Βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου όταν έχει πολύ κρύο.

Here βάζω means I put on / I apply, not just I put in a general sense.

In English, we often say I put on some ointment or I apply some cream. Greek commonly uses βάζω for things like cream, ointment, perfume, makeup, etc.

Examples:

• Βάζω κρέμα στο πρόσωπό μου. = I put/apply cream on my face.
• Βάζω κραγιόν. = I put on lipstick.

Because λίγη must agree with αλοιφή, and αλοιφή is a feminine singular noun.

The forms are:

• λίγος = masculine
• λίγη = feminine
• λίγο = neuter

So:

• λίγη αλοιφή = a little / some ointment

If the noun were neuter, you would use λίγο:

• λίγο νερό = a little water

It can mean either, depending on context.

In this sentence, λίγη αλοιφή most naturally means:

• a little ointment
• some ointment

So it is talking about a small amount, not necessarily emphasizing that the amount is insufficient.

Αλοιφή means ointment, salve, or sometimes medicated cream.

Depending on context, an English speaker might also think of:

• lip balm
• healing ointment
• skin cream

Since the sentence says στα χείλη μου (on my lips), the natural idea is something like lip balm or ointment for the lips.

Στα is the contraction of σε + τα.

So:

• σε = on / to / at
• τα χείλη = the lips
• στα χείλη = on the lips / to the lips

Greek often uses σε with body parts to show where something is applied.

So:

• βάζω αλοιφή στα χείλη μου = I put ointment on my lips

Greek normally uses the plural χείλη for lips, just as English usually says lips.

The singular χείλος does exist, but:

• it can mean lip
• it can also mean edge or rim

In everyday speech about the mouth, τα χείλη is the normal choice.

Because μου here is the weak possessive form meaning my, and in Greek it usually comes after the noun phrase.

So:

• τα χείλη μου = my lips
• literally: the lips my

This is very normal Greek word order with possessives:

• το σπίτι μου = my house
• η φίλη μου = my friend
• τα χέρια μου = my hands

Here όταν means when or, more naturally in this sentence, whenever.

Because the sentence is in the present and describes a habitual action, the meaning is:

• I put some ointment on my lips whenever it is very cold.

So όταν is not only about one specific time; it often introduces repeated situations too.

Because Greek commonly uses έχει in weather expressions.

So:

• έχει κρύο = it is cold
• έχει ζέστη = it is hot
• έχει αέρα = it is windy

Literally, έχει πολύ κρύο is something like it has a lot of cold, but the real meaning is simply:

• it is very cold

This is a very common Greek pattern and one worth memorizing as a set expression.

Βάζω is present tense.

In this sentence, the present tense expresses a habitual or regular action:

• I put/apply some ointment on my lips when it is very cold
• more naturally: I put some ointment on my lips whenever it gets very cold

So this is not necessarily happening right now; it describes what the speaker generally does.

It is closest to when it is very cold, but in natural English it can also sound like when it gets very cold.

Greek έχει πολύ κρύο describes the condition:

• it is very cold

But in a habitual sentence like this, English often prefers:

• when it gets very cold
• whenever it’s very cold

So both ideas are possible depending on how naturally you want to translate it.

Yes, you could, but it would be less specific.

• στα χείλη μου = on my lips
• στα χείλη = on the lips

If the meaning is already clear from context, Greek sometimes leaves out the possessive. But μου makes it explicit that the speaker means their own lips.

The given word order is natural, but Greek word order is more flexible than English.

The standard sentence:

• Βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου όταν έχει πολύ κρύο.

You could also hear variations for emphasis, such as:

• Όταν έχει πολύ κρύο, βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου.

That version puts the time condition first:

• When it is very cold, I put some ointment on my lips.

Both are correct. The difference is mainly emphasis and flow, not grammar.

Yes, depending on what you mean.

• αλοιφή = ointment / salve
• κρέμα = cream

If you are talking about a softer cosmetic product, κρέμα may be more natural. If you mean something more medicinal or protective, αλοιφή can fit better.

For lips, people might also say:

• βάζω lip balm
• βάζω βάλσαμο χειλιών
• βάζω αλοιφή στα χείλη μου

So the best word depends on the exact product.

It is perfectly understandable and natural.

A native speaker might also say slightly different versions, such as:

• Βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου όταν κάνει πολύ κρύο.
• Όταν έχει πολύ κρύο, βάζω αλοιφή στα χείλη μου.

A very common alternative is όταν κάνει πολύ κρύο:

• κάνει κρύο = it is cold

So your sentence is good Greek; it is just one of several natural ways to say it.