Breakdown of Περίμενε δύο λεπτά στον διάδρομο, παρακαλώ.
παρακαλώ
please
δύο
two
περιμένω
to wait
το λεπτό
the minute
Questions & Answers about Περίμενε δύο λεπτά στον διάδρομο, παρακαλώ.
What part of speech is Περίμενε here, and what verb does it come from?
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?