Θέλω
Thélo/ˈθelo/
The Greek phrase for "I want" is Θέλω (Thélo).
This phrase is used to express a desire or a wish for something.
What does it mean word for word?
Θέλω is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb θέλω, which means "to want" or "to wish".
Which one should you use?
While Θέλω is direct and can sometimes sound blunt or demanding, Θα ήθελα is the more polite and formal way to say "I would like" when ordering or making requests.
How does it change in a sentence?
The way you use Θέλω depends on whether you want an object or an action. To express a desire for a noun (an object), follow Θέλω directly with the noun without the conjunction να (e.g., Θέλω ένα…). To express a desire to perform an action, use Θέλω followed by the conjunction να and the subjunctive form of the second verb (e.g., Θέλω να…).
Did you know?
- When children are spoiled, they might be described as θέλω-θέλω, using the verb as a repetitive adjective to describe someone who always wants everything.
- While θέλω is used for wanting, the word for 'will' or 'desire' as a noun is θέληση. This word is often used in Greek to describe willpower or the strength of character.
- In Modern Greek, θέλω can also mean 'I will' in the sense of 'I intend to'. For example, saying θέλω να πάω can translate to both 'I want to go' and 'I intend to go'.
Examples in context
- Θέλω να σε δω.I want to see you.This is useful for expressing a desire to see someone.Tatoeba #5506781 by Zeus, translation #257078 by CK
- Θέλω να σου πω.I want to tell you.This is useful for expressing a desire to tell someone something.Tatoeba #5104594 by katkat, translation #2011425 by CK
- Θέλω να της πω.I want to tell her.This is useful for expressing a desire to tell a female something.Tatoeba #5568326 by Zeus, translation #3908368 by CH
- Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ.I would like a coffee, please.
- Θέλω ένα βιβλίο.I want a book.
- Επιθυμώ να κλείσω ένα ραντεβού.I desire to make an appointment.
- Θέλω ένα παγωτό!I want ice cream!
- 335 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry θέλω.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
