Breakdown of Σήμερα δεν καταλαβαίνω καθόλου αυτή τη λέξη.
αυτός
this
δεν
not
σήμερα
today
καταλαβαίνω
to understand
Questions & Answers about Σήμερα δεν καταλαβαίνω καθόλου αυτή τη λέξη.
Why is there no word for I in the sentence?
Greek often drops subject pronouns because the verb ending already shows the person/number.
καταλαβαίνω = I understand (1st person singular), so εγώ (I) is optional. You might add εγώ only for emphasis or contrast.
What does δεν do, and where does it go?
δεν is the basic negation word for many verb tenses (including the present). It normally comes directly before the verb phrase:
δεν καταλαβαίνω = I don’t understand.
(You’ll also see μη(ν) in other contexts, like commands/subjunctive.)
Why are there two negatives: δεν and καθόλου? Is that “double negative”?
In Greek, this combination is standard and not considered “illogical.”
δεν negates the verb, and καθόλου strengthens it: not … at all / not in the slightest.
So δεν καταλαβαίνω καθόλου is a very natural way to say I don’t understand at all.
What exactly does καθόλου mean, and can it move around?