παρακαλώ, μπορώ να έχω
parakaló, boró na écho
The English phrase "please, can I have" is translated into Greek as παρακαλώ, μπορώ να έχω (parakaló, boró na écho).
This phrase is a polite way to ask for something or request an item. The component μπορώ να έχω specifically translates to "can I have".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase μπορώ να έχω, the verb μπορώ (can) is followed by the particle να and the subjunctive form of the verb έχω (to have).
How do you pronounce it?
parakaló, boró na écho
Did you know?
- The word παρακαλώ is not just for asking. It is the standard way to say 'you are welcome' after someone thanks you.
- While μπορώ means 'can' or 'to be able to', it shares an ancient history with the word for 'merchant', tracing back to the idea of finding ways to prosper or trade.
- While παρακαλώ is polite, Greeks may use a short, sharp παρακαλώ with a specific tone to express impatience or to say 'excuse me' when pushing through a crowd.
Example conversation
Nikos is at a cafe and asks Kyriaki for a napkin.
- Νίκος NikosΚυριακή, παρακαλώ, μπορώ να έχω μια χαρτοπετσέτα;Kyriáki, parakaló, boró na ékho mia chartopetséta?Kyriaki, please, can I have a napkin?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΒεβαίως, Νίκο, ορίστε.Veváisos, Níko, oríste.Of course, Nikos, here you go.
- Νίκος NikosΕυχαριστώ πολύ!Efcharistó polý!Thank you very much!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠαρακαλώ!Parakaló!You're welcome!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έχω, μπορώ, να, παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
