Πού είναι η τουαλέτα, παρακαλώ;

to be

Breakdown of Πού είναι η τουαλέτα, παρακαλώ;

• παρακαλώ: please
• πού: where
• η τουαλέτα: the toilet

Questions & Answers about Πού είναι η τουαλέτα, παρακαλώ;

How do I pronounce the whole sentence?

Approximate: POO EE-neh ee too-ah-LEH-tah, pah-rah-kah-LOH? IPA: [pu ˈine i tuaˈleta, parakaˈlo] Pronunciation tips:

• ου = “oo” as in “food” (Πού = [pu])
• ει, η = “ee” (είναι = [ˈine], η = [i])
• αι = “e” as in “bed” (τουαλέτα = [tuaˈleta])
• ρ is a quick tapped r (like Spanish single r)
• Stress falls where the accent is: Πού, ΕΙ-νε, τουα-ΛΕ-τα, παρακα-ΛΟ

Why does the sentence end with what looks like a semicolon?

In Greek, the character that looks like a semicolon (;) is the question mark. So ; is the Greek question mark, not a semicolon.

Do I need the comma before παρακαλώ?

It’s standard to set off παρακαλώ with a comma because it’s like “please” or “if you please.” You’ll also see it without a comma in casual writing. Both are fine.

Why is the article η used before τουαλέτα? Can I say “Πού είναι τουαλέτα;” without it?

Greek uses definite articles much more than English. With singular countable nouns like τουαλέτα, the article is normally required. “Πού είναι τουαλέτα;” sounds ungrammatical/unnatural. Use η τουαλέτα here.

What gender is τουαλέτα, and what’s the plural?

τουαλέτα is feminine, so the singular is η τουαλέτα and the plural is οι τουαλέτες. Example: Πού είναι οι τουαλέτες; = “Where are the restrooms?”

Does the verb change in the plural? Why is it still είναι?

No change here. είναι serves for both “is” and “are” in the present tense. So it’s Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (singular) and Πού είναι οι τουαλέτες; (plural).

Can I use μπάνιο instead of τουαλέτα?

You can, but nuance matters:

• το μπάνιο usually means “bathroom” (at home) and literally “bath.”
• In public places, η τουαλέτα or “WC” is the standard term for restroom. That said, in everyday speech you may hear Πού είναι το μπάνιο; in cafés, etc. It’s understood.

Is είναι required? Could I drop it like in some languages?

Keep it. In Modern Greek, the verb “to be” (είμαι) is normally expressed in the present tense. “Πού η τουαλέτα;” is not idiomatic; use Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;

Why η and not την before τουαλέτα?

Because η is the nominative (subject) article, and here η τουαλέτα is the subject of the verb είναι (“The toilet is where?”). την is accusative and used for direct objects, which is not the case here.

Why does Πού have an accent? What’s the difference between πού and που?

• πού (with an accent) = the interrogative “where.”
• που (no accent) = the relative pronoun “that/which/who.” Examples:
• Πού είναι; = Where is it?
• Το μέρος που λες = The place that you’re talking about.

Can I move παρακαλώ to the beginning or leave it out?

Yes. All are acceptable:

• Παρακαλώ, πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
• Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; Sentence-final παρακαλώ sounds polite and is very common; initial Παρακαλώ, … is also polite. You can omit it if tone/context is already polite.

Other ways to sound polite when asking?

Common softeners:

• Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η τουαλέτα; = Excuse me, where is the restroom?
• Με συγχωρείτε, πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (more formal)
• Μήπως ξέρετε πού είναι η τουαλέτα; = Would you happen to know where the restroom is?
• Σας παρακαλώ, πού είναι η τουαλέτα; = Please, where is the restroom? (more emphatic)

Does παρακαλώ also mean “you’re welcome” or “go ahead”?

Yes. Παρακαλώ doubles as:

• “You’re welcome” in response to “Thank you.”
• “Yes?/How can I help you?” when answering the phone or inviting someone to speak. Context and tone clarify the meaning.

How might someone answer this question in Greek?

Typical replies:

• Στο βάθος δεξιά. = At the back, on the right.
• Εκεί, αριστερά. = There, on the left.
• Πάνω/Κάτω. = Upstairs/Downstairs.
• Έξω και δεξιά. = Outside and to the right.
• Στον πρώτο (όροφο). = On the first floor.

Is there a more formal way to ask?

Yes:

• Πού βρίσκεται η τουαλέτα; = Where is the restroom located?
• Θα μπορούσα να δω πού είναι η τουαλέτα; = Could I see where the restroom is? Signs may also use WC or Αποχωρητήριο (formal/official term).

What does each word do in the sentence?

• Πού: interrogative adverb “where”
• είναι: 3rd person singular of “to be” (also serves for plural “are”)
• η: definite article, feminine nominative singular “the”
• τουαλέτα: noun “toilet/restroom,” feminine
• παρακαλώ: “please” (literally “I beg/implore”)

Where is the stress in each word?

• Πού: one syllable, stressed
• εί-ναι: stress on the first syllable (ΕΙ-)
• του-α-λέ-τα: stress on -λέ-
• πα-ρα-κα-λώ: stress on -λώ The written accent in Modern Greek shows the stressed syllable.