Breakdown of Η μαμά μου δουλεύει στο γραφείο.
μου
my
σε
at
το γραφείο
the office
η μαμά
the mom
δουλεύω
to work
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Questions & Answers about Η μαμά μου δουλεύει στο γραφείο.
How do I pronounce the sentence?
IPA: [i maˈma mu ðuˈlevi sto ɣraˈfi.o] A simple guide: ee ma-MA moo dhou-LEH-vee sto ghra-FEE-o
- δ = voiced “th” as in “this” (ð)
- γ before vowels = a soft “gh,” like the Spanish “g” in “amigo” (ɣ)
- η/ι/υ/ει/οι often sound like “ee”
What does each word do in the sentence?
- Η: the (feminine singular nominative article)
- μαμά: mom
- μου: my (enclitic possessive, genitive of “I”)
- δουλεύει: works / is working (3rd person singular of δουλεύω)
- στο: in/at/to the (contraction of σε
- το)
- γραφείο: office; desk (neuter noun)
Why is it Η μαμά μου and not “my mom” before the noun?
In Greek, the possessive clitic (e.g., μου) usually follows the noun: η μαμά μου. The article stays in front. So the pattern is article + noun + possessive.
Do I need the article with a possessive?
Almost always yes: η μαμά μου, ο φίλος μου, το σπίτι μου. Omitting the article is mostly for direct address or exclamations (e.g., Μαμά μου! “My mom!” as a call-out).
What exactly is στο?
It’s a contraction of σε (in/at/to) + το (the, neuter): σε + το → στο. Don’t add another article after it. Masculine and feminine behave similarly:
- σε + τον → στον (masc.)
- σε + την → στη(ν) (fem.)
- σε + το → στο (neut.)
Why is it στο and not στη(ν) or στον here?
Because γραφείο is neuter (το γραφείο). Neuter takes στο. Masculine nouns would take στον, feminine στη(ν).
Does δουλεύει mean “works” or “is working”?
Both. Greek present tense covers simple and progressive. Add adverbs for clarity:
- Habitual: Συνήθως η μαμά μου δουλεύει στο γραφείο.
- Right now: Η μαμά μου δουλεύει τώρα στο γραφείο.
Is there a more formal verb than δουλεύει?
Yes, εργάζεται is more formal: Η μητέρα μου εργάζεται στο γραφείο. In everyday speech, δουλεύει is far more common.
Why isn’t the article Η accented? Isn’t “Ή” also a word?
Η (no accent) is the feminine article “the.” Ή (with accent) means “or.” At the start of the sentence we want the article, so it’s Η without an accent.
What’s the difference between γραφείο = office and desk?
Το γραφείο can mean either. Context clarifies:
- Workplace: δουλεύει στο γραφείο = she works at the office.
- Piece of furniture: κάθεται στο γραφείο της = she’s sitting at her desk.
How would I say “She works in an office (type of job), not necessarily a specific office”?
Use the bare preposition without the article: δουλεύει σε γραφείο = she works in an office (an office job, non-specific).
Can I omit the subject and just say Δουλεύει στο γραφείο?
Yes. Greek is a “pro‑drop” language. Δουλεύει στο γραφείο = “He/She works at the office,” with the subject understood from context. If you specifically mean “my mom,” keep Η μαμά μου.
How do I say “my mother” more formally than μαμά?
Use η μητέρα μου (more formal/neutral). Another common, more colloquial word is η μάνα μου (regional/folksy tone).
How is δουλεύω conjugated in the present?
- εγώ δουλεύω (I work)
- εσύ δουλεύεις (you work)
- αυτός/αυτή/αυτό δουλεύει (he/she/it works)
- εμείς δουλεύουμε
- εσείς δουλεύετε
- αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά δουλεύουν(ε)
What cases are used here?
- Η μαμά: nominative (subject).
- μου: genitive (possessive clitic).
- στο γραφείο: accusative after σε (Modern Greek uses σε + accusative for location/direction).