Meaning
Grocery shopping.
Cultural Background
Supermarkets are a social hub where you often run into neighbors. It's common to spend time chatting in the aisles. The 'Household Basket' (Καλάθι του Νοικοκυριού) is a modern economic reality often discussed when going to the supermarket. Plastic bags are not free. Most Greeks bring their own reusable bags (υφασμάτινες τσάντες) or buy a thick plastic one at the checkout. Sunday closing laws are strict. If you don't go to the supermarket by Saturday night, you'll have to wait until Monday or find a small 'mini-market'.
The 'Super' Shorthand
If you want to sound like a local, just say 'Πάμε σούπερ;'
Sunday Closure
Supermarkets are closed on Sundays! Don't plan your grocery run for then.
Meaning
Grocery shopping.
The 'Super' Shorthand
If you want to sound like a local, just say 'Πάμε σούπερ;'
Sunday Closure
Supermarkets are closed on Sundays! Don't plan your grocery run for then.
Loyalty Cards
Most supermarkets have cards (κάρτα μέλους). Ask for one to save money!
Plastic Bags
Always bring your own bag or you will be charged about 0.10-0.20€ per bag.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'Let's go to the supermarket'.
Πάμε ____ σούπερ μάρκετ.
The noun 'σούπερ μάρκετ' is neuter singular, so it takes the article 'το'. Combined with 'σε', it becomes 'στο'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to suggest a grocery run?
How do you say 'Let's go to the supermarket'?
'Πάμε' is the standard way to make a suggestion, and 'στο σούπερ μάρκετ' is the standard destination phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Δεν έχουμε ψωμί και γάλα. Β: ____________________.
The most logical response to 'we are out of essentials' is 'let's go to the supermarket'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Πάμε σούπερ;'
'Πάμε σούπερ' is an informal shorthand used with friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to shop?
Σούπερ Μάρκετ
- • Pasta
- • Soap
- • Milk
Λαϊκή
- • Tomatoes
- • Apples
- • Fish
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΠάμε ____ σούπερ μάρκετ.
The noun 'σούπερ μάρκετ' is neuter singular, so it takes the article 'το'. Combined with 'σε', it becomes 'στο'.
How do you say 'Let's go to the supermarket'?
'Πάμε' is the standard way to make a suggestion, and 'στο σούπερ μάρκετ' is the standard destination phrase.
Α: Δεν έχουμε ψωμί και γάλα. Β: ____________________.
The most logical response to 'we are out of essentials' is 'let's go to the supermarket'.
When would you say 'Πάμε σούπερ;'
'Πάμε σούπερ' is an informal shorthand used with friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is usually written as two words (σούπερ μάρκετ), but sometimes you see it as one (σουπερμάρκετ). Both are understood.
It's less common. Usually, it's either 'σούπερ μάρκετ' or just 'σούπερ'.
Because 'σούπερ μάρκετ' is a neuter noun (το σούπερ μάρκετ).
We use the loanword 'σούπερ μάρκετ'. The formal Greek word is 'υπεραγορά', but it's rarely used in speech.
No, it is an indeclinable loanword. It stays the same in all cases.
Yes, it's very common for neighbors to help each other with shopping, especially the elderly.
Usually at 9:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 PM on Saturdays.
Yes, 'πάμε' means both 'let's go' and 'we are going'. Context tells you which one it is.
Yes, a 'παντοπωλείο' is usually a small, traditional neighborhood shop.
You say 'Πηγαίνω στο σούπερ μάρκετ' or 'Θα πάω στο σούπερ μάρκετ'.
Related Phrases
Πάμε για ψώνια
similarLet's go shopping
Πάμε στη λαϊκή
contrastLet's go to the street market
Πάμε σούπερ
specialized formLet's go to the super (shortened)
Κάνω τα ψώνια της εβδομάδας
builds onI am doing the weekly shopping
