μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ
bporó na ého parakaló
The English phrase "can I please have" is translated into Greek as μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ (bporó na ého parakaló).
This phrase is a polite way to ask for something or request an item. However, while it is grammatically correct, it sounds slightly translated from English and is less common in natural Greek than other methods of requesting items.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of μπορώ (can/am able), να (a particle used to link verbs, similar to 'to'), έχω (to have) and παρακαλώ (please).
Which one should you use?
A more natural and common way to say "can I please have" when ordering food or requesting something in a shop is Θα ήθελα, παρακαλώ, which means "I would like, please".
How do you pronounce it?
bporó na ého parakaló
Did you know?
- While παρακαλώ means 'please', it is also the standard way to say 'you are welcome' after someone says thank you.
- The word μπορώ originally meant 'to thrive' or 'to prosper' in Ancient Greek before it evolved into the modern meaning of 'to be able'.
- Greek speakers often omit the word παρακαλώ entirely if they use a polite tone of voice and a slight nod of the head.
Examples in context
- Μπορώ να έχω ένα τσάι, παρακαλώ;Can I please have a tea?
- Θα μπορούσα να πάρω λίγο νερό, παρακαλώ;Could I please have some water?
- Μπορώ να πάρω ένα μπισκότο, παρακαλώ;Can I please have a cookie?
- Θα το πάρω το ψωμί, παρακαλώ;I'll take the bread, please.
Example conversation
At a cafe counter.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σας, μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ έναν καφέ;Ya sas, boró na ékho parakaló énan kafé?Hello, can I please have a coffee?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΦυσικά, Δημήτρη. Θέλεις γάλα στον καφέ;Fysiká, Dimítri. Thélis gála ston kafé?Of course, Dimitris. Do you want milk in the coffee?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, παρακαλώ.Ne, parakaló.Yes, please.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΟρίστε ο καφές σου, Δημήτρη.Oríste o kafés sou, Dimítri.Here is your coffee, Dimitris.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έχω, μπορώ, να, παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
