Learn Hardcore Greek: Θέλω να φάω πριν τη δουλειά.

Greek doesn’t use an infinitive like English “to eat.” Instead, it uses the particle να plus the subjunctive form of the verb. So Θέλω να φάω literally means “I want that I eat,” which is how Greek expresses “I want to eat.”

What verb form is φάω exactly?

Φάω is the 1st person singular aorist subjunctive of the verb τρώω (“to eat”). After να, Greek chooses between present vs aorist subjunctive to show aspect (ongoing vs single/complete action). Να φάω = a single, complete act of eating.

Could I say Θέλω να τρώω instead? What would that mean?

Yes, but it changes the meaning.

Θέλω να φάω = I want to eat (once, a complete act).
Θέλω να τρώω = I want to be eating / I want to eat habitually (e.g., as a routine before work). For this sentence, να φάω is the natural choice.

Why is it τη and not την in πριν τη δουλειά?

The final -ν in την/τον is kept before vowels and certain consonants (κ, π, τ, ξ, ψ, μπ, ντ, γκ, τσ, τζ). Since δουλειά starts with δ, the -ν is usually dropped: τη δουλειά. Many speakers keep -ν always (e.g., την δουλειά)—that’s not wrong, just a style choice.