καλή όρεξη
kalí órexi
In Greek, the phrase to say "enjoy your food" is καλή όρεξη (kalí órexi).
καλή όρεξη is a polite phrase used to wish someone a good appetite. It is used both as a polite wish before a meal begins and as a general way to wish someone a good meal regarding γεύματα (meals).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good appetite", consisting of the adjective καλή (good) and the noun όρεξη (appetite).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the feminine adjective καλή to agree with the feminine noun όρεξη.
How do you pronounce it?
kalí órexi
When do people say it?
You can use this phrase before or during a meal to wish others a good appetite. The standard response to καλή όρεξη is ευχαριστώ (thank you).
Did you know?
- In Greece, it is common to say καλή όρεξη to a stranger if you pass them while they are eating in a restaurant or taverna.
- The noun όρεξη comes from the Ancient Greek word ὄρεξις, which originally meant a sense of 'yearning' or 'desire' rather than just hunger.
- The word όρεξη can be used metaphorically to describe a person's drive or ambition for life, not just for food.
Examples in context
- Πήγαμε για μεζέ με την οικογένεια. / Καλή όρεξη, να το απολαύσετε!We went for meze with the family. / Enjoy your meal, enjoy!
- Καλή όρεξη σε όλους!Kalí órexi se ólous!Enjoy your food, everyone!
- Σας εύχομαι καλή όρεξη.Sas éfchomai kalí órexi.I wish you an enjoyable meal.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Giorgos are sitting down for lunch together.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΛουράσε το φαγητό σου, καλή όρεξη!Lurase to fagito sou, kali orexi!Dig into your food, enjoy your meal!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, καλή όρεξη και σε σένα.Efcharisto, kali orexi kai se sena.Thank you, enjoy your meal too.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕίναι πολύ νόστιμο το φαγητό.Einai poly nostimo to fagito.The food is very tasty.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΈχεις δίκιο, είναι υπέροχο!Echeis dikio, einai yperocho!You are right, it is 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.
