Questions & Answers about Λίγος καφές είναι εδώ.
Why is there no article before καφές? Could I say Ένας καφές είναι εδώ?
Greek often omits an article with mass/uncountable nouns when talking about an indefinite amount. Λίγος καφές means “a small amount of coffee.”
If you say Ένας καφές είναι εδώ, you’re counting a single unit (a cup/serving): “One coffee is here.” Both are correct, but they mean different things.
Is λίγος the right form here? Why masculine?
Yes. Καφές is a masculine noun, so the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case: λίγος καφές (masc. nom. sg.).
Other forms you’ll see:
- Feminine: λίγη ζάχαρη (a little sugar)
- Neuter: λίγο νερό (a little water)
- Plural (countable): λίγοι καφέδες (few coffees)
I often see λίγο καφέ. Which is right: λίγος καφές or λίγο καφέ?
Both are correct in the right context:
- As a subject (nominative), use λίγος καφές: Λίγος καφές είναι εδώ / Υπάρχει λίγος καφές εδώ.
- As an object (accusative), use λίγο καφέ: Θέλω λίγο καφέ (I want a little coffee).
Colloquially with existential έχει, you’ll hear: Έχει λίγο καφέ εδώ (There’s some coffee here).
Is the sentence natural? How would a native typically say “There is some coffee here”?