κλείσε την πόρτα
kleise tin porta
The English phrase "close the door" is translated into Greek as κλείσε την πόρτα (kleise tin porta).
The phrase is used as a request or a command to move a door to a shut position. You can make the request more polite by adding παρακαλώ, which means "please".
Which one should you use?
The form κλείσε την πόρτα is used when addressing one person informally. In contrast, Κλείστε την πόρτα is used when addressing multiple people or when you wish to be formal with a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative verb changes from the singular κλείσε to the plural/polite κλείστε depending on who you are addressing. Additionally, if you are using the phrase within a subordinate clause, such as "I want you to close the door", the verb changes to the subjunctive form να κλείσεις την πόρτα.
How do you pronounce it?
kleise tin porta
Did you know?
- The verb κλείνω is used not only to 'close' a door but also to 'book' a hotel room or 'reserve' a table at a restaurant.
- The word πόρτα entered the language through Byzantine Greek, having been borrowed from the Latin word 'porta'.
- The word την in this phrase is a remnant of the Ancient Greek system of noun cases, specifically the accusative case, which has survived for millennia.
Examples in context
- Σε παρακαλώ, κλείσε την πόρτα.Please close the door.This sentence is useful for practicing how to politely ask someone to κλείσε την πόρτα.Tatoeba #5634300 by Zeus, translation #495838 by CK
- Κλείστε την πόρτα παρακαλώ. Ευχαριστώ.Please close the door. Thank you.
- Κλείσε την πόρτα, φίλε. Ευχαριστώ!Close the door, friend. Thank you!
- Παρακαλώ, κλείσε την πόρτα τώρα.Parakalo, klise tin porta tora.Please, close the door now.
Example conversation
In a living room where a draft is coming in.
- Νίκος NikosΚάνει κρύο, κλείσε την πόρτα.Kanei kryo, klise tin porta.It is cold, close the door.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, αμέσως, Νίκο.Ne, amesos, Niko.Yes, right away, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΕυχαριστώ, Αναστασία.Efcharisto, Anastasia.Thank you, Anastasia.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠαρακαλώ.Parakalo.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πόρτα, την, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
