Ένα λεπτό
Ena lepto/ˈe.na leˈpto/word by word
In Greek, 'one moment' is said as Ένα λεπτό (Ena lepto).
You can use this phrase to ask someone to wait or to pause a conversation briefly, similar to how 'one moment' is used in English.
Meaning: Stop, wait (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ένα λεπτό literally translates to 'one minute'.
Which one should you use?
While Ένα λεπτό is a common way to say 'one moment', you may also see Μια στιγμή, which is a more literal translation of the English phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Ena lepto. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek word λεπτό is a cognate of the English word 'leptonic', used in physics to describe very light particles.
- The word λεπτό also means 'thin' or 'fine' in Greek, which is why a 'minute' is viewed as a 'thin' slice of time.
- While Ένα λεπτό means 'one minute', Greeks often use the plural Δύο λεπτά meaning 'two minutes' to signal that the wait will be slightly longer, though it still usually means 'a moment'.
Examples in context
- Στιγμή, παρακαλώ. Χρειάζομαι ένα αντίγραφο του συμβολαίου.One moment, please. I need a copy of the contract.
- Ένα λεπτό, προσπαθώ να το βρω.Éna leptó, prospathó na to vro.One moment, I am trying to find it.
- Ένα λεπτό, θα σας καλέσω αμέσως.Éna leptó, tha sas kaléso amésos.One moment, I will call you immediately.
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are leaving the house.
- Κώστας KostasΠάμε, Μαρία, αργούμε!Páme, María, argoúme!Let's go, Maria, we are late!
- Μαρία MariaΈνα λεπτό, φοράω τα παπούτσια μου.Éna leptó, foráo ta papoútsia mou.One moment, I am putting on my shoes.
- Κώστας KostasΕίμαστε ήδη σε καθυστερήσει.Eímaste ídi se kathystéreisi.We are already running late.
- Μαρία MariaΈτοιμη είμαι, ας φύγουμε.Étoimi eímai, as fýgoume.I am ready, let's leave.
