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Demonstrative Pronouns

Greek has distinct forms for "this" (αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) and "that" (εκείνος/εκείνη/εκείνο), with variations depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify.

1. Forms Based on Gender

Greek demonstrative pronouns agree with the gender of the noun. There are three forms for each pronoun:

• Masculine:

  • This: αυτός (e.g., αυτός ο άντρας – this man)
  • That: εκείνος (e.g., εκείνος ο άντρας – that man)

• Feminine:

  • This: αυτή (e.g., αυτή η γυναίκα – this woman)
  • That: εκείνη (e.g., εκείνη η γυναίκα – that woman)

• Neuter:

  • This: αυτό (e.g., αυτό το σπίτι – this house)
  • That: εκείνο (e.g., εκείνο το σπίτι – that house)

2. Number Agreement

Demonstrative pronouns change form depending on whether the noun is singular or plural.

• Singular:

  • Αυτό το παιδί (This child)
  • Εκείνο το παιδί (That child)

• Plural:

  • Αυτά τα παιδιά (These children)
  • Εκείνα τα παιδιά (Those children)

3. Case Agreement

Greek demonstrative pronouns also change based on the grammatical case (nominative, genitive, accusative) of the noun they refer to. The forms in each case must match those of the noun.

• Nominative (subject): Αυτός είναι ο φίλος μου (This is my friend)
• Accusative (direct object): Βλέπω αυτόν τον φίλο (I see this friend)
• Genitive (possession): Αυτού του φίλου το σπίτι (This friend’s house)

4. Usage and Emphasis

The placement of demonstrative pronouns can affect emphasis. Typically, they are used directly before the noun for general reference:

• Αυτό το βιβλίο (This book)
• Εκείνο το βιβλίο (That book)

In some cases, demonstrative pronouns can be used alone, without the noun, if the context is clear:

• Αυτό είναι καλό (This is good)
• Εκείνο ήταν κακό (That was bad)