Signification
Heading to have a meal.
Contexte culturel
The 'Mesimeriano' (midday meal) is sacred. Saying 'Πάω να φάω' between 2 PM and 5 PM often implies a long break followed by a nap. In Cyprus, the phrase is the same, but the food might involve more 'souvla'. The invitation 'Έλα να φας' (Come eat) often follows 'Πάω να φάω'. The phrase is often preserved even when the rest of the conversation is in English ('I'm going to the kitchen, pao na fao'). On Greek Twitter/TikTok, 'Πάω να φάω' is used as a meme to show someone is ignoring a controversial topic.
The 'Invite' Rule
When you say 'Πάω να φάω' to a friend, it's polite to follow it with 'Θέλεις να έρθεις;' (Do you want to come?) even if you think they'll say no.
Pronoun Danger
Never add 'σε' (you) or 'τον' (him) after 'φάω' unless you are very angry. 'Πάω να σε φάω' means 'I'm going to eat you up' (either aggressively or playfully).
Signification
Heading to have a meal.
The 'Invite' Rule
When you say 'Πάω να φάω' to a friend, it's polite to follow it with 'Θέλεις να έρθεις;' (Do you want to come?) even if you think they'll say no.
Pronoun Danger
Never add 'σε' (you) or 'τον' (him) after 'φάω' unless you are very angry. 'Πάω να σε φάω' means 'I'm going to eat you up' (either aggressively or playfully).
The Greek Lunch
Remember that 'Πάω να φάω' in the afternoon usually means a full meal, not a sandwich at a desk.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing particle and verb form.
Πεινάω πολύ, πάω ___ ___ (eat).
We use 'να' + the subjunctive 'φάω' for a specific instance of eating.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are leaving for lunch?
Choose the best option:
'Πάω να φάω' is the standard, natural informal choice.
Complete the dialogue.
Γιώργος: Θέλεις να παίξουμε μπάσκετ; Εσύ: Όχι, είμαι κουρασμένος και πεινάω. ___ ___ ___.
The context of 'πεινάω' (I'm hungry) requires 'πάω να φάω'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Πάω να φάω' with the correct context:
The phrase indicates you are *going* to eat, not that you are already doing it or finished.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Meal Times for 'Pao na Fao'
Μεσημέρι
- • 14:00 - 16:00
- • Main meal
- • Family time
Βράδυ
- • 21:00 - 23:00
- • Social
- • Light or heavy
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΠεινάω πολύ, πάω ___ ___ (eat).
We use 'να' + the subjunctive 'φάω' for a specific instance of eating.
Choose the best option:
'Πάω να φάω' is the standard, natural informal choice.
Γιώργος: Θέλεις να παίξουμε μπάσκετ; Εσύ: Όχι, είμαι κουρασμένος και πεινάω. ___ ___ ___.
The context of 'πεινάω' (I'm hungry) requires 'πάω να φάω'.
Match 'Πάω να φάω' with the correct context:
The phrase indicates you are *going* to eat, not that you are already doing it or finished.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'τρώω' is the continuous form. 'Πάω να φάω' refers to the specific act of having a meal.
It depends on your relationship, but generally, it's fine. If you want to be safer, say 'Θα λείψω για λίγο να φάω'.
'Πάω να φάω' is more about the act/hunger. 'Πάω για φαγητό' sounds more like a social plan.
No, it can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The time of day determines which meal it is.
Just add 'κάτι': 'Πάω να φάω κάτι'.
You can also use 'Φεύγω' (I'm leaving): 'Φεύγω να φάω'.
Yes, but 'Πάω να τσιμπήσω κάτι' is more specific for a snack.
The best response is 'Καλή όρεξη!' (Enjoy your meal!).
Yes, in dialogue. In narrative, a writer might use 'Πήγε να γευματίσει'.
Yes, 'Πάω να την ακούσω' (slang for eating a lot/getting full).
Expressions liées
Πάω για ύπνο
similarI'm going to sleep.
Καλή όρεξη
builds onEnjoy your meal.
Έφαγα
contrastI ate.
Πάω να τσιμπήσω
specialized formI'm going to grab a snack.
