Πού είναι η φίλη σου;

to be

Breakdown of Πού είναι η φίλη σου;

• πού: where
• η φίλη: the female friend
• σου: your

Questions & Answers about Πού είναι η φίλη σου;

What does each word mean and how does the sentence break down?

• Πού = where (question word)
• είναι = is (3rd person singular of είμαι “to be”; also serves as “are” in 3rd plural)
• η = the (feminine nominative singular article)
• φίλη = female friend (feminine noun)
• σου = your (2nd person singular, informal; a weak possessive clitic placed after the noun) Literal order: Where is the friend your?

Why is there a semicolon at the end?

In Greek, the question mark is written as the English semicolon: ;. So Πού είναι η φίλη σου; is a question.

Why is Πού accented, and what’s the difference between πού and που?

• πού with an accent means “where” (question or exclamation).
• που without an accent is a relative pronoun/conjunction meaning “that/which/who.” They’re pronounced the same; the accent distinguishes their function in writing.

How do I pronounce the sentence?

Approximate: Poú íne i fíli su?
IPA: /pu ˈine i ˈfili su/
Notes: ου sounds like “oo,” ει like “ee,” and αι like “e” (as in “met”).

Why do we use the article η with a possessive? Could I drop it?

Greek typically keeps the definite article with a possessive: η φίλη σου. Dropping it is usually ungrammatical or changes meaning. If you mean “a friend of yours,” use the indefinite: μια φίλη σου.

What if the friend is male?

Use the masculine forms: Πού είναι ο φίλος σου;

Does η φίλη σου mean “girlfriend”?

It can mean either a female friend or (in context) a girlfriend. To be clear for “girlfriend,” Greeks commonly say η κοπέλα σου (your girlfriend).

Why is σου placed after the noun?

Greek weak possessive pronouns are enclitics that follow the noun: η φίλη σου, ο φίλος μου. The set is: μου (my), σου (your sg), του (his/its), της (her/its), μας (our), σας (your pl/formal), τους (their).

When do I use σας instead of σου?

Use σας when speaking to more than one person or formally to one person: Πού είναι η φίλη σας;

Is the word order fixed? Can I say Η φίλη σου πού είναι;?

Word order is flexible. Πού είναι η φίλη σου; is neutral. Η φίλη σου πού είναι; is also correct and can add focus to “your friend,” as in “Your friend—where is she?”

Can I omit είναι and say Πού η φίλη σου?

No. Greek keeps the verb “to be” in such questions. However, colloquially είναι may contract to ’ναι after a word: Πού ’ναι η φίλη σου;

What form and tense is είναι?

Present tense of είμαι, 3rd person singular (“is”). The same form είναι is also used for 3rd person plural (“are”): context decides.

Why is η φίλη in the nominative case?

Because it’s the subject of the verb είναι. With “to be,” the subject stays in the nominative: η φίλη (subject) είναι…

What’s the difference between η and ή?

• η (no accent) = the feminine article “the.”
• ή (with accent) = the conjunction “or.”
  In the sentence you need η (article).

Could I use βρίσκεται instead of είναι?

Yes: Πού βρίσκεται η φίλη σου; means “Where is your friend located?” It can sound a bit more formal or precise about location.

How do I say it for plural friends?

• Female-only group: Πού είναι οι φίλες σου;
• Mixed or male group: Πού είναι οι φίλοι σου;