Greek · Greetings & Phrases
παρακαλώ
parakaló
Please; you're welcome
Beginnerinterjection
Definition
Used both to say please and to reply to thanks.
Example
Ένα νερό, παρακαλώ.
A water, please.
Etymology
'Παρακαλώ' (parakaló) originates from the ancient Greek 'παρακαλέω' (parakaléo), meaning 'to beseech' or 'to ask'. It illustrates the linguistic shift towards politeness and conversational etiquette in Greek culture.
How & Where It’s Used
This word serves dual functions as 'please' and 'you’re welcome', and is used in both formal and informal settings, oral conversations, and in written forms.