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Nominative Case for Subjects (Masculine, Feminine, Neuter)

The Nominative case marks the subject of a sentence, using gender-specific articles and endings to identify the doer.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The Nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence—the person or thing performing the action.

  • Use Nominative for the subject: 'Ο Γιάννης τρώει' (John is eating).
  • Articles must match the noun's gender: 'Ο' (masc), 'Η' (fem), 'Το' (neut).
  • The verb must agree with the subject's person and number.
Subject (Nominative) + Verb + Object (Accusative)

نظرة عامة

Welcome to the foundation of the Greek language! The Nominative case is your starting point. Think of it as the 'Naming Case.' It is the form of a word you find in a dictionary.
When you want to say who is doing what, you use the Nominative. It identifies the subject of your sentence. In English, we don't change word endings much.
In Greek, we do it all the time. But don't worry! It is like learning a secret code.
Once you know the articles, the rest falls into place. Whether you are ordering a καφές or introducing yourself, you need this. It is the most common case you will use.
Let's dive in and make it simple.

كيف تعمل هذه القاعدة

Greek nouns have genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The Nominative case uses specific articles to show this gender. These articles are like little flags.
They tell you exactly who the subject is. The article always matches the noun in gender and number. If the noun is masculine, the article must be masculine.
It is a team effort! You cannot have one without the other. Usually, the subject comes at the start of a sentence.
However, Greek word order is flexible. Even if the subject moves, the Nominative case stays the same. It is the 'boss' of the sentence.
It controls the verb and sets the scene. Think of it as the lead actor in a play.

نمط التكوين

1
To form the Nominative, follow these three simple steps:
2
Identify the gender of your noun. Is it a man, a woman, or an object?
3
Choose the correct definite article: ο for masculine, η for feminine, or το for neuter.
4
Check the noun's ending to ensure it matches the pattern.
5
Masculine nouns usually end in -ος, -ας, or -ης. Example: ο φίλος (the friend).
6
Feminine nouns usually end in -η or -α. Example: η πόρτα (the door).
7
Neuter nouns usually end in -ο, -ι, or -μα. Example: το παιδί (the child).
8
Yes, there are exceptions, but these cover 90% of what you'll see. It is like a grammar traffic light. Green means go with these endings! Don't overthink it at first. Just look for those signature endings and matching articles.

متى نستخدمها

Use the Nominative case when the noun is the subject. This means the noun is performing the action. For example, in 'The boy runs,' the boy is the subject.
In Greek, that is Ο αγόρι τρέχει. You also use it after the verb 'to be' (είμαι). If you say 'I am a doctor,' the word 'doctor' stays in the Nominative.
Real-world scenarios:
  • Ordering food: Ο καφές είναι καλός (The coffee is good).
  • Introductions: Η Μαρία είναι εδώ (Maria is here).
  • Asking directions: Πού είναι το ξενοδοχείο; (Where is the hotel?).
  • Job interviews: Ο διευθυντής είναι αυστηρός (The director is strict).
It is the 'safe' case. If you are unsure in a conversation, starting with the Nominative is your best bet. Even if you mess up the object later, people will understand who you are talking about!

متى لا نستخدمها

Do not use the Nominative when the noun is receiving the action. That is the job of the Accusative case. For example, if you say 'I drink the coffee,' the coffee is the object.
You wouldn't use the Nominative ο καφές there. You also avoid it after most prepositions like σε (to/in). If you are talking to someone directly, like 'Hey, Nikos!', you use the Vocative case instead.
Think of the Nominative as the 'Subject Zone.' If the noun isn't doing the heavy lifting in the sentence, it probably belongs elsewhere. It is like wearing a tuxedo to the beach; it just doesn't fit the occasion.

الأخطاء الشائعة

One big mistake is forgetting the article. In English, we say 'Bread is good.' In Greek, you must say Το ψωμί είναι καλό. Always use the article! Another trap is mixing up genders. Some words look feminine but are masculine. For example, ο μπαμπάς (the dad) ends in -ας. Don't let the 'a' sound fool you! Also, watch out for neuter nouns ending in -ι. They look like they could be something else, but they are almost always neuter. Even native speakers might slip on a rare word, so don't sweat it. Just remember: Article + Noun = Best Friends Forever. They never go out alone.

مقارنة مع أنماط مشابهة

In English, 'The dog' stays 'The dog' whether it bites a man or a man bites it. In Greek, the word changes! This is the biggest hurdle for English speakers.
In Spanish or French, you have genders, but the noun endings don't change based on their role in the sentence. Greek is more like a puzzle. The Nominative is just one piece.
It contrasts sharply with the Accusative. While Nominative is the 'doer' (ο σκύλος), the Accusative is the 'receiver' (τον σκύλο). Think of the Nominative as the driver of a car.
The Accusative is the passenger. They are in the same car, but they have very different jobs.

أسئلة شائعة

Q

Does every Greek noun have a gender?

Yes, even inanimate objects like 'table' or 'ocean' have a gender.

Q

Can I skip the article ο, η, or το?

Rarely. It sounds very broken if you leave it out. Keep it in!

Q

How do I know the gender of a new word?

Check the ending and the article in your dictionary. It is the only way to be 100% sure.

Q

Is the Nominative always at the start of the sentence?

Usually, but not always. The ending tells you it's the subject, not its position.

Nominative Articles

Gender Article Example
Masculine
Ο
Ο φίλος
Feminine
Η
Η φίλη
Neuter
Το
Το βιβλίο

Meanings

The Nominative case identifies the subject of a sentence, indicating who or what is performing the action or existing in a state.

1

Subject of a verb

The agent performing the action.

“Ο φίλος μου διαβάζει.”

“Η Μαρία μαγειρεύει.”

2

Predicate nominative

Used with linking verbs like 'to be'.

“Αυτός είναι ο δάσκαλος.”

“Η Μαρία είναι φοιτήτρια.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Nominative Case for Subjects (Masculine, Feminine, Neuter)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + Verb
Ο Γιάννης τρέχει
Negative
Δεν + Verb
Ο Γιάννης δεν τρέχει
Question
Verb + Subject?
Τρέχει ο Γιάννης;
Predicate
Subject + είναι + Noun
Αυτός είναι ο Γιάννης

طيف الرسمية

رسمي
Ο κύριος τρώει.

Ο κύριος τρώει. (Describing someone eating.)

محايد
Ο άντρας τρώει.

Ο άντρας τρώει. (Describing someone eating.)

غير رسمي
Ο τύπος τρώει.

Ο τύπος τρώει. (Describing someone eating.)

عامية
Ο τύπος μασάει.

Ο τύπος μασάει. (Describing someone eating.)

Nominative Case Overview

Nominative

Masculine

  • Ο The

Feminine

  • Η The

Neuter

  • Το The
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Ο Γιάννης τρώει.

John is eating.

2

Η Μαρία διαβάζει.

Maria is reading.

1

Το παιδί παίζει έξω.

The child is playing outside.

2

Ο δάσκαλος είναι εδώ.

The teacher is here.

1

Η απόφαση ήταν δύσκολη.

The decision was difficult.

2

Το αυτοκίνητο είναι καινούργιο.

The car is new.

1

Ο καιρός προβλέπεται καλός.

The weather is predicted to be good.

2

Η κατάσταση απαιτεί προσοχή.

The situation requires attention.

1

Ο καθηγητής ανέλυσε το θέμα.

The professor analyzed the topic.

2

Η έρευνα έδειξε αποτελέσματα.

The research showed results.

1

Ο νόμος επιβάλλει κυρώσεις.

The law imposes sanctions.

2

Η θεωρία παραμένει αμφιλεγόμενη.

The theory remains controversial.

سهل الخلط

Nominative Case for Subjects (Masculine, Feminine, Neuter) مقابل Nominative vs Accusative

Learners mix up the subject and object markers.

أخطاء شائعة

✗

Τον Γιάννης τρώει

✓

Ο Γιάννης τρώει

Using Accusative instead of Nominative.
✗

Ο Μαρία τρώει

✓

Η Μαρία τρώει

Wrong gender article.
✗

Το Γιάννης τρώει

✓

Ο Γιάννης τρώει

Wrong gender article.

أنماط الجُمل

Ο/Η/Το ___ είναι ___.

___ τρώει ___.

Είναι ___ ο/η/το ___?

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Ο Γιάννης έρχεται!

Job Interview common

Ο στόχος μου είναι...

Social Media very common

Η μέρα είναι τέλεια.

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة
💡

Check the gender

Always learn the noun with its article to remember the gender.
⚠️

Don't guess

If you don't know the gender, look it up. Don't guess the article.
🎯

Listen to the verb

The verb ending often tells you who the subject is, even if the noun is missing.

Smart Tips

Always memorize the article with the noun.

σκύλος → ο σκύλος

Identify the subject first.

τρώει ο Γιάννης → Ο Γιάννης τρώει

Look for the article to identify the subject.

Γιάννης τρώει → Ο Γιάννης τρώει

النطق

o-AN-tras

Article stress

Articles are usually unstressed and pronounced quickly before the noun.

Statement

Ο Γιάννης τρώει. ↘

Falling intonation for a statement.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

O-H-To, the subject is the pro!

ربط بصري

Imagine a person wearing a shirt with 'O', 'H', or 'To' on it. They are the ones doing the action in the scene.

Rhyme

O, H, To, the subject is the one who goes!

Story

John (Ο Γιάννης) wakes up. He (Ο) drinks coffee. His sister (Η Μαρία) makes breakfast. The toast (Το ψωμί) is ready.

Word Web

ΟΗΤουποκείμενορήμαονομαστική

تحدٍّ

Write 3 sentences about your family using the Nominative case.

ملاحظات ثقافية

Greeks often drop the subject pronoun because the verb ending already shows who is doing it.

Derived from Ancient Greek nominative case.

بدايات محادثة

“

Ποιος είναι αυτός;

“

Τι είναι αυτό;

“

Ποιος μαγειρεύει σήμερα;

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe your family members.
What is on your desk?
Describe your favorite animal.

أخطاء شائعة

Incorrect

صحيح

Incorrect

صحيح

Incorrect

صحيح

Incorrect

صحيح

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct article. اختيار متعدد

___ σκύλος τρέχει.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ο
Σκύλος is masculine.
Fill in the blank.

___ γυναίκα διαβάζει.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Η
Γυναίκα is feminine.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Το άντρας τρώει.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ο άντρας τρώει
Άντρας is masculine.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ο Γιάννης τρώει
Standard order is Subject-Verb.

Score: /4

تمارين تطبيقية

4 exercises
Choose the correct article. اختيار متعدد

___ σκύλος τρέχει.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ο
Σκύλος is masculine.
Fill in the blank.

___ γυναίκα διαβάζει.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Η
Γυναίκα is feminine.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Το άντρας τρώει.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ο άντρας τρώει
Άντρας is masculine.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

τρώει / ο / Γιάννης

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ο Γιάννης τρώει
Standard order is Subject-Verb.

Score: /4

الأسئلة الشائعة (6)

It is the case used for the subject of a sentence.

Usually by the ending of the noun.

Yes, in standard Greek.

The sentence will sound unnatural or incorrect.

No, English doesn't use cases for nouns.

Learn the article with the noun.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

سجّل مجاناً للتدريب

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Subject pronouns

Greek uses articles to show case.

French moderate

Sujet

Greek is more flexible due to cases.

German high

Nominativ

Greek articles are more frequent.

Japanese low

Ga/Wa particle

Greek uses case-inflected articles.

Arabic moderate

Marfu

Greek uses articles; Arabic uses suffixes.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Definite Articles (o, i, to)
Next
Accusative Case for Direct Objects (Singular Nouns)

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