παρακαλώ

Greek phrasebook

This entry is part of the phrasebook project, which presents criteria for inclusion based on utility, simplicity and commonness. For other Greek entries on this topic, see Basic.

• παρακαλάω (parakaláo) (colloquial or for emphasis)

Inherited from Koine Greek παρακαλῶ (parakalô, “beseech, entreat”), ancient sense: "invite", contracted form of Ancient Greek παρακαλέω (parakaléō). By surface analysis, παρα- (para-) +‎ καλώ (kaló, “call”).

• IPA^(key): /parakaˈlo/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: πα‧ρα‧κα‧λώ
• Interrogative sense:

  Audio:

  (file)

παρακαλώ • (parakaló)

1. please

   Φέρε μου, σε παρακαλώ, έναν καφέ.

   Fére mou, se parakaló, énan kafé.

   Bring me some coffee, please.

2. you're welcome, it's nothing (response to being thanked)
3. (interrogative)
   1. can I help you?
   2. (on answering the telephone, or not understanding) hello? excuse me?

παρακαλάω / παρακαλώ, -άς, -άει... • (parakaláo / parakaló, -ás, -áei...) (imperfect παρακαλούσα/παρακάλαγα, past παρακάλεσα, passive παρακαλιέμαι, p‑past παρακαλέστηκα)

1. (not formal) request, beg, plead

Not formal:

Formal:

• δεν κάνει τίποτα (den kánei típota, “it's nothing, you're welcome”) (colloquial, not to be used in usual dialogues)

παρακαλώ, -είς, -εί... • (parakaló, -eís, -eí...) (imperfect παρακαλούσα, past παρακάλεσα, passive παρακαλούμαι, p‑past παρακλήθηκα)

1. (formal) request, beg, plead

   Οι επιβάτες παρακαλούνται να μην καπνίζουν.

   Oi epivátes parakaloúntai na min kapnízoun.

   Passengers are requested not to smoke.

• ευχαριστώ (efcharistó, “thank you”)