Η σερβιτόρα μας δίνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε.
The waitress gives us the bill when we finish.
Breakdown of Η σερβιτόρα μας δίνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε.
δίνω
to give
όταν
when
τελειώνω
to finish
η σερβιτόρα
the waitress
Questions & Answers about Η σερβιτόρα μας δίνει τον λογαριασμό όταν τελειώνουμε.
What is the role of μας, and why does it come before δίνει?
- μας is an unstressed (clitic) pronoun meaning “to us/us,” functioning here as an indirect object.
- In Greek, weak object pronouns normally go immediately before a finite verb: μας δίνει.
- With particles, the clitic still stays before the verb: θα μας δώσει, να μας δώσει.
- With affirmative imperatives, it goes after the verb: δώσ’ μας (τον λογαριασμό).
Which parts are the direct and the indirect object, and which cases are they in?
- Direct object: τον λογαριασμό (accusative).
- Indirect object: μας (genitive clitic used for the “to us/for us” function). Greek uses accusative for direct objects and genitive weak pronouns for indirect objects.
Why is it τον λογαριασμό and not ο λογαριασμός?
Because it’s a direct object. The article ο is nominative (subject). For a masculine singular direct object you use accusative τον: τον λογαριασμό.
If you wanted “a bill,” you’d say έναν λογαριασμό (indefinite, accusative).
Can I write το λογαριασμό (dropping the final -ν of τον)?
Modern spelling allows the final -ν of to drop before many consonants (notably not before κ, π, τ, ξ, ψ, μπ, ντ, γκ, τσ, τζ). Before it can drop, so you may see .However, many speakers keep the -ν everywhere to avoid confusion with the neuter article . As a learner, it’s safest to write and say .