ένας
Wordform Details
Translation: aone
Part of Speech: article/numeral
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ένας
Translation: a; an; one (indefinite article)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek εἷς (heîs) meaning 'one'. It evolved from the cardinal number for 'one' to become the indefinite article in Modern Greek. This development parallels how the English indefinite article 'a/an' evolved from the Old English word 'ān' (one).
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ένας' as 'a-nas' to remember it means 'a' or 'an'
- The 'en' in 'ένας' sounds like the 'one' in English, which is one of its meanings
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Unlike English, Greek has three grammatical genders (masculine, feminine, and neuter), so the indefinite article changes form accordingly: 'ένας' (masculine), 'μια' (feminine), and 'ένα' (neuter). It's used similarly to English 'a/an' but with more inflection for case and gender.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ένας' is the indefinite article (a/an) while 'ο' is the definite article (the). 'Ένας' introduces something not previously mentioned or not specific, while 'ο' refers to something specific or already mentioned.
This word:
Αγόρασα ένα βιβλίο.
I bought a book.
Confused word:
Αγόρασα το βιβλίο.
I bought the book.
Notes: Unlike English, Greek articles must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.
Mnemonic: 'Ένας' starts with 'ε' like 'any' - it's indefinite. 'Ο' is shorter like 'the' - it's definite.
Explanation: 'Ένας' means 'one' as a number or indefinite article, while 'πρώτος' means 'first' as an ordinal number.
This word:
Έχω ένα αδερφό.
I have one brother.
Confused word:
Είναι ο πρώτος μου αδερφός.
He is my first brother.
Notes: 'Ένας' is used for counting, while 'πρώτος' indicates position in a sequence.
Mnemonic: Think of 'πρώτος' as 'prototypical' - the first of its kind.