Significado
Wishing someone a good meal.
Contexto cultural
Wishing 'Καλή όρεξη' is part of the hospitality ritual. Even if you are a stranger walking past a house where people are eating on the porch, it is common to shout 'Καλή όρεξη' as a friendly gesture. In a Greek 'parea' (group of friends), the phrase is often said in unison or followed by a toast ('Στην υγειά μας'). It marks the transition from conversation to the shared sensory experience of eating. In more traditional or religious households, 'Καλή όρεξη' might follow a short prayer or the sign of the cross, serving as the secular 'Amen' that allows the meal to begin.
The 'Likewise' Rule
If someone wishes you 'Καλή όρεξη', always respond with 'Επίσης' (E-pee-sees), which means 'Likewise'.
Don't be shy
It is better to say it too often than not at all. It is one of the safest and most appreciated phrases for a beginner.
Significado
Wishing someone a good meal.
The 'Likewise' Rule
If someone wishes you 'Καλή όρεξη', always respond with 'Επίσης' (E-pee-sees), which means 'Likewise'.
Don't be shy
It is better to say it too often than not at all. It is one of the safest and most appreciated phrases for a beginner.
Timing is everything
Wait until the food is actually on the table. Saying it too early (like when ordering) is a bit strange.
Ponte a prueba
What should you say to your Greek friend before they start eating their souvlaki?
Ο φίλος σου αρχίζει να τρώει. Τι λες;
Καλή όρεξη is the standard wish before a meal.
Complete the formal version of the phrase.
Καλή ____ όρεξη, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.
'Σας' is the formal/plural possessive pronoun used for respect.
Match the response to the wish.
Someone says: 'Καλή όρεξη!' You respond:
'Επίσης' (Likewise) is the most common and polite response.
Complete the dialogue at the restaurant.
Σερβιτόρος: Ορίστε το φαγητό σας. ________. Πελάτης: Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Waiters always wish 'Καλή όρεξη' when serving food.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to say Καλή όρεξη
Places
- • Home
- • Restaurant
- • Office
- • Picnic
People
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Strangers
- • Boss
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΟ φίλος σου αρχίζει να τρώει. Τι λες;
Καλή όρεξη is the standard wish before a meal.
Καλή ____ όρεξη, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.
'Σας' is the formal/plural possessive pronoun used for respect.
Someone says: 'Καλή όρεξη!' You respond:
'Επίσης' (Likewise) is the most common and polite response.
Σερβιτόρος: Ορίστε το φαγητό σας. ________. Πελάτης: Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Waiters always wish 'Καλή όρεξη' when serving food.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasYes! If you walk past someone eating in a park or a taverna, it is very polite to say it.
It is always 'Kali' (feminine) because 'Oreksi' is a feminine noun.
You should still say 'Καλή όρεξη' to your guests to invite them to start.
Usually, the toast ('Yamas!') comes first, followed immediately by 'Kali Oreksi'.
Frases relacionadas
Γεια στα χέρια σου
similarHealth to your hands
Στην υγειά μας
similarTo our health
Καλή χώνεψη
builds onGood digestion
