Polite expressions are a cornerstone of effective communication, helping to show respect and build positive interactions. In Greek, polite expressions are used frequently in both formal and informal contexts. This lesson focuses on essential phrases for being courteous in Greek.

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1. Common Polite Expressions

English	Greek	Pronunciation
Please	Παρακαλώ	Parakaló
Thank you	Ευχαριστώ	Efcharistó
You’re welcome	Παρακαλώ	Parakaló
Excuse me	Συγγνώμη	Signómi
Sorry	Συγγνώμη	Signómi
Yes	Ναι	Ne
No	Όχι	Óhi
Good morning	Καλημέρα	Kaliméra
Good evening	Καλησπέρα	Kalispéra
Good night	Καληνύχτα	Kaliníhta

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2. Contextual Use of Polite Expressions

1. Saying Please and Thank You

   • Use Παρακαλώ (Parakaló) to say “please” when requesting something.
     Example:

     • Μπορείτε να μου δώσετε νερό, παρακαλώ;
       (Boríte na mou dósete neró, parakaló? – Can you give me some water, please?)

   • Use Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó) to say “thank you.”
     Example:

     • Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη βοήθεια!
       (Efcharistó polí gia ti voíthia! – Thank you very much for the help!)

2. Apologizing and Getting Attention

   • Use Συγγνώμη (Signómi) to say “excuse me” or “sorry.”
     Example:
     • Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
       (Signómi, pou íne i toualéta? – Excuse me, where is the restroom?)
     • Συγγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση.
       (Signómi gia tin kathystérisi. – Sorry for the delay.)

3. Responding to Thanks

   • Reply with Παρακαλώ (Parakaló – You’re welcome).
     Example:
     • A: Ευχαριστώ για το φαγητό! (Efcharistó gia to fagitó! – Thank you for the food!)
     • B: Παρακαλώ! (Parakaló! – You’re welcome!)

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3. Pronunciation Tips

• Παρακαλώ: Stress the last syllable (Parakaló).
• Συγγνώμη: Pronounce the “γν” as a blended sound (Signómi).
• Ευχαριστώ: Emphasize the last syllable (Efcharistó).

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4. Sample Conversations

Informal:

A: Γεια σου! Ευχαριστώ για τη βοήθειά σου!
(Yiá sou! Efcharistó gia ti voíthiá sou! – Hi! Thank you for your help!)

B: Παρακαλώ! Πώς μπορώ να σε βοηθήσω;
(Parakaló! Pós boró na se voithíso? – You’re welcome! How can I help you?)

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Formal:

A: Συγγνώμη, κύριε. Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
(Signómi, kírie. Boríte na me voithísete? – Excuse me, sir. Can you help me?)

B: Βεβαίως! Τι χρειάζεστε;
(Vevéos! Ti chriázeste? – Of course! What do you need?)

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5. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using polite expressions:

1. ________, πού είναι ο σταθμός; (Excuse me, where is the station?)
2. Ευχαριστώ ________! (Thank you very much!)
3. Παρακαλώ! ________ να σας βοηθήσω; (You’re welcome! How can I help you?)

Exercise 2: Translate to Greek

Translate the following sentences into Greek:

• Thank you for the gift.
• Excuse me, can you repeat that?
• You’re welcome, it was my pleasure.

Exercise 3: Role Play

Practice a dialogue with a partner using polite expressions in a formal and informal context.

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6. Cultural Note

Politeness is highly valued in Greek culture, especially when interacting with strangers, elders, or in formal settings. Adding “please” and “thank you” to your phrases is essential for leaving a good impression.