μπορώ να έχω
boro na echo
The English phrase "can I have" is translated into Greek as μπορώ να έχω (boro na echo).
Use this phrase as a polite way to ask for something or to request permission to receive an item. To ensure your request sounds polite rather than demanding, it is highly recommended to add παρακαλώ (please) to the end of the phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb μπορώ (I can/am able), the particle να (to) and the verb έχω (I have).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the first-person singular form of the verb μπορώ, which is appropriate for the speaker making the request.
How do you pronounce it?
boro na echo
Did you know?
- The verb έχω does not just mean 'to have' an object, but is also used in Greek to express feelings or conditions, such as 'having' hunger or thirst.
- The word μπορώ evolved from the Ancient Greek εὐπορέω, which originally meant 'to thrive' or 'to find means'.
- Adding παρακαλώ to μπορώ να έχω is a double-duty word, as it means both 'please' and 'you are welcome'.
Examples in context
- Μπορώ να έχω μια σόδα, παρακαλώ;Can I have some soda, please?This sentence is useful for requesting a soda using μπορώ να έχω.Tatoeba #5512686 by Zeus, translation #5506623 by confusedchild02
- Μπορώ να έχω τη ζάχαρη, παρακαλώ;Can I have the sugar, please?This sentence is useful for requesting sugar using μπορώ να έχω.Tatoeba #5423311 by Zeus, translation #5367100 by Mateon1
- Μπορώ να έχω ένα φλυτζάνι με πάγο, παρακαλώ;Can I have a cup with ice please?This sentence is useful for requesting a cup with ice using μπορώ να έχω.Tatoeba #1498133 by glavkos, translation #434360 by lukaszpp
- Γεια σας! Θα μπορούσα να έχω μια κούπα καφέ, παρακαλώ;Hello! Can I have a cup of coffee, please?
- Γεια! Μπορώ να πάρω ένα παγωτό;Hi! Can I have an ice cream?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are at a cafe.
- Μαρία MariaΜπορώ να έχω το μενού, παρακαλώ;Boró na écho to menú, parakaló?Can I have the menu, please?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΒεβαίως, Μαρία, ορίστε το μενού.Vevéos, María, oríste to menú.Of course, Maria, here is the menu.
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ, Δημήτρη. Μπορώ να έχω και ένα νερό;Efcharistó, Dimítri. Boró na écho kai éna neró?Thank you, Dimitris. Can I also have a water?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΦυσικά, θα στο φέρω τώρα.Fysiká, tha sto féro tóra.Naturally, I will bring it to you now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έχω, μπορώ, να, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
