Ξυρίζομαι το πρωί πριν από τη δουλειά.

the work

Breakdown of Ξυρίζομαι το πρωί πριν από τη δουλειά.

• το πρωί: in the morning
• πριν από: before
• ξυρίζω: to shave

Questions & Answers about Ξυρίζομαι το πρωί πριν από τη δουλειά.

Why is it ξυρίζομαι and not ξυρίζω?

Ξυρίζομαι is the mediopassive form, and in this sentence it has a reflexive sense: I shave myself.

This is very common in Greek with personal-care actions. Greek often uses the mediopassive where English uses myself or simply an ordinary verb.

• ξυρίζω = I shave someone/something
• ξυρίζομαι = I shave myself / I get shaved

So here, ξυρίζομαι is the natural form for talking about shaving yourself.

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Does ξυρίζομαι mean I shave or I am shaving?

It can mean either, depending on context.

This is the present tense in Greek, and the Greek present often covers both:

• a habitual meaning: I shave in the morning before work
• an ongoing meaning: I’m shaving in the morning before work

In this sentence, because of the time expression, it most naturally sounds like a habit/routine.

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Why is there no word for I in the sentence?