Greek, a rich and beautiful language, has several ways to express the question “What do you want?” Whether you’re engaging in formal or informal conversations, understanding these different phrases and expressions will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively with Greek speakers. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to say “What do you want?” in Greek, highlighting both formal and informal options, as well as regional variations when necessary. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What do you want?”
When engaging in formal conversations or addressing people of higher authority, you should use polite language and show the utmost respect. Here are a few formal ways to ask “What do you want?” in Greek:
Τι επιθυμείτε; (Ti epitimíte?)
Translation:
What do you want?
When using this formal expression, you demonstrate politeness and professionalism. It is suitable for situations such as speaking to your boss, addressing elderly people, or when you want to show respect to someone you’ve just met.
Informal Ways to Say “What do you want?”
In casual and informal situations, such as conversations with friends or family, you can use a slightly different, more relaxed phrase:
Τι θες; (Ti thes?)
Translation:
What do you want?
This expression is commonly used among peers or when you’re talking to someone younger than you. It carries a friendly and casual vibe that is appropriate in relaxed settings.
Additional Phrases and Tips
Here are some extra phrases and tips related to the question “What do you want?” in Greek:
Variations Based on Region
Greek is rich in regional dialects and variations. While the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are universally understood, you might come across a few regional variations. For example:
- Northern Greece: Τι θες να πιεις; (Ti thes na pīs?) – What do you want to drink?
- Southern Greece: Τι θες να φας; (Ti thes na fas?) – What do you want to eat?
Although these variations are not necessary for everyday conversation, they can be interesting to know if you’re visiting different regions of Greece.
Polite and Friendly Phrases
When asking “What do you want?” in Greek, there are a few ways to make the question sound more polite or friendly:
- Polite: Σας βολεύει κάτι; (Sas voleví keví?) – Does anything suit you?
- Friendly: Τι θέλεις να κάνουμε; (Ti thélis na kánume?) – What do you want to do?
These variations can carry a personal touch to your conversations, making them more engaging and comfortable.
Examples in Context
To better understand how to use these phrases in real-life situations, let’s see some examples:
- Formal Example: You meet your boss at work:
You: Καλημέρα, τι επιθυμείτε; (Kaliméra, ti epitimíte?)
(Hello, what do you want?)Boss: Έχεις τον πίνακα που σου ζήτησα; (Éhis ton pínaka pou su zítisa?)
(Do you have the report I asked from you?)
Informal Example: Chatting with a friend:
You: Άκουσα πως πήγες στο διάσημο εστιατόριο. Τι θες να σου προτείνω; (Ákusa po píyes sto diásimo estiatório. Ti thes na su proteíno?)
(I heard you went to the famous restaurant. What do you want me to recommend?)Friend: Δες τι είναι τα ειδικά του σήμερα. (Des ti íne ta idiká tu símera.)
(Check what today’s specials are.)
Conclusion
Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “What do you want?” in Greek, both formally and informally, you are well-equipped to communicate effectively with Greek speakers. Remember to adapt your language based on the situation and the level of formality required. By employing these phrases correctly, you will not only enhance your Greek language skills but also demonstrate respect and build stronger connections with native speakers. Enjoy practicing and immersing yourself in the beauty of the Greek language!
