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Questions & Answers about Πότε πάμε;
How do you pronounce Πότε πάμε;
Póte páme? IPA: [ˈpote ˈpame]. Stress the first syllable of both words. Each e sounds like the e in bed; consonants p/t are unaspirated (no puff of air).
Why is there a semicolon at the end?
In Greek, the semicolon (;) is the question mark. So Πότε πάμε; is the correct way to write a question.
Where is the “we” in Greek? Why isn’t it written?
Greek usually drops subject pronouns because the verb ending shows the subject. The ending -με in πάμε means we. You can add εμείς for emphasis: Εμείς πότε πάμε; (We—when are we going?).
What does πάμε mean here exactly?
It’s the 1st person plural present of πάω (to go): we go / we are going. In questions like this, the present often refers to a planned or near-future action: When are we going?
Can I say Πότε θα πάμε; instead? Is there a difference?
Yes. Πότε θα πάμε; (When will we go?) is equally natural and a bit more “future-looking.” Πότε πάμε; often implies there’s already some plan/schedule, but in everyday speech they’re largely interchangeable.
What’s the difference between πάμε and πηγαίνουμε?
Both mean we go.
- πάμε is the everyday, most common choice in speech.
- πηγαίνουμε is slightly more formal or can sound more habitual.
Example: Πότε πηγαίνουμε γυμναστήριο; can mean What days/times do we (usually) go to the gym?
Does πάμε by itself mean Let’s go?
Yes. Πάμε; can be an invitation/suggestion: Shall we go?/Let’s go. With πότε (When), Πότε πάμε; is a literal time question, not a suggestion.
What’s the difference between πότε and ποτέ? They look similar.
- πότε (accent on the first syllable) = when (question word).
- ποτέ (accent on the second syllable) = never (or ever in questions/negatives).
Examples: Πότε πάμε; When are we going? / Δεν πάω ποτέ. I never go.
How is πότε different from όταν and όποτε?
- πότε asks a question: When?
- όταν means when in statements: Όταν τελειώσω, πάμε. When I finish, we’ll go.
- όποτε means whenever: Όποτε θες, πάμε. Whenever you want, we’ll go.
Can πότε go later in the sentence? Is Πάμε πότε; okay?
Question words usually come first. Πάμε πότε; is not idiomatic. Acceptable variations keep πότε near the front or after a topic: Πότε πάμε; / Εμείς πότε πάμε; / Πότε πάμε εμείς;
Could I use other verbs like φεύγουμε or ξεκινάμε?
Yes, for nuance:
- Πότε φεύγουμε; When are we leaving?
- Πότε ξεκινάμε; When do we start/set off?
They can be more specific than generic πάμε.
How would someone typically answer Πότε πάμε;
Common patterns:
- A time: Στις πέντε. At five.
- A day/date: Αύριο. / Τη Δευτέρα. Tomorrow. / On Monday.
- A duration: Σε μία ώρα. In an hour.
- A condition: Όταν τελειώσω. When I finish.
(For future conditions, Greek often uses όταν- aorist subjunctive: Όταν τελειώσω.)
What are the present-tense forms of πάω?
- πάω (I go)
- πας (you go)
- πάει (he/she/it goes)
- πάμε (we go)
- πάτε (you pl./formal go)
- πάνε (they go)
How can I make the question more polite or make it a suggestion?
- Polite/softened: Πότε θα θέλατε να πάμε; When would you like us to go?
- Asking for advice: Πότε να πάμε; When should we go?
- Indirect/polite: Πότε λέτε να πάμε; When do you think we should go?
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