Ρίχνω λίγο νερό στο χώμα πριν βάλω τον σπόρο.

the water

Breakdown of Ρίχνω λίγο νερό στο χώμα πριν βάλω τον σπόρο.

• λίγος: little
• πριν: before
• σε: on

Questions & Answers about Ρίχνω λίγο νερό στο χώμα πριν βάλω τον σπόρο.

Why is there no Greek word for I in the sentence?

Because Greek usually drops the subject pronoun when the verb ending already shows who is doing the action.

Here, ρίχνω means I pour / I throw / I put, so εγώ is not necessary.
You could say Εγώ ρίχνω..., but that would add emphasis, like I pour..., not someone else.

What does ρίχνω mean here? Does it literally mean throw?

Yes, ρίχνω literally often means throw, but in everyday Greek it is also used much more broadly for things like:

• pour
• put
• add
• drop

So in this sentence, ρίχνω λίγο νερό is a natural way to say I pour / add a little water. It does not sound like you are violently throwing water.

Why is it λίγο and not λίγος or λίγη?

Because λίγο agrees with νερό, and νερό is neuter singular.

Greek adjectives and quantity words usually agree with the noun in gender, number, and case:

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

So:

• λίγο νερό = a little water
• λίγος χρόνος = a little time
• λίγη ζάχαρη = a little sugar