Understanding Negation in Greek
In Greek, just like in English, we often need to say that something is not true. This is called negation. Let's learn how to do that in Greek.
Basic Negation with 'Δεν'
The word 'δεν' is used to make a sentence negative. It is placed before the verb, just like 'not' in English.
Examples
- Δεν τρώω μήλο.
- Δεν θέλω νερό.
- Δεν παίζω ποδόσφαιρο.
Using 'Μη' for Commands and Requests
When you want to tell someone not to do something, you use 'μη' or 'μην'. This is like saying 'don't' in English.
Examples
- Μη φεύγεις!
- Μην τρέχεις!
- Μη μιλάς.
'Ούτε' means 'neither' or 'nor' and is used when you want to say that not even one of two things is true.
Examples
- Ούτε ο Γιάννης ούτε η Μαρία είναι εδώ.
- Ούτε θέλω ούτε μπορώ.
- Ούτε το σκύλο ούτε τη γάτα.
In Greek, using two negatives in a sentence can make it even stronger. This is different from English, where two negatives make a positive.
Examples
- Δεν είναι κανένας εδώ.
- Δεν έχω τίποτα να πω.
- Δεν βλέπω κανέναν.
Important Points
- 'Δεν' is used for basic negation before verbs.
- 'Μη' or 'μην' is used for negative commands.
- 'Ούτε' is used for neither/nor statements.
- Double negatives are common and strengthen the negation.