Πρώτα τρώω και μετά δουλεύω.

First I eat and then I work.

Breakdown of Πρώτα τρώω και μετά δουλεύω.

• και: and
• τρώω: to eat
• μετά: then
• δουλεύω: to work
• πρώτα: first

Questions & Answers about Πρώτα τρώω και μετά δουλεύω.

What does each word mean and how is the sentence structured?

• Πρώτα = first (adverb)
• τρώω = I eat
• και = and
• μετά = then/afterwards
• δουλεύω = I work Time-sequence adverbs (πρώτα, μετά) often go at the beginning. The subject is omitted because the verb ending shows the person.

Why is there no I (εγώ)?

The ending -ω marks first person singular, so εγώ is usually dropped. Use εγώ only for emphasis: Εγώ πρώτα τρώω και μετά δουλεύω.

Does the present tense here mean both I eat and I’m eating?

Yes. The Greek present covers both simple and progressive meanings and, with sequencing adverbs, can also refer to plans or routines.

Can I change the word order?

Yes. Natural variants include:

• Τρώω πρώτα και μετά δουλεύω.
• Πρώτα τρώω, μετά δουλεύω.
• Μετά δουλεύω, αλλά πρώτα τρώω. These keep the meaning; word order shifts the emphasis.

Is και necessary before μετά?

No. Both Πρώτα τρώω και μετά δουλεύω and Πρώτα τρώω, μετά δουλεύω are correct. και simply links the clauses.

Do I need commas?

Not required. Πρώτα τρώω και μετά δουλεύω is standard. A comma can mark a pause: Πρώτα τρώω, και μετά δουλεύω or Πρώτα τρώω, μετά δουλεύω.

How do I say it with a clear future meaning?

Use θα plus perfective forms for single, ordered actions: Πρώτα θα φάω και μετά θα δουλέψω.

How do I say it in the past?

• Single, completed events: Πρώτα έφαγα και μετά δούλεψα.
• Habitual/ongoing past: Πρώτα έτρωγα και μετά δούλευα.

Why does τρώω have two omegas? How is it pronounced?

It’s from a contraction (cf. older τρώγω). It’s spelled τρώω and typically pronounced with two vowel beats, TRO‑o, stressed on the first ω.

Any pronunciation tips for this sentence?

• δ in δουλεύω = th in this.
• ου = oo (food).
• ευ before a vowel is usually [ev], so δουλεύω ≈ thu‑LE‑vo (th as in this).
• και is pronounced ke.
• Stresses: ΠΡΌ‑τα, TRÓ‑o, me‑TÁ, thu‑LÉ‑vo.

How do these verbs conjugate in the present?

• τρώω: τρώω, τρως, τρώει, τρώμε, τρώτε, τρώνε
• δουλεύω: δουλεύω, δουλεύεις, δουλεύει, δουλεύουμε, δουλεύετε, δουλεύουν(ε)

How do I use μετά with a noun instead of a clause?

As a preposition it takes the accusative: Μετά το φαγητό δουλεύω (After the meal I work). In the original, μετά is an adverb and stands alone.

Are there synonyms for μετά and πρώτα?

• μετά: ύστερα, έπειτα (afterwards/then).
• πρώτα: αρχικά, καταρχάς (to begin with; a bit more formal).

How do I turn this into a yes–no question?

Use the Greek question mark (;) and rising intonation: Πρώτα τρως και μετά δουλεύεις;

What’s the difference between πρώτα and πρώτος/πρώτη/πρώτο?

πρώτα is an adverb (first/firstly). πρώτος/πρώτη/πρώτο is an adjective that agrees with a noun: η πρώτη μέρα.

Do ο and ω sound different? What does the accent on ώ do?

They sound the same (o). The accent on ώ in τρώω marks stress only; it doesn’t change the vowel quality.

Could I use τότε instead of μετά?

Generally no. τότε means at that time (often contrasting with now). For sequential steps, prefer μετά/έπειτα/ύστερα.

Where does negation go?

Put δεν directly before the verb: Πρώτα δεν τρώω και μετά δουλεύω. The same pattern applies in both clauses: δεν τρώω, δεν δουλεύω.