Understanding the Verb “To Be” in Modern Greek

The verb “to be” is one of the most important verbs in any language, and Greek is no exception. In Modern Greek, it is είμαι (pronounced í-me or eemeh). It is used to talk about identity, feelings, and location. In this article, we’ll focus on its present tense form.

Present Tense of “είμαι” (to be)

Here is the conjugation of είμαι in the present tense:

No Need for the Subject

In Greek, the verb already tells you who the subject is, so it’s not always necessary to say the subject out loud (although you can include it for emphasis).

Here are some examples:

• Είμαι εδώ. – I am here.
• Είσαι καλά. – You are fine.
• Είναι εδώ. – He/She/It is here.

Even though you can include the subject (e.g., εγώ, εσύ, Μαρία), native speakers often leave it out unless they want to emphasize who they’re talking about.

“Είμαι” in Expressions and Everyday Greek

The verb είμαι plays a big role in Greek idioms, adding color and depth to everyday conversations. For example:

• “Είμαι στα καλά μου” (eímai sta kalá mou) – I’m in a good place or I’m feeling fine.
• “Είμαι στα μαύρα μου” (eímai sta mávra mou) – I’m in a bad mood (literally I’m in my darks).

These phrases show how είμαι is used beyond simple statements, helping you express feelings and mental states in a cultural context. Understanding these expressions can make your Greek sound more natural and engaging.

“Είμαι” and Its Connection to Ancient Greek

One of the fascinating aspects of είμαι is its deep historical roots. It comes from the Ancient Greek verb εἰμί (eimí), which had a similar meaning.

This connection highlights the continuity of the Greek language over thousands of years, making it one of the oldest living languages still in use today. While many modern languages have changed significantly from their ancient forms, είμαι has preserved much of its original structure and function.

By learning είμαι, you’re not just learning a modern verb—you’re connecting to the cultural heritage of Ancient Greece.

So our baby είμαι gets a special place in the Greek language.

Keep practicing, and you’ll quickly learn this foundational Greek verb!