Breakdown of Η πρόγνωση λέει ότι ο καύσωνας τελειώνει αύριο, αλλά η υγρασία θα μείνει.
αύριο
tomorrow
αλλά
but
μένω
to stay
θα
will
Questions & Answers about Η πρόγνωση λέει ότι ο καύσωνας τελειώνει αύριο, αλλά η υγρασία θα μείνει.
Why are there articles in front of almost every noun: Η πρόγνωση, ο καύσωνας, η υγρασία?
Greek uses the definite article much more often than English does. In this sentence, all three nouns are specific and natural to present with the article:
- η πρόγνωση = the forecast
- ο καύσωνας = the heatwave
- η υγρασία = the humidity
A learner coming from English may expect fewer articles, but in Greek they are very common, especially with subjects of a sentence.
Also notice that the article changes to match the noun’s gender, number, and case:
- η for feminine singular nominative
- ο for masculine singular nominative
So:
- η πρόγνωση is feminine
- ο καύσωνας is masculine
- η υγρασία is feminine
What does λέει ότι mean here, and why is it used?
λέει ότι literally means says that.
So the structure is:
- Η πρόγνωση λέει ότι...
- literally: The forecast says that...
- natural English: The forecast says that... / The forecast is saying that... / The forecast predicts that...
In Greek, it is very normal to use λέω (to say) in this way, even with things like forecasts, signs, instructions, or written information.
Examples:
- Η πινακίδα λέει... = The sign says...
- Το πρόγραμμα λέει... = The schedule says...
So Η πρόγνωση λέει ότι... is a very natural Greek way to introduce what the forecast predicts.