Γράφω με μολύβι και όχι με στυλό.

I write with a pencil and not with a pen.

Breakdown of Γράφω με μολύβι και όχι με στυλό.

• και: and
• με: with
• όχι: not
• γράφω: to write

Questions & Answers about Γράφω με μολύβι και όχι με στυλό.

Why is εγώ (I) not written in the sentence? How do we know it means I write?

In Greek, the subject pronoun (like εγώ = I) is usually dropped because the verb ending already shows who the subject is.

• γράφω is the 1st person singular form of the verb γράφω (to write).
• Its ending -ω here tells you the subject is I.

So:

• Γράφω με μολύβι. = Εγώ γράφω με μολύβι. = I write with a pencil.

You normally add εγώ only for emphasis or contrast:

• Εγώ γράφω με μολύβι, εσύ γράφεις με στυλό.
  (I write with a pencil, you write with a pen.)

Why does γράφω translate both as I write and I am writing?

Modern Greek does not have a separate continuous form like English I am writing.

The simple present γράφω covers:

• Habitual / general actions:
  Γράφω με μολύβι. = I (normally) write with a pencil.
• Actions happening right now (in the right context):
  Τι κάνεις; – Γράφω. = What are you doing? – I’m writing.

Context tells you whether it is “I write” (in general) or “I am writing” (right now). The Greek form is the same.

What exactly does με mean here? Does it always translate as with?