Learn Hardcore Greek: Δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου πουθενά.

Greek is a pro‑drop language: the verb ending shows the subject. The -ω in βρίσκω already means “I.” You add εγώ only for emphasis, e.g., Εγώ δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου πουθενά.

Why is Δεν used here and not Μην?

Δεν negates indicative verbs (statements and most questions). Μη(ν) is used with imperatives and the subjunctive (after να).

Statement: Δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου.
Imperative: Μην το ψάχνεις.
Subjunctive: Να μην το χάσεις.

Why do we use the article το even though we already have μου (my)?

In Greek, nouns with possessive clitics normally take the definite article. So το τηλέφωνό μου is the standard pattern. The article agrees with the noun’s gender, number, and case:

το = neuter, singular, accusative (matching τηλέφωνο, which is neuter).
Dropping the article here (e.g., βρίσκω τηλέφωνό μου) is not standard outside of a few special expressions.

Why does τηλέφωνο gain an extra accent in τηλέφωνό?

Because a proparoxytone word (stress three syllables from the end), like τηλέφωνο, followed by an enclitic (μου) gets an additional written accent on the last syllable: τηλέφωνό μου. This is an orthographic rule to keep stress within the last three syllables of the whole unit. You still put the main stress on -λέ-; the added accent doesn’t mean you strongly stress both. Compare: ο άνθρωπός μου.

Why is μου after the noun? Are there other ways to say “my phone”?

Μου is a weak (enclitic) possessive pronoun and comes after the noun: το τηλέφωνό μου.
For emphasis or contrast, use the strong form with δικός/ή/ό: το δικό μου τηλέφωνο = “my phone (as opposed to someone else’s).”

Should I say τηλέφωνο or κινητό for “phone”?

το τηλέφωνο = phone (general, landline or phone as a device)
το κινητό = mobile/cell phone (what most people mean by “my phone” today)
So in everyday speech you’ll often hear Δεν βρίσκω το κινητό μου πουθενά.

What exactly does πουθενά mean, and why is it used with δεν?

Πουθενά means “anywhere/nowhere,” and in negative statements it teams up with δεν (negative concord): Δεν βρίσκω … πουθενά = “I can’t find … anywhere.”
In questions it can mean “anywhere?” without δεν: Το είδες πουθενά;
For affirmative “somewhere,” use κάπου.

Can πουθενά go somewhere else in the sentence?

Yes. Typical placements:

Δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου πουθενά.
Δεν βρίσκω πουθενά το τηλέφωνό μου.
Πουθενά δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου. (fronted for emphasis)

Do I need the object pronoun το (it)? Can I say Δεν το βρίσκω?

If the object is clear from context, use the clitic: Δεν το βρίσκω.
When you name the object, you don’t also need the clitic, but Greek allows clitic doubling for topicalization/emphasis:

Neutral: Δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου πουθενά.
Topicalized: Το τηλέφωνό μου δεν το βρίσκω πουθενά.

Is Δεν βρίσκω the same as “I can’t find”? How about Δεν μπορώ να βρω?

In practice, yes. Δεν βρίσκω … is a very common way to express the current failure to find something and corresponds to English “I can’t find ….”
Δεν μπορώ να βρω … literally means “I’m not able to find …,” slightly highlighting inability. Both are natural.

What tense/aspect is βρίσκω, and what related forms are useful?

Present (imperfective): βρίσκω = I find / I’m finding
Aorist past (perfective): βρήκα = I found
Imperfect past (imperfective): έβρισκα = I was finding/used to find
Future (perfective): θα βρω = I will find (once)
Future (imperfective): θα βρίσκω = I will be finding (habitually/over time)
Subjunctive: να βρω (perfective), να βρίσκω (imperfective)
Common combinations: Δεν μπορώ να βρω το τηλέφωνό μου. / Ελπίζω να το βρω.

How do I pronounce the whole sentence?

Greek: Δεν βρίσκω το τηλέφωνό μου πουθενά.
Rough guide (stressed syllables marked): den VRÍ-sko to ti-LÉ-fo-NÓ mu pu-the-NÁ.
Main stresses are on βρί-, -λέ-, and -νά. The extra written accent on -νό in τηλέφωνό is due to the enclitic rule; don’t add a heavy second stress there.