Meaning
Status of a shop.
Cultural Background
The 'Mesimeri' (mid-day break) is sacred. Many shops close between 2 PM and 5 PM. If you see a shop closed during this time, it's not permanent; they are just resting! Similar to Greece, but in tourist areas, many shops stay 'ανοιχτά' all day without a break to accommodate visitors. Greek-owned diners are famous for being 'ανοιχτά' 24/7. The phrase 'Always Open' is a point of pride. During major holidays like Easter or August 15th, almost nothing is 'ανοιχτά'. It's a time for family and church.
Look for the sign
Most Greek shops have a reversible sign. 'ΑΝΟΙΚΤΑ' (Open) is usually in blue/green, and 'ΚΛΕΙΣΤΑ' (Closed) is in red.
Check the day
Mondays and Wednesdays often have shorter hours (closing at 3 PM). Don't assume it's open just because it's a weekday!
Meaning
Status of a shop.
Look for the sign
Most Greek shops have a reversible sign. 'ΑΝΟΙΚΤΑ' (Open) is usually in blue/green, and 'ΚΛΕΙΣΤΑ' (Closed) is in red.
Check the day
Mondays and Wednesdays often have shorter hours (closing at 3 PM). Don't assume it's open just because it's a weekday!
The 'Adverbial' Trick
If you forget the gender of a shop, just say 'Είναι ανοιχτά;' without the noun. It's always correct!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask if the shop is open.
Είναι _______ το μαγαζί;
'Ανοιχτά' is the standard way to describe a shop's status.
Which sentence means 'The pharmacy is open until 8'?
Choose the correct Greek translation:
'Μέχρι τις οκτώ' means 'until eight'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Είναι ανοιχτά σήμερα; B: Όχι, είναι _______.
'Κλειστά' is the opposite of 'ανοιχτά'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to know if a museum is open on Sundays.
This asks specifically about Sunday status.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Είναι ανοιχτά'
Food
- • Φούρνος
- • Εστιατόριο
- • Ταβέρνα
Services
- • Τράπεζα
- • Φαρμακείο
- • Ταχυδρομείο
Culture
- • Μουσείο
- • Σινεμά
- • Θέατρο
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΕίναι _______ το μαγαζί;
'Ανοιχτά' is the standard way to describe a shop's status.
Choose the correct Greek translation:
'Μέχρι τις οκτώ' means 'until eight'.
A: Είναι ανοιχτά σήμερα; B: Όχι, είναι _______.
'Κλειστά' is the opposite of 'ανοιχτά'.
You want to know if a museum is open on Sundays.
This asks specifically about Sunday status.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for a person use 'ανοιχτόμυαλος' (open-minded) or 'ειλικρινής' (honest).
'Ανοικτά' is more formal and used in writing; 'ανοιχτά' is the common spoken form.
Yes, 'ανοιχτός καιρός' means clear/sunny weather.
Ask 'Τι ώρα ανοίγετε;'
Yes, it is perfectly polite for all situations.
It can, but 'ξεκλείδωτα' is more specific for security.
No, for a website use 'είναι πάνω' (it's up) or 'λειτουργεί'.
Say 'Είναι ανοιχτά όλο το εικοσιτετράωρο'.
Use 'ανοιχτά' for the general status of a place, and 'ανοιχτό' if you specifically mention a neuter noun like 'το μαγαζί'.
It's the 'mesimeri' break for rest and avoiding the heat.
Related Phrases
Είναι κλειστά
contrastIt is closed
Ανοίγει στις...
similarIt opens at...
Ωράριο λειτουργίας
builds onOpening hours
Είσοδος ελεύθερη
specialized formFree entrance
