Πόσο κάνει;
Póso káni?
To ask "how much is it?" in Greek, say Πόσο κάνει.
Πόσο κάνει is the usual question for asking the price of an item in a shop or at a market.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of Πόσο, meaning "how much" and κάνει, the third person singular of κάνω, meaning "to make" or "to do". Literally it asks "how much does it make?"
Which one should you use?
Πόσο κοστίζει is a more direct way to ask the price, using the specific verb for "to cost". Πόσο παίρνετε γι' αυτό is a formal way of asking "How much do you charge for this?"
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking about the price of more than one item, use the plural verb form κάνουν and say Πόσο κάνουν, meaning "How much do they cost?"
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced Póso káni?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not keep the singular κάνει when pointing at several items. Switch to κάνουν.
Did you know?
- Greek uses the same word πόσο for both the price of an item and the physical quantity or volume of a substance.
- In Greek, the verb κάνω is used for everything from 'doing' homework to 'making' a cake, and it even handles the concept of pricing.
- While English uses the verb 'to be' (is) to state a price, the Greek structure uses an active verb, which makes the price feel like a functional result of an action.
Examples in context
- Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό το κολιέ;How much does this necklace cost?
- Πόσο παίρνετε γι' αυτό το φαγητό;How much do you charge for this meal?
Example conversation
Nikos is buying a souvenir at a shop.
- Νίκος NikosΑυτό το μπρέλο είναι όμορφο. Πόσο κάνει;Auto to brelo einai omorfo. Poso kanei?This keychain is nice. How much is it?
- Ελένη EleniΚάνει πέντε ευρώ, Νίκο.Kanei pente evro, Niko.It is five euros, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΕίναι πολύ φθηνό!Einai poly fthino!It is very cheap!
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι προσφορά.Ne, einai prosfora.Yes, it is an offer.
