Meaning
Asking for a brief delay.
Cultural Background
In Greece, interrupting with 'Μια στιγμή' is not always considered rude. It shows you are actively engaged in the conversation. Time is flexible. 'Μια στιγμή' can range from 5 seconds to 5 minutes. Patience is a virtue in Greek social life. Greeks often raise their index finger or hold up a flat palm while saying this to emphasize the request to wait. In Greek texting, '1 min' or 'μια στιγ' is often used as shorthand for 'Μια στιγμή'.
Add 'Παρακαλώ'
Always add 'παρακαλώ' (please) when speaking to strangers to make the request much softer.
Gender Matters
Never say 'Ένα στιγμή'. It's a common mistake that immediately marks you as a beginner.
Meaning
Asking for a brief delay.
Add 'Παρακαλώ'
Always add 'παρακαλώ' (please) when speaking to strangers to make the request much softer.
Gender Matters
Never say 'Ένα στιγμή'. It's a common mistake that immediately marks you as a beginner.
The Diminutive Trick
Use 'Μια στιγμούλα' (stigmoúla) with friends to sound incredibly natural and friendly.
The Finger Gesture
A single raised index finger often accompanies this phrase in Greece. It's not rude; it's a visual 'hold on'.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct feminine form for 'One moment'?
_______ στιγμή, παρακαλώ.
'Στιγμή' is feminine, so it needs 'Μια'.
Complete the dialogue at the kiosk.
Πωλητής: Είναι 2 ευρώ. Εσείς: _______, να βρω τα λεφτά μου.
You need to ask the vendor to wait while you find your money.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Μια στιγμή, παρακαλώ'?
It is the standard phrase for asking someone to hold.
Fill in the missing word to say 'Half a minute'.
_______ λεπτό, έρχομαι!
'Μισό λεπτό' is a common variation meaning 'half a minute'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Time Expressions
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ στιγμή, παρακαλώ.
'Στιγμή' is feminine, so it needs 'Μια'.
Πωλητής: Είναι 2 ευρώ. Εσείς: _______, να βρω τα λεφτά μου.
You need to ask the vendor to wait while you find your money.
When would you say 'Μια στιγμή, παρακαλώ'?
It is the standard phrase for asking someone to hold.
_______ λεπτό, έρχομαι!
'Μισό λεπτό' is a common variation meaning 'half a minute'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a bank. Just add 'παρακαλώ' for extra politeness in formal settings.
No, that sounds incomplete. You always need the 'Μια' (one).
There is almost no difference. 'Μισό λεπτό' (half a minute) is slightly more common in very casual speech.
You can say 'Ένα δευτερόλεπτο', but 'Μια στιγμή' is much more natural for that meaning.
'Μια' is the unstressed, more common version. 'Μία' is used when you want to emphasize 'exactly ONE moment'.
Not if you use a polite tone. It's better than just talking over them.
It's better to use 'Θα σας απαντήσω σύντομα' (I will answer you soon) in formal emails.
It literally means 'a point' or 'a dot', referring to a point in time.
You can add 'μόνο' (only): 'Μόνο μια στιγμή'.
Yes, 'Μισό!' (Half!) is very common slang among young people.
Yes, but it's more polite than the command 'Περίμενε'.
Yes, if you say it loudly and sharply, it means 'Wait just a minute!' as a challenge.
Related Phrases
Μισό λεπτό
synonymHalf a minute
Περιμένετε
builds onWait (plural/formal)
Αμέσως
similarImmediately
Σε λίγο
contrastIn a little while
Περίμενε λίγο
similarWait a little
