…
Breakdown of Η σερβιτόρα μας φέρνει πρώτα το μενού.
πρώτα
first
φέρνω
to bring
η σερβιτόρα
the waitress
μας
us
το μενού
the menu
Questions & Answers about Η σερβιτόρα μας φέρνει πρώτα το μενού.
What does the word μας do in this sentence?
It’s the weak clitic pronoun meaning “us/to us.” It marks the recipient (indirect object) of the action. Modern Greek uses the genitive clitic μας for this role.
Where does μας go relative to the verb?
With a finite verb it goes before it: μας φέρνει. After a positive imperative it follows the verb: Φέρε μας το μενού. With particles θα/να, it comes after the particle and before the verb: θα μας φέρει, να μας φέρει.
Can I say σε εμάς instead of μας?
Yes: Η σερβιτόρα φέρνει το μενού σε εμάς/σε μας (σ’ εμάς). Use the strong form εμάς for emphasis; the clitic μας is the neutral, unstressed choice.
Is μας the direct object here?
No. Το μενού is the direct object (accusative). Μας is the indirect object (recipient) expressed as a genitive clitic. You can also cliticize both: Η σερβιτόρα μας το φέρνει πρώτα.
Why is the article Η used before σερβιτόρα?
Because σερβιτόρα is feminine; Η is the feminine nominative singular article. For a male waiter you’d say Ο σερβιτόρος. As an object you’d have τη(ν) σερβιτόρα.
Why το μενού? Does μενού decline?
Μενού is neuter and indeclinable (a loan from French), so only the article changes. Singular: το μενού; plural: τα μενού (same noun form).
Do I need the article? How do I say “a menu”?
Greek usually uses articles. For a specific menu: το μενού. For “a menu”: ένα μενού. Bare φέρνει μενού is uncommon except in generic statements.
Why is it πρώτα and not πρώτη or πρώτο?
Πρώτα is an adverb (“first/firstly”) modifying the verb φέρνει. Πρώτη/πρώτο/πρώτος are adjectives that modify nouns, e.g., το πρώτο πιάτο (“the first course”).
Can πρώτα move to other positions?
Yes. For example:
- Η σερβιτόρα πρώτα μας φέρνει το μενού.
- Πρώτα η σερβιτόρα μας φέρνει το μενού.
- Μας φέρνει πρώτα το μενού η σερβιτόρα. All are natural; placement affects emphasis.
Does φέρνει mean “brings” or “is bringing”?
Both. The Greek present covers simple and progressive meanings; context decides.
How do I say this in the past or future?
- Simple past: Η σερβιτόρα μας έφερε πρώτα το μενού.
- Past continuous: Η σερβιτόρα μας έφερνε πρώτα το μενού (habitual/background).
- Future: Η σερβιτόρα θα μας φέρει πρώτα το μενού.
Why not φέρει instead of φέρνει?
In modern speech the present is φέρνω → φέρνει. φέρω/φέρει is learned/formal and uncommon as a present in everyday Greek.
What happens with negation?
Use δεν/δε before the clitic: Η σερβιτόρα δεν μας φέρνει το μενού (πρώτα). With a negative imperative, use μη(ν) and keep the clitic before the verb: Μην μας φέρεις το μενού πρώτα.
If I replace “the menu” with “it,” how do the pronouns stack?
Clitics order as μας το before the verb: Η σερβιτόρα μας το φέρνει πρώτα. After a positive imperative they follow the verb: Φέρε μας το.
Can I drop the subject η σερβιτόρα?
Yes. Greek is pro‑drop: Μας φέρνει πρώτα το μενού. The subject is understood from context/verb ending.
Why is the article Η unaccented? How is it different from ή (“or”)?
The article η/Η is unaccented. The conjunction ή (“or”) is always accented to distinguish it. Sentence‑initial Η is capitalized and remains unaccented.
Is μενού the only word for “menu”? What about κατάλογος?
Both are used. Ο κατάλογος is very common for the physical menu/booklet; το μενού can mean the menu in general or a set/fixed menu. You’ll hear both in restaurants.
Are there constraints on moving μας around?
Yes. Weak object pronouns stay close to the verb (or particle + verb): μας φέρνει, θα μας φέρει, να μας φέρει. They don’t wander to other positions, except after positive imperatives: φέρε μας.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Greek grammar?”
Greek grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning GreekMaster Greek — from Η σερβιτόρα μας φέρνει πρώτα το μενού to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions