Yet another query...

[Ray]

Hi, I am confused again. This time I want to know the distinction between these two phrases. [face=SPIonic] legete touton ton logon [/face] Which means "you speak this word". As compared to [face=SPIonic] legete ton logon[/face] First of all is that correct to say in the first place and if so would that mean "You speak 'a' word" as opposed to "You speak 'this' word".

Also what the heck does [face=SPIonic] touton[/face] or [face=SPIonic] toutouj[/face] mean in the first place?

[klewlis]

Both words are forms of [face=SPIonic]ou(toj[/face], which is simply an adjective meaning "this". In your example [face=SPIonic]touton[/face] is used because it is the masculine accusative singular form, which matches [face=SPIonic]logon[/face]. So, it really just means "this word" as opposed to "a" word, "the" word, or "that" word. In your second example it could be "a word" or "the word", depending on the context.

[Ray]

I get it now. Thanks again.

[Bert]

In your second example it could be "a word" or "the word", depending on the context.

Can it be "a word"? I can't think of a reason why [face=SPIonic] legete ton logon[/face] would be "you speak A word" (Just because I can't think of a reason, does not mean there is no reason. That's why I ask.)

[Paul]

Hi, I am confused again. This time I want to know the distinction between these two phrases. [face=SPIonic] legete touton ton logon [/face] Which means "you speak this word". As compared to [face=SPIonic] legete ton logon[/face]

Hi Ray,

The demonstrative force ('this') of [face=SPIonic]ou(=toj[/face] often refers to something that's already been said. So, "this word" in "you say this word" likely refers to a saying that is known.

There is another demonstrative pronoun - [face=SPIonic]o(/de[/face] - which also means 'this'. But it usually refers to something not yet mentioned. So, [face=SPIonic]le/geij ta/de[/face]
would mean "you speak this (these)" in the sense "you speak as follows".

Cordially,

Paul

[Ray]

Thanks alot guys I'd be really confused now if it were not for you guys.

[klewlis]

In your second example it could be "a word" or "the word", depending on the context.

Can it be "a word"? I can't think of a reason why [face=SPIonic] legete ton logon[/face] would be "you speak A word" (Just because I can't think of a reason, does not mean there is no reason. That's why I ask.)

I think it can, in some cases (someone correct me if I'm wrong). But I should have had just "word". :)