Questions & Answers about Λαχταράω να δω ξανά τη γιαγιά μου.
Why is it να δω and not να βλέπω here?
Because after να, Greek usually uses the verb form that corresponds to the subjunctive, and in this sentence the speaker means to see the grandmother once / again, not to be seeing her continuously.
- δω is the subjunctive form of βλέπω in the aorist stem.
- να δω = to see
- να βλέπω would suggest something more ongoing, repeated, or habitual, depending on context.
So Λαχταράω να δω ξανά τη γιαγιά μου means I long to see my grandmother again, with the idea of a single future meeting.
Why does the verb βλέπω turn into δω? That seems completely irregular.
Yes, it is irregular, and this is something learners simply have to get used to.
Greek verbs often have:
- a present stem for ongoing actions
- an aorist stem for single/complete actions
For βλέπω:
- present stem: βλεπ-
- aorist stem: δ- / ιδ- depending on the form
That is why:
- βλέπω = I see
- είδα = I saw
- να δω = that I see / to see
This is similar to irregular verb changes in English like go → went, except Greek uses different stems in more places.
What exactly does Λαχταράω mean? Is it just want?