Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Verb-"Είμαι"

Mastering the Greek Verb "Είμαι": Conjugation and Usage

Γειά! Greek Learners! 😃

Today, we delve into the heart of Greek verbal expressions by exploring the auxiliary verb "είμαι" (to be). This verb is not only fundamental for forming sentences but also crucial for expressing existence, identity, emotions, and relationships.

Conjugation of "Είμαι"

The verb "είμαι" is an irregular verb in Greek. This means it does not follow the regular conjugation patterns found in the language. Understanding its conjugation is essential for anyone looking to master Greek. Here's how "είμαι" is conjugated in different tenses:

Present Tense

• Είμαι (I am)
• Είσαι (you are - singular)
• Είναι (he/she/it is)
• Είμαστε (we are)
• Είστε / είσαστε(you are - plural/formal)
• Είναι (they are)

Future Tense

• Θα είμαι (I will be)
• Θα είσαι (you will be - singular)
• Θα είναι (he/she/it will be)
• Θα είμαστε / θα 'μαστε (we will be)
• Θα είστε (you will be - plural/formal)
• Θα είναι / θα 'ναι (they will be)

Past Tense

• Ήμουν / ήμουνα (I was)
• Ήσουν / ήσουνα (you were - singular)
• Ήταν (he/she/it was)
• Ήμασταν / ήμαστε (we were)
• Ήσασταν / ήσαστε (you were - plural/formal)
• Ήταν / ήτανε (they were)

Imperative Present

έσο	Being	Be ready
έστω		let it be

Usage of "Είμαι"

The versatility of "είμαι" allows it to be used in various contexts:

Existence and Identity

• Είμαι εδώ. (I am here.)
• Είσαι Έλληνας; (Are you Greek?)
• Είναι ο δάσκαλος. (He is the teacher.)

Emotions and States

• Είμαι ευτυχισμένος. (I am happy.)
• Είσαι κουρασμένος; (Are you tired?)
• Είναι θυμωμένη. (She is angry.)

Affiliations and Relationships

• Είμαι φίλος του. (I am his friend.)
• Είσαι μέλος της οικογένειας. (You are a member of the family.)
• Είναι ο αδερφός μου. (He is my brother.)

Descriptions and Attributes

• Είναι ψηλός και αθλητικός τύπος. (He is tall and athletic.)
• Είσαι καλός μαθητής. (You are a good student.)
• Είμαι γεννημένος τον Ιούνιο. (I was born in June.)

Copula in Sentences

• Είναι μια όμορφη μέρα. (It is a beautiful day.)
• Είμαστε εδώ για να βοηθήσουμε. (We are here to help.)
• Είστε έτοιμοι για το ταξίδι; (Are you ready for the trip?)

In conclusion, "είμαι" serves as the backbone for a myriad of expressions in Greek, from affirming existence to describing conditions. As an irregular verb, it may pose challenges to learners, but its widespread use and significance in conveying nuanced meanings make it a rewarding aspect of the Greek language to master.