Please in Greek
παρακαλώ
parakalo — please
Hear παρακαλώ
Παρακαλώ (parakalo) is one of the hardest-working words in Greek. Its first job is "please": Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ — "a coffee, please". Stress the last syllable: pa-ra-ka-LO.
Its second job is "you’re welcome" — the standard reply when someone thanks you. Its third is what a Greek says when answering the phone or when a shop assistant invites you to speak: παρακαλώ; with rising intonation means "yes, how can I help?". Hearing it in all three roles within a single café visit is entirely normal.
A practical note for ordering: Greek requests lean on παρακαλώ where English might soften with "could I possibly". Θα ήθελα... παρακαλώ ("I would like... please") is polite and complete — no need to pile on extra hedging the way English does.
Example sentences
Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ.
Enan kafe, parakalo.
A coffee, please.
Παρακαλώ, περάστε!
Parakalo, peraste!
Please, come in!
Common questions
- Why did the waiter say παρακαλώ to me first?
- Said with a rising tone, παρακαλώ is also "how can I help you?" — the standard opener from staff. Reply with your order plus a second παρακαλώ and everyone is happy.
Quick check
Pick the Greek word that matches.
How do you say "please" in Greek?
Related words
Keep reading
Greet someone, then keep the conversation going
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