Learn Hardcore Greek: Περίμενε δύο λεπτά στον διάδρομο, παρακαλώ.

Περίμενε is the imperative (a command) meaning Wait! It comes from the verb περιμένω (I wait). In this sentence it’s 2nd person singular, so it’s addressed to one person in an informal/neutral way.

Could περίμενε ever mean something else besides a command?

Yes. Περίμενε can also be the past form (imperfect) meaning he/she was waiting. In writing, context and punctuation usually make it clear: here the comma and παρακαλώ strongly suggest it’s an instruction: Wait… please.

How would I say this to someone formally (like a stranger or customer)?

Use the plural/formal imperative:

Περιμένετε δύο λεπτά στον διάδρομο, παρακαλώ. (Wait two minutes in the corridor, please.)

Why is it δύο and not δυο? Are both correct?

Both are common. δύο is the standard spelling; δυο is a very frequent simplified spelling, especially in informal writing. They’re pronounced the same.

Why is λεπτά plural, and what would it be for one minute?

Because it’s two minutes, Greek uses the plural λεπτά (minutes). For one minute:

ένα λεπτό (one minute)

What does στον mean grammatically?

στον is a contraction of σε + τον:

σε = in/to/at
τον = the (masculine accusative singular)

So στον means in the / to the (masculine).

Why is it στον διάδρομο and not στον διάδρομος?

Because the preposition σε requires the accusative case. The dictionary form is ο διάδρομος (the corridor, nominative), but after σε/στον it becomes accusative: (στον) διάδρομο.

How would στον change with different genders (like “in the room” or “in the office”)?

It depends on the gender of the noun:

Masculine: στον (e.g., στον διάδρομο)
Feminine: στη(ν) (e.g., στην αίθουσα)
Neuter: στο (e.g., στο γραφείο)

What exactly does παρακαλώ do here, and can it go elsewhere in the sentence?

παρακαλώ works like please, softening the command. It can appear at the end (as here) or earlier:

Παρακαλώ, περίμενε δύο λεπτά στον διάδρομο. You may also hear σε παρακαλώ (more personal/insistent: please, I’m asking you).

Is the word order fixed, or can I move things around?

Greek word order is fairly flexible. You can reorder for emphasis without changing the basic meaning, for example:

Περίμενε στον διάδρομο δύο λεπτά, παρακαλώ. (emphasis on where to wait)

How do I pronounce Περίμενε δύο λεπτά στον διάδρομο (roughly)?

A rough guide:

Περίμενε: pe-REE-me-ne
δύο: THEE-o (the δ is like the th in this)
λεπτά: lep-TA
στον: ston
διάδρομο: THYA-thro-mo (stress on Διά-)

Why is there a final -ν in στον—is it always used?

The final -ν is kept in many contexts, especially before vowels and many consonants for clarity/flow. Before δ in διάδρομο, it’s normally kept: στον διάδρομο. In some other cases (depending on style and the next sound), it may be dropped, but here στο διάδρομο would sound less standard.