νερό παρακαλώ
neró parakaló/neˈɾo parakaˈlo/word by word
The English phrase "water please" is translated into Greek as νερό παρακαλώ (neró parakaló).
νερό παρακαλώ is the standard and most common way to ask for water politely in Greek.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun νερό (water) and the adverb παρακαλώ (please).
How do you pronounce it?
neró parakaló (/neˈɾo parakaˈlo/)
Did you know?
- Asking for νερό in a traditional Greek village cafe may result in being served water in a 'karafaki', a small glass carafe shared by the whole table.
- The word νερό is actually a shortened version of the Ancient Greek phrase νεαρὸν ὕδωρ, which literally meant 'fresh water'.
- While most people use νερό in daily life, you might see the word ὕδωρ in scientific contexts or formal literature. It is the ancient term for water that most Greeks now only recognize in specific compounds.
Examples in context
- Ένα νερό παρακαλώ.Ena nero parakalo.A water, please.
- Νερό παρακαλώ, είμαι διψασμένος.Nero parakalo, eimai dipsasmenos.Water please, I am thirsty.
- Μπορείτε να μου φέρετε νερό παρακαλώ;Mporete na mou ferete nero parakalo;Can you bring me water please?
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos are at a restaurant.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓιώργο, θέλω νερό παρακαλώ.Giorgo, thelo nero parakalo.Giorgos, I want water please.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΦυσικά, θα φέρω αμέσως.Fysika, tha firo amesos.Of course, I will bring some immediately.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ πολύ.Efcharisto poly.Thank you very much.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠαρακαλώ, Κυριακή.Parakalo, Kyriaki.You're welcome, Kyriaki.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (νερό, παρακαλώ) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries νερό, παρακαλώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
