Greek Words for Shopping: Essential Vocabulary Guide
Whether you're browsing the bustling markets of Athens or stepping into a boutique on a Greek island, knowing the right vocabulary makes all the difference. This guide covers the most useful Greek words for shopping that will help you navigate any retail situation with confidence.
Essential Shopping Vocabulary
These core Greek words for shopping form the foundation of any retail interaction. Memorize these first to handle basic transactions.
| Word | Pronunciation | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| το κατάστημα | to ka-TA-sti-ma | the store/shop | Το κατάστημα κλείνει στις εννιά. (The store closes at nine.) |
| η αγορά | ee a-gho-RA | the market / shopping | Πάμε στην αγορά; (Shall we go to the market?) |
| αγοράζω | a-gho-RA-zo | I buy | Αγοράζω ένα δώρο για τη μητέρα μου. (I'm buying a gift for my mother.) |
| πουλάω | poo-LA-o | I sell | Πουλάω παλιά βιβλία. (I sell old books.) |
| η τιμή | ee ti-MEE | the price | Ποια είναι η τιμή; (What is the price?) |
| το ταμείο | to ta-MEE-o | the cash register / checkout | Πληρώνετε στο ταμείο. (You pay at the checkout.) |
| η απόδειξη | ee a-PO-thik-si | the receipt | Μπορώ να έχω την απόδειξη; (Can I have the receipt?) |
| πληρώνω | pli-RO-no | I pay | Πώς θέλετε να πληρώσετε; (How would you like to pay?) |
| τα ρέστα | ta RE-sta | the change | Κρατήστε τα ρέστα. (Keep the change.) |
| η έκπτωση | ee EK-pto-si | the discount | Υπάρχει έκπτωση; (Is there a discount?) |
| οι εκπτώσεις | ee ek-PTO-sis | the sales | Οι εκπτώσεις αρχίζουν αύριο. (The sales start tomorrow.) |
| ακριβός/ή/ό | a-kri-VOS | expensive | Αυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό. (This is very expensive.) |
| φτηνός/ή/ό | fti-NOS | cheap | Ψάχνω κάτι πιο φτηνό. (I'm looking for something cheaper.) |
| η σακούλα | ee sa-KOO-la | the bag | Θέλετε σακούλα; (Do you want a bag?) |
| η βιτρίνα | ee vi-TRI-na | the shop window | Το είδα στη βιτρίνα. (I saw it in the window.) |
| το μέγεθος | to ME-ye-thos | the size | Τι μέγεθος φοράτε; (What size do you wear?) |
Common Phrases
These expressions will help you communicate smoothly in any Greek shop. Practice these phrases to sound more natural during your shopping experiences.
| Phrase | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω; | bo-RO na sas vo-i-THI-so | Can I help you? |
| Απλώς κοιτάζω. | ap-LOS ki-TA-zo | I'm just looking. |
| Πόσο κάνει αυτό; | PO-so KA-ni af-TO | How much does this cost? |
| Πόσο κοστίζει; | PO-so ko-STI-zi | How much does it cost? |
| Έχετε αυτό σε άλλο χρώμα; | E-he-te af-TO se A-lo HROM-a | Do you have this in another color? |
| Μπορώ να το δοκιμάσω; | bo-RO na to tho-ki-MA-so | Can I try it on? |
| Πού είναι τα δοκιμαστήρια; | POO EE-ne ta tho-ki-ma-STI-ri-a | Where are the fitting rooms? |
| Δέχεστε κάρτα; | THE-he-ste KAR-ta | Do you accept cards? |
| Θα πληρώσω μετρητά. | tha pli-RO-so met-ri-TA | I'll pay cash. |
| Μπορώ να το επιστρέψω; | bo-RO na to e-pi-STRE-pso | Can I return it? |
| Θα το πάρω. | tha to PA-ro | I'll take it. |
| Είναι για δώρο. | EE-ne ya THO-ro | It's for a gift. |
Usage Notes
Understanding Greek shopping culture will enhance your experience beyond just knowing the vocabulary.
- Formal vs. Informal: Shop assistants typically use the formal "you" (εσείς) with customers. You should do the same when speaking to staff, especially in more upscale establishments.
- Bargaining: While haggling is not common in regular stores, it's expected at λαϊκές αγορές (street markets) and antique shops. The phrase "Κάνετε καλύτερη τιμή;" (KA-ne-te ka-LI-te-ri ti-MI - Can you do a better price?) is useful here.
- Store Hours: Many Greek shops close for an afternoon break (μεσημεριανό διάλειμμα) between 2-5 PM, especially outside major cities. Always check hours before visiting.
- Receipts: By law, shops must provide a receipt (απόδειξη). It's actually illegal for customers to leave without one, though this is rarely enforced. Still, always ask for your receipt.
- Plastic Bags: Greece charges for plastic bags, so bring your own or say "Όχι, ευχαριστώ" (O-hi ef-ha-ri-STO - No, thank you) when offered one.
- Payment: While cards are widely accepted in cities, smaller shops and markets often prefer cash (μετρητά). Always carry some euros.
Practice Sentences
Use these example sentences to practice Greek words for shopping in context. Try reading them aloud to improve your pronunciation.
- Θέλω να αγοράσω ένα αναμνηστικό.
THE-lo na a-gho-RA-so E-na a-na-mni-sti-KO
I want to buy a souvenir. - Αυτή η τιμή είναι πολύ υψηλή.
af-TI ee ti-MI EE-ne po-LI ip-si-LI
This price is too high. - Το κατάστημα ανοίγει στις δέκα το πρωί.
to ka-TA-sti-ma a-NI-yi stis THE-ka to pro-I
The store opens at ten in the morning. - Ψάχνω για δώρα για την οικογένειά μου.
PSA-hno ya THO-ra ya tin i-ko-YE-ni-a moo
I'm looking for gifts for my family. - Μπορείτε να μου κάνετε έκπτωση αν αγοράσω δύο;
bo-RI-te na moo KA-ne-te EK-pto-si an a-gho-RA-so THEE-o
Can you give me a discount if I buy two? - Πού μπορώ να βρω ένα φαρμακείο;
POO bo-RO na vro E-na far-ma-KI-o
Where can I find a pharmacy? - Η αγορά είναι ανοιχτή κάθε Σάββατο.
ee a-gho-RA EE-ne a-nih-TI KA-the SA-va-to
The market is open every Saturday. - Δεν μου αρέσει αυτό το χρώμα. Έχετε μπλε;
then moo a-RE-si af-TO to HROM-a. E-he-te ble?
I don't like this color. Do you have blue?