Learn Hardcore Greek: Η φίλη μου λέει ότι πονάει η κοιλιά της και ο λαιμός της, οπότε μένει σπίτι. - My friend says that her stomach and her throat hurt, so she is staying home.

Breakdown of Η φίλη μου λέει ότι πονάει η κοιλιά της και ο λαιμός της, οπότε μένει σπίτι.

Why is it η φίλη μου and not μου φίλη?

In Greek, the unstressed possessive forms like μου, σου, της, μας usually come after the noun.

So:

Greek also normally keeps the definite article, so η φίλη μου is the standard pattern.

If you want extra emphasis, you can say η δική μου φίλη.

What exactly does λέει mean here?

Λέει is the 3rd person singular present of λέω or λέγω, meaning say.

Here it means:

Greek present tense often covers both the simple present and the progressive idea that English sometimes separates.

Why is ότι used?

Ότι introduces a content clause, like English that:

In everyday Greek, πως can often be used in the same way:

Both are very common. In this sentence, ότι is perfectly normal and neutral.

What form is πονάει? Is it the same as ?