ότι
Wordform Details
Translation: that
Part of Speech: conjunction
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ότι
Translation: that; which; what (conjunction)
Etymology: Derived from Ancient Greek ὅτι (hóti), which was formed from the relative pronoun ὅς (hós, 'who, which') and the particle τι (ti). This conjunction has been used to introduce subordinate clauses since ancient times, showing remarkable continuity in both form and function throughout Greek language history.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ότι' as the Greek equivalent of 'that' which introduces what someone said or thought.
- Remember that 'ότι' connects main clauses to subordinate clauses, like a bridge connecting two islands of thought.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This is one of the most frequently used conjunctions in Greek, essential for forming complex sentences. It's used in everyday speech, formal writing, and appears extensively in news, literature, and academic texts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'ότι' (without comma) means 'that' and introduces a subordinate clause, while 'ό,τι' (with comma) means 'whatever' or 'anything that' and is a relative pronoun.
Confused word:
Θα φάω ό,τι μαγειρέψεις.
I will eat whatever you cook.
Notes: The comma in 'ό,τι' is not pronounced but is written to distinguish it from 'ότι'. This distinction is important in writing but not in speech.
Mnemonic: Remember: no comma for 'that', comma for 'whatever'.
Explanation: 'ότι' and 'πως' can both mean 'that' and are often interchangeable, but 'πως' is slightly more colloquial and common in spoken language.
Confused word:
Νομίζω πως έχεις δίκιο.
I think that you are right.
Notes: In many contexts, these conjunctions are completely interchangeable, but 'ότι' tends to be preferred in formal writing.
Mnemonic: 'ότι' is slightly more formal, 'πως' is more conversational.