Significado
Polite response to thanks.
Contexto cultural
In Athens, 'Παρακαλώ' is often said very quickly, almost sounding like 'Pr-kalo'. It's used efficiently in the fast-paced city life. In the islands, the word is often accompanied by a warm smile and a slight tilt of the head, emphasizing the 'Philoxenia' (hospitality). Cypriots might use 'Παρακαλώ' similarly, but you might also hear 'Περίμενε λίγο' or other local variations for requests. In a Greek office, 'Παρακαλώ' is the gatekeeper word. It is used to manage flow, answer phones, and show hierarchy-appropriate respect.
The Magic Word
When in doubt, add 'Παρακαλώ' to the end of any Greek sentence to sound 100% more polite.
The 'Oriste' Trap
Don't say 'Parakalo' when giving money to a taxi driver. He will think you are asking for a discount!
Significado
Polite response to thanks.
The Magic Word
When in doubt, add 'Παρακαλώ' to the end of any Greek sentence to sound 100% more polite.
The 'Oriste' Trap
Don't say 'Parakalo' when giving money to a taxi driver. He will think you are asking for a discount!
Intonation Matters
A flat 'Parakalo' is 'You're welcome'. A rising 'Parakalo?' is 'What did you say?'.
Philotimo
Using this word shows you understand the Greek value of mutual respect.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank to respond to the thanks.
— Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τον καφέ! — ________!
When someone says 'Ευχαριστώ', the standard response is 'Παρακαλώ'.
Match the usage of 'Παρακαλώ' to the correct situation.
You are answering the phone at work.
A questioning intonation is used when answering the phone to signal readiness.
Which is the most polite way to ask for the bill?
How do you ask for the bill in a restaurant?
Adding 'παρακαλώ' at the end is the standard polite way to make a request.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a local.
Tourist: Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η Ακρόπολη; Local: Από εκεί. Tourist: Ευχαριστώ. Local: ________.
The local is responding to 'Thank you'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
The 4 Faces of Παρακαλώ
Request
- • Ordering food
- • Asking for help
Response
- • After 'Efcharisto'
- • You're welcome
Clarification
- • Pardon?
- • Didn't hear
Answering
- • Phone
- • Door knock
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios— Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τον καφέ! — ________!
When someone says 'Ευχαριστώ', the standard response is 'Παρακαλώ'.
You are answering the phone at work.
A questioning intonation is used when answering the phone to signal readiness.
How do you ask for the bill in a restaurant?
Adding 'παρακαλώ' at the end is the standard polite way to make a request.
Tourist: Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η Ακρόπολη; Local: Από εκεί. Tourist: Ευχαριστώ. Local: ________.
The local is responding to 'Thank you'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasOnly when answering the phone or a knock at the door. For people on the street, use 'Gia sas'.
It is neutral. To make it formal, say 'Sas parakalo'. To make it informal, say 'Se parakalo'.
'Parakalo' is for asking/responding to thanks. 'Oriste' is for giving/answering 'Yes?'.
No, 'Παρακαλώ' is a verb form ('I request') and stays the same regardless of the speaker's gender.
You can still say 'Παρακαλώ', or more formally 'Σας παρακαλώ'.
No, use 'Sygnomi' for apologies. 'Parakalo' is for requests.
Yes! 'Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ' is perfectly correct and very common.
It's a polite way of saying 'I am at your service' or 'Please, speak'.
Yes, if someone is being very rude, a sharp 'Σας παρακαλώ!' can mean 'Excuse me?!' or 'Watch your tone!'.
It means 'I beg of you' or 'Please, very much'. It adds intensity to your request.
Frases relacionadas
Ευχαριστώ
contrastThank you
Ορίστε
similarHere you go / Yes?
Συγγνώμη
similarExcuse me / Sorry
Σας παρακαλώ
specialized formI request you (formal)
Παρακαλούμε
specialized formWe please
