Learn Hardcore Greek: Σε περιμένω τώρα.

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.