Learn Hardcore Greek: Θα έρθω αμέσως, περίμενε δύο λεπτά. - I will come immediately, wait two minutes.

θα is the future particle; it marks future time.
θα έρθω uses the perfective (aorist) stem and means a single, complete event: “I’ll come (once, soon).”
θα έρχομαι uses the imperfective stem and means ongoing or habitual future: “I’ll be coming” (e.g., repeatedly) or “I’ll be on my way.” Example: Θα έρθω στις 9. = I’ll come at 9 (once). • Κάθε μέρα θα έρχομαι στις 9. = I’ll be coming every day at 9.

What exact form is έρθω? Is it a present form?

No. έρθω is the 1st person singular perfective subjunctive of έρχομαι (“to come”). In Modern Greek, the simple future is formed with θα + perfective subjunctive, hence θα έρθω. Other persons: θα έρθεις, θα έρθει, θα έρθουμε, θα έρθετε, θα έρθουν(ε).

Could I also say Έρχομαι αμέσως instead of Θα έρθω αμέσως?

Yes. Έρχομαι αμέσως = “I’m coming right now,” often used on the spot. Θα έρθω αμέσως = “I’ll come right away,” very soon but slightly more future-oriented. In everyday speech, both reassure immediate action.

How do I pronounce Θα έρθω and the rest?

Θα έρθω: roughly “tha ER-tho.” The cluster ρθ is the r, then θ as in English “th” in “think.”
αμέσως: a-ME-sos, [aˈmesos] (both s are [s], not [z]).
περίμενε: pe-REE-me-ne, [peˈrime.ne].
δύο: “THEE-o” or “THYO,” [ˈðio]/[ðjo].
λεπτά: lep-TA, [lepˈta].

I’ve seen θα ’ρθω written with an apostrophe. Is that the same as θα έρθω?

Yes. θα ’ρθω is a common contraction in speech/writing where the initial vowel of έρθω drops. Meaning and grammar are the same.

Why is there a comma: Θα έρθω αμέσως, περίμενε δύο λεπτά? Could I swap the clauses?

The comma separates two independent clauses (future statement + imperative). It’s normal in Greek. You can swap them: Περίμενε δύο λεπτά, θα έρθω αμέσως.

What does περίμενε express, and is it informal?

Περίμενε is the 2nd person singular imperative of περιμένω (“wait”), used with friends/family (informal). For plural or polite singular, use περιμένετε: Παρακαλώ, περιμένετε δύο λεπτά.

Is there a different (perfective) imperative like in other verbs?

Yes, the perfective imperative exists: περίμεινε! (single, bounded act of waiting). However, in everyday speech people almost always use περίμενε! for both, and περίμεινε can sound formal/old-fashioned.

Why is it δύο λεπτά without για? Can I say για δύο λεπτά?

Duration is typically expressed with a bare accusative: περίμενε δύο λεπτά = “wait (for) two minutes.” για δύο λεπτά is also correct but adds emphasis to the full extent: “for a full two minutes.”

Why λεπτά and not another ending? What about singular?

The time unit λεπτό (“minute”) is neuter; its plural is λεπτά. So: ένα λεπτό, δύο/τρία/τέσσερα λεπτά. Note: λεπτό/λεπτά can also mean “cent(s)” of a euro; context disambiguates.

What’s the difference between αμέσως, άμεσα, and σε λίγο?

αμέσως: immediately, right away (very common and clear).
άμεσα: often interchangeable with “immediately,” sometimes “directly” in formal contexts.
σε λίγο: in a bit/shortly (less immediate than “αμέσως”).

Where is the word for “I”? Why isn’t εγώ used?

Greek is a pro‑drop language. The verb ending in -ω shows the subject: (εγώ) θα έρθω. You include εγώ only for emphasis or contrast: Εγώ θα έρθω, όχι εκείνος.

Can I move αμέσως around? For example, Αμέσως θα έρθω?

Yes. Θα έρθω αμέσως (neutral). Αμέσως θα έρθω front-loads “immediately” for emphasis. Both are correct.

Is there a way to say “I’ll come in two minutes” instead of telling the other person to wait?

Yes: Θα έρθω σε δύο λεπτά. That states your arrival time. The original Περίμενε δύο λεπτά is an instruction to the listener.

Any spelling tips for αμέσως and έρθω?

αμέσως has two sigmas (…σ…ς) and the stress on the second syllable. The related adjective is άμεσος (one sigma), but the adverb is αμέσως.
έρθω is spelled with omega (-ω) and stressed on the first syllable: έρ‑θω.

If I add a pronoun after the imperative (e.g., “wait for me”), does the accent change?

Yes. Enclitic pronouns attach and shift the stress to the last syllable of the verb: περίμενέ με (“wait for me”), περιμένετέ μου (polite/plural with genitive). Without a pronoun: περίμενε.