Modern Greek/Lesson 04.2

Lesson 4.2: First Conjugation Verbs edit

In this lesson we'll learn about verbs that are classed as the "first conjugation". Verbs in this conjugation can be recognised because their accent falls before the final syllable. In the second conjugation the accent falls on the final syllable. Second conjugation verbs are covered in the next lesson.

The subject pronouns are usually omitted, because the form of the verb indicates the subject. This is common in many languages (Spanish and Italian too). The subject pronoun can be used for emphasis though [citation needed].

Verb Formation edit

Γράφω is an example of a verb belonging to the first conjugation. The verb ending changes depending on the number and person the verb refers to. The verb endings are appended to the stem. The present tense endings for first conjugation verbs are shown in the table.

Verb
Γράφω · To Write
γράφ-ω I write
γράφ-εις You (singular) write
γράφ-ει He/she/it writes
γράφ-ουμε We write
γράφ-ετε You (plural) write [1]
γράφ-ουν They write

There is no infinitive in modern Greek. For naming a verb, the first-person singular of the present tense is used as a generic term. For example, we refer to the verb γράφω, to write.

To summarize the conjugation of a verb, we write it in a table like this:

Verb
Γράφω · To Write
- Sing. Plu.
1st γράφω γράφουμε
2nd γράφεις γράφετε
3rd γράφει γράφουν

Audio recording:   Modern_greek_1i.ogg
NOTE: This recording was made by a non-native speaker of Greek.
We would be grateful to any native speaker who could redo it.


Common First Conjugation Verbs edit

The following verbs belong to the first conjugation:

Verbs
δίνω give (~"donate")
αλλάζω change
διαβάζω read
κοιτάζω look at
βλέπω see
φτάνω arrive
φεύγω leave
παίρνω take
αγοράζω buy
ξέρω know
νομίζω think
βάζω put
πίνω drink

Vocabulary: Audio recording:   Modern_greek_1i2.ogg
NOTE: This recording was made by a non-native speaker of Greek.
We would be grateful to any native speaker who could redo it.


Conjugations of some of these verbs: Audio recording:   Modern_greek_1i3.ogg
NOTE: This recording was made by a non-native speaker of Greek.
We would be grateful to any native speaker who could redo it.


Summary edit

Exercises edit

Now try the exercise found here.


  1. You plural is like "you all" or "y'all" in English.