Δεν πίνω συχνά μπύρα, αλλά απόψε πίνω μία μικρή μπύρα μαζί με το φαγητό.

to drink

Breakdown of Δεν πίνω συχνά μπύρα, αλλά απόψε πίνω μία μικρή μπύρα μαζί με το φαγητό.

• δεν: not
• αλλά: but
• το φαγητό: the food

Questions & Answers about Δεν πίνω συχνά μπύρα, αλλά απόψε πίνω μία μικρή μπύρα μαζί με το φαγητό.

Why is δεν used, and where does it go in the sentence?

Δεν is the standard negation for the indicative mood (normal statements) in Greek. It typically comes right before the verb it negates:

• Δεν πίνω = I don’t drink It can also appear before other elements only in special emphatic structures, but the default is δεν + verb.

Both clauses use the present tense (πίνω). Why does Greek use present tense for both “I don’t often drink” and “tonight I’m drinking”?

Greek present tense often covers both:

• Habitual/general present: Δεν πίνω συχνά μπύρα = I don’t often drink beer (in general).
• Current/temporary present (what’s happening now/these days, or a planned “right now” context): απόψε πίνω = tonight I’m having/drinking. Context (especially απόψε = tonight) makes the second one feel like a specific occasion even though the tense is still present.

Could you also say Απόψε θα πιω…? What’s the difference?

Yes.

• Απόψε πίνω… sounds like a decision/plan that is essentially set, or like a “present as arranged” style.
• Απόψε θα πιω… is more explicitly future: “Tonight I will drink / I’m going to have…” Both can be correct; θα πιω is more straightforwardly future.

Why is there no article in Δεν πίνω συχνά μπύρα?