please
/paˈrakaˈlo/
The word "παρακαλώ" is the standard way to say "please" in Greek. Derived from the verb "παρακαλώ" (to beseech or urge), it carries a sense of polite request. Imagine you are gently asking someone to do something while acknowledging their kindness in advance; it is the essential linguistic "grease" for daily social interactions in Greece. In terms of usage, it is incredibly versatile. It is used to make a request polite, but it is also the standard response to "thank you" (meaning "you're welcome"). Furthermore, it is used as an exclamation to mean "I beg your pardon?" or "Excuse me?" when you haven't heard someone or want to express mild surprise or annoyance at someone's behavior.
In conversation
At a coffee shop
Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ.
A coffee, please.
Ορίστε! Ορίστε και το ρέστα σας.
Here you go! And here is your change.
Used here to turn a direct order into a polite request.
Responding to thanks
Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη βοήθεια.
Thank you very much for the help.
Παρακαλώ, δεν κάνει τίποτα!
You're welcome, it's nothing!
Standard polite response to 'efcharisto'.
Examples
Παρακαλώ, καθίστε.
/paˈrakaˈlo, kaˈθiste/
Please, sit down.
Θα ήθελα ένα ποτήρι νερό, παρακαλώ.
/θa ˈiθela ˈena poˈtiri neˈro, paˈrakaˈlo/
I would like a glass of water, please.
Παρακαλώ, μην επαναλάβετε αυτό το λάθος.
/paˈrakaˈlo, min epanaˈlavete ˈafto to ˈlaθos/
Please, do not repeat this mistake.
