Βάζω το φαγητό στα μικροκύματα όταν γυρίζω αργά από τη δουλειά.

I put the food in the microwave when I come back late from work.

Breakdown of Βάζω το φαγητό στα μικροκύματα όταν γυρίζω αργά από τη δουλειά.

• η δουλειά: the work
• από: from
• αργά: late
• το φαγητό: the food

Questions & Answers about Βάζω το φαγητό στα μικροκύματα όταν γυρίζω αργά από τη δουλειά.

Why isn’t the subject I stated in Greek?

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

• βάζω = I put
• γυρίζω = I return / I come back

So εγώ is not necessary here. You would only add it for emphasis or contrast:

• Εγώ βάζω το φαγητό... = I’m the one who puts the food...

What does βάζω mean here exactly?

Βάζω literally means I put / I place.

In this sentence, it means I put the food in the microwave. In everyday use, this often implies to heat it up or to warm it.

So the verb is still literally put, but the whole phrase naturally suggests microwaving the food.

Why is it το φαγητό?

Το φαγητό means the food, and here it is the direct object of βάζω.

• βάζω τι; = I put what?
• το φαγητό = the food

Also, φαγητό is a neuter singular noun, so it takes the article το.

A useful thing to know: for many neuter nouns, the nominative and accusative forms look the same, so το φαγητό can be either the food as subject or object depending on the sentence.