τότε
Lemma: τότε
Translation: then; at that time; in that case (adverb)
Etymology: Derived from Ancient Greek τότε (tóte), which is formed from the demonstrative pronoun τό (tó, 'that') and the particle τε (te). This temporal adverb has maintained its meaning and form from ancient times, showing remarkable stability across thousands of years of Greek language evolution.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tote' bags that you might have used 'at that time' in the past.
- The 'τό' in τότε sounds like 'toe' - point your toe to the past to indicate 'then'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
A fundamental temporal marker in Greek storytelling and conversation. Often used in reminiscing about the past or in conditional statements to indicate consequences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'τότε' means 'then' or 'at that time', 'πότε' means 'when' (in questions). They sound similar but have different functions - τότε is declarative while πότε is interrogative.
This word:
Τότε ήμουν στην Αθήνα.
I was in Athens then.
Confused word:
Πότε ήσουν στην Αθήνα;
When were you in Athens?
Notes: The stress falls on the first syllable in both words, but the initial consonant changes the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: τότε starts with 'τ' like 'then', while πότε starts with 'π' like 'point in time' (when).
Explanation: While 'τότε' refers to a past or future time ('then'), 'τώρα' refers to the present moment ('now').
Confused word:
Τώρα ζω στην Αθήνα.
Now I live in Athens.
Notes: These two adverbs are often used in contrast to each other to distinguish between past and present.
Mnemonic: τότε has the letter 'τ' twice - think of two points in time (past and present), while τώρα has only one 'τ' - just the present moment.