Learning how to say “take away” in Greek can be useful when you are in Greece and want to order food to bring home, or simply ask for a take-out option. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to express “take away” in Greek, including formal and informal variations. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips and examples to ensure you can confidently communicate your request in various situations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Take Away” in Greek
If you prefer a more formal approach, especially when interacting with professionals or in polite situations, the following phrases will come in handy:
- Παρακαλώ να πακετάρετε το φαγητό μου. (Parakaló na paketárete to faytó mou) – This sentence translates to “Please pack my food.”
- Μπορείτε να το τυλίξετε για πακέτο, παρακαλώ; (Boríte na to tilíxete ya pakéto, parakaló?) – This phrase means “Can you wrap it for take away, please?”
- Θα ήθελα να πάρω το φαγητό μου για πακέτο, παρακαλώ. (Tha íthela na páro to faytó mou ya pakéto, parakaló) – Meaning “I would like to take my food as take away, please.”
Informal Ways to Say “Take Away” in Greek
When conversing with friends or in more casual settings, you can use these less formal expressions:
- Φέρτο πακέτο, παρακαλώ. (Férto pakéto, parakaló) – This simple phrase means “Bring it as take away, please.”
- Να μου κάνεις πακέτο, παρακαλώ. (Na mou kánis pakéto, parakaló) – In English, this translates to “Please make it a take away for me.”
- Παρακαλώ πακετάρε το φαγητό μου. (Parakaló paketáre to faytó mou) – This phrase is similar to the first one mentioned but in a more casual manner.
Tips and Examples for Using “Take Away” in Greek
Here are some useful tips and additional examples to further enhance your understanding of “take away” in Greek:
1. Politeness is important: Greeks place high value on politeness, especially when interacting with strangers or elderly individuals. Adding “parakaló” (please) to your sentences will ensure you convey your request in a respectful manner.
Example: Θα ήθελα να πάρω το φαγητό μου για πακέτο, παρακαλώ. (Tha íthela na páro to faytó mou ya pakéto, parakaló) – I would like to take my food as take away, please.
2. Non-verbal cues: When requesting “take away,” it can be helpful to make a wrapping or packing motion with your hands to ensure your message is clear, especially in noisy or crowded places.
Example: Holding your hands together, as if wrapping an invisible object, while saying “Φέρτο πακέτο, παρακαλώ.” (Férto pakéto, parakaló) – Bring it as take away, please.
3. Adding “μπουκάλι νερό” (bottle of water): In many Greek restaurants, when you ask for “take away,” they often include a complimentary bottle of water.
Example: Θα πάρω ένα σουβλάκι με παρακαλώ και ένα μπουκάλι νερό για πακέτο. (Tha páro éna souvláki me parakaló ke éna bookáli neró ya pakéto) – I’ll have a souvlaki to go, please, and a bottle of water as well.
Note: Regional variations may exist. However, the phrases mentioned above will be understood throughout Greece. If you want to explore specific regional variations, it’s best to inquire locally, as dialects can vary widely.
Now that you have learned various formal and informal ways to say “take away” in Greek, you’ll be better equipped to navigate Greek restaurants and enjoy your favorite meals even when you’re on the go. Remember to use polite expressions and gestures while making your request, and don’t hesitate to ask for regional variations if you find yourself in specific parts of Greece. Enjoy your take-away experience!
