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"the compass points north" is the correct phrase in english :) "shows" would be understood but it sounds slightly demented..
ο βορράς noun, the north (direction on a compass)
ο Βορράς the North
ο βοριάς/ η τραμουντάνα the north wind
βόρειος adjective north like ο βόρειος πόλος the north pole
So...I had the same question as Lng52, and I have read the answer that kirakrakra gave, but I still do not understand...I know that ο βορράς is the noun "north" so why is it not the word that is used in this phrase? What is βόρεια? Based on the presence of the plural article τα in the sentence and kirakrakra's answer, I am assuming that it is the plural of βόρειος, but if it is an adjective, why is it used in the phrase "The compass points north"? Does Η πυξίδα δείχνει προς τα βόρεια literally mean "The compass shows toward the northerns"? Is that simply how it is said in Greek? (Based on my knowledge of Greek so far, I would have guessed that the phrase should be Η πυξίδα δείχνει προς τo βορρά).
There are many nouns for north
βορράς, ο is a noun, officially used for the north direction of a compass, shortened B. Αληθής βορράς/ True north
βόρεια, τα is the adverb of the adjective βόρειος/ north, northern, used as a substantive: οι άνεμοι που φυσούν από τα βόρεια/ the winds which are blowing from north
βοριάς, ο north, maybe colloq.
I would translate: The compass points north as Η πυξϊδα δείχνει βορρά and
toward north as προς το βορρά/ or προς τα βόρεια/ or προς το βοριά
Hmm, I think I understand better now- it is interesting that Greek can use an adverb in this phrase...I am glad I understood "toward north" correctly as προς το βορρά...if I want to use the alternative with προς τα βόρεια I think I will have to interpret it in my mind as "toward the northerly" (at least for the purpose of my own understand). Anyway, σ'ευχαριστώ!
In a previous sentence I put the verb "point" and didn't accept. As right it sugested me "point to" and now I see the verb "point" without the "to". Why? Thank you!
