Greek Verbs Conjugation in Group B
Group B verbs, with their stressed -ώ endings, split into two flavors: B1 (e.g., μιλώ) and B2 (e.g., μπορώ). This guide covers both, plus the αγαπώ vs. αγαπάω debate—perfect for beginners moving beyond Group A (e.g., τρέχω).
What Are Group B Verbs? 🧐
Group B verbs are active voice verbs ending in -ώ in the first person singular present tense, with stress on the ending (e.g., μιλώ). They divide into:
- B1: Common verbs with dual forms (e.g., μιλώ/μιλάω).
- B2: A rare handful closer to Group A patterns (e.g., μπορώ).
Group B1 Verbs
Most Group B verbs are B1. Find the stem (e.g., μιλ- from μιλώ) and add these endings:
| Subject | Ending | Example: μιλώ (to speak) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Εγώ (I) | -ώ | μιλώ | miló |
| Εσύ (You) | -άς | μιλάς | milás |
| Αυτός (He/She/It) | -ά | μιλά | milá |
| Εμείς (We) | -άμε | μιλάμε | miláme |
| Εσείς (You pl.) | -άτε | μιλάτε | miláte |
| Αυτοί (They) | -ούν | μιλούν | milún |
Dual Forms
B1 verbs often have two options:
- Εγώ: μιλώ or μιλάω
- Αυτός: μιλά or μιλάει
- Αυτοί: μιλούν or μιλάνε
Common B1 Verbs
| Greek Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| μιλάω/μιλώ | to speak |
| πεινάω/πεινώ | to be hungry |
| διψάω/διψώ | to be thirsty |
| κολυμπάω/κολυμπώ | to swim |
| ζητάω/ζητώ | to ask for |
| φωνάζω/φωνώ | to shout |
Group B2 Verbs
B2 verbs also end in -ώ, but their endings mimic Group A (e.g., τρέχω) more closely. Only seven exist—memorize them:
| Subject | Ending | Example: μπορώ (to be able) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Εγώ (I) | -ώ | μπορώ | boró |
| Εσύ (You) | -είς | μπορείς | boreís |
| Αυτός (He/She/It) | -εί | μπορεί | boréi |
| Εμείς (We) | -ούμε | μπορούμε | boroúme |
| Εσείς (You pl.) | -είτε | μπορείτε | boreíte |
| Αυτοί (They) | -ούν | μπορούν | borún |
Subscribe for more free lessons
The Seven B2 Verbs
| Greek Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| αργώ | to slow down |
| ζω | to live |
| μπορώ | to be able |
| οδηγώ | to drive |
| συγχωρώ | to forgive |
| τηλεφωνώ | to call |
| χρησιμοποιώ | to use |
Αγαπώ or Αγαπάω?
B1 verbs like αγαπώ (to love) spark chatter:
- Roots: From ancient ἀγαπῶ (contracted) and ἀγαπάω (uncontracted)—both mean “I love you.”
- Vibes: Natives say they’re equal, like “can’t” vs. “cannot.” Some call αγαπάω poetic or casual (Southern Greek), αγαπώ formal or regional (Northern).
Note
Tip: B1 verbs are “contracted verbs” (συνηρημένα)—e.g., φωνάζω → φωνώ (α+ω = ω). Contraction’s optional today.
Key Differences: Group A vs. Group B
| Group | Accent Example | Romanization | Translation | Endings Example | Romanization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | τρέχω | trécho | I run | -ω, -εις, -ει | -o, -is, -i |
| Group B1 | μιλώ | miló | I speak | -ώ, -άς, -ά | -ó, -ás, -á |
| Group B2 | μπορώ | boró | I can | -ώ, -είς, -εί | -ó, -ís, -í |
Practical Examples and Exercises
Example Sentences
- Εγώ φωνάζω δυνατά. (Egó fonázo dynáta.) – I shout loudly.
- Εσύ ζητάς βοήθεια. (Esý zitás voíthia.) – You ask for help.
- Αυτός οδηγεί γρήγορα. (Aftós odigí grígora.) – He drives fast.
- Εμείς κολυμπάμε στη θάλασσα. (Emeís kolympáme sti thálassa.) – We swim in the sea.
Exercises
- Conjugate ζητάω (to ask for) in present tense.
- Use πεινάω (to be hungry) in a sentence for “he.”
- Fill in: Ο Πέτρος ______ (τηλεφωνώ) στον φίλο του.
- Translate: Εμείς χρησιμοποιούμε το αυτοκίνητο.
Next Steps
Got Group B? Try Group A verbs (opens in a new window) or pair with pronouns (opens in a new window)!
Subscribe for more free lessons
