Η επιφάνεια είναι καθαρή.

The surface is clean.

Breakdown of Η επιφάνεια είναι καθαρή.

• είμαι: to be
• καθαρός: clean
• η επιφάνεια: surface

Questions & Answers about Η επιφάνεια είναι καθαρή.

What does each word in Η επιφάνεια είναι καθαρή. mean?

Word by word:

• Η = the (feminine singular)
• επιφάνεια = surface
• είναι = is
• καθαρή = clean (feminine singular form)

So the structure is literally:

• The surface is clean.

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Why is Η used here?

Η is the definite article meaning the.

It is used because επιφάνεια is a feminine singular noun in the nominative case. Greek articles change according to gender, number, and case.

Here are the nominative singular definite articles:

• ο = the (masculine)
• η = the (feminine)
• το = the (neuter)

Since επιφάνεια is feminine, it takes η.

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How do I pronounce Η here?

In this sentence, Η is pronounced ee, like the ee in see.

So:

• Η = /i/

A learner should also know that uppercase Η here is just the capital form of the article η because it is at the beginning of the sentence.

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What form is είναι?