περιμένει
Wordform Details
Translation: waitexpectawait
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpresentIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: περιμένω
Translation: to wait; to expect; to await (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek περιμένω, composed of περί (around, about) + μένω (to stay, remain). The prefix περί suggests waiting 'around' or 'about' something, creating the sense of expectant waiting. The root μένω is cognate with Latin 'maneo' (to remain) and shares Indo-European roots with English 'mansion' and 'permanent'. This compound structure makes it literally mean 'to remain around/about', capturing the essence of waiting as staying in place with expectation.
Example Usage
Περιμένω το λεωφορείο.
I'm waiting for the bus.
Περίμενε να σου εξηγήσω.
Wait, let me explain to you.
Σε περιμένω στις οκτώ.
I'll wait for you at eight.
Περιμένουμε ένα μωρό.
We're expecting a baby.
Περίμενε μια στιγμή, παρακαλώ.
Wait a moment, please.
Δεν περίμενα να έρθεις τόσο νωρίς.
I didn't expect you to come so early.
Περίμενε ένα λεπτό, παρακαλώ.
Wait a minute, please.
Περίμενε με εδώ!
Wait for me here!
Περιμένω να έρθει ο φίλος μου.
I'm waiting for my friend to come.
Mnemonics
- Think 'perimeter' + 'menu' - you wait around the perimeter while looking at the menu
- Remember 'peri-' means around (like perimeter) and you wait 'around' for something
Cultural Context
Greeks often use this verb in social contexts where patience is valued. The phrase 'περίμενε λίγο' (wait a little) is extremely common in daily interactions. In Greek culture, waiting is often seen as a social activity rather than just a pause in time.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: μένω means 'to stay/live' while περιμένω means 'to wait'. The prefix περί- changes the meaning from simply staying to waiting expectantly.
Confused word:
Μένω στην Αθήνα.
I live in Athens.
Notes: Both involve remaining in place, but περιμένω implies expectation of something to happen
Mnemonic: περιμένω has 'περί' (around) - you wait around; μένω is just staying put