Βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου όταν έχει πολύ κρύο.

little

Breakdown of Βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου όταν έχει πολύ κρύο.

• πολύς: much
• έχω: to have
• μου: my

Questions & Answers about Βάζω λίγη αλοιφή στα χείλη μου όταν έχει πολύ κρύο.

What does βάζω mean here?

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.

Why is it λίγη and not λίγο?

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

Does λίγη mean little or some?

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.

What exactly is αλοιφή?