Το φορτηγάκι είναι μικρό.

to be

Breakdown of Το φορτηγάκι είναι μικρό.

• μικρός: small
• το φορτηγάκι: van

Questions & Answers about Το φορτηγάκι είναι μικρό.

What does το mean here?

Το is the definite article meaning the.

In this sentence, το goes with φορτηγάκι because φορτηγάκι is a neuter singular noun. Greek articles change form depending on gender, number, and case.

Here are the singular definite articles in the nominative:

• ο = masculine
• η = feminine
• το = neuter

So το φορτηγάκι means the φορτηγάκι.

Why is φορτηγάκι ending in -άκι?

The ending -άκι is a very common Greek diminutive suffix. It often gives the idea of:

• something small
• something cute
• sometimes just a familiar everyday word

So φορτηγάκι is related to φορτηγό (truck) and can suggest a small truck / little truck / van-type vehicle, depending on context.

For a learner, the important point is that -άκι often makes a noun:

• neuter
• and often gives a smaller or more affectionate sense

Examples:

• σπίτι = house
• σπιτάκι = little house