Learn Hardcore Greek: Βασικά, η φίλη μου συμφωνεί μαζί μου, αλλά περιμένει την τελική απάντηση. - Basically, my friend agrees with me, but she is waiting for the final answer.

Βασικά literally comes from the idea of basically or fundamentally. In everyday Greek, it is very commonly used as a discourse word, much like English basically, well, or in essence.

In this sentence, it sets the tone of the statement:

Βασικά = Basically, ...

It can sometimes sound slightly informal or conversational. Greek speakers use it a lot in speech.

Why is there a comma after Βασικά?

The comma separates Βασικά from the main clause because it functions like an introductory word.

So the structure is:

Βασικά, = introductory comment
η φίλη μου συμφωνεί μαζί μου... = main statement

This is similar to English:

Basically, my friend agrees with me...

In informal writing, some people may omit the comma, but using it is standard and helpful.

Why is it η φίλη μου and not μου η φίλη?