παρακαλώ καθίστε
parakaló kathíste
The English phrase "please sit down" is translated into Greek as παρακαλώ καθίστε (parakaló kathíste).
Meaning: please sit down (phrase)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the variation Καθίστε, παρακαλώ, which is a common way to politely ask someone to take a seat in a formal setting. For informal situations, the phrase Κάτσε, παρακαλώ is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form καθίστε is the second-person plural imperative. In Greek, this form is used when addressing multiple people, but it is also used when addressing a single person in a polite or formal context.
How do you pronounce it?
parakaló kathíste
Did you know?
- The word παρακαλώ is not only used for 'please' but is also the standard way to say 'you are welcome' in response to 'thank you'.
- The word παρακαλώ is derived from the ancient Greek παρακαλέω, which originally meant to 'beseech' or 'entreat' someone.
- Depending on the tone, παρακαλώ can be used by a parent or teacher to firmly tell a child to stop a behavior, effectively meaning 'please stop it now'.
Examples in context
- Καθίστε, παρακαλώ. Είμαστε έτοιμοι να ξεκινήσουμε τη συνάντηση.Please sit down. We are ready to start the meeting.
- Παρακαλώ, καθίστε και χαλαρώστε. Ας απολαύσουμε μια υπέροχη βραδιά.Please sit down and relax. Let's enjoy a wonderful evening.
- Κάτσε, παρακαλώ. Περίμενε λίγο, θα είμαστε έτοιμοι.Please sit down. Wait a moment, we'll be ready.
- Παρακαλώ καθίστε εδώ.Parakaló kathíste edó.Please sit here.
Example conversation
Eleni welcomes Dimitris into her office.
- Ελένη EleniΓεια σου Δημήτρη, μπες μέσα.Yia sou Dimítri, bés mésa.Hello Dimitris, come in.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σου Ελένη, ευχαριστώ.Yia sou Eléni, efcharistó.Hello Eleni, thank you.
- Ελένη EleniΠαρακαλώ καθίστε στην καρέκλα.Parakaló kathíste stin karékla.Please sit down in the chair.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕυχαριστώ πολύ.Efcharistó polý.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
