ευχαριστώ και παρακαλώ
efcharistó kai parakaló/ef.xa.ɾiˈsto ce parakaˈlo/word by word
The English phrase 'thank you and please' is translated into Greek as ευχαριστώ και παρακαλώ (efcharistó kai parakaló).
This phrase consists of two separate polite functional words used to express gratitude and make requests. While ευχαριστώ is used to express gratitude, the word Παρακαλώ is the most common translation for 'please' and can also mean 'you're welcome' or 'here you go'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb ευχαριστώ (I thank) and the verb παρακαλώ (I request/please) joined by the conjunction και (and).
Which one should you use?
The two parts of the phrase serve different purposes: ευχαριστώ is used to express gratitude, whereas παρακαλώ is used both to say 'please' when making a request and to say 'you're welcome' as a response to thanks.
How do you pronounce it?
efcharistó kai parakaló. The pronunciation is /ef.xa.ɾiˈsto ce parakaˈlo/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ευχαριστώ shares the same root as the English word 'eucharist'. Both derive from the Greek word for 'thanks' or 'gratitude'.
- Because παρακαλώ functions as both 'please' and 'you're welcome', a Greek conversation can consist of two people repeatedly saying the exact same word back and forth.
- The root of παρακαλώ actually means 'to call towards' or 'to call beside' someone, reflecting its ancient sense of entreating or inviting.
Example conversation
A teacher is reminding a student about polite manners.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, μην ξεχνάς τα ευχαριστώ και παρακαλώ.Kyriakí, min xechmás ta efcharistó kai parakaló.Kyriaki, don't forget thank you and please.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈχω συγγνώμη, Κώστα.Écho sygnómi, Kósta.I am sorry, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι απλά οι κανόνες της ευγένειας.Eínai aplá oi kanónes tis evgéneias.They are simply the rules of politeness.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘα τα χρησιμοποιώ από τώρα.Tha ta chrisimopoió apó tóra.I will use them from now on.
