καλή όρεξη
kalí órexi
The English phrase 'eat well' is translated into Greek as καλή όρεξη (kalí órexi).
καλή όρεξη is the standard way to wish someone a good meal in Greek, acting as an equivalent to the French 'bon appétit' or the English 'enjoy your meal'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase καλή όρεξη literally translates to 'good appetite'.
How do you pronounce it?
kalí órexi
When do people say it?
When someone says καλή όρεξη to you, the standard response is ευχαριστώ (thank you).
Did you know?
- In ancient times, the root of όρεξη was associated with the physical act of reaching out or grasping something, which evolved into the psychological feeling of desire.
- While καλή όρεξη is the standard wish, Greeks also use the word κεφί to describe the spirited mood and passion that often accompanies a long, social meal.
- In Greek culture, the phrase καλή όρεξη is often spoken by the host or the cook as a way to signal that the meal is officially ready to be started.
Examples in context
- Τρώτε καλά και απολαμβάνετε το γεύμα σας!Eat well and enjoy your meal!
- Καλή όρεξη και καλή παρέα!Enjoy your meal and have a good time!
- Καλή όρεξη σε όλους!Kalí órexi se ólous!Bon appetit to everyone!
- Καλή όρεξη, το φαγητό φαίνεται υπέροχο!Kalí órexi, to phagitó fenétai ypérocho!Enjoy your meal, the food looks wonderful!
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are sitting at a table in a cafe.
- Κώστας KostasΕλένη, το φαγητό σου έφτασε.Eléni, to phagitó sou éftase.Eleni, your food has arrived.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Κώστα.Efcharistó polý, Kósta.Thank you very much, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΚαλή όρεξη!Kalí órexi!Enjoy your meal!
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ, καλή όρεξη και σε σένα.Efcharistó, kalí órexi ke se séna.Thank you, enjoy your meal too.
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.
