ζητώντας
Wordform Details
Translation: asking forseekingrequesting
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
presentparticipleIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: ζητώ
Translation: to ask for; to request; to seek; to demand; to look for; to search for (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ζητέω (zeteo), meaning 'to seek, search for, inquire'. The root is related to the English word 'zeal' through the concept of earnest seeking or pursuit. This verb has maintained its core meaning of seeking or requesting throughout Greek history, making it one of the more stable verbs in the language. The connection to 'zeal' helps remember that ζητώ implies active, purposeful seeking rather than passive waiting.
Example Usage
Ζητώ συγγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση.
I apologize for the delay.
Ζητάω μια πληροφορία.
I'm asking for information.
Ζήτησε βοήθεια από τον φίλο του.
He asked for help from his friend.
Ζητούν περισσότερα χρήματα για τη δουλειά.
They are asking for more money for the job.
Ζητάει πολλά από τους υπαλλήλους του.
He demands a lot from his employees.
Ζητώ συγγνώμη.
I ask for forgiveness. / I apologize.
Ζητάει δουλειά εδώ και μήνες.
He has been looking for a job for months.
Σου ζητώ μια χάρη.
I'm asking you for a favor.
Ζητάμε περισσότερες πληροφορίες.
We are requesting more information.
Ζήτησε αύξηση από το αφεντικό του.
He asked for a raise from his boss.
Ζητάει πολλά χρήματα για αυτό το προϊόν.
He's asking for a lot of money for this product.
Ζητάμε πληροφορίες για το δρομολόγιο.
We are asking for information about the route.
Ζήτησα βοήθεια από τον φίλο μου.
I asked for help from my friend.
Ζητάει βοήθεια.
He/she is asking for help.
Ζητώ ένα ποτήρι νερό.
I'm asking for a glass of water.
Mnemonics
- Think 'zeal to ask' - the 'z' sound connects to zealous seeking
- Ζητώ sounds like 'zee-TOH' - imagine saying 'I need to know' with zeal
Cultural Context
Very commonly used in everyday Greek conversation. Can range from polite requests to formal demands depending on context and tone. Often used in customer service, academic contexts, and daily interactions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: ζω means 'to live' while ζητώ means 'to ask for/seek'. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Ζω στην Αθήνα.
I live in Athens.
Notes: The extra syllable in ζητώ makes it sound more active and demanding, which fits its meaning
Mnemonic: ζητώ has more letters because asking requires more effort than just living (ζω)