περίμενε
perimene
The English phrase 'wait' translates to the Greek verb περίμενε (perimene).
The verb is used to describe delaying an action or staying in a place until a specific event occurs. The present tense form περιμένω is used to express both 'I wait' and 'I am waiting'.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Which one should you use?
The forms provided differ based on the person and number being addressed. περίμενε is the singular imperative used for one person, while περιμένετε is the plural imperative used for multiple people. For statements of fact, περιμένω means 'I wait', περιμένεις means 'you wait' and περιμένει means 'he/she/it waits'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on the subject and the mood. The singular imperative is περίμενε. The second-person singular present indicative is περιμένεις, and the third-person singular present indicative is περιμένει. The first-person singular present indicative is περιμένω.
How do you pronounce it?
perimene
Did you know?
- In Greek, the verb περιμένω can be used to say 'I am expecting a baby' or 'I am expecting a guest' without adding any other words.
- The word περιμένω is a cognate of the English word 'perimeter', as both share the ancient Greek root for 'around'.
- The verb μένω, which forms part of περιμένω, is a very common way to say 'I live' in Greek. So, to 'wait' is linguistically related to the way you describe your place of residence.
Examples in context
- Γιατί δε μας περίμενες;Why didn't you wait for us?This sentence uses the form περίμενε to ask why someone did not wait for a group.Tatoeba #5579667 by Zeus, translation #4012180 by CK
- Γιατί δεν περίμενε ο Τομ;Why didn't Tom wait?This sentence uses the form περίμενε to ask why a specific person did not wait.Tatoeba #5512583 by Zeus, translation #5471298 by CK
- Περίμενε μέχρι αύριο το πρωί.Wait until tomorrow morning.This sentence uses the form περίμενε to give a command to wait until a specific time.Tatoeba #7579900 by amoeba, translation #323197 by CK
- Παρακαλώ, περιμένετε εδώ για λίγο.Please wait here for a moment.
- Περιμένω την άφιξη του πελάτη.I am waiting for the arrival of the client.
- Περιμένουμε την παρέα μας έξω από το εστιατόριο.We're waiting for our friends outside the restaurant.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Giorgos are planning their departure from a party.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠερίμενε λίγο ακόμα, Γιώργο.Perimene ligo akoma, Giorgo.Wait a little longer, Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΔεν μπορώ, είναι αργά.Den boro, einai arga.I can't, it's late.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΜόνο δέκα λεπτά ακόμα.Mono deka lepta akoma.Just ten more minutes.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕντάξει, θα περιμένω.Entaxei, tha perimeno.Okay, I will wait.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
