Πειράζει αν περιμένω λίγο έξω;

Do you mind if I wait outside for a bit?

Breakdown of Πειράζει αν περιμένω λίγο έξω;

• λίγο: a little
• περιμένω: to wait
• αν: if
• έξω: outside
• πειράζει: to mind

Questions & Answers about Πειράζει αν περιμένω λίγο έξω;

What is Πειράζει doing here, and why is it in 3rd person singular with no subject?

Πειράζει is the 3rd person singular of πειράζω, used impersonally to mean “is it a problem/does it matter.” In this impersonal use there’s no explicit subject (like English “it”); Greek just uses the verb in 3rd singular: Πειράζει αν… = “Is it a problem if…”. In its personal use, πειράζω means “to bother/tease” someone.

Can I address the listener explicitly (you singular/polite)?

Yes. Add an object pronoun:

• Informal singular: Σε πειράζει αν…
• Polite or plural: Σας πειράζει αν… Example: Σας πειράζει αν περιμένω λίγο έξω; = “Do you mind if I wait a bit outside?”

What’s the difference between Πειράζει αν… and Πειράζει να…?

Both are common and natural:

• Πειράζει αν περιμένω… frames it as a condition: “Is it a problem if I wait…?”
• Πειράζει να περιμένω… treats the να-clause as the “thing” that might be a problem: “Is it a problem for me to wait…?” In everyday speech they’re interchangeable here, with no real change in politeness or meaning.

Is the verb after αν in a special mood?

No. After αν you use the normal finite form (here, περιμένω, present). Greek marks the subjunctive with να, not with αν. So:

• αν περιμένω (indicative form after “if”)
• να περιμένω (subjunctive form after “to/that”)

Can I just ask Να περιμένω λίγο έξω; on its own?

Yes. Να περιμένω λίγο έξω; is a very common, polite way to ask for permission or make a suggestion (“Shall I/May I wait a bit outside?”).

How can I make the sentence more polite/softer?

• Add the politeness particle μήπως: Μήπως σας πειράζει αν/να περιμένω λίγο έξω;
• Use a conditional: Θα σας πείραζε αν περίμενα λίγο έξω; (even softer and very polite)
• Keep λίγο, which already softens the request.

Why is there a semicolon at the end?

In Greek, the question mark is written as a semicolon: ;. So …έξω; is simply a question.

Where should λίγο go, and what does it modify?

Put λίγο near the verb to mean “for a little (time)” and to soften the request:

• Most natural: περιμένω λίγο έξω
• Also possible: περιμένω έξω λίγο Avoid λίγο έξω here, which can sound like “slightly outside” (a spatial degree) rather than “for a short time.”

What nuance does λίγο add here?

Politeness and mitigation. It signals your request is small and temporary (“just a bit”), making it easier to grant.

Should I use έξω, απ’ έξω, or εκτός?

• έξω = outside (neutral, physical location). Best here.
• απ’ έξω = “from/outside (the entrance/door).” You could say να περιμένω απ’ έξω if you mean “right outside (the door).”
• εκτός = “outside of/beyond/except.” More formal/abstract; not used in this sentence.

How do I pronounce the sentence?

pee-RA-zee an pe-ree-ME-no LEE-go EK-so

• ει in πει- sounds like “ee.”
• γ in λίγο is a soft voiced fricative (like a soft gargle).
• ξ in έξω is “ks.” Stresses: Πει-ΡΆ-ζει αν περι-ΜΈ-νω ΛΊ-γο Éξ-ω.

What’s a natural affirmative or negative reply to this?

• Granting permission: Δεν πειράζει. / Όχι, δεν πειράζει. (“No problem.”)
• Refusing (politely): Ναι, πειράζει λίγο. / Θα προτιμούσαμε να περιμένετε μέσα.

Do I need a comma anywhere?

No. Πειράζει αν περιμένω λίγο έξω; is fine without a comma. Greek doesn’t require a comma before αν here.

Are there close synonyms to ask the same thing?

Yes:

• Είναι εντάξει αν περιμένω λίγο έξω;
• Μπορώ να περιμένω λίγο έξω; (May I…?)
• Θα μπορούσα να περιμένω λίγο έξω; (Could I…?)