Signification
Asking someone to wait briefly.
Contexte culturel
In Greece, saying 'one moment' often leads to a longer wait than in Northern Europe, but the phrase is essential to show you haven't forgotten the person. Cypriot Greek uses the same phrase, but the pronunciation of 'στιγμή' might have a harder 'g' sound. In places like Astoria (NY) or Melbourne, this phrase is often mixed with English: 'Μια στιγμή, please!' In Greek business meetings, interrupting with 'Μια στιγμή παρακαλώ' is considered a polite way to ensure you can follow the conversation or add a point.
The Finger Gesture
In Greece, holding up your index finger while saying this is very common and reinforces the 'one' in 'one moment'.
Don't over-use with friends
If you use the full phrase with close friends, they might ask why you are being so formal. Stick to 'Μισό' with them.
Signification
Asking someone to wait briefly.
The Finger Gesture
In Greece, holding up your index finger while saying this is very common and reinforces the 'one' in 'one moment'.
Don't over-use with friends
If you use the full phrase with close friends, they might ask why you are being so formal. Stick to 'Μισό' with them.
The Diminutive Softener
Use 'Μια στιγμούλα παρακαλώ' if you've already asked them to wait once and need even more time. It sounds more apologetic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
Μια ______ παρακαλώ.
We use the singular accusative 'στιγμή' for a single moment.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a hotel receptionist to say to a guest?
The guest asks for their bill.
This is the most professional and polite option.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. Μισό! 2. Μια στιγμή παρακαλώ.
'Μισό' is slang/informal, while 'Μια στιγμή παρακαλώ' is formal.
Complete the dialogue.
Πελάτης: Έχετε γάλα; Υπάλληλος: __________, να δω.
The employee needs to check for milk, so they ask the customer to wait.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to ask for time in Greek
Formal
- • Μια στιγμή παρακαλώ
- • Περιμένετε μια στιγμή
Casual
- • Μισό λεπτό
- • Ένα λεπτάκι
Slang
- • Μισό!
- • Κάτσε λίγο
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΜια ______ παρακαλώ.
We use the singular accusative 'στιγμή' for a single moment.
The guest asks for their bill.
This is the most professional and polite option.
1. Μισό! 2. Μια στιγμή παρακαλώ.
'Μισό' is slang/informal, while 'Μια στιγμή παρακαλώ' is formal.
Πελάτης: Έχετε γάλα; Υπάλληλος: __________, να δω.
The employee needs to check for milk, so they ask the customer to wait.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsBoth are correct. 'Μια στιγμή' is slightly more formal/polite, while 'Ένα λεπτό' is more literal.
No, that sounds like you are naming the concept of time. You need the 'Μια' (One).
You can say 'Λίγο χρόνο παρακαλώ' (A little time please).
In a professional setting, yes. Without it, 'Μια στιγμή' can sound like an order rather than a request.
Expressions liées
Μισό λεπτό
synonymHalf a minute
Περιμένετε
builds onWait (plural/formal)
Αμέσως
similarImmediately
Ένα λεπτάκι
specialized formOne little minute
