Numbers and Time in Greek

Overview

Numbers and time expressions are practical A1 vocabulary in Greek. The cardinal numbers (ένα, δύο, τρία...) allow you to count, shop, tell time, and discuss quantities. Importantly, the numbers one through four decline for gender, matching the noun they modify.

The number "one" uses the same forms as the indefinite article: ένας (masculine), μία/μια (feminine), ένα (neuter). "Two" is δύο (invariable). "Three" is τρεις (masculine/feminine) or τρία (neuter), and "four" is τέσσερις (masculine/feminine) or τέσσερα (neuter). From five onward, numbers do not change form.

Telling time uses the construction η ώρα είναι... or simply είναι...: Είναι τρεις η ώρα (It's three o'clock). Days of the week, months, and seasons are essential vocabulary at this level. Days in Greek are: Δευτέρα, Τρίτη, Τετάρτη, Πέμπτη, Παρασκευή, Σάββατο, Κυριακή.

How It Works

Core Concept

Cardinals 0-100, ordinals. Some numbers decline (1-4). Telling time: τι ώρα είναι; Days, months, seasons.

Key Patterns

Greek	English
Είναι τρεις η ώρα.	It's three o'clock.
δύο βιβλία	two books
τρεις άντρες	three men
πρώτη Μαΐου	first of May

Cardinal Numbers 0-20

Number	Greek	Number	Greek
0	μηδέν	11	έντεκα
1	ένα/μία/ένας	12	δώδεκα
2	δύο	13	δεκατρία
3	τρία/τρεις	14	δεκατέσσερα
4	τέσσερα/τέσσερις	15	δεκαπέντε
5	πέντε	16	δεκαέξι
6	έξι	17	δεκαεπτά
7	εφτά / επτά	18	δεκαοχτώ
8	οχτώ / οκτώ	19	δεκαεννιά
9	εννιά / εννέα	20	είκοσι
10	δέκα

Numbers That Decline

Numbers 1-4 change form to match the noun's gender:

	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter
1	ένας	μία/μια	ένα
3	τρεις	τρεις	τρία
4	τέσσερις	τέσσερις	τέσσερα

Telling Time

• Τι ώρα είναι; (What time is it?)
• Είναι τρεις η ώρα. (It is three o'clock.)
• Είναι τρεις και μισή. (It is half past three.)
• Είναι τρεις και τέταρτο. (It is quarter past three.)
• Είναι τέσσερις παρά τέταρτο. (It is quarter to four.)

Days of the Week

Δευτέρα (Monday), Τρίτη (Tuesday), Τετάρτη (Wednesday), Πέμπτη (Thursday), Παρασκευή (Friday), Σάββατο (Saturday), Κυριακή (Sunday).

Examples in Context

Greek	English	Note
Είναι τρεις η ώρα.	It's three o'clock.
δύο βιβλία	two books
τρεις άντρες	three men
πρώτη Μαΐου	first of May

Common Mistakes

Confusing case forms

• Wrong: Using the nominative form where the accusative or genitive is required.
• Right: Match the case to the grammatical function (subject = nominative, object = accusative, possession = genitive).
• Why: Greek case endings carry meaning. Using the wrong case changes the sentence's meaning or makes it ungrammatical.

Translating directly from English

• Wrong: Applying English grammar rules or word order to Greek numbers and time constructions.
• Right: Follow the Greek pattern, even when it differs significantly from English.
• Why: Greek and English express many ideas with fundamentally different structures. Direct translation often produces unnatural or ungrammatical results.

Neglecting agreement

• Wrong: Forgetting to adjust related words (articles, adjectives, pronouns) when using numbers and time.
• Right: Ensure all elements in the phrase agree in gender, number, and case as required.
• Why: Greek is a richly inflected language where agreement is mandatory, not optional.

Usage Notes

At the A1 level, focus on recognizing and producing the most common patterns for numbers and time. You do not need to master every exception yet -- building confidence with regular forms is more valuable at this stage. Pay attention to how native speakers use these patterns in everyday contexts like ordering food, asking for directions, and making small talk.

Greek speakers are generally patient and encouraging with learners. Even if you make mistakes with numbers and time, context usually makes your meaning clear. The key is consistent practice with high-frequency forms, which will become automatic with exposure.

Practice Tips

1. Create personal example sentences: Write 5-10 sentences using numbers and time that relate to your daily life. Personal relevance strengthens memory. For example, describe your morning routine, your family, or your plans for the weekend using the patterns from this lesson.

2. Active listening practice: When watching Greek videos or listening to podcasts, keep a tally of how often you hear numbers and time patterns. Pause and repeat the sentences you hear. This bridges the gap between passive recognition and active production.

3. Progressive difficulty writing: Start with simple sentences, then gradually add complexity. First master the basic pattern, then combine it with other structures you know. Review your sentences after a few days to spot any persistent errors.

Related Concepts

• Case System Introduction -- prerequisite concept that this topic builds upon