παρακαλώ
parakaló/parakaˈlo/
The English word 'please' is translated into Greek as παρακαλώ (parakaló).
παρακαλώ is used as an interjection to make a polite request. It can also be used alone as a polite way to say 'you're welcome' when responding to someone who has thanked you.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Which one should you use?
While παρακαλώ can serve as a response to 'thank you' meaning 'you're welcome', the specific word for 'thank you' itself is ευχαριστώ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form παρακαλώ is considered informal, though the capitalized version Παρακαλώ is the most common way to say please and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
parakaló (/parakaˈlo/)
Did you know?
- In Greece, παρακαλώ is used as a polite way to ask 'Pardon?' or 'What did you say?' when you didn't hear someone.
- In a restaurant, a Greek waiter might say παρακαλώ while placing a plate in front of you, which functions as 'Here you go' rather than 'Please'.
- Because παρακαλώ is a verb, it can be conjugated to change the tense or person, unlike the English 'please' which never changes.
Examples in context
- Σε παρακαλώ, πες μου.Please, tell me.This sentence shows how to use παρακαλώ when asking someone to tell you something.Tatoeba #5358605 by Zeus, translation #38579 by CK
- Σε παρακαλώ, φάε κάτι.Please eat something.This sentence shows how to use παρακαλώ when asking someone to eat.Tatoeba #5457961 by Zeus, translation #402749 by CM
- Σε παρακαλώ, πες κάτι.Please say something.This sentence shows how to use παρακαλώ when asking someone to say something.Tatoeba #5458032 by Zeus, translation #2062887 by CK
- 237 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas is asking Anastasia for a glass of water.
- Κώστας KostasΑναστασία, ένα ποτήρι νερό παρακαλώ.Anastasia, ena potiri nero parakalo.Anastasia, a glass of water please.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΦυσικά, Κώστα. Έρχομαι τώρα.Fysika, Kosta. Erchomai tora.Of course, Kostas. I'm coming now.
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ πολύ!Efcharisto poly!Thank you very much!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠαρακαλώ, ορίστε το νερό σου.Parakalo, oriste to nero sou.You're welcome, here is your water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
