ποιον
Wordform Details
Translation: whomwho
Part of Speech: pronoun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ποιος
Translation: who; which; what (pronoun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ποῖος (poîos), an interrogative pronoun. Related to quality-words in many Indo-European languages, including Latin qualis ('of what sort'). The interrogative nature of this word has remained consistent throughout its history, always used to ask about the identity or nature of something or someone.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'poi' (as in the Hawaiian food) + 'os' - 'Who's eating the poi?'
- Sounds a bit like 'point' - when you point at someone and ask 'who?'
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Essential in everyday conversation, used frequently in both formal and informal contexts. Often accompanied by gesture in casual speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ποιος' means 'who/which', 'πως' means 'that/how'
This word:
Ποιος το είπε;
Who said it?
Confused word:
Νομίζω πως έχεις δίκιο.
I think that you are right.
Notes: 'ποιος' is interrogative while 'πως' is typically used in statements
Mnemonic: 'ποιος' has an 'ι' like 'which' has an 'i'