έναν καφέ παρακαλώ
énan kafé parakaló
To say 'coffee please' in Greek, you say έναν καφέ παρακαλώ (énan kafé parakaló).
This phrase is a polite way to order a coffee from a server or barista. While English speakers often say 'coffee please', it is more natural in Greek to include the number 'one' by using έναν καφέ παρακαλώ.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'one coffee please'. It consists of έναν (one), καφέ (coffee) and παρακαλώ (please).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Thessaloniki, the expression Έναν καφέ παρακαλώ is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word παρακαλώ functions as both the word for 'please' and the first-person singular verb meaning 'I beg' or 'I request'.
How do you pronounce it?
énan kafé parakaló
Did you know?
- In Greek coffee culture, simply saying Έναν καφέ παρακαλώ is often insufficient because you must specify the type of coffee, such as whether it is 'sketos' (plain) or 'metrios' (medium sweet).
- The phrase παρακαλώ is used not only for 'please' but is also the standard response to 'thank you', meaning 'you are welcome'.
- In Greece, ordering έναν καφέ is often just the start of a long social ritual where the coffee is sipped slowly over several hours.
Examples in context
- Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ παρακαλώ.Tha ithela enan kafe parakalo.I would like a coffee, please.
- Μπορείτε να μου φέρετε έναν καφέ παρακαλώ;Mporite na mou ferete enan kafe parakalo;Can you bring me a coffee, please?
Example conversation
A man is working as a barista in a small cafe.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚαλημέρα, έναν καφέ παρακαλώ.Kalimera, enan kafe parakalo.Good morning, a coffee please.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚαλημέρα σας, τι είδους καφέ θέλετε;Kalimera sas, ti eidos kafe thelete;Good morning, what kind of coffee do you want?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈναν φρέντο εσπρέσο παρακαλώ.Enan fredo espresso parakalo.A freddo espresso, please.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΒεβαίως, θα έρθει αμέσως.Vevaios, tha erthei amesos.Of course, it will come immediately.
