ευχαριστήσει
Wordform Details
Translation: to pleaseto satisfyto thank
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularaoristsubjunctiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ευχαριστώ
Translation: to thank; to be grateful; to appreciate (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek εὐχαριστέω (eukharistéō), from εὖ (eû, 'well') + χαρίζομαι (kharízomai, 'to show favor, gratify'). The root χάρις (kháris) means 'grace, favor, gratitude' and is related to English words like 'charity', 'charisma', and 'eucharist' (the Christian sacrament, literally 'thanksgiving'). The word embodies the concept of expressing gratitude or acknowledging a favor received.
Example Usage
Σας ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ.
Thank you very much (formal).
Ευχαριστώ για την βοήθειά σας.
Thank you for your help.
Σε ευχαριστώ για τη βοήθειά σου.
I thank you for your help.
Ευχαριστώ πολύ για την πρόσκληση.
Thank you very much for the invitation.
Θα ήθελα να σας ευχαριστήσω για την υποστήριξή σας.
I would like to thank you for your support.
Ευχαριστώ, δεν χρειάζομαι βοήθεια.
Thank you, I don't need help.
Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Thank you very much!
Δεν ξέρω πώς να σε ευχαριστήσω.
I don't know how to thank you.
Ευχαριστούμε για την φιλοξενία σας.
We thank you for your hospitality.
Mnemonics
- Think of the 'eu' (εὖ) prefix meaning 'good/well' as in 'euphoria', and 'charist' similar to 'charity' - giving good charity/thanks.
- Remember the connection to 'Eucharist' (thanksgiving) in Christian tradition.
- The 'χαρ' (char) root relates to joy and gratitude - when you thank someone, you're expressing joy for what they've done.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Expressing gratitude is very important in Greek culture. 'Ευχαριστώ' is one of the first words foreigners learn. Greeks often respond to thanks with 'παρακαλώ' (you're welcome) or 'να 'σαι καλά' (be well). In formal settings or when expressing deep gratitude, Greeks might use the phrase 'σας ευχαριστώ πολύ' (thank you very much).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ευχαριστώ' means 'to thank', 'ευχαριστιέμαι' means 'to enjoy oneself' or 'to be pleased'. They share the same root but have different meanings and usage.
Notes: The reflexive form (-ιέμαι ending) indicates the action reflects back on the subject.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ευχαριστώ' as giving thanks outward to others, while 'ευχαριστιέμαι' is enjoying or pleasing yourself.
Explanation: 'Παρακαλώ' means 'please' or 'you're welcome', while 'ευχαριστώ' means 'thank you'. They're often used together in conversation, but with opposite functions.
Confused word:
Παρακαλώ, δεν ήταν τίποτα.
You're welcome, it was nothing.
Notes: 'Παρακαλώ' is also used to say 'please' when making a request, unlike 'ευχαριστώ'.
Mnemonic: 'Ευχαριστώ' starts the gratitude exchange, 'παρακαλώ' completes it.