Questions & Answers about Οι γονείς μου μένουν στην πρωτεύουσα της χώρας.
What does Οι mean, and why do we need it before γονείς?
Οι is the definite article in the nominative plural (for masculine and feminine nouns). It corresponds roughly to English “the”.
- Οι γονείς = the parents
- In Greek, you normally use the definite article with nouns much more often than in English.
- So you say Οι γονείς μου (literally: the parents my), not just Γονείς μου in a neutral sentence.
Is γονείς masculine or feminine, and what is the singular form?
γονείς is masculine plural, even though it refers to both parents (mother and father together).
Singular options:
- Everyday speech: ο γονιός = the parent (masc. singular)
- More formal: ο γονέας = the parent (masc. singular)
Plural:
- οι γονείς = the parents
So in this sentence, Οι γονείς μου = My parents.
Why is μου placed after γονείς instead of before, like in English “my parents”?