ρωτώ
rotó/ɾoˈto/
The English verb 'ask' can be translated into Greek as ρωτώ (rotó).
The verb ρωτώ is used specifically when you are requesting information or an answer. If you want to ask for an object or request an action, you should use a different verb, ζητώ.
Meaning: request an answer (verb)
Which one should you use?
The standard form is ρωτώ, but you may also see the alternative form ρωτάω. While ρωτώ is the default, ρωτάω is a common way to express the same meaning. It is important to distinguish ρωτώ from ζητώ, which means to ask for or to demand an object or an action.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Ρωτώ is used in some dialects or local variations spoken in certain regions of Greece.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'to ask someone something', the verb ρωτώ takes the accusative case for both the person being asked and the thing being asked (ρωτάω κάποιον κάτι). Additionally, the noun for 'a question' is ερώτηση.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɾoˈto/ (rotó).
Did you know?
- The Greek word for 'question' ερώτηση comes from the same root as 'erotic', though in Greek it simply refers to any inquiry and lacks the sexual connotation found in English.
- If you use ρωτώ instead of ζητώ when ordering at a restaurant, you might accidentally tell the waiter, 'I am requesting an answer from the soup'.
- Greek has a distinct word for 'asking' in a prayer or a plea that differs from both ρωτώ and ζητώ, often using the root for 'begging'.
Examples in context
- Πώς να ζητήσω βοήθεια;How to ask for help?
- Ρώτησέ με ό,τι θέλεις.Ask me anything you want.
- Πού ρωτάς τέτοιες ερωτήσεις;Where do you ask such questions?
- Θέλω να σε ρωτήσω κάτι.I want to ask you something.
- Τον ρωτώ για την ώρα.Ton roto gia tin ora.I am asking him for the time.
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are at a train station.
- Νίκος NikosΣε ρωτώ, πού είναι το τρένο;Se roto, pou einai to treno?I'm asking you, where is the train?
- Ελένη EleniΕίναι στην πρώτη αποβάθρα, Νίκο.Einai stin proti apovathra, Niko.It is on the first platform, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Ελένη.Efcharisto poly, Eleni.Thank you very much, Eleni.
- Ελένη EleniΠαρακαλώ, καλό ταξίδι!Parakalo, kalo taxidi!You're welcome, have a good trip!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ρωτώ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
