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. Additionally, it functions as the standard response to ευχαριστώ (thank you), much like saying 'you're welcome'.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While παρακαλώ can be used as a polite imperative in both formal and informal contexts, the level of politeness is often specified by adding personal pronouns. The form παρακαλώ itself is tagged as informal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To make a request more direct and personal, typically when speaking with friends or family, you can add the pronoun σε before the word to form σε παρακαλώ (I beg you / please). When addressing a stranger, an elder or a group of people, the standard way to say 'please' is to use σας παρακαλώ (I beg you / please).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is parakaló and the IPA is /parakaˈlo/.
Did you know?
- Greek speakers may use παρακαλώ sarcastically to mean 'go ahead' when they believe the other person is making a mistake or being unreasonable.
- In a restaurant or shop, a server might say παρακαλώ when handing you a bill or a product, which functions as 'here you go' rather than 'please'.
- The word παρακαλώ is built from the Greek roots meaning 'beside' and 'to call'. Historically, it suggests the act of calling someone to your side to make a request.
Examples in context
- Σε παρακαλώ, πες μου.Please, tell me.This example shows how to use παρακαλώ to ask someone to tell you something.Tatoeba #5358605 by Zeus, translation #38579 by CK
- Σε παρακαλώ, φάε κάτι.Please eat something.This example shows how to use παρακαλώ to ask someone to eat something.Tatoeba #5457961 by Zeus, translation #402749 by CM
- Σε παρακαλώ, πες κάτι.Please say something.This example shows how to use παρακαλώ to ask someone to say something.Tatoeba #5458032 by Zeus, translation #2062887 by CK
- Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε, παρακαλώ;Can you help me, please?
- Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ.I would like a coffee, please.
- 237 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki is asking Nikos for help in the kitchen.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΒοήθισέ με λίγο, παρακαλώ.Voíthisé me lígo, parakaló.Help me a bit, please.
- Νίκος NikosΦυσικά, τι θέλεις να κάνω;Fysiká, ti thélis na káno?Of course, what do you want me to do?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠέρασε μου το αλάτι, παρακαλώ.Pérase mou to aláti, parakaló.Pass me the salt, please.
- Νίκος NikosΟρίστε το αλάτι, Κυριάκη.Oríste to aláti, Kyriáki.Here is the salt, Kyriaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
