μας· είναι πολύ νόστιμος!
9.18 Μπορείτε να μου φέρετε τον κατάλογο, παρακαλώ;
9.19 Εσύ Γιάννη, θέλεις κρασί ή μπίρα;
9.20 Σε παρακαλώ, μην καπνίζεις εδώ μέσα.
9.21 Εσείς οι δυο, θα καθίσετε στη βεράντα;
9.22 Θα σας φέρω αμέσως νερό και ψωμί.
9.23 Μαρία, εσύ τι προτιμάς, ψάρι ή κρέας;
9.24 Σας αρέσει η ελληνική κουζίνα;
9.25 Μπορείς να μου πεις τι έχει μέσα το ντολμαδάκι;
9.26 Εσείς από πού είστε, αν επιτρέπεται;
9.27 Θέλετε να σας προτείνω κάτι από τα ορεκτικά μας;
9.28 Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ για την πρόσκληση!
9.29 Πώς σας φάνηκε το φαγητό;
9.30 Καλή όρεξη σε όλους σας!
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Formal Address with Service Staff: Waiters typically use εσείς with customers as a sign of professional courtesy, even with young people. Customers reciprocate this formality. Note examples 9.16, 9.18, where the waiter uses formal address.
Switching Between Formal and Informal: In example 9.19, we see a shift from formal to informal when addressing a friend by name (Γιάννη - vocative case). This mixing is natural in group settings where you know some people well and others formally.
The Polite Request Formula: -
Μπορείτε να + verb (formal): "Could you..." -
Μπορείς να + verb (informal): "Can you..." Both seen in examples 9.18 and 9.25
Cultural Politeness Markers: -
παρακαλώ (please) - used with both formal and informal address -
αν επιτρέπεται (if permitted) - a very polite way to ask personal questions
Special Expressions with "You": -
Σας αρέσει; (Do you like?) - literally "Does it please to you?" -
Πώς σας φάνηκε; (How did you find?) - literally "How did it appear to you?" -
Σε/Σας ευχαριστώ (Thank you) - literally "I thank you"
The Inclusive "You All": Greek can address a group collectively, as in example 9.30 "σε όλους σας" (to all of you), combining the singular preposition with the plural pronoun for emphasis.
Verb Endings in Questions: Notice how the verb ending changes: -
Singular: θέλεις (you want), προτιμάς (you prefer) -
Plural/Formal: θέλετε (you want), πάρετε (you will take)
This context perfectly illustrates how Greeks navigate between formal and informal address in social situations, maintaining politeness with strangers while being warm with friends.
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