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.

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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 κατάστημαto ka-TA-sti-ma	the store/shop	Το κατάστημα κλείνει στις εννιά. (The store closes at nine.)
η αγοράee a-gho-RA	the market / shopping	Πάμε στην αγορά; (Shall we go to the market?)
αγοράζωa-gho-RA-zo	I buy	Αγοράζω ένα δώρο για τη μητέρα μου. (I'm buying a gift for my mother.)
πουλάωpoo-LA-o	I sell	Πουλάω παλιά βιβλία. (I sell old books.)
η τιμήee ti-MEE	the price	Ποια είναι η τιμή; (What is the price?)
το ταμείοto ta-MEE-o	the cash register / checkout	Πληρώνετε στο ταμείο. (You pay at the checkout.)
η απόδειξηee a-PO-thik-si	the receipt	Μπορώ να έχω την απόδειξη; (Can I have the receipt?)
πληρώνωpli-RO-no	I pay	Πώς θέλετε να πληρώσετε; (How would you like to pay?)
τα ρέσταta RE-sta	the change	Κρατήστε τα ρέστα. (Keep the change.)
η έκπτωσηee EK-pto-si	the discount	Υπάρχει έκπτωση; (Is there a discount?)
οι εκπτώσειςee ek-PTO-sis	the sales	Οι εκπτώσεις αρχίζουν αύριο. (The sales start tomorrow.)
ακριβός/ή/όa-kri-VOS	expensive	Αυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό. (This is very expensive.)
φτηνός/ή/όfti-NOS	cheap	Ψάχνω κάτι πιο φτηνό. (I'm looking for something cheaper.)
η σακούλαee sa-KOO-la	the bag	Θέλετε σακούλα; (Do you want a bag?)
η βιτρίναee vi-TRI-na	the shop window	Το είδα στη βιτρίνα. (I saw it in the window.)
το μέγεθοςto 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?