μπορώ να έχω
The English phrase "may I have" is translated into Greek as μπορώ να έχω.
μπορώ να έχω is a direct translation of "may I have". However, in many service situations, such as when ordering in a restaurant, Greek speakers often use Θα ήθελα (I would like) instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb μπορώ (I can/may), the particle να (to) and the verb έχω (I have).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Θα μπορούσα να έχω is a more polite version, meaning "Could I have". In formal contexts, Θα μπορούσα να έχω can mean "Could I have" and Θα ήθελα να πάρω can mean "I would like to take/have". For informal situations, Μπορώ να πάρω means "Can I take/have".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Greek, questions are formed by using a rising intonation at the end of the sentence rather than changing the word order.
Did you know?
- The word μπορώ in μπορώ να έχω comes from the Ancient Greek word εὐπορέω, which meant 'to thrive' or 'to prosper'.
- While 'may I have' is a common request in English, using the literal μπορώ να έχω in a Greek restaurant might sound slightly more like you are asking for permission to possess the item rather than requesting service.
- If you use the polite version Θα μπορούσα να έχω, you are technically using the conditional mood, which adds a layer of distance and respect in Greek social interactions.
Examples in context
- Μπορώ να έχω λίγο νερό;May I have some water?This sentence is useful for asking for water with μπορώ να έχω.Tatoeba #5522007 by Zeus, translation #5282482 by CK
- Μπορώ να έχω ένα απ' αυτά;May I have one of these?This sentence is useful for asking for one of something with μπορώ να έχω.Tatoeba #5522008 by Zeus, translation #5282481 by CK
- Μπορώ να έχω την προσοχή σας, παρακαλώ;May I have your attention, please?This sentence is useful for asking for someone's attention with μπορώ να έχω.Tatoeba #2842605 by glavkos, translation #22084 by CK
- Θα μπορούσα να έχω ένα μπουκάλι νερό, παρακαλώ;Could I have a bottle of water, please?
- Θα ήθελα να πάρω ένα μενού, παρακαλώ.I would like to have a menu, please.
- Μπορώ να πάρω ένα λεμόνι, παρακαλώ;Can I have a lemon, please?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas is ordering a coffee at a cafe where Kyriaki works.
- Κώστας KostasΓεια σας, μπορώ να έχω έναν καφέ;Geia sas, boro na echo enan kafe?Hello, may I have a coffee?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΒεβαίως, Κώστα. Θέλεις γάλα;Vevaios, Kosta. Thelis gala?Of course, Kostas. Do you want milk?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, παρακαλώ. Μπορώ να έχω και μια χαρτοπετσέτα;Nai, parakalo. Boro na echo kai mia chartopetseta?Yes, please. May I also have a napkin?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΟρίστε, εδώ είναι ο καφές σου.Oriste, edo einai o kafes sou.Here you go, here is your coffee.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έχω, μπορώ, να, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
