Breakdown of Κλείνω το παράθυρο επειδή το σπίτι είναι κρύο.
είμαι
to be
το σπίτι
the house
επειδή
because
κλείνω
to close
το παράθυρο
the window
κρύος
cold
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Questions & Answers about Κλείνω το παράθυρο επειδή το σπίτι είναι κρύο.
What does the verb form Κλείνω express—“I close” or “I am closing”?
It’s the Greek present (imperfective) and can mean both “I close” and “I am closing.” Context decides.
Do I need to say Εγώ to mean “I”?
No. Greek usually drops subject pronouns because the verb ending shows the subject. Use Εγώ only for emphasis: Εγώ κλείνω το παράθυρο.
Why is το used before both παράθυρο and σπίτι?
Because both nouns are definite neuter singular. Greek uses the definite article more often than English. In το παράθυρο, it’s the direct object; in το σπίτι, it’s the subject of the subordinate clause. Neuter nominative and accusative articles are the same form (το).
What case is το παράθυρο in, and how can I tell?
Accusative, because it’s the direct object of κλείνω. With neuter nouns, nominative and accusative look identical; you infer the case from the noun’s role.
Why does κρύο end in -o?
It’s an adjective in predicate position agreeing with το σπίτι (neuter singular). Predicative adjectives match the subject in gender, number, and case:
- το σπίτι είναι κρύο (neuter)
- η πόρτα είναι κρύα (feminine)
- ο τοίχος είναι κρύος (masculine)
Can I start with the reason clause?
Yes: Επειδή το σπίτι είναι κρύο, κλείνω το παράθυρο. Use a comma when the subordinate clause comes first.
What’s the difference between επειδή and γιατί?
Both can mean “because.” Επειδή is a bit more formal/explicit; γιατί is very common and also means “why.” Your sentence can also be Κλείνω το παράθυρο γιατί το σπίτι είναι κρύο.
If I mean “it’s cold (outside/in general),” what should I say?
Use the idiom κάνει κρύο (also έχει κρύο): Κλείνω το παράθυρο γιατί κάνει κρύο. If you mean inside the house, you can say Στο σπίτι κάνει κρύο.
Can I drop the article and say Κλείνω παράθυρο?
Normally no. Greek typically requires an article. For an indefinite meaning, use ένα: Κλείνω ένα παράθυρο (“I close a window”).
How do I replace το παράθυρο with a pronoun?
Use the clitic το: Το κλείνω επειδή το σπίτι είναι κρύο. Here, the first το is the object pronoun “it,” and the second το is the article before σπίτι.
How would I say it in the past?
Use the aorist for a completed action: Έκλεισα το παράθυρο επειδή το σπίτι ήταν κρύο. For ongoing past (less likely here): Έκλεινα το παράθυρο... (“I was closing…”).
Is a comma required before επειδή?
Not when the main clause comes first: Κλείνω… επειδή… If the reason comes first, use a comma: Επειδή…, κλείνω… A comma after the main clause can be added for a pause, but it’s not necessary.
How do I pronounce the sentence?
Approximate IPA: [ˈklino to paˈraθiro epeˈði to ˈspiti ˈine ˈkrio]. Notes: θ = th in “think,” δ = th in “this” (voiced), ει/η/ι/οι all sound like [i]. είναι is [ˈine].
Can I say κλείνομαι here?
No. Κλείνω = “to close (something)” (active, transitive). Κλείνομαι = “to be/get closed; to shut oneself” (passive/reflexive). For the window, use κλείνω.
Why not είναι κρύα?
Because το σπίτι is neuter singular, so the adjective must be κρύο. Κρύα would be correct with a feminine singular subject (e.g., η πόρτα είναι κρύα) or a neuter plural subject.
How do I say “It’s cold in the house”?
Στο σπίτι κάνει κρύο. (στο = σε + το.)
Can I front the object for emphasis?
Yes: Το παράθυρο κλείνω επειδή το σπίτι είναι κρύο. This highlights that it’s the window (not something else) that you’re closing.
What’s the difference between κλείνω and κλειδώνω?
Κλείνω means “close,” while κλειδώνω means “lock.” For example: Κλείνω το παράθυρο vs Κλειδώνω την πόρτα.