Questions & Answers about Θέλω να πάω μετά, όχι τώρα.
What does the particle να do in this sentence?
Modern Greek has no infinitive (no separate “to go” form), so it uses να plus a verb in the subjunctive to express that meaning. After verbs like θέλω (I want), μπορώ (I can), πρέπει (I must), you typically see να: Θέλω να πάω = “I want to go.” The να itself is not translated directly; it marks the subordinate verb.
Why is it πάω and not πηγαίνω?
It’s an aspect choice. Να πάω is perfective (a single, whole trip: “to go (once)” later), which fits “later, not now.” Να πηγαίνω would be imperfective (ongoing/habitual: “to be going / to go regularly”). For example:
- Θέλω να πάω μετά = I want to go later (one time).
- Θέλω να πηγαίνω αργότερα κάθε μέρα = I want to go later every day.
How do I pronounce the whole sentence?
IPA: [ˈθelo na ˈpao meˈta ˈoçi ˈtora]
Rough guide: Thélo na páo metá, óchi tóra.
Notes:
- θ as in English “th” in “think.”
- χ before ι (as in όχι) is a soft h-like sound [ç] (not “k”).
- πάω is pronounced pá-o (often smoothed to “páo” in fast speech). Stress is on the accented vowels.
Why is there a comma before όχι τώρα?
It marks a contrast (“later, not now”). You’d also pause there when speaking. Without the comma it’s not wrong, but the comma makes the contrast clearer.