Μην μιλάς έτσι, σε παρακαλώ.

to speak

Breakdown of Μην μιλάς έτσι, σε παρακαλώ.

• μην: not
• σε παρακαλώ: please
• έτσι: that way

Questions & Answers about Μην μιλάς έτσι, σε παρακαλώ.

Why is it Μην and not Δεν for “don’t”?

Greek uses two main negative words:

• δεν – for negating statements (indicative mood)
  
  • e.g. Δεν μιλάς. = You don’t speak / you are not speaking.
• μη(ν) – for commands, prohibitions, wishes (non‑indicative forms: imperative/subjunctive)
  
  • e.g. Μην μιλάς. = Don’t speak.

Since “Don’t talk like that, please” is a negative command, Greek must use μην, not δεν.

So:

• Δεν μιλάς έτσι. = You don’t talk like that. (statement)
• Μην μιλάς έτσι. = Don’t talk like that. (command)

Why does it say μιλάς (you speak) and not the imperative μίλα?

In Greek, you normally do NOT use the imperative in negative commands.
Instead, you use μη(ν) + present “subjunctive” form, which looks the same as the present tense:

• Positive command: Μίλα έτσι. = Speak like that.
• Negative command: Μην μιλάς έτσι. = Don’t speak like that.

So:

• μιλάς here is not a present indicative; it is the same verb form used after μην to make a negative command.
• This pattern is very common:
  • Κάθισε. = Sit down.
  • Μη(ν) κάθεσαι. = Don’t sit (there) / Don’t be sitting.

Formally: Greek uses μη(ν) + “να”‑form (subjunctive) instead of a true negative imperative.

What is the difference between and ? Is also correct?