Questions & Answers about Δεν λέω ποτέ ψέμα στους γονείς μου.
What does each word in Δεν λέω ποτέ ψέμα στους γονείς μου literally mean, and how does the word order compare to English?
Word by word:
- Δεν = not
- λέω = I say / I tell
- ποτέ = ever / never (in negative sentences)
- ψέμα = lie (a lie)
- στους = to the ( = σε + τους )
- γονείς = parents
- μου = my
Literal structure:
Not I-say ever lie to-the parents my.
Natural English:
I never tell a lie to my parents.
or more idiomatically: I never lie to my parents.
Greek word order here is very close to English, except for the placement of the negative words (Δεν, ποτέ) and the possessive μου after the noun (γονείς μου = my parents).
Why do we have both δεν and ποτέ? Isn’t that “double negation”?
In Greek, when ποτέ means never, it must appear with a negative particle such as δεν (or μη(ν) in some structures). This is normal and not considered a logical mistake.
- Δεν λέω = I do not say
- ποτέ (with δεν) = ever → never in translation
So:
- Δεν λέω ποτέ ψέμα.
Literally: I don’t ever tell a lie.
Idiomatic English: I never tell a lie.
This is different from English, where “never” already contains the negation and you would not say I don’t never. Greek is comfortable with this kind of “double” negation; it’s actually required.
Can I also say ? Is there a difference?