Breakdown of Μιλάς τόσο γρήγορα που δεν καταλαβαίνω τίποτα.
μιλάω
to speak
δεν
not
καταλαβαίνω
to understand
γρήγορα
fast
Questions & Answers about Μιλάς τόσο γρήγορα που δεν καταλαβαίνω τίποτα.
What does μιλάς mean grammatically, and what is its dictionary form?
Μιλάς is the 2nd person singular form of the verb μιλάω / μιλώ (to speak / to talk) in the present tense.
- Dictionary form: μιλάω (also μιλώ, a slightly more formal/shorter variant)
- Conjugation (present, singular): μιλάω/μιλώ (I speak), μιλάς (you speak), μιλάει/μιλά (he/she/it speaks)
Why is there no word for you in the sentence?
Greek usually doesn’t need subject pronouns because the verb ending shows who the subject is. μιλάς already means you speak, so εσύ (you) is optional.
You might add εσύ only for emphasis/contrast: Εσύ μιλάς τόσο γρήγορα... = You (specifically) speak so fast...
Is this μιλάς informal? How would I say it politely/formally?
Yes, μιλάς addresses one person informally (like you singular in English).
For polite/formal you, Greek uses 2nd person plural:
- Μιλάτε τόσο γρήγορα που δεν καταλαβαίνω τίποτα. (polite to one person, or to several people)
What is the role of τόσο here? Is it an adjective or an adverb?