καλή όρεξη
kalí órexi
The Greek way to say "buon appetito" is καλή όρεξη (kalí órexi).
You use καλή όρεξη to wish someone an enjoyable meal before they begin eating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective καλή, meaning "good" and the noun όρεξη, meaning "appetite".
How do you pronounce it?
kalí órexi
Did you know?
- The word όρεξη shares a root with the rare English medical term 'orexis', which refers to the desire for food.
- If you are eating at a traditional taverna, you might hear people say Στην υγειά μας! (Stin ygeiá mas!) instead of a meal wish, which actually means 'To our health!' and is a toast used during the meal.
- The term όρεξη is derived from the Ancient Greek word ὄρεξις, which originally meant 'yearning'.
Examples in context
- Καλή όρεξη σε όλους!Kalí órexi se ólous!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
- Σας εύχομαι καλή όρεξη.Sas éfchomai kalí órexi.I wish you an enjoyable meal.
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Nikos are sitting down for dinner.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤο φαγητό είναι έτοιμο, καλή όρεξη!To faghitó eínai étoimo, kalí órexi!The food is ready, enjoy your meal!
- Νίκος NikosΕυχαριστώ, καλή όρεξη και σε σένα!Efcharistó, kalí órexi kai se séna!Thank you, enjoy your meal too!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΦαίνεται πολύ νόστιμο.Faínetai polý nóstimo.It looks very delicious.
- Νίκος NikosΠραγμάτι, μυρίζει υπέροχα.Pragmáti, myrízei ypérocha.Indeed, it smells wonderful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry καλή όρεξη, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries όρεξη, CC BY-SA 4.0.
