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Questions & Answers about Κάποια περιμένει έξω.
What exactly does the word Κάποια mean here?
It’s the feminine singular indefinite pronoun meaning someone (female) or some woman. It stands on its own as the subject, without any noun after it.
Does this sentence specify the gender of the person waiting?
Yes. Κάποια indicates a female. For a male or gender-unknown generic you’d use κάποιος. For a non-human “something,” Greek typically uses κάτι.
Why isn’t there an article (like μια) before Κάποια?
Because κάποια is a pronoun, not a noun. It already carries the “some/someone” meaning, so no article is needed. With a noun, you could say κάποια γυναίκα (some/a certain woman).
What nuance does κάποια have compared to μια γυναίκα?
- Κάποια (γυναίκα) = some/a certain woman (identity unknown or not specified; can sound slightly dismissive or distancing in some contexts).
- Μια γυναίκα = a woman (plain indefiniteness, more neutral).
What tense/aspect is περιμένει, and why does it translate as “is waiting”?
Περιμένει is present tense, 3rd person singular of περιμένω. Greek present covers both English simple and progressive, so it can mean either waits or is waiting; context usually corresponds to the English progressive here.
Could κάποια mean “some things” (neuter plural) here?
Not in this sentence. While κάποια can also be neuter plural (“some [things]”), that would normally take a plural verb (e.g., περιμένουν). Here περιμένει is singular, so κάποια is feminine singular.
What are the corresponding forms of “someone/some” in Greek?
- Singular: κάποιος (masc), κάποια (fem), κάποιο (neut, usually with a noun).
- Plural: κάποιοι (masc), κάποιες (fem), κάποια (neut). Pronoun “something” is κάτι (not κάποιο).
How do you make the sentence plural (“Some women are waiting outside”)?
Κάποιες περιμένουν έξω.
Can I drop the subject and just say “Περιμένει έξω”?
You can, but then it’s ambiguous (it could mean he/she/it is waiting outside). Κάποια specifies a female subject.
What’s the case of κάποια here? Does it change in other positions?
Here it’s nominative feminine singular (subject). In the accusative (object), the common modern form is also κάποια; you may also see κάποιαν in more formal/older style, but κάποια is standard.
What’s the difference between έξω and έξω από?
- έξω = outside (in general).
- έξω από
- accusative = outside of a specific place, e.g., έξω από την πόρτα, έξω από το σπίτι. Colloquially you’ll also hear απ’ έξω with the same meaning.
Can I change the word order?
Yes, Greek allows flexibility:
- Κάποια περιμένει έξω. (neutral)
- Έξω περιμένει κάποια. (emphasis on the location) Other orders like Περιμένει έξω κάποια are possible but less neutral in tone.