Όταν φτάνω αργά, φεύγω χωρίς καφέ.

the coffee

Breakdown of Όταν φτάνω αργά, φεύγω χωρίς καφέ.

• αργά: late
• όταν: when
• φεύγω: to leave

Questions & Answers about Όταν φτάνω αργά, φεύγω χωρίς καφέ.

Why are both verbs in the present (φτάνω, φεύγω)? What does that tense choice mean?

It’s the habitual (generic) present: a general rule that happens repeatedly. So Όταν φτάνω αργά, φεύγω χωρίς καφέ = “Whenever I arrive late, I leave without coffee.” It doesn’t describe a single event but a repeated pattern.

Could I use φτάσω instead of φτάνω?

Use όταν + subjunctive (φτάσω) for a single or future event: Όταν φτάσω αργά, θα φύγω χωρίς καφέ (“When I arrive late, I’ll leave without coffee”). For habits, keep the present: Όταν φτάνω… Using όταν φτάσω with a present main verb would sound odd here.

Should I ever say Όταν θα φτάσω…?

No. After όταν, Greek does not use the future tense. Use όταν + subjunctive for future time: Όταν φτάσω…, θα….

What’s the difference between όταν, όποτε, αν, and άμα here?

• όταν = when (time reference). With the present, it can mean “whenever” for habits.
• όποτε = whenever (more explicitly indefinite/general): Όποτε φτάνω αργά, φεύγω….
• αν = if (condition), not time. You’d say: Αν αργήσω, φεύγω/θα φύγω….
• άμα = colloquial “when/if”, used in speech like όταν/αν.