المعنى
To ask for a favor.
خلفية ثقافية
The 'Paraklesis' is a specific service of supplication to the Virgin Mary, especially popular during the first 15 days of August. It is a time of deep emotional and spiritual request for health and protection. In Greek offices, hierarchy is respected. Using 'κάνω μια παράκληση' when speaking to a superior is a way to acknowledge their authority while still making your needs known. Public announcements in Greece (metro, airports, malls) almost always start with 'Παράκληση...' followed by the instruction. It is the standard 'voice' of authority being polite. In Greek Facebook groups or forums, moderators use 'Παράκληση' to remind members of the rules without sounding like they are attacking them.
The 'Softener' Effect
Use this phrase as a 'softener' before asking for something difficult. It signals to the listener that you are being respectful, which makes them more likely to say yes.
Don't over-conjugate
While 'κάνω' changes, 'παράκληση' usually stays in the singular accusative form in this collocation. You rarely say 'κάνω παρακλήσεις' unless you are making many different requests.
المعنى
To ask for a favor.
The 'Softener' Effect
Use this phrase as a 'softener' before asking for something difficult. It signals to the listener that you are being respectful, which makes them more likely to say yes.
Don't over-conjugate
While 'κάνω' changes, 'παράκληση' usually stays in the singular accusative form in this collocation. You rarely say 'κάνω παρακλήσεις' unless you are making many different requests.
Religious Nuance
Be aware that in August, if you say you are 'going to a paraklisi,' people will assume you are going to church, not just making a request.
Email Subject Lines
Using 'Παράκληση' as the first word in an email subject line is a very effective way to get a polite response from Greek administration.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'κάνω'.
Χθες, ο διευθυντής μάς _______ μια παράκληση να δουλέψουμε το Σάββατο.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (χθες), so we need the Aorist (past) tense: έκανε.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal email to a professor?
Αγαπητέ κύριε Καθηγητά, ...
This option uses the formal 'σας' and the polite conditional 'θα ήθελα', making it perfect for an academic setting.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Κάνω μια παράκληση στην Παναγία. 2. Σου ζητάω μια χάρη, ρε φίλε. 3. Παράκληση προς τους επιβάτες.
1 matches Church (religious), 2 matches friend (informal), 3 matches Airport (public announcement).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Πέτρος: Μπορώ να σου κάνω μια παράκληση; Μαρία: ___________
This is the standard, helpful response to someone starting a request with this phrase.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Common Adjectives for Παράκληση
Intensity
- • θερμή (earnest)
- • τελευταία (last)
Scope
- • δημόσια (public)
- • προσωπική (personal)
Tone
- • ευγενική (polite)
- • ταπεινή (humble)
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينΧθες, ο διευθυντής μάς _______ μια παράκληση να δουλέψουμε το Σάββατο.
The sentence refers to 'yesterday' (χθες), so we need the Aorist (past) tense: έκανε.
Αγαπητέ κύριε Καθηγητά, ...
This option uses the formal 'σας' and the polite conditional 'θα ήθελα', making it perfect for an academic setting.
1. Κάνω μια παράκληση στην Παναγία. 2. Σου ζητάω μια χάρη, ρε φίλε. 3. Παράκληση προς τους επιβάτες.
1 matches Church (religious), 2 matches friend (informal), 3 matches Airport (public announcement).
Πέτρος: Μπορώ να σου κάνω μια παράκληση; Μαρία: ___________
This is the standard, helpful response to someone starting a request with this phrase.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNot exactly. 'Please' is 'παρακαλώ'. 'Κάνω μια παράκληση' is the full action of making a request. It's more like saying 'I have a request to make.'
Yes, if you want to be very respectful or if you are asking for something serious. For daily things, it's too formal.
'Παράκληση' is a polite, personal request. 'Αίτημα' is a formal, often written application or a legal demand.
You can, but 'ζητάω μια παράκληση' is technically incorrect in standard Greek. The verb 'κάνω' is the natural partner for 'παράκληση'.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common ways to ask for things in a professional Greek environment.
Usually no. It's for asking for help or a change. If you are unhappy, you 'κάνω παράπονα' (make complaints).
You use the past tense: 'Έκανα μια παράκληση'.
Yes, especially if you are texting someone you don't know well, like a landlord or a new colleague.
Not at all. It's very modern and used daily in news, offices, and public life.
It's an 'earnest' or 'warm' request. It adds more emotion and urgency to your plea.
عبارات ذات صلة
ζητάω μια χάρη
similarto ask a favor
υποβάλλω αίτημα
specialized formto submit a formal application/request
σε παρακαλώ
builds onplease / I beg you
απευθύνω έκκληση
specialized formto make an appeal
έχω μια παράκληση
synonymI have a request
