Learn Greek › C1 › μήν
μήν
don't (negative particle used before subjunctive verbs, in prohibitions and commands) /min/
adverbC1#3790 most common
Also: lest, that (after verbs of fear or caution)
Example sentences
Μην ανησυχείς.
Don't worry.
Μην ακουμπάς εκεί, είναι επικίνδυνο.
Don't touch there, it's dangerous.
Μην ξεχάσεις να πάρεις το κλειδί.
Don't forget to take the key.
Πρόσεχε μην πέσεις από τη σκάλα.
Be careful not to fall off the ladder.
Φοβόταν μην τον δει κανείς.
He was afraid that someone might see him.
Έκλεισε την πόρτα σιγά, μην ξυπνήσει το μωρό.
He closed the door quietly, so as not to wake the baby.
Word family
Etymology
Μήν descends from Ancient Greek μή, the particle used to negate wishes, commands, and non-indicative moods, as opposed to οὐ, which negates statements of fact. Speakers later added a final ν before vowels for smoother pronunciation, and this form, μήν, spread into general use. The distinction between μη and μην today is mostly about the sound that follows, not meaning.
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