μπορώ
boró/boˈɾo/
The English phrase 'may' (meaning to have permission) is expressed in Greek using μπορώ (boró). Wiktionary also lists επιτρέπεται (epitrépetai).
Meaning: have permission to (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| μπορώ | boró | /boˈɾo/ |
| επιτρέπεται | epitrépetai | /e.piˈtɾe.pe.te/ |
Related words include λευκάκανθα, which refers to the hawthorn bush or its blossom and the abbreviations Μάι or Μαΐ, which are used for the name of the month May.
Which one should you use?
While μπορώ is the common way to say 'may I' or 'can I', επιτρέπεται is a more formal way to express that something is permitted or allowed.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using μπορώ to mean 'may' or 'can' in a sentence, it is almost always followed by the particle να before the infinitive/subjunctive verb. The verb is conjugated depending on the subject: use μπορείς for 'you may/can' (second person singular) and μπορούν for 'they may/can' (third person plural).
How do you pronounce it?
boró
Did you know?
- While μπορώ means 'I can', the word μπορεί can be used alone to mean 'perhaps' or 'maybe'.
- There is a historical 'folk etymology' that links μπορώ to the word ἔμπορος, which means 'merchant'. This creates a mental image of a person who 'can' or 'has the means' to trade.
- Depending on the region, μπορώ can be used to express not just permission, but the physical or mental strength to endure something.
Examples in context
- Μπορώ να μείνω εδώ;May I stay here?This sentence is useful for asking 'May I stay here?' using μπορώ.Tatoeba #5418512 by Zeus, translation #5418171 by CK
- Μπορώ να έχω λίγο νερό;May I have some water?This sentence is useful for asking 'May I have some water?' using μπορώ.Tatoeba #5522007 by Zeus, translation #5282482 by CK
- Μπορώ να φέρω ένα φίλο;May I bring a friend?This sentence is useful for asking 'May I bring a friend?' using μπορώ.Tatoeba #10673843 by amoeba, translation #10666120 by sundown
- Τις ευχές μου για έναν υπέροχο Μάιο!My wishes for a wonderful May!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria is asking Nikos if she can use his pen.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, μπορώ να χρησιμοποιήσω το στυλό σου;Niko, boró na chrisogimíso to styló sou?Nikos, may I use your pen?
- Νίκος NikosΒεβαίως, Μαρία, πάρε το.Vevéos, María, páre to.Of course, Maria, take it.
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ! Μπορώ να το κρατήσω για λίγο;Efcharistó! Boró na to kratíso gia lígo?Thank you! May I keep it for a while?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, απλώς φέρ' το πίσω αργότερα.Ne, aplós fér' to píso argótera.Yes, just bring it back later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “may” translations and entries μπορώ, επιτρέπεται, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μπορώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
