ΠρότασηA1
Want (θέλω να)
Want to — θέλω να + subjunctive
Learning Goal
Can express wants and desires with θέλω να
Exam Skills:Ελληνομάθεια A1 GrammarΕλληνομάθεια A1 Speaking
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Θέλω να μάθω ελληνικά!
I want to learn Greek!
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
"Want" in Greek — θέλω να
The verb θέλω ("I want") expresses desire. Modern Greek has no infinitive: after θέλω you always use να + a conjugated verb (the subjunctive).
Conjugation of θέλω (present)
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| I — εγώ | θέλω |
| you — εσύ | θέλεις |
| he/she/it — αυτός/αυτή/αυτό | θέλει |
| we — εμείς | θέλουμε |
| you (pl) — εσείς | θέλετε |
| they — αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά | θέλουν(ε) |
How it is formed
θέλω + να + verb (subjunctive). The second verb agrees in person too: θέλω να πάω (I want to go), θέλει να πάει (he wants to go).
When it is used
- Wishes: Θέλω να μάθω ελληνικά. (I want to learn Greek.)
- Polite requests: Θέλετε να καθίσετε; (Would you like to sit down?)
- Negation: Δεν θέλω να φύγω ακόμα. (I don't want to leave yet.)
Example sentences with θέλω να
- Θέλω να πιω έναν καφέ. — I want to drink a coffee.
- Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά; — Do you want to go to the cinema?
- Θέλει να μείνει σπίτι σήμερα. — She wants to stay home today.
- Θέλουμε να ταξιδέψουμε στην Ελλάδα. — We want to travel to Greece.
- Δεν θέλω να αργήσω. — I don't want to be late.
No infinitive in Modern Greek! Always use να + conjugated verb: θέλω να μάθω (I want to learn).
Θέλω να μάθω ελληνικά!
I want to learn Greek!
Pattern: θέλω να + verb (subjunctive)
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises