Politeness in practice
Formal “you” with the plural, softening with θα ήθελα and μήπως, choosing between εσύ and εσείς — the social grammar of Greek.
εσείς: the polite plural
Formal address uses the 2nd person plural: Πώς είστε; Θέλετε καφέ; Note the mixed agreement to one person: plural verb, singular adjective — Είστε κουρασμένη; Greeks switch to εσύ faster than many cultures: among colleagues and peers, informal is the norm.
Softening the request
Three softeners in ascending order: Θέλω έναν καφέ (direct) → Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ (I’d like) → Μήπως θα μπορούσατε να…; (might you be able to…?). μήπως lightens any question: Μήπως ξέρετε πού είναι…; The magic word is still παρακαλώ, and ευχαριστώ is answered with παρακαλώ (you’re welcome).
Social rituals
Καλή όρεξη (enjoy your meal), στην υγειά μας/σας (cheers), καλό ταξίδι, καλή εβδομάδα, καλό μήνα (on the 1st of the month!), περαστικά (get well), συλλυπητήρια (condolences), με γεια (for a new purchase). Using these at the right moment is worth all the subordinate clauses in the world.
Your turn
Choose the correct form.