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Questions & Answers about Σε περιμένω τώρα.
Where is the subject “I” in this sentence?
Greek usually drops subject pronouns because the verb ending shows person/number. The -ω in περιμένω marks 1st person singular, so Σε περιμένω τώρα already means I am waiting for you now. For emphasis, you can add Εγώ: Εγώ σε περιμένω τώρα.
What exactly does σε mean here? Is it the preposition “to/at”?
Here σε is the unstressed direct-object pronoun you (singular, informal), i.e., accusative. It is not the preposition σε. The preposition σε would be followed by a noun/pronoun like σε εσένα, σε μένα, στο σπίτι. In Σε περιμένω τώρα, σε is a clitic pronoun attached to the verb.
Why does the pronoun come before the verb?
Object clitics normally precede the verb in statements and questions:
- Σε περιμένω τώρα. With particles they still go before the verb:
- Θα σε περιμένω, Να σε περιμένω; In positive commands, the clitic goes after the verb:
- Περίμενέ με! In negative commands, it goes before the verb:
- Μην με περιμένεις!
Do I need to say “for” (like για) to match English “wait for”?
No. Περιμένω already includes the idea of for and takes a direct object. Σε περιμένω = I’m waiting for you. If you say Περιμένω για σένα, it means for your sake/on your behalf, not wait for you.
How do I make this formal or address multiple people?
Use σας instead of σε:
- Σας περιμένω τώρα. (formal singular or plural you)
Can I emphasize “you”?
Yes. Use the stressed form εσένα, optionally with clitic doubling:
- Εσένα περιμένω τώρα. (you specifically)
- Very emphatic colloquial: Εσένα σε περιμένω τώρα.
Can I change the word order?
Yes, with slight changes in emphasis:
- Σε περιμένω τώρα. (neutral)
- Τώρα σε περιμένω. (focus on now)
- Εγώ σε περιμένω τώρα. / Εσένα περιμένω τώρα. (focus on I / you) Avoid splitting the clitic from its verb: Σε τώρα περιμένω sounds wrong.
Is τώρα required?
No. Σε περιμένω already implies present time; τώρα just makes now explicit and can sound more urgent.
How do I negate it?
Put δεν before the clitic and the verb:
- Δεν σε περιμένω τώρα. (I’m not waiting for you now)
How do I ask “Are you waiting for me now?”
Swap roles and keep the clitic before the verb:
- Με περιμένεις τώρα; You can soften it with μήπως:
- Μήπως με περιμένεις τώρα;
Does Greek distinguish “I wait” vs “I am waiting”?
Not with a separate tense. The present περιμένω covers both simple and progressive. Time words like τώρα clarify the progressive meaning.
How do I say it in the past, future, or as a command?
- Future: Θα σε περιμένω.
- Past (most common everyday form): Σε περίμενα. Context shows whether it means I waited (completed) or I was waiting (ongoing).
- A more formal/less common perfective past also exists: Σε περίμεινα.
- Positive command: Περίμενέ με.
- Negative command: Μην με περιμένεις.
Can I drop σε?
Only if the object is obvious or unimportant: Περιμένω τώρα. (I’m waiting now.) To say I’m waiting for you, keep σε, or use εσένα for emphasis.
How do I pronounce Σε περιμένω τώρα?
Approximation: se pe-ri-ME-no TO-ra. Stress is on -μέν- and the first syllable of τώρα. IPA: /se periˈmeno ˈtora/. The r is tapped/trilled.
When does σε become σ’?
Before a vowel-initial word you can elide σε to σ’: Σ’ αγαπώ, Σ’ έχω. Here the next word starts with a consonant (πε-), so it stays Σε περιμένω.
Is there a more formal synonym for περιμένω?
Yes, αναμένω is formal/literary (to await/expect): Σας αναμένω τώρα. In everyday speech, prefer περιμένω.