ξηρό λευκό κρασί
xiró lefkó krasí
The English phrase "dry white wine" is ξηρό λευκό κρασί (xiró lefkó krasí) in Greek.
A type of white wine that is not sweet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ξηρό (dry), λευκό (white) and κρασί (wine).
Which one should you use?
To specify a sweet white wine instead of a dry one, replace ξηρό (dry) with γλυκό (sweet).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used in the genitive case (e.g., 'a glass of dry white wine'), the phrase changes to ξηρού λευκού κρασιού.
How do you pronounce it?
xiró lefkó krasí
Did you know?
- The word κρασί is actually a descendant of a word meaning 'blending'. This refers to the ancient custom of mixing wine with water before drinking it.
- While ξηρό describes a wine without sugar, its literal meaning in Greek is 'parched' or 'dried out', similar to a desert.
- Ancient Greeks primarily used the word οίνος for wine, whereas κρασί referred to the mixture of wine and water.
Examples in context
- Φέρε μου ένα ποτηράκι ξερό λευκό, παρακαλώ.Bring me a glass of dry white wine, please.
Example conversation
A couple is ordering drinks at a restaurant.
- Ελένη EleniΤι θα παραγγείλεις, Κώστα;Ti tha parangeíleis, Kósta?What will you order, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΘα πάρω ένα ξηρό λευκό κρασί.Tha páro éna xiro leukó krasí.I will have a dry white wine.
- Ελένη EleniΚι εγώ θα πάρω το ίδιο.Ki egó tha páro to ídio.I will have the same too.
- Κώστας KostasΤέλεια, τότε τα παραγγέλνω τώρα.Téleia, tóte ta parangélno tóra.Perfect, then I'll order them now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κρασί, CC BY-SA 4.0.
