Αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά ή όχι;

Is this word used often or not?

Breakdown of Αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά ή όχι;

• ή: or
• αυτός: this
• όχι: not
• συχνά: often
• η λέξη: the word
• χρησιμοποιούμαι: to be used

Questions & Answers about Αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά ή όχι;

Why does the sentence end with what looks like a semicolon?

In Greek, the question mark is written as a semicolon: ;. So …ή όχι; signals a question. The English-style semicolon is represented in Greek by a middle dot · (ano teleia), which isn’t used here.

How do you pronounce the whole sentence?

Approximate IPA: /afˈti i ˈleksi xrisimopiˈite sixˈna i ˈoçi/

Syllable guide (stressed syllables in CAPS): af-TÍ i LÉ-xi chri-si-mo-PI-i-te sih-NÁ i Ó-chi

Tips:

• χ is like German ch: (in χρη-, συχν-) and [ç] before front vowels (in όχι).
• αυ here sounds like [af] (see next question).
• η, ι, ει, οι often sound like [i].
• ξ is = LÉK-si.

Why is αυτή pronounced with an [f] sound (aftí), not [v]?

The digraph αυ is:

• [af] before voiceless consonants (π, τ, κ, ξ, ψ, θ, σ, φ, χ), so αυτή → [afˈti],
• [av] before vowels or voiced consonants (β, γ, δ, ζ, λ, μ, ν, ρ).

Why do we need both Αυτή and the article η?

In Greek, demonstratives normally combine with the definite article: αυτός ο / αυτή η / αυτό το + noun. So Αυτή η λέξη is the standard pattern. Omitting the article (Αυτή λέξη) sounds ungrammatical.

Why Αυτή and not Αυτός or Αυτό?

Agreement. Λέξη is feminine, so you use the feminine demonstrative αυτή and feminine article η. Examples:

• Masculine: Αυτός ο χάρτης
• Feminine: Αυτή η λέξη
• Neuter: Αυτό το βιβλίο

Can I say η λέξη αυτή instead of Αυτή η λέξη?

Yes. Η λέξη αυτή is also correct and often a bit more formal or “written.” Αυτή η λέξη is very common and feels more neutral/colloquial. Both mean “this word,” with slightly different emphasis.

Can the subject come after the verb?

Yes. Greek word order is flexible. You can say:

• Χρησιμοποιείται αυτή η λέξη συχνά;
• Συχνά χρησιμοποιείται αυτή η λέξη; These are grammatical; the differences are in emphasis and flow.

Why is λέξη in the nominative case here?

Because the verb is passive (χρησιμοποιείται = “is used”) and λέξη is the subject, so it’s nominative: η λέξη. In an active version, it would be the object and turn accusative:

• Χρησιμοποιούν αυτή τη λέξη (συχνά); = “Do they use this word (often)?”

What exactly is χρησιμοποιείται?

It’s the 3rd person singular, present tense, passive voice of χρησιμοποιώ (“to use”): “it is used.” Useful related forms:

• 1st sg passive: χρησιμοποιούμαι (“I am used”)
• 3rd pl passive: χρησιμοποιούνται (“they are used”)
• 3rd sg active: χρησιμοποιεί (“he/she/it uses”)

Where can I put συχνά in this sentence?

Common options (all correct):

• Χρησιμοποιείται συχνά αυτή η λέξη; (neutral)
• Συχνά χρησιμοποιείται αυτή η λέξη; (emphasizes frequency)
• Χρησιμοποιείται αυτή η λέξη συχνά; (keeps subject near the verb) Position affects emphasis more than correctness.

What’s the difference between συχνά and συνήθως?

• Συχνά = often (high frequency).
• Συνήθως = usually (what typically happens). Example: Αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά, αλλά συνήθως όχι σε επίσημα κείμενα. (“This word is used often, but usually not in formal texts.”)

What does ή όχι add? Is it necessary?

Ή όχι = “or not?” It turns a plain question into a yes/no alternative and adds a conversational tone. It’s optional:

• Χρησιμοποιείται συχνά; (plain)
• Χρησιμοποιείται συχνά ή όχι; (“…or not?”) Variants: …ή καθόλου; (“…or not at all?”)

What’s the difference between η and ή?

• η (no accent) = the (feminine nominative article): η λέξη
• ή (with accent) = or: ή όχι They’re both pronounced [i]; the accent mark distinguishes them in writing.

Why are there so many “i” sounds in χρησιμοποιείται? Any spelling tips?

Modern Greek has several letters/digraphs pronounced ι, υ, ει, οι, υι. Spelling is etymological. Break it up: χ-ρη-σι-μο-ποι-εί-ται. A mnemonic: it comes from χρήση (use) + ποιώ (to make/do) → χρησιμοποιώ → passive χρησιμοποιείται. Practice and exposure help lock the spelling in.

How do I say “Are these words used often?”

Αυτές οι λέξεις χρησιμοποιούνται συχνά; Notes:

• Plural agreement: Αυτές οι λέξεις
• Passive plural: χρησιμοποιούνται

Is this phrasing neutral? How can I make it softer or more polite?

The original is neutral. Softer/polite options:

• Μήπως αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά; (tentative)
• Ξέρετε αν αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά; (do you know if…)
• Θα λέγατε ότι αυτή η λέξη χρησιμοποιείται συχνά; (would you say that…)