Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Conditional-and-subjunctive-mood

Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Conditional and subjunctive mood

Introduction

Welcome to another exciting lesson in our "Complete 0 to A1 Modern Greek (1453-) Course"! Today, we will take a deep dive into the conditional and subjunctive moods in Modern Greek. Understanding these moods is essential for expressing hypothetical situations and desires, making your conversations richer and more nuanced.

In Greek, the conditional mood often deals with what could happen under certain circumstances, while the subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, possibilities, or actions that are not guaranteed to happen.

This lesson will not only help you navigate these moods but will also enhance your overall grasp of the language.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this lesson:

• Overview of Conditional Mood

• Overview of Subjunctive Mood

• Conjugation Patterns for Both Moods

• Practical Examples

• Exercises and Solutions

Overview of Conditional Mood

The conditional mood in Modern Greek is primarily used to express situations that are contingent upon certain conditions. In English, we often use "if" clauses, and in Greek, we have similar constructs.

Formation of the Conditional Mood

The conditional mood is typically formed using the conjunction "αν" (an), which means "if". The verb that follows it is often in the future tense for potential actions.

Here's how it works:

• Present conditional: Used for probable situations.

• Past conditional: Used for hypothetical past situations.

Examples of Conditional Mood

Let’s look at some examples to clarify how the conditional mood works in Greek.

Modern Greek (1453-)	Pronunciation	English
Αν έρθεις, θα είμαι εδώ.	An érthies, tha íme edó.	If you come, I will be here.
Αν είχα χρήματα, θα αγόραζα ένα αυτοκίνητο.	An ícha chrímata, tha agóriza éna aftokínito.	If I had money, I would buy a car.
Αν βρέξει, θα καθίσω σπίτι.	An vréxei, tha kathíso spíti.	If it rains, I will stay home.
Αν ήξερες, θα μου το έλεγες.	An íxeres, tha mou to éleges.	If you knew, you would tell me.
Αν δεν με ενοχλείς, θα είμαι ευτυχισμένος.	An den me enochlís, tha íme eftychisménos.	If you don’t bother me, I will be happy.
Αν πάω στην παραλία, θα κολυμπήσω.	An páo stin paralía, tha kolympíso.	If I go to the beach, I will swim.
Αν ήμουν πλούσιος, θα ταξίδευα παντού.	An ímoun ploúsios, tha taxídeva pantóu.	If I were rich, I would travel everywhere.
Αν ξυπνήσω νωρίς, θα προλάβω το λεωφορείο.	An xypníso norís, tha prolávo to leoforío.	If I wake up early, I will catch the bus.
Αν ήξερα, θα σε βοηθούσα.	An íxera, tha se voithoúsa.	If I knew, I would help you.
Αν δεν είχε κίνηση, θα φτάναμε γρήγορα.	An den eíxe kínisi, tha ftáname grígora.	If there was no traffic, we would arrive quickly.

Overview of Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood in Greek is used to express desires, wishes, suggestions, or possibilities. It communicates actions that are uncertain or subject to conditions.

Formation of the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is formed using the conjunction "να" (na), which translates to "to" in English. The verb is then conjugated accordingly.

Examples of Subjunctive Mood

Here are some illustrative examples that showcase the subjunctive mood in action:

Modern Greek (1453-)	Pronunciation	English
Θέλω να πάω στο πάρκο.	Thélo na páo sto párko.	I want to go to the park.
Ελπίζω να έρθεις αύριο.	Elpízo na érthies ávrio.	I hope you will come tomorrow.
Είναι καλό να διαβάζεις καθημερινά.	Eínai kaló na diavázis kathimeriná.	It is good to read daily.
Θα ήθελα να μάθω ελληνικά.	Tha íthela na mátho elliniká.	I would like to learn Greek.
Ίσως να έρθει και η Μαρία.	Íso̱s na érthei kai i María.	Maybe Maria will come too.
Προτιμώ να μείνω σπίτι.	Protimó na meíno spíti.	I prefer to stay home.
Είναι απαραίτητο να τελειώσεις την εργασία.	Eínai aparáti̱to na teleióseis tin ergasía.	It is necessary for you to finish the assignment.
Μπορεί να πληρώσω αύριο.	Borreí na pliróso ávrio.	I might pay tomorrow.
Θέλω να μου πεις την αλήθεια.	Thélo na mou peís tin alítheia.	I want you to tell me the truth.
Εύχομαι να έχεις μια υπέροχη μέρα.	Éfchomai na écheis mia ypérochi méra.	I wish you have a wonderful day.

Conjugation Patterns for Both Moods

Understanding how to conjugate verbs in the conditional and subjunctive moods is vital for your progress. Here’s a breakdown of the patterns:

Conditional Mood Conjugation

• Present Conditional: Use the future tense conjugation.

• Past Conditional: Form using the verb in the past tense.

Subjunctive Mood Conjugation

• For Regular Verbs: Conjugate using the base form and add the appropriate endings.

For example, let’s look at the verb "γράφω" (to write):

| Conjugation | Conditional Mood | Subjunctive Mood |

|-------------|------------------|-------------------|

| I | θα γράψω | να γράψω |

| You (sing) | θα γράψεις | να γράψεις |

| He/She/It | θα γράψει | να γράψει |

| We | θα γράψουμε | να γράψουμε |

| You (pl) | θα γράψετε | να γράψετε |

| They | θα γράψουν | να γράψουν |

Practical Examples

Let’s solidify your understanding with practical examples that illustrate both the conditional and subjunctive moods in everyday situations.

1. Conditional:

• Αν δεν βρέξει, θα πάμε για πικνίκ. (If it doesn’t rain, we will go for a picnic.)

2. Subjunctive:

• Θέλω να έρθω μαζί σας. (I want to come with you.)

3. Conditional:

• Αν είχα χρόνο, θα διάβαζα περισσότερα βιβλία. (If I had time, I would read more books.)

4. Subjunctive:

• Ελπίζω να περάσουμε καλά. (I hope we have a good time.)

5. Conditional:

• Αν το ήξερες, θα το είχες πει. (If you knew it, you would have said it.)

6. Subjunctive:

• Ίσως να μπορέσουμε να φύγουμε νωρίς. (Maybe we can leave early.)

7. Conditional:

• Αν ήμουν εκεί, θα σε βοηθούσα. (If I were there, I would help you.)

8. Subjunctive:

• Είναι σημαντικό να καταλάβεις το μάθημα. (It is important for you to understand the lesson.)

9. Conditional:

• Αν ήξερα την απάντηση, θα την έλεγα. (If I knew the answer, I would say it.)

10. Subjunctive:

• Εύχομαι να πετύχεις τους στόχους σου. (I wish you achieve your goals.)

Exercises and Solutions

Now that we’ve covered the theory, let’s put your knowledge to the test! Here are some exercises designed to help you practice the conditional and subjunctive moods.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in either the conditional or subjunctive mood.

1. Αν _____ (έχεις) χρόνο, _____ (έρχεσαι) μαζί μας.

2. Θέλω _____ (πάω) στην ταινία.

3. Αν _____ (θυμάμαι) σωστά, _____ (είναι) πολύ καλός.

4. Ίσως _____ (βρέξει) σήμερα.

5. Αν _____ (ήμουν) πλούσιος, _____ (αγοράζω) ένα σπίτι.

Solutions for Exercise 1

1. Αν έχεις χρόνο, έρχεσαι μαζί μας.

2. Θέλω να πάω στην ταινία.

3. Αν θυμάμαι σωστά, είναι πολύ καλός.

4. Ίσως να βρέξει σήμερα.

5. Αν ήμουν πλούσιος, θα αγόραζα ένα σπίτι.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following sentences into Greek using the correct mood:

1. If you study, you will pass the exam.

2. I wish you would tell me the truth.

3. If I were a bird, I would fly.

4. It is important that you come early.

5. If it snows, we will stay home.

Solutions for Exercise 2

1. Αν διαβάσεις, θα περάσεις την εξέταση.

2. Εύχομαι να μου πεις την αλήθεια.

3. Αν ήμουν πουλί, θα πετούσα.

4. Είναι σημαντικό να έρθεις νωρίς.

5. Αν χιονίσει, θα μείνουμε σπίτι.

Exercise 3: Create Sentences

Create your own sentences using the conditional and subjunctive moods.

1. Conditional Mood Example:

2. Subjunctive Mood Example:

Solutions for Exercise 3

1. (Your own example)

2. (Your own example)

Exercise 4: Match the Moods

Match the sentences with the correct mood they illustrate (conditional or subjunctive).

1. Αν είχα χρόνο, _____

2. Θέλω _____

3. Αν βρέξει, _____

4. Ελπίζω _____

5. Αν ήξερα, _____

Solutions for Exercise 4

1. Conditional

2. Subjunctive

3. Conditional

4. Subjunctive

5. Conditional

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've taken a significant step in mastering the conditional and subjunctive moods in Modern Greek. These moods will deepen your ability to express yourself and understand others in various contexts. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these structures in your conversations.

As you continue your journey in learning Modern Greek, don’t hesitate to revisit this lesson. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to our next lesson!

Table of Contents - Modern Greek (1453-) Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Greek Alphabet

• Greek Letters and Pronunciation
• Diphthongs and Special Combinations

  ---

Basic Greetings and Phrases

• Greetings and Introductions
• Common Everyday Phrases

  ---

Nouns and Articles

• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Noun Gender and Plurals

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Adverbs and Adverbial Phrases

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods and Drinks
• Ordering in a Restaurant

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Greek Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Greek Cuisine

  ---

Greek History and Geography

• Historical Overview
• Geographical Regions

Sources

• Modern-greek-1453 Grammar - Verbs

Other Lessons

• Modal verbs
• Negation
• Punctuation
• The paronyms
• Pronoms interrogatifs
• Passive voice
• Augment in modern Greek
• Nouns and gender
• Word Accentuation
• Homonyms and homophones