Breakdown of Η μικρή θέλει έναν χρωματιστό χαρταετό.
θέλω
to want
ένας
one
η μικρή
the little girl
χρωματιστός
colorful
Questions & Answers about Η μικρή θέλει έναν χρωματιστό χαρταετό.
What does each word in Η μικρή θέλει έναν χρωματιστό χαρταετό do?
A word-by-word breakdown is:
- Η = the for a feminine singular noun in the nominative case
- μικρή = small / little; here it means the little girl / the little one
- θέλει = wants
- έναν = a / one for a masculine singular noun in the accusative case
- χρωματιστό = colored / colorful
- χαρταετό = kite
So the structure is basically:
- subject: Η μικρή
- verb: θέλει
- object: έναν χρωματιστό χαρταετό
Why does μικρή mean the little girl and not just small?
Because in Greek, an adjective can be used on its own with the article and function like a noun.
So:
- η μικρή literally looks like the little one
- in natural English, this often becomes the little girl, the younger girl, or the young one, depending on context
This is very common in Greek. Similar examples are:
- ο μεγάλος = the big one / the older man / the elder
- η ξανθιά = the blonde woman / blonde girl
- ο μικρός = the little boy / the young one
So μικρή is still an adjective in form, but here it is being used substantively.
Why is it and not or ?