χωρίς ζάχαρη
chorís záchari/xoˈɾis ˈza.xa.ɾi/word by word
The English phrase "no sugar" can be translated into Greek as χωρίς ζάχαρη (chorís záchari).
χωρίς ζάχαρη is used to request or describe a food or drink that should be served without any added sugar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition χωρίς (without) and the noun ζάχαρη (sugar).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase χωρίς ζάχαρη, the noun ζάχαρη is in the accusative case, which is the standard case used after the preposition χωρίς.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is chorís záchari. The pronunciation is /xoˈɾis ˈza.xa.ɾi/. The word has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
This phrase is commonly used when ordering coffee or tea in Greece to specify that no sugar should be added. To be polite, you may include παρακαλώ, which means "please".
Did you know?
- The Greek word ζάχαρη actually finds its roots in the Sanskrit word śarkarā, which originally referred to 'gravel' or 'grit'.
- In many Greek coffee houses, you can order a 'sketos' coffee, which is a single word that implies 'without sugar' without needing the full phrase χωρίς ζάχαρη.
- While χωρίς ζάχαρη is used for drinks, Greeks may use the word αγλυκό to describe a food that is simply 'not sweet' by nature, regardless of whether sugar was added.
Examples in context
- Θέλω τον καφέ μου χωρίς ζάχαρη.Thelo ton kafe mou choris zakhari.I want my coffee without sugar.
- Θα ήθελα ένα τσάι χωρίς ζάχαρη, παρακαλώ.Tha ithela ena tsaï choris zakhari, parakalo.I would like a tea without sugar, please.
- Το γιαούρτι είναι χωρίς ζάχαρη.To giourti einai choris zakhari.The yogurt is without sugar.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are at a cafe.
- Νίκος NikosΤι θα ήθελες να πιεις, Μαρία;Ti tha itheles na pieis, Maria?What would you like to drink, Maria?
- Μαρία MariaΘέλω έναν φρέντο εσπρέσο χωρίς ζάχαρη.Thelo enan fredo espresso choris zachari.I want a freddo espresso without sugar.
- Νίκος NikosΘα παραγγείλω και για μένα το ίδιο.Tha parangeilo kai gia mena to idio.I will order the same for myself.
- Μαρία MariaΤέλεια, ευχαριστώ, Νίκο!Teleia, efcharisto, Niko!Great, thank you, Nikos!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (χωρίς, ζάχαρη) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ζάχαρη, χωρίς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
