μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ
boro na echo parakalo
In Greek, "please, may I have" is said as μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ (boro na echo parakalo).
The phrase μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ is used to sound polite when requesting an item in a shop or when ordering food in a restaurant.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "can I have please": μπορώ means "I can", να έχω means "to have" and παρακαλώ means "please".
Which one should you use?
You can also use the more formal Θα μπορούσα να έχω, παρακαλώ. (Could I have, please?) or the more informal Μπορώ να πάρω, παρακαλώ. (Can I get, please?).
How do you pronounce it?
boro na echo parakalo
Did you know?
- The word παρακαλώ is a versatile phrase that also serves as the standard response for 'you are welcome' after someone says 'thank you'.
- The word μπορώ originally comes from a term meaning 'to thrive' or 'to prosper'. It evolved from describing someone's ability to find the means to succeed into a general word for 'can'.
- In Greek culture, if you use παρακαλώ while making a request, it is common to accompany the phrase with a slight nod or a soft tone to emphasize the politeness.
Example conversation
Elena is at a cafe ordering from Nikos.
- Ελένη EleniΓεια σου Νίκο, μπορώ να έχω παρακαλώ έναν καφέ;Ya sou Níko, boró na écho parakaló énan kafé?Hello Nikos, may I have a coffee, please?
- Νίκος NikosΒεβαίως, Ελένη. Θέλεις γάλα;Vevéos, Eléni. Thélis gála?Of course, Elena. Do you want milk?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, παρακαλώ.Ne, parakaló.Yes, please.
- Νίκος NikosΟρίστε ο καφές σου.Oríste o kafés sou.Here is your coffee.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries έχω, μπορώ, να, παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
