Questions & Answers about Εγώ μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά.
Do I need to say Εγώ or can I just say Μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά?
Greek often drops subject pronouns because the verb ending shows the subject. Εγώ is optional and adds emphasis or contrast: Εγώ μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά = "I (as opposed to others) speak a little Greek." In neutral contexts, Μιλάω λίγο ελληνικά is more natural.
What’s the difference between μιλάω and μιλώ?
They are two equally correct 1st‑person singular present forms of the same verb "to speak." μιλάω is the everyday form; μιλώ is a bit more formal/literary. Other common forms: μιλάς, μιλάει/μιλά, μιλάμε, μιλάτε, μιλάνε/μιλούν(ε).
Why is ελληνικά not capitalized like "Greek" in English?
In Greek, names of languages are written with a lowercase initial because they are common nouns/adjectives used as nouns. You would only capitalize at the start of a sentence or in proper names.
Why is ελληνικά in the plural?
Language names in Greek are often the neuter plural of an adjective used as a noun, historically meaning "Greek things/words." So ελληνικά literally "Greek (things)" = "Greek (language)." The neuter plural is standard for languages: αγγλικά, ισπανικά, κινέζικα, etc.
Do I need the article, like ?