Signification
Inviting someone to a meal.
Contexte culturel
Sunday lunch is the most important meal. If you are invited and hear 'Έλα να φάμε,' expect a multi-course meal that lasts until sunset. In smaller island communities, 'Έλα να φάμε' might be shouted across balconies or streets. It's a sign of a tight-knit community. The phrase is a linguistic anchor for second-generation Greeks, often being one of the few phrases they retain perfectly. In Crete, 'Έλα να φάμε' is often accompanied by a glass of raki. Refusing the invitation can sometimes be seen as a slight.
The 'Ella' Multi-tool
'Έλα' is the Swiss Army knife of Greek. It means 'Come,' 'Come on,' 'Hello' (on the phone), and 'You don't say!' context is everything.
Don't wait for a formal invite
In Greek homes, 'Έλα να φάμε' is often the only invitation you'll get. If you wait for something more formal, you might go hungry!
Signification
Inviting someone to a meal.
The 'Ella' Multi-tool
'Έλα' is the Swiss Army knife of Greek. It means 'Come,' 'Come on,' 'Hello' (on the phone), and 'You don't say!' context is everything.
Don't wait for a formal invite
In Greek homes, 'Έλα να φάμε' is often the only invitation you'll get. If you wait for something more formal, you might go hungry!
Watch the 'E'
Make sure to pronounce the 'E' in 'Έλα' clearly. If you swallow it, it sounds like 'la', which means nothing in this context.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the imperative to address a group of friends.
________ να φάμε, παιδιά!
Since you are addressing 'παιδιά' (children/guys), you must use the plural imperative 'Ελάτε'.
Which phrase is the most natural way to call your brother to dinner?
The food is ready. What do you say?
'Έλα να φάμε' is the standard informal invitation. 'Σας προσκαλώ' is too formal, and 'τρώμε' is the wrong aspect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Πεινάω πολύ! B: Κι εγώ. ________ να φάμε κάτι στην ταβέρνα;
The speaker is suggesting to one person that they go eat together.
Match the phrase to the context.
1. Έλα να φάμε 2. Ελάτε να φάμε 3. Θα θέλατε να γευματίσουμε;
Singular informal for sister, plural informal for parents, formal for boss.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________ να φάμε, παιδιά!
Since you are addressing 'παιδιά' (children/guys), you must use the plural imperative 'Ελάτε'.
The food is ready. What do you say?
'Έλα να φάμε' is the standard informal invitation. 'Σας προσκαλώ' is too formal, and 'τρώμε' is the wrong aspect.
A: Πεινάω πολύ! B: Κι εγώ. ________ να φάμε κάτι στην ταβέρνα;
The speaker is suggesting to one person that they go eat together.
1. Έλα να φάμε 2. Ελάτε να φάμε 3. Θα θέλατε να γευματίσουμε;
Singular informal for sister, plural informal for parents, formal for boss.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's too informal. Use 'Θέλετε να πάμε για φαγητό;' instead.
You would say 'Έλα να φας' (singular 'you' form).
Grammatically yes, but socially it's a warm invitation.
Yes, 'Πάμε' means 'Let's go'. Use it if you are moving to a restaurant.
The plural is 'Ελάτε' (Eláte).
Yes, it is the first-person plural subjunctive of 'τρώω'.
Yes, though the accent may differ, the phrase is universal.
Yes, it applies to any meal.
Then you don't say it! Greeks only say this when the food is imminent.
Only if you use it with a stranger or a superior. With friends, it's friendly.
Expressions liées
Καλή όρεξη
similarEnjoy your meal
Πάμε για φαγητό
similarLet's go for food
Φάε κάτι
builds onEat something
Στρώσε το τραπέζι
builds onSet the table
