Breakdown of Δεν έχω τίποτα να δηλώσω, αλλά έχω κάτι να αγοράσω πριν από την επιβίβαση.
έχω
to have
δεν
not
να
to
αλλά
but
Questions & Answers about Δεν έχω τίποτα να δηλώσω, αλλά έχω κάτι να αγοράσω πριν από την επιβίβαση.
Why does δεν έχω τίποτα mean I have nothing? Isn’t that a double negative?
Yes, literally it looks like a double negative: δεν = not, and τίποτα = nothing / anything.
But in Greek, this is completely normal. Greek commonly uses negative concord, which means the negative word and the negative particle appear together:
- Δεν έχω τίποτα = I have nothing
- literally: I don’t have nothing
In standard Greek, you usually need δεν with verbs in negative sentences like this. So this is not a mistake or bad grammar; it is the normal Greek pattern.
What is the difference between τίποτα and κάτι in this sentence?
They are opposite indefinite pronouns:
- τίποτα = nothing / anything
- κάτι = something
So:
- Δεν έχω τίποτα να δηλώσω = I have nothing to declare
- Έχω κάτι να αγοράσω = I have something to buy
Notice the contrast in the sentence:
- first clause: nothing to declare
- second clause: something to buy
That contrast is one reason αλλά (but) fits naturally here.
Why is it να δηλώσω and να αγοράσω? Why not just use an infinitive like in English?