καλή όρεξη
kalí órexi
καλή όρεξη (kalí órexi) is the Greek way to say bon appétit.
This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat.
Meaning: used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'good appetite', where καλή means 'good' and όρεξη means 'appetite'.
How do you pronounce it?
kalí órexi
When do people say it?
This is the standard way to wish someone enjoyment of their meal in Greek.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'bon appétit' as a polite suggestion, a Greek person saying καλή όρεξη to a stranger in a cafe is actually a common social courtesy used to acknowledge someone's enjoyment of a meal.
- The word όρεξη is often used metaphorically in Greek to describe a general zest or ambition for life, not just a desire for food.
- The root of όρεξη comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'stretching toward', suggesting that eating is an act of reaching out for something.
Examples in context
- Καλή απόλαυση. Να έχετε μια ευχάριστη διαμονή!Enjoy your meal. Have a pleasant stay!
- Καλή όρεξη σε όλους!Kalí órexi se ólous!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are sitting down for lunch together.
- Νίκος NikosΤα φαγητά είναι έτοιμα. Καλή όρεξη!Ta fagita einai etima. Kali orexi!The food is ready. Enjoy your meal!
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ, Νίκο. Καλή όρεξη και σε σένα!Efcharisto, Niko. Kali orexi kai se sena!Thank you, Nikos. Enjoy your meal too!
- Νίκος NikosΦαίνεται πραγματικά νόστιμο.Fainetai pragmatika nostimo.It looks really delicious.
- Μαρία MariaΌντως, ανυπομονώ να το δοκιμάσω.Ontos, anypomono na to dokimaso.Indeed, I can't wait to taste it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon appétit” translations and entries καλή όρεξη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries όρεξη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
