Learn Hardcore Greek: Ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω στη συνάντηση.

Because ούτε itself carries the negation for each part it introduces. You can also say Δεν τρώω ούτε πίνω, which is equally correct, but you don’t put δεν directly before ούτε (avoid Δεν ούτε τρώω). In Greek, negative elements combine naturally (negative concord).

Can I reverse the order of the two verbs?

Yes. Ούτε πίνω ούτε τρώω is fine; it just changes the emphasis order slightly but not the meaning.

Where should the place phrase go? Can I move στη συνάντηση?

Yes. Word order is flexible for emphasis. Besides the given Ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω στη συνάντηση, you can front the place phrase: Στη συνάντηση ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω, which stresses the setting. Avoid inserting a comma right before ούτε; after a fronted adverbial, a comma is optional.

What exactly is στη? Why not write σε τη?

Στη is the standard contracted form of σε + τη(ν). Similar contractions are στον (σε + τον) and στο (σε + το). In normal writing and speech, the contracted forms are used.

Why is it στη and not στην here?

Because of the so‑called “movable ν” rule. The -ν at the end of την/στην is obligatorily kept before vowels and the consonants κ, π, τ, ξ, ψ, μπ, ντ, γκ, τσ, τζ; elsewhere it’s usually dropped. Since συνάντηση starts with σ, writing στη συνάντηση is the standard choice. You will also see/hear στην συνάντηση in modern usage; it isn’t considered wrong.

What case is συνάντηση, and why?

Accusative singular feminine: (τη) συνάντηση. The preposition σε governs the accusative, so the noun following it appears in the accusative.

Why is there no subject pronoun “I”?

Greek is a “pro‑drop” language: the verb ending -ω shows the subject is “I.” You add the pronoun only for emphasis or contrast: Εγώ ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω στη συνάντηση.

Does the present tense here mean “right now” or a general habit?

Greek present can express both. Context clarifies it:

Right now: Τώρα στη συνάντηση ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω (“Right now at the meeting…”).
Habit: Στις συναντήσεις ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω (“At meetings, I neither eat nor drink.”) or Συνήθως….

How do you pronounce τρώω, and why is it written with two ω?

Τρώω is pronounced “tró‑o” (two syllables). The double ω reflects historical formation (related to τρώγω). There’s no diaeresis; the stress mark on the first ω is enough to show it’s two syllables.

Do I need a comma between the two ούτε parts?

Generally no: Ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω is standard without a comma. A comma may appear in very long or rhetorical sentences for clarity, but it’s not needed here.

Is μήτε … μήτε … also possible?

Yes. Μήτε … μήτε … is a stylistic variant of ούτε … ούτε …, often sounding more formal or literary: Μήτε τρώω μήτε πίνω στη συνάντηση.

Is there any nuance difference between Δεν τρώω ούτε πίνω and Ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω?

Both are correct and mean the same in most contexts. Ούτε … ούτε … presents the two actions symmetrically and can sound slightly more emphatic/balanced. Δεν τρώω ούτε πίνω negates the first verb and adds the second as “nor.”

How do I say “Don’t eat or drink at the meeting”?

Use the negative imperative with μη(ν):

One‑off/total prohibition (aorist aspect): Μη φας ούτε να πιεις στη συνάντηση.
Ongoing/general prohibition (present aspect): Μην τρως και μην πίνεις στη συνάντηση (also acceptable: Μην τρως ούτε να πίνεις…).

How would I express a general habit like “At meetings I neither eat nor drink”?

Use the plural: Στις συναντήσεις ούτε τρώω ούτε πίνω. You can add γενικά or συνήθως for extra clarity.

Can ούτε … ούτε … link nouns or adjectives too?

Absolutely:

Nouns: Ούτε φαγητό ούτε ποτό επιτρέπονται στη συνάντηση (“Neither food nor drink is allowed at the meeting”).
Adjectives: Δεν είναι ούτε εύκολο ούτε δύσκολο.

If I want to say “during the meeting” rather than “at the meeting,” what should I use?

Use a “during” expression: Κατά τη διάρκεια της συνάντησης δεν τρώω ούτε πίνω (also: Στη διάρκεια της συνάντησης…). This highlights the time span, not just the setting.

Is συνάντηση the right word for all kinds of “meeting”?

Συνάντηση is general for a meeting/encounter and is fine for many contexts. For a work meeting or briefing, σύσκεψη is common; for an appointment/date, use ραντεβού. Example: Έχω σύσκεψη στις 10, Έχω ραντεβού στις 5.