Picture of Tom Jackson
τα μεσάνυχτα
by Tom Jackson - Friday, 13 July 2018, 03:37 AM
  …κι απόψε τα μεσάνυχτα
θα 'ρθω Θεσσαλονίκη
This is an extract from the song “Θεσσαλονίκη”. Why is τα used here? It is a definite article for neutral plural while “μεσάνυχτα” is feminine singular.
Picture of Greg Brush
Re: τα μεσάνυχτα
by Greg Brush - Friday, 13 July 2018, 10:27 AM
 
No, μεσάνυχτα is NOT feminine singular, it is neuter plural -- τα μεσάχυχτα (midnight), which is presented in Lesson 65.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that just because a Greek word ends in α or η that it is automatically feminine. In addition to the neuter singulars ending in α such as μάθημα (L2) and γάλα (L8), most neuter plurals end in α, while some end in η.

For a little more about this issue, take a look at my reply to "Why "Αθηνών" and not "της Αθήνας"?" in this Discussion Forum.

Regards,
Greg Brush