Learn Hardcore Greek: Μπορείτε να κλείσετε το παράθυρο, παρακαλώ;

In Greek, the symbol that looks like a semicolon (;) is actually the question mark. The raised dot (·) is the Greek semicolon/colon. So ; here signals a question, not a pause.

Why are the verbs in the second-person plural (Μπορείτε, κλείσετε) if I’m asking one person?

Greek uses second-person plural as a polite/formal “you,” much like French vous or German Sie. It’s also the true plural for addressing more than one person. For a single friend (informal), you’d say: Μπορείς να κλείσεις το παράθυρο, παρακαλώ;

What does να do here, and what form is κλείσετε?

να introduces the subjunctive. κλείσετε is the perfective (aorist) subjunctive, 2nd person plural. It presents the action as a single, complete event—perfect for a one-off request like closing a window.

Could I say να κλείνετε instead of να κλείσετε?

That would be the present (imperfective) subjunctive and implies an ongoing/repeated action (“to be closing/keep closing”). It’s odd for a one-time request. For a single close, use να κλείσετε.

Is “Μπορείτε να…” really asking about ability, or is it just a polite request?

Literally it’s “Are you able to…,” but in everyday Greek it functions as a polite request, just like English “Can you…?” It doesn’t question the person’s capability.

Can I use the imperative instead? Which sounds more polite?

Yes: Κλείστε το παράθυρο, παρακαλώ. The imperative is more direct; adding παρακαλώ keeps it polite. Rough politeness scale:

Κλείστε το παράθυρο, παρακαλώ. (polite but direct)
Μπορείτε να κλείσετε το παράθυρο; (soft request)
Θα μπορούσατε να κλείσετε το παράθυρο; (softer/more formal)

Where does παρακαλώ go, and do I need the comma?

You can place it at the end or the beginning:

Μπορείτε να κλείσετε το παράθυρο, παρακαλώ;
Παρακαλώ, μπορείτε να κλείσετε το παράθυρο; The comma marks it as a parenthetical “please.” You can omit παρακαλώ and still be polite thanks to the polite plural.

What else can παρακαλώ mean?

It also means “you’re welcome” in response to thanks. As a stand-alone, it’s “please” (e.g., when offering something or answering the phone).

Why is it το παράθυρο? Can I drop the article, like in English “close window”?

Greek normally requires the definite article with specific, known nouns. Since you mean “the window” in this room, you use το παράθυρο. Dropping the article sounds telegraphic or headline-like.

If I replace the noun with a pronoun, where does it go?

Use the clitic before the main verb: Μπορείτε να το κλείσετε; With a positive imperative, it attaches after the verb: Κλείστε το. With a negative command, it goes before: Μην το κλείσετε.

How do I pronounce the tricky parts?

μπ in Μπορείτε = b at the start of a word (“bo-REE-teh”).
ει in κλείσετε = i (“KLEE-se-teh”).
θ in παράθυρο = th as in “think” (“pa-RA-thi-ro”).
Accent marks show stress: Μπορείτε, κλείσετε, παράθυρο, παρακαλώ.

What’s the difference between Μπορείτε να κλείσετε… and Θα μπορούσατε να κλείσετε…?

Μπορείτε… is a standard polite request. Θα μπορούσατε… (“Could you…”) sounds more tentative/formal and is often perceived as extra polite.

Can I add μήπως to sound even more polite or tentative?

Yes. Μήπως μπορείτε να κλείσετε το παράθυρο; softens the request further, like “By any chance, could you…?”

What does λίγο do in Μπορείτε να κλείσετε λίγο το παράθυρο;?

λίγο means “a little.” It can mean partially (“close it a bit”) and also works as a softener, making the request sound lighter.

How would I make a negative request, like “Could you not close the window?” or “Please don’t close the window”?

Polite request: Μπορείτε να μην κλείσετε το παράθυρο;
Negative imperative (don’t close it): Μην κλείσετε το παράθυρο, παρακαλώ.

Do articles change with gender/number if I ask about other objects?

Yes, the article agrees with the noun:

Feminine: την πόρτα (the door) → Μπορείτε να κλείσετε την πόρτα;
Masculine: τον υπολογιστή (the computer)
Neuter plural: τα παράθυρα (the windows) → Μπορείτε να κλείσετε τα παράθυρα;