Πού είναι η τουαλέτα, παρακαλώ;

to be

Breakdown of Πού είναι η τουαλέτα, παρακαλώ;

• παρακαλώ: please
• πού: where (question)
• 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?