Μπορώ να πληρώσω;
boro na pliroso?
To ask can I pay? In Greek, say Μπορώ να πληρώσω.
Μπορώ να πληρώσω asks directly whether you are able or allowed to pay. To signal you are ready to pay in a restaurant or shop, Θα ήθελα να πληρώσω, I would like to pay, is more common and polite.
What does it mean word for word?
Μπορώ means I can, να means to and πληρώσω means I pay.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized, it reads boro na pliroso.
Did you know?
- In Greece, paying the bill is often a point of contention among friends, where people may 'fight' or insist on paying for everyone as a gesture of honor.
- In many traditional Greek tavernas, you will not be brought the bill until you explicitly ask for it, as pushing the check onto a guest is considered rude and rushed.
- The word μπορώ actually comes from the Ancient Greek word εὐπορέω, which meant 'to thrive' or 'to prosper'.
Example conversation
At a small cafe counter.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σου Μαρία, μπορώ να πληρώσω;Yia sou María, boró na pliróso;Hi Maria, can I pay?
- Μαρία MariaΦυσικά, Γιώργο. Είναι δέκα ευρώ.Fysiká, Yórgo. Eínai déka evró.Of course, Giorgos. It is ten euros.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΟρίστε τα χρήματα.Oríste ta chrímata.Here is the money.
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ πολύ!Efcharistó polý!Thank you very much!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπορώ, να, CC BY-SA 4.0.
