Αυτό δεν είναι λάθος.

to be

Breakdown of Αυτό δεν είναι λάθος.

• αυτός: this
• δεν: not
• το λάθος: the mistake

Questions & Answers about Αυτό δεν είναι λάθος.

What is the word‑for‑word breakdown of Αυτό δεν είναι λάθος?

• Αυτό = this (neuter singular)
• δεν = not (the basic negation word for verbs)
• είναι = is (3rd person singular of είμαι = to be)
• λάθος = mistake / error (neuter noun, also used as an adverb meaning wrong(ly))

So the literal structure is: “This not is mistake.” → “This is not a mistake.”

Why is it Αυτό and not Αυτή or Αυτός?

Greek demonstratives agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they refer to.

• λάθος is a neuter noun in Greek.
• Therefore the demonstrative pronoun that refers to it must also be neuter: αυτό.

Other forms:

• αυτός = masculine singular (e.g. referring to a masculine noun)
• αυτή = feminine singular
• αυτό = neuter singular

Here, because we’re talking about ένα λάθος (a mistake, neuter), we use αυτό. Even if in English “this” doesn’t change form, in Greek it has to agree with the noun’s gender.

Why is there no word for “a” (as in “a mistake”)?