Understanding the Greek Past Simple Tense
The Past Simple Tense in Greek, known as 'Αόριστος', is used to describe actions that happened at a specific point in the past. It is similar to the past simple tense in English.
Important Points
- It is used to talk about actions that happened once and are finished.
- The action has no connection to the present.
- It often answers the question 'What happened?'
Forming the Past Simple Tense
In Greek, verbs change their form to show the past simple tense. This change is called conjugation. Each verb belongs to a group that determines how it changes.
Important Points
- Regular verbs follow a pattern for conjugation.
- Irregular verbs have unique changes that must be memorized.
- The endings depend on the subject (who is doing the action).
Examples
- Ο Νίκος έφαγε το πρωινό του.
- Η Μαρία πήγε στο σχολείο.
- Εμείς παίξαμε στο πάρκο.
Using the Past Simple Tense in Sentences
When using the past simple tense in sentences, make sure the verb matches the subject. This means the verb ending changes depending on who did the action.
Examples
- Εγώ διάβασα το βιβλίο.
- Εσύ έγραψες την επιστολή.
- Αυτοί είδαν την ταινία.
Common Irregular Verbs in the Past Simple
Some verbs don't follow the regular pattern and have unique past forms. These are called irregular verbs, and you need to memorize them.
Important Points
- είμαι (to be) - ήμουν
- έχω (to have) - είχα
- κάνω (to do) - έκανα
Examples
- Εγώ ήμουν χαρούμενος χθες.
- Εσύ είχες ένα παιχνίδι.
- Αυτός έκανε την εργασία του.