Learn Hardcore Greek: Δώσε μου το τηλέφωνό σου, παρακαλώ.

Because an enclitic (μου, σου, του, της, μας, σας, τους) follows a word stressed on the antepenultimate syllable. Greek then adds a second accent on the last syllable of the host word: τηλέφωνο → τηλέφωνό σου. Another example: άνθρωπος → άνθρωπός μου.

Why is μου placed after the verb in Δώσε μου?

In affirmative imperatives, object clitics go after the verb: Δώσε μου… In most other contexts they go before: Μου δίνεις το τηλέφωνό σου; In negative commands, they also go before: Μην μου δώσεις…

Why is σου placed after the noun, and why is the article το there?

Possessive clitics follow the noun in Greek: το βιβλίο μου, το τηλέφωνό σου. With such possessives, the definite article is normally required, so you say το τηλέφωνό σου, not just τηλέφωνό σου.

What exactly is Δώσε?

It’s the second-person singular aorist imperative of δίνω (“to give”). Use aorist imperative (δώσε) for a single, one-off action. The present imperative (δίνε) suggests repeated/ongoing action: Δίνε μου ενημέρωση (“keep updating me”).

How do I make this polite/formal or address more than one person?

Use the plural/polite forms: Δώστε μου το τηλέφωνό σας, παρακαλώ. Here δώστε is 2nd person plural imperative, and σας is the plural/formal possessive and indirect object.

Is παρακαλώ necessary, and where can it go?

It softens the command but isn’t required. You can put it at the start or end: Παρακαλώ, δώσε μου… / …δώσε μου…, παρακαλώ. Stronger pleading is Σε παρακαλώ…

Does το τηλέφωνό σου mean “your phone” or “your phone number”?

In everyday speech it often means “your phone number.” To be explicit, say: τον αριθμό του τηλεφώνου σου or colloquially το νούμερό σου. For “mobile,” you can say το κινητό σου (device) or τον αριθμό του κινητού σου (number).

How do I pronounce the sentence?

Δ = the “th” in “this” (voiced).
ω and ο sound the same (/o/); accents mark stress only.
Stresses: Δώ-σε | τη-λέ-φω-νό | πα-ρα-κα-λώ.
Very rough guide: “THO-se mu to tee-LE-fo-NO su, pa-ra-ka-LO.”

Why is there a comma before παρακαλώ?

Because παρακαλώ acts like a parenthetical “please.” A comma is common (especially at the end), but you’ll also see it without a comma in informal writing.

Can I make it less direct than an imperative?

Yes. Common softer options:

Μπορείς να μου δώσεις το τηλέφωνό σου;
Θα μπορούσες να μου δώσεις το τηλέφωνό σου;
Formal: Θα μπορούσατε να μου δώσετε το τηλέφωνό σας;

Why is it σου and not σε?

σου is the genitive clitic used for possession and for the indirect object (“to you”): Σου δίνω κάτι (“I’m giving you something”). σε is the (accusative) direct object or a preposition “to/at”: Σε βλέπω (“I see you”).

Can I change the word order, like putting μου or σου elsewhere?

In affirmative imperatives, clitics follow the verb: Δώσε μου… The possessive clitic follows the noun: …το τηλέφωνό σου. Variants like Δώσε το τηλέφωνό σου μου are ungrammatical.

How do I say the negative “Don’t give me your number”?

Use μη(ν) + subjunctive, and place the clitic before the verb:

Ongoing/general: Μην μου δίνεις το τηλέφωνό σου.
One-off: Μην μου δώσεις το τηλέφωνό σου.

Is Δώσ’ μου acceptable instead of Δώσε μου?

Yes in informal speech/writing you’ll hear Δώσ’ μου (elision of -ε). The safest standard form in writing is Δώσε μου.

What cases are μου and σου, and what roles do they play here?

Both are genitive clitics. μου marks the indirect object (“to me”), and σου marks possession (“your”). Greek uses genitive clitics for both functions (the historical dative is no longer distinct).