Learn Hardcore Greek: Χωρίς ερώτηση δεν υπάρχει απάντηση.

Χωρίς means “without” and it always takes the accusative case. In the sentence, ερώτηση is accusative after χωρίς, even though its form looks the same as the nominative in the singular.

Why is there no article before ερώτηση and απάντηση?

Greek often omits the article in generic statements. Χωρίς ερώτηση and (δεν) υπάρχει απάντηση feel general (“without a question, there is no answer”). Adding an article would narrow the reference: χωρίς την ερώτηση = “without the question (we know about).” Χωρίς μία ερώτηση is possible but gives a marked “one single question” feel.

Which cases are ερώτηση and απάντηση here?

ερώτηση: accusative (required by χωρίς).
απάντηση: nominative, because it’s the grammatical subject of υπάρχει (“there exists”). In the singular feminine, nominative and accusative look identical without an article, but with articles you see the difference: nominative η απάντηση, accusative την απάντηση.

What does δεν υπάρχει mean, exactly?

Δεν υπάρχει literally means “there is not / does not exist.” Υπάρχει is 3rd person singular of υπάρχω (“to exist”). Plural is υπάρχουν (“there are”).

Why δεν and not μην?

Use δεν to negate statements and questions in the indicative (the normal, factual mood): δεν υπάρχει. Use μη(ν) with the subjunctive or prohibitions: να μην υπάρχει (“not to exist”), μην ρωτάς (“don’t ask”).

Can I change the word order?

Yes. Δεν υπάρχει απάντηση χωρίς ερώτηση is just as correct. Fronting Χωρίς ερώτηση puts extra emphasis on the condition (“Without a question, there’s no answer”).

How do I pronounce the sentence?

Χωρίς [xoˈris] (χ = harsh h like German “Bach”)
ερώτηση [eˈɾotisi] (ρ = tapped r)
δεν υπάρχει [ðen iˈparçi] (δ = th in “this”; χ before -ι- is the softer [ç], like German “ich”)
απάντηση [aˈpandisi]
Stress marks in Greek show the stressed syllable: χω-ΡΙΣ, ε-ΡΩ-τη-ση, υ-ΠΑΡ-χει, α-ΠΑΝ-τη-ση.

How would I make it plural?

Say: Χωρίς ερωτήσεις δεν υπάρχουν απαντήσεις. Note the plural verb υπάρχουν and the plural nouns ερωτήσεις, απαντήσεις (stress shifts compared to the singular).

What’s the difference between ερώτηση and ερώτημα?

Both mean “question,” but ερώτηση is the concrete question you ask someone. Ερώτημα often feels more abstract or formal (“issue, problem to be resolved”). In your sentence, ερώτηση is the natural choice.

Why υπάρχει and not είναι?

Υπάρχει expresses existence (“there is/exists”). Είναι means “is/are” and identifies or describes something. Δεν υπάρχει απάντηση = “There is no answer,” not “It isn’t an answer.”

Is a comma after the opener acceptable?

Yes. Both Χωρίς ερώτηση δεν υπάρχει απάντηση and Χωρίς ερώτηση, δεν υπάρχει απάντηση are fine. The comma slightly highlights the initial phrase.

Can I intensify the negation?

Yes: Δεν υπάρχει καμία απάντηση (“There is no answer at all”). Greek allows this “double” negation with negative words like κανείς/καμία/κανένα for emphasis.

Is there a more formal or old-fashioned way to say “without”?

Yes: άνευ (formal/learned), which takes the genitive. For example, Άνευ ερωτήσεων δεν υπάρχει απάντηση (more formal), or even katharevousa-style Άνευ ερωτήσεως.

Could I say it with χωρίς να + verb?

Yes, if you want the idea “without a question being asked”: Χωρίς να γίνει ερώτηση, δεν υπάρχει απάντηση (“without a question being made/asked…”). Χωρίς να υπάρχει ερώτηση is also possible but sounds more abstract (“without there being a question”).