Η σαμπρέλα ξεφουσκώνει, οπότε τη φουσκώνω.

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Breakdown of Η σαμπρέλα ξεφουσκώνει, οπότε τη φουσκώνω.

• τη: it
• η σαμπρέλα: inner tube
• φουσκώνω: to inflate

Questions & Answers about Η σαμπρέλα ξεφουσκώνει, οπότε τη φουσκώνω.

Why is σαμπρέλα feminine, and why do we have η at the beginning?

Σαμπρέλα is a feminine singular noun, so it takes the feminine singular definite article η in the nominative:

• η σαμπρέλα = the inner tube

Greek nouns have grammatical gender, and the article has to match the noun in gender, number, and case.

In this sentence, η σαμπρέλα is the subject of ξεφουσκώνει, so it appears in the nominative case.

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What exactly does σαμπρέλα mean here?

In standard Greek, σαμπρέλα usually means an inner tube (for example, in a bicycle tire or other tire).

Depending on context, people may also use it more loosely for an inflatable ring, but the most standard meaning is inner tube. In this sentence, that meaning fits very naturally because it is something that can lose air and then be inflated again.

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What form is ξεφουσκώνει?