Σε is one of the most versatile words in Greek. It locates where something happens in time or space.
- σε έναν φούρνο
- σε μια χώρα
- σε ένα τραπέζι
- σε δύο ώρες
In English, we need lots of different words to convey this meaning:
- at a bakery
- to a country
- on a table
- in two hours
In fact, you’ve seen this word a few times already, in phrases like στο καφέ, στο περίπτερο or στο ξενοδοχείο.
When σε appears directly before a noun, or with one of the indefinite articles έναν/μια/ένα, it stays as σε.
When σε appears before one of the definite articles τον/την/το, the two words combine:
| σε + τον = | στον |
| σε + τη(ν) = | στη(ν) |
| σε + το | στο |
Note that with the final ν in στην is only used before vowels and some consonants (κ π τ ψ ξ γκ μπ ντ ).
Thus, we have:
- στον φούρνο (at the bakery)
- στη χώρα (to the country)
- στο τραπέζι (on the table)
Where is…?
Remember how to ask ‘Where are you from?’
The πού from Από πού είσαι; can be used to make lots of questions, such as
- Πού είναι…; (Where is (person/thing)?) or
- Πού είσαι; (Where are you)?
Take a look at the list of questions at the top of page 62 in Ελληνικά Τώρα 1+1 and see how many you can understand. Look up any words you have forgotten.
All of these questions can be answered with phrases starting with στον, στην, or στο.
George Plamantouras has created a great video for you to practice answering πού questions with στον, στην, and στο. Don’t worry about understanding the names of places the star is in – what’s important is recognising the rhythm of the question and answer Πού είναι…; and Είναι στον/στην/στο…
Try completing the exercises on the bottom of page 62.
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