Η αποστράγγιση είναι σημαντική.

to be

Breakdown of Η αποστράγγιση είναι σημαντική.

• σημαντικός: important
• η αποστράγγιση: drainage

Questions & Answers about Η αποστράγγιση είναι σημαντική.

Why does the sentence start with Η?

Η is the feminine singular form of the definite article, basically the. Greek uses the definite article more often than English, including with abstract or general nouns, so Η αποστράγγιση is normal even if English might simply say drainage. It also tells you that the noun is feminine.

How do I know that αποστράγγιση is feminine?

You know from two clues here: the article Η and the adjective form σημαντική, both of which are feminine singular. Also, nouns ending in -ηση are very often feminine in Greek. Like many Greek nouns, its gender is something you learn together with the word.

Why is it σημαντική and not σημαντικός or σημαντικό?

Greek adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case. Since αποστράγγιση is feminine singular, the adjective must also be feminine singular: σημαντική. If the noun were masculine, you would use σημαντικός; if neuter, σημαντικό.

What exactly is είναι here?