Modern Greek Grammar Lessons

Lesson 19 Verb imperatives and the use of ‘μη(ν)’

The imperative is the command form of a verb

Παύλο, γράψε το όνομά σου	Paul, write your name
Παιδιά, γράψ(ε)τε τα ονόματά σας	Children, write your names
Κύριε Σμιθ, γράψ(ε)τε το όνομά σας	Mr Smith, write your name

It is formed using the subjunctive stem and the endings shown in red.

There are a number of irregular imperatives, some of which are shown below.

Verbs which have singular subjunctives ending –ησω and –ασω sometimes have

alternative imperatives

μίλησε or μίλα

χαμογέλασε (smile) or χαμογέλα

To say ‘do not’ or ‘don’t’, we simply put μη(ν) in front of the subjunctive

μη or μην is also used on its own to mean ‘don’t’

Pronouns come after the imperative, just like in English!

δώσε μου το βιβλίο	Give me the book
δώστε μου το	Give it to me

If the imperative is stressed on the third syllable from the end we get

μίλησέ μου – speak to me

άκουσέ την – listen to her

ΝΒ There is another way of expressing a verbal command which will be dealt with later.