αφού
Lemma: αφού
Translation: since; after; once; now that; given that (conjunction)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀφ' οὗ (aph' hou), literally meaning 'from which' or 'from the time that'. The word combines the preposition ἀπό (apo, 'from') with the relative pronoun οὗ (hou, 'which/whom' in genitive). This temporal-causal conjunction evolved to express both temporal sequence ('after') and logical causation ('since/because'), similar to how English 'since' can mean both 'from a point in time' and 'because'. The contraction from ἀφ' οὗ to αφού mirrors similar phonetic developments in Greek where complex ancient forms simplified into single words.
Example Usage
Αφού τελείωσα τη δουλειά μου, πήγα για καφέ.
After I finished my work, I went for coffee.
Αφού το ξέρεις, γιατί ρωτάς;
Since you know it, why are you asking?
Δεν μπορώ να έρθω αφού έχω δουλειά.
I can't come since I have work.
Αφού τελείωσες τη δουλειά, μπορείς να φύγεις.
Since you finished the work, you can leave.
Αφού δεν θέλεις να έρθεις, θα πάω μόνος μου.
Since you don't want to come, I'll go by myself.
Αφού έφαγα, πήγα για περίπατο.
After I ate, I went for a walk.
Mnemonics
- Think 'Ah, phew!' - after something is done, you say 'ah, phew' in relief
- Remember 'a-FOU' sounds like 'a few' - after a few things happen, you can say 'since'
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Extremely common in both spoken and written Greek. Used in everyday conversation, formal writing, and literature. Often appears at the beginning of sentences to introduce explanations or justifications, which is very typical in Greek discourse patterns.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: αφού expresses certainty about a condition that has occurred or is true, while αν expresses uncertainty or hypothetical situations
Confused word:
Αν έρθεις, θα φάμε μαζί.
If you come, we'll eat together.
Notes: αφού refers to established facts or completed actions, while αν introduces possibilities or conditions
Mnemonic: αφού = 'Ah, phew, it's done!' (certainty), αν = 'And if...?' (uncertainty)