Meaning
Asking about food.
Cultural Background
Asking 'Τι τρως;' is often a prelude to sharing. Don't be surprised if the person offers you a bite immediately after answering. In Cyprus, the dialect might change the sound slightly, but the social importance of the question remains identical to mainland Greece. Food is a primary topic of conversation. Asking what someone is eating is considered a polite way to show interest in their well-being. On Greek Instagram, 'Τι τρως;' is a common comment on 'foodporn' posts, often used with heart-eye emojis.
Add 'εκεί'
Saying 'Τι τρως εκεί;' (What are you eating there?) makes the question sound more natural and localized.
Mind the mouth
Don't ask this if the person has a very full mouth; wait for them to chew!
Meaning
Asking about food.
Add 'εκεί'
Saying 'Τι τρως εκεί;' (What are you eating there?) makes the question sound more natural and localized.
Mind the mouth
Don't ask this if the person has a very full mouth; wait for them to chew!
Expect an offer
In Greece, asking this often results in being offered some of the food. Be prepared to say 'Ευχαριστώ' (Thank you) or 'Όχι, ευχαριστώ' (No, thank you).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to ask a close friend what they are eating.
___ τρως;
'Τι' is the Greek word for 'What'.
Fill in the missing verb for 'What are you (singular) eating?'.
Τι ___;
'τρως' is the 2nd person singular form.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Τι τρως; Β: ___ ένα σάντουιτς.
The answer should be in the 1st person singular ('I eat').
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You see your boss eating lunch. What do you say?
Use the formal/plural form for a boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Answers to 'Τι τρως;'
Snacks
- • Κουλούρι
- • Πατατάκια
- • Φρούτο
Meals
- • Μουσακάς
- • Φασολάδα
- • Σουβλάκι
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ τρως;
'Τι' is the Greek word for 'What'.
Τι ___;
'τρως' is the 2nd person singular form.
Α: Τι τρως; Β: ___ ένα σάντουιτς.
The answer should be in the 1st person singular ('I eat').
You see your boss eating lunch. What do you say?
Use the formal/plural form for a boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's very common and friendly among friends and family. It shows interest.
Yes, it works for any meal or snack at any time of day.
Use the formal version: 'Τι τρώτε;'.
Usually just the name of the food, e.g., 'Ένα σάντουιτς' or 'Σουβλάκι'.
No, that would be 'Τι σε τρώει;'. 'Τι τρως;' is strictly about food.
Yes, it is a clear 's' sound.
Yes, it's a way to confirm if they are snacking.
Yes, 'Τι μασουλάς;' is a common slang alternative.
Because it's a single-syllable word in modern Greek.
Yes, to ask your dining companion what they decided to order.
Related Phrases
Καλή όρεξη
similarBon appétit
Τι θα φάμε;
builds onWhat shall we eat?
Έφαγες;
similarDid you eat?
Πεινάς;
relatedAre you hungry?
Τι καλό έχει το μενού;
specialized formWhat's good on the menu?
