Learn Hardcore Greek: Δεν πληρώνω πολλά λεφτά για καφέ.

Δεν is the standard negation particle for statements. It goes directly before the verb: Δεν πληρώνω = I don’t pay. Use μη(ν) for negative commands or with the subjunctive (see below).

What tense/aspect is πληρώνω?

Πληρώνω is present tense, imperfective aspect. It can mean “I am paying” (right now) or “I pay” (habitually). Related forms:

Completed past: πλήρωσα (I paid)
Ongoing/habitual past: πλήρωνα (I was paying / I used to pay)
Future (single event): θα πληρώσω
Future (habitual/ongoing): θα πληρώνω

Why is it πολλά and not πολύ before λεφτά?

Because λεφτά is neuter plural, and the adjective must agree: πολλά λεφτά. Use:

masculine sg: πολύς
feminine sg: πολλή
neuter sg: πολύ
plural: πολλοί / πολλές / πολλά As an adverb, πολύ means “a lot/very”: Δεν πληρώνω πολύ = I don’t pay much.

Why is λεφτά plural? Is there a singular?

Λεφτά is typically used only in the plural to mean “money.” A singular λεφτό exists but is rare and mostly in set phrases. More formal for “money” is χρήματα (plural) or the mass noun χρήμα.

Is Δεν πληρώνω πολύ λεφτά correct?

No. With plural λεφτά, use πολλά: Δεν πληρώνω πολλά λεφτά. Alternatives:

Δεν πληρώνω πολλά χρήματα (formal-ish)
Δεν πληρώνω πολύ χρήμα (mass, less common)
Adverbial: Δεν πληρώνω πολύ (no noun)

Why is there no article before καφέ?

Bare για καφέ is indefinite/generic: “for coffee (in general).” Use τον καφέ to refer to a specific coffee (the bill): Δεν πληρώνω τον καφέ. Use για έναν καφέ to mean “for a coffee (one cup).”

Do I need για after πληρώνω? When should I use it?

You can say:

Πληρώνω τον καφέ (I pay for the coffee — specific item).
Πληρώνω για καφέ (I pay for coffee — general category/purpose).
Πληρώνω 3 ευρώ για καφέ (I pay 3 euros for coffee). With για, the sense is more generic or purpose-oriented.

What case is καφέ here, and what are the key forms of καφές?

Για takes the accusative, so καφέ is accusative. Main singular forms:

Nominative: ο καφές
Genitive: του καφέ
Accusative: τον καφέ
Vocative: καφέ

Can I move parts of the sentence around?

Yes. Greek word order is flexible for emphasis:

Δεν πληρώνω πολλά λεφτά για καφέ (neutral).
Για καφέ δεν πληρώνω πολλά λεφτά (emphasis on “for coffee”).
Δεν πληρώνω για καφέ πολλά λεφτά (slight emphasis on the amount). Keep πολλά right next to λεφτά.

How do I pronounce the tricky sounds?

Δεν: [ðen] (δ = th in “this”)
πληρώνω: [pliˈrono] (η = i, ω = o; stress on ρώ)
λεφτά: [lefˈta] (φ = f; stress on τά)
καφέ: [kaˈfe] (stress on φέ)

Is it okay to say Δεν πληρώνω πολλά without λεφτά?

Yes. Πολλά can stand as a pronoun meaning “a lot (of money/things).” Δεν πληρώνω πολλά (για καφέ) is natural and understood as “I don’t pay a lot (for coffee).”

What’s the difference between πληρώνω and ξοδεύω?

Πληρώνω = pay (settle a bill/price for something).
Ξοδεύω = spend (disburse money in general). You can say Δεν ξοδεύω πολλά λεφτά για καφέ to emphasize overall spending.

When do I use μην instead of δεν?

Use μη(ν) with the subjunctive or for negative commands:

Μην πληρώνεις πολλά λεφτά για καφέ. (Don’t pay…)
Να μην πληρώνεις πολλά λεφτά για καφέ. (You shouldn’t pay…) For plain statements, use δεν: Δεν πληρώνω…

Can δεν lose the final -ν?

In speech it can drop before many consonants (becoming δε), but it’s kept before vowels and κ, π, τ, ξ, ψ, γκ, μπ, ντ, τσ, τζ. In standard writing, δεν is used everywhere. Here, because πληρώνω starts with π, δεν keeps the -ν.

How do I say this in the past or future?

Completed past: Δεν πλήρωσα πολλά λεφτά για καφέ.
Habitual/ongoing past: Δεν πλήρωνα πολλά λεφτά για καφέ.
Future single event: Δεν θα πληρώσω πολλά λεφτά για καφέ.
Future habitual: Δεν θα πληρώνω πολλά λεφτά για καφέ.

How do I say “too much” or “way too much”?

Use πάρα πολύ (adverb) or πάρα πολλά (adjective/pronoun):

Δεν πληρώνω πάρα πολλά λεφτά για καφέ.
Δεν πληρώνω πάρα πολύ για καφέ.

Why does πολλά λεφτά look the same as subject and object?

Neuter plurals in Greek have identical nominative and accusative forms. Πολλά λεφτά agrees in gender/number with λεφτά (neuter plural), and the form doesn’t change between subject and object.

Does καφέ mean the drink or the place?

Ο καφές = the drink (coffee). Για καφέ can also idiomatically mean “for a coffee outing.”
Το καφέ (indeclinable, from French) = the café (place), though many say η καφετέρια. Context tells you which is meant. Here it’s about the drink/outing.

Can I emphasize the subject with εγώ?

Yes. Εγώ δεν πληρώνω πολλά λεφτά για καφέ emphasizes “I” (implying others might, but I don’t).