Learn Hardcore Greek: Δώστε μου νερό, παρακαλώ.

Δώσε is 2nd person singular aorist imperative. Use it with one person you know well (friends, family). With a waiter or a stranger, prefer Δώστε.

Why does μου come after the verb?

In affirmative imperatives, weak object pronouns (clitics) like μου follow the verb: Δώστε μου…. In the negative, they go before: Μη(ν) μου δώσετε νερό.

What does μου mean here?

It’s the unstressed genitive clitic meaning “to me/for me” (indirect object). It does not mean “my” here; το νερό μου would be “my water.”

Why is there no article before νερό?

Mass nouns in Greek often appear without an article when you mean an indefinite amount: νερό = “some water.” Use το νερό when referring to specific water (e.g., “the water on the table”). You can add λίγο for “a little”: Δώστε μου λίγο νερό, παρακαλώ.

Can I move παρακαλώ to a different position?

Yes. Common options:

Παρακαλώ, δώστε μου νερό.
Δώστε μου νερό, παρακαλώ.
Δώστε μου, παρακαλώ, νερό. The meaning and politeness stay the same. Keep μου right after the imperative.

Is this phrasing polite enough in a cafe or restaurant?

Yes. It’s polite and normal. Softer alternatives:

Μπορώ να έχω λίγο νερό, παρακαλώ; (May I have some water, please?)
Θα ήθελα λίγο νερό, παρακαλώ. (I would like some water, please.)

How do I pronounce the sentence?

IPA: [ˈðoste mu neˈro, parakaˈlo]

δ = voiced “th” as in “this” [ð]
Δώστε stress on the first syllable
νερό stress on the last syllable
παρακαλώ stress on the last syllable
Rough guide: THÓ-ste mu ne-RO, para-ka-LO.

Do I need the comma before παρακαλώ?

It’s optional. When παρακαλώ is used as a parenthetical “please” at the end, many writers set it off with a comma: Δώστε μου νερό, παρακαλώ.

How do I say “Please don’t give me water”?

Παρακαλώ, μη(ν) μου δώσετε νερό.
Greek negates requests with μη(ν) + subjunctive (δώσετε), not the imperative.

Why not use the present imperative, like Δίνετε?

Present imperative expresses ongoing or repeated action. For a single request, Greek prefers the aorist imperative:

Single action now: Δώστε μου νερό.
Habitual instruction: Να μου δίνετε νερό κάθε ώρα. (“Give me water every hour.”)

Could I say Φέρτε μου νερό instead of Δώστε μου νερό?

Yes, but they differ slightly:

Δώστε μου νερό = “Give me water” (you already have it).
Φέρτε μου νερό = “Bring me water” (go get it and bring it). At the table you may also hear Περάστε μου το νερό (“Pass me the water”).

What verb is Δώστε from, and what are the key forms I should know?

From δίνω (to give). Key forms:

Present: δίνω (I give)
Aorist: έδωσα (I gave)
Future: θα δώσω (I will give)
Imperatives: δώσε (sg), δώστε (pl/polite)

Does παρακαλώ also mean “you’re welcome”?

Yes. Παρακαλώ is used for both “please” and “you’re welcome,” and also as a polite “Yes?/How can I help you?” when answering the phone.

Can I drop μου and just say Δώστε νερό, παρακαλώ?

You can, but it sounds like a general instruction to give water (e.g., to the group). To request water for yourself, keep μου.

Any accent/stress quirks with Δώστε μου?

No special change here. Δώστε is stressed on the first syllable and, with one enclitic (μου), its accent stays the same: Δώστε μου. If you later add more clitics, accent rules can change, but not in this sentence.

Is there a more emphatic “please”?

Yes:

Σας παρακαλώ (formal/plural): stronger than plain παρακαλώ.
Σε παρακαλώ (informal singular). Example: Δώστε μου λίγο νερό, σας παρακαλώ.

Is there a very natural minimal request a Greek might use?

Yes: simply Νερό, παρακαλώ. Greeks often use a bare noun + παρακαλώ with waitstaff.