Lesson 4.2: First Conjugation Verbs

In this lesson we'll learn about verbs that are classed as the "first conjugation". Verbs in this conjugation can be recognised because their accent falls before the final ω. In the second conjugation the the accent falls before the final syllable. Second conjugation verbs are covered in the next lesson.

The subject pronouns are usually omitted, because the form of the verb indicates the subject. This is common in many languages (Spanish and Italian too I believe). The subject pronoun can be used for emphasis though [citation needed].

Verb Formation

Γράφω is an example of a verb belonging to the first conjugation. The verb ending changes depending on the number and person the verb refers to. The verb endings are appended to the stem. The present tense endings for first conjugation verbs are shown in the table.

There is no infinitive in modern Greek. For naming a verb, the first-person singular of the present tense is used as a generic term. For example, we refer to the verb γράφω, to write.

To summarize the conjugation of a verb, we write it in a table like this:

Audio recording: Modern_greek_1i.ogg
NOTE: This recording was made by a non-native speaker of Greek.
We would be grateful to any native speaker who could redo it.

Common First Conjugation Verbs

The following verbs belong to the first conjugation:

Vocabulary: Audio recording: Modern_greek_1i2.ogg
NOTE: This recording was made by a non-native speaker of Greek.
We would be grateful to any native speaker who could redo it.

Conjugations of some of these verbs: Audio recording: Modern_greek_1i3.ogg
NOTE: This recording was made by a non-native speaker of Greek.
We would be grateful to any native speaker who could redo it.

Summary

• We have TBC

Exercises

Now try the exercise found here.