Learn Hardcore Greek: 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.