καλή όρεξη
kalí órexi
The English phrase "enjoy your meal" is translated into Greek as καλή όρεξη (kalí órexi).
καλή όρεξη is a polite phrase used to wish someone enjoyment right before they begin eating. You may also use the alternative phrase Καλή απόλαυση to mean "enjoy your meal," or the phrase Καλό φαΐ, which means "good food."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase καλή όρεξη literally translates to "good appetite," where καλή (kalí) means "good" and όρεξη (órexi) means "appetite."
How do you pronounce it?
kalí órexi
Did you know?
- In Greece, καλή όρεξη is often used as a way to acknowledge other diners in a restaurant, even if you are not eating with them.
- The word όρεξη traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek concept of ὄρεξις, which describes a deep sense of 'yearning' or 'desire' rather than just physical hunger.
- In many Greek households, instead of a formal wish, the host might simply say Έλα, φάε! which means 'Come, eat!', treating the act of eating as an invitation to communal bonding.
Examples in context
- Καλή όρεξη! Απολαύστε το γεύμα σας.Enjoy your meal! Enjoy your food.
- Καλή απόλαυση στο δείπνο σας.Enjoy your dinner.
- Καλή σας όρεξη, παιδιά!Enjoy your meal, guys!
- Καλό φαΐ! Καλή όρεξη!Enjoy your meal!
- 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
Kostas and Eleni are sitting at a restaurant.
- Κώστας KostasΕλένη, καλή όρεξη!Eléni, kalí órexi!Eleni, enjoy your meal!
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Κώστα.Efcharistó polí, Kosta.Thank you very much, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΤο φαγητό φαίνεται πεντανόστιμο.To fagitó fenétaí pentanóstimo.The food looks delicious.
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, ας ξεκινήσουμε.Nai, as xekinésoume.Yes, let's start.
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.
