Voices- Verbs
The Greek verb has two voices: the active and the passive.
Active Voice.
Verbs can end in “-ω” or “–ώ” (omega accented)
A verb is in the active voice if its subject is active, that is to say if it does the action.
Eg. : παίζω, αγαπάω, μπορώ
Passive Voice
Passive voice verbs, in the present, usually end with “-μαι“. The Passive Voice is not as commonly used in Greek as it is in other languages. It is used when it is important to emphasize on the action done, or when it is unknown who or what is doing the action. Remember! Not all verbs have a passive voice!
Group A verbs
Active Voice Passive Voice
ending in –ω ending in – ομαι
γράφω I write γράφομαι Ι am written
γράφεις you write γράφεσαι you are written
γράφει he/ she/ it writes γράφεται he/she/it is written
γράφουμε we write γραφόμαστε we are written
γράφετε you write γράφεστε you are written
γράφουν they write γράφονται they are written
| Common Group A-verbs διαβάζω = Ι read –διαβάζομαι = Ι am read ονομάζω=I call/ give a name –oνομάζομαι=I’m called χαρακτηρίζω=I characterize-χαρακτηρίζομαι=I’m characterized πλένω = I wash- πλένομαι= I’m washed (I wash oneself) γράφω= I write – γράφομαι= I’m written, I enroll |
You can also read:contracted verbs: πάω, λέω, ακούω, τρώω
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