Want to — θέλω να + subjunctive
Can express wants and desires with θέλω να
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?
The verb θέλω ("I want") expresses desire. Modern Greek has no infinitive: after θέλω you always use να + a conjugated verb (the subjunctive).
| 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) |
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).
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesNo 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