τρώω
tróo/ˈtɾo.o/
To eat a meal in Greek is τρώω (tróo). It is also spelled τρώγω (trógo). Wiktionary also lists γευματίζω (gevmatízo) and εσθίω (esthío).
Meaning: eat a meal (verb)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| τρώω | tróo | /ˈtɾo.o/ | |
| τρώγω | trógo | alternative form | |
| γευματίζω | gevmatízo | ||
| εσθίω | esthío | /esˈθi.o/ | obsolete |
| έδω | édo | obsolete |
Which one should you use?
While τρώω is the common word for 'eat', γευματίζω is a more formal way to say 'to have a meal'. Additionally, τρώγω is simply an alternative spelling of τρώω.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form τρώω is the first-person singular present indicative 'I eat', but in Greek, the verb conjugation often implies the subject, so the pronoun εγώ (I) is frequently omitted.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- While τρώω is the standard way to say 'eat', using the formal εσθίω in a casual setting like a family dinner might make you sound like a character from a classical tragedy.
- The Greek word τρώω originates from the Ancient Greek τρώγω, which originally carried the sense of 'gnawing' or 'munching'.
- If you want to say you are 'eating' with your eyes, you might use the verb τρώω metaphorically, just as English speakers say they 'devour' a book.
Examples in context
- Δεν τρώω ποτέ κρέας.I never eat meat.This sentence shows how to use τρώω to express dietary habits.Tatoeba #2404538 by mululatv, translation #257191 by CK
- Συνήθιζα να τρώω πίτσα.I used to eat pizza.This sentence demonstrates the use of τρώω for habitual actions in the past.Tatoeba #2700007 by Zeus, translation #2684405 by CK
- Δεν τρώω κάθε μέρα ψωμί.I don't eat bread every day.This sentence illustrates using τρώω when discussing frequency.Tatoeba #7795312 by janMiso, translation #7795298 by CK
- Πάμε να φάμε;Shall we go eat?
- Όλοι τρώγαμε μαζί.We all used to eat together.
- Τι θα φάτε για μεσημεριανό;What will you eat for lunch?
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
George and Anastasia are deciding what to do for lunch.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠεινάω πολύ. Τι τρώω σήμερα;Pináo polý. Ti tróo símera;I'm very hungry. What am I eating today?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΈφτιαξα φαγητό. Ελά να τρως!Éftiaxa fagito. Elá na tros!I made food. Come and eat!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΤι τρώω. Είναι σαλάτα;Ti tróo, Eínai saláta;What am I eating? Is it salad?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, τρώω σαλάτα και εγώ.Nai, tróo saláta kai egó.Yes, I am eating salad too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eat” translations and entries τρώω, τρώγω, εσθίω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τρώω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
