by Didriks under a CC license on Flickr
You are invited for dinner by some Greek friends. Which phrase would you use in the following contexts? For questions 1-10 choose the answer which is more suitable. The answers are not transliterated so the quiz is suitable for learners who are able to read the Greek alphabet. Intermediate and advanced students might find it too easy. The questions and answers are not translated, but you may find the right answers translated in English at the bottom of the page.
Which phrase will you use if:
| 1. You want to hand a glass of wine to the hosts. |
| α. Αυτό είναι για σας. |
β. Είναι το κρασί σας. |
γ. Το κρασί για σας. |
| 2.You want to wash your hands. |
| α. Θα ήθελα να πλένω τα χέρια μου. |
β. Πού μπορώ να πλύνω τα χέρια μου; |
γ. Πού πλένω τα χέρια μου; |
| 3. The hosts offer you a drink but you never drink before dinner. |
| α. Δεν θέλω, ευχαριστώ. |
β. Ευχαριστώ αλλά δεν πίνω πριν από το φαγητό. |
γ. Όχι ευχαριστώ. |
| 4. You want to tell the hosts that the food is delicious. |
| α. Καλό φαγητό! |
β. Μου αρέσει το φαγητό! |
γ. Πολύ νόστιμο! |
| 5.You want to say “bon appetite”. |
| α. Καλή όρεξη! |
β. Καλό φαγητό! |
γ. Να τρώμε καλά! |
| 6. You want to say “cheers”. |
| α. Γεια μου! |
β. Στην υγεια σας! |
γ. Με γεια σας! |
| 7. You want to have the salt. |
| α. Μου δίνετε το αλάτι, σας παρακαλώ; |
β. Πού είναι το αλάτι; |
γ. Θέλω αλάτι. |
| 8. The hosts offer you more food but you are already full. |
| α. Δεν τρώω άλλο, ευχαριστώ! |
β. Ευχαριστώ, χόρτασα! |
γ. Όχι πολύ φαγητό, ευχαριστώ! |
| 9. If you want to have some water to drink. |
| α. Ένα ποτήρι νερό, παρακαλώ! |
β. Θα ήθελα νερό. |
γ. Θα ήθελα λίγο νερό, σας παρακαλώ! |
| 10. It’s running late and want to thank your hosts and go home. |
| α. Πηγαίνω στο σπίτι τώρα. Ευχαριστώ για όλα! |
β. Φεύγω. Ευχαριστώ για όλα! |
γ. Να πηγαίνω κι εγώ. Ευχαριστώ για όλα! |
Answer key (Τhe phrases are literally translated):
1α This is for you.
2β Where can I wash my hands?
3β Thank you but I never drink before the meal. In this case, all the phrases are correct but α is too direct and if you use γ your hosts might think that you are shy and they might insist.
4γ Very delicious.
5α Bon appetite.
6β To your health.
7α Can you give me the salt, please?
8β Thank you, I ‘ m full.
9γ I would like (some) water, please.
10γ I shall go now. Thanks for everything.
