How to Order Ice Cream in Greek

How to order Ice Cream in Greek

Greek lesson 5 teaches you how to order ice cream in Greek, which has to be one of the most important Greek-speaking lessons to master.

The good thing about buying ice cream in Greek is that you can do it with very little understanding of the Greek language.

You could probably even buy ice cream in Greece by learning to say only one sentence in Greek.

Ordering ice cream in Greek is similar to other languages. So only a few words are required between you and the server behind the ice cream counter.

All you need to know is whether you want your ice cream to be in a cup or a cone, the ice cream flavor or flavors you want and whether you want a single or double scoop of ice cream.

Then all you have to do is order ice cream in Greek and see what happens.

If you get the ice cream of your choice, you’ve done it!

How to Order Ice Cream in Greek

Ordering an ice cream in Greek is an excellent way to practice your Greek-speaking skills while in Greece.

For this reason, I highly recommend anyone learning how to speak Greek to order ice cream in Greek.

See if you can do it without speaking a single word of English.

Hopefully, you enjoy chocolate or vanilla ice cream flavors since these two classic flavors are used as examples to teach you how to order ice cream in Greek.

If you prefer other ice cream flavors, you can always point to them.

Anyway, to help you out, some more ice cream flavors are mentioned at the end of this Greek lesson.

So if you love the strawberry ice cream flavor, you can learn how to say it in Greek after the main lesson has concluded.

Learn Greek Fast – The Teaching Method 

Greek lesson 5 uses the same simple teaching methods as previous lessons.

Just speak the words shown in blue and red text out loud as this is the essential Greek lesson to learn and master here.

Say the words/statements ten times when reading them for maximum effect.

Now and then, close your eyes and try to say things without looking.

Then hopefully, you’ll be able to remember how to order ice cream in Greek with confidence.

To better understand how this methodology easily teaches you how to speak Greek fast, you can always refer to the detailed introduction in Greek lesson 1 – Greetings.

Things to know about Greek Ice Cream

Note: There is no differentiation between ice cream and gelato in Greece.

Also, ice cream in Greece is known as “Pagoto,” pronounced pagor-tor.

When it comes to scoops in Greece, they are called “balls.” In Greek, that’s Balles (μπάλες). That’s how you order them.

One ball is mia balla. Two balls is thee-o balles.

Now let’s begin. Here’s how to order ice cream in Greek, made relatively simple.

I would like, one Scoop (ball), of Chocolate, in a, Cone

Tha ithela, mia balla, soko-la-ta, se, cor-naki
Tha ithela, mia balla, soko-la-ta, se, cor-naki
Tha ithela, mia balla, soko-la-ta, se, cor-naki
Tha ithela, mia balla, soko-la-ta, se, cor-naki
Tha ithela, mia balla, soko-la-ta, se, cor-naki
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, soko-larta, seh, cor-narki
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, soko-larta, seh, cor-narki
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, soko-larta, seh, cor-narki
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, soko-larta, seh, cor-narki
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, soko-larta, seh, cor-narki

Once again: When it comes to scoops in Greece, they are called “balls.” One ball is mia balla. Two balls is thee-o balles.

You might also wonder why “Mia” is used and not “Ena,” which is number 1 in Greek, the equivalent of number 1 in English.

Well, the word Ball in Greek is feminine. So, in the example above, if you’d like to have one scoop, then you’d go for “Mia Balla.”

I’m just as confused with these tricky and complex Greek rules as everyone else trying to learn how to speak Greek. Hopefully, it will make more sense sometime in the future.

Here is George’s explanation of Se in the above statement. Se is like “Sto.” It means “in” or “within” or “inside.” Now, you might wonder: why Se and not Sto? Good point.

I’d say that “Sto” is more specific; in our case, if you want a very specific cone from all the cones you see (like the third from the end.) It’s not wrong to say “Sto,” but in daily life, you’ll go for “Se.”

Two, scoops (balls), of chocolate, in a, cup, please

Thee-o, balles, soko-lata, se, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, soko-lata, se, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, soko-lata, se, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, soko-lata, se, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, soko-lata, se, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-lata, seh, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-lata, seh, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-lata, seh, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-lata, seh, kypel-laki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-lata, seh, kypel-laki, parakalo

Cup in Greek is “kypello” (κύπελλο).

However, when it comes to ice cream, it’s called “Small Kypello” or commonly “Kypellaki,” as used in the example above.

You usually say Kypellaki, another way of saying “Mikror Kypello” (small cup).

It sounds a bit like football because the words are the same. Players chase the Balla, and the best team wins the Kypello. Kypello in Greek is the “trophy.” A trophy is a big cup, so this is the difference.

When George was growing up, one of his favorite Greek ice creams to buy from the supermarket was called “trophy.” No kidding.

You can also add “pagoto” the way Greek’s say ice cream in the above statement.

Thee-o balles “pagoto” sokolata – Two balls of chocolate ice cream.

Usually, it’s clear when you’re at the ice cream store, so you can skip the word “Pagoto.” However, if you want ice cream in other places such as a cafe, you can add “Pagoto” in your sentence.

Two, scoops (balls), of chocolate, in a, cone, please

Thee-o, balles, sokolata, se cor-naki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, sokolata, se cor-naki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, sokolata, se cor-naki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, sokolata, se cor-naki, parakalo
Thee-o, balles, sokolata, se cor-naki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-larta, seh cor-narki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-larta, seh cor-narki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-larta, seh cor-narki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-larta, seh cor-narki, parakalo
Thee-o, bar-less, soko-larta, seh cor-narki, parakalo

Of chocolate, is normally “Sokolatas,” but just chocolate is “Sokolata.”

It is due to Greek language complexity, as discussed in the previous lesson regarding noun declension due to gender.

That’s why it’s easier with balls because you just add Sokolata or Vanilia.

Stay with “Balles Sokolata” (chocolate balls), and you’re on the safe side.

I would like, two, scoops (balls), of ice cream

Tha ithela, thee-o, balles, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, balles, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, balles, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, balles, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, balles, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, bar-less, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o-bar-less, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, bar-less, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, bar-less, pagor-tor
Tha ithela, thee-o, bar-less, pagor-tor

One scoop, of chocolate, and, one scoop, of vanilla

Mia bala, soko-lata, keh, mia bala, varnilia
Mia bala, soko-lata, keh, mia bala, varnilia
Mia bala, soko-lata, keh, mia bala, varnilia
Mia bala, soko-lata, keh, mia bala, varnilia
Mia bala, soko-lata, keh, mia bala, varnilia
Mia bar-la, soko-larta, ke, mia bar-la, varnilia
Mia bar-la, soko-larta, ke, mia bar-la, varnilia
Mia bar-la, soko-larta, ke, mia bar-la, varnilia
Mia bar-la, soko-larta, ke, mia bar-la, varnilia
Mia bar-la, soko-larta, ke, mia bar-la, varnilia

I’d like, one scoop (ball), of vanilla

Tha ithella, mia bala, varnilia
Tha ithella, mia bala, varnilia
Tha ithella, mia bala, varnilia
Tha ithella, mia bala, varnilia
Tha ithella, mia bala, varnilia
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, varnilia
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, varnilia
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, varnilia
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, varnilia
Tha ith-ella, mia bar-la, varnilia

in a, cone, please

se, cor-naki, parakalo
se, cor-naki, parakalo
se, cor-naki, parakalo
se, cor-naki, parakalo
se, cor-naki, parakalo
seh, cor-narki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, cor-narki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, cor-narki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, cor-narki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, cor-narki, pa-ra-kalo

in a, cup, please

se, kypel-laki, parakalo
se, kypel-laki, parakalo
se, kypel-laki, parakalo
se, kypel-laki, parakalo
se, kypel-laki, parakalo
seh, kypel-laki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, kypel-laki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, kypel-laki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, kypel-laki, pa-ra-kalo
seh, kypel-laki, pa-ra-kalo

I am still trying to decide

Akoma pros-patho na apof-asiso
Akoma pros-patho na apof-asiso
Akoma pros-patho na apof-asiso
Akoma pros-patho na apof-asiso
Akoma pros-patho na apof-asiso
Akor-ma pros-patho na apofa-sissor
Akor-ma pros-patho na apofa-sissor
Akor-ma pros-patho na apofa-sissor
Akor-ma pros-patho na apofa-sissor
Akor-ma pros-patho na apofa-sissor

I am still looking

Akoma, psachno
Akoma, psachno
Akoma, psachno
Akoma, psachno
Akoma, psachno
Acor-ma, psarc-hnor
Acor-ma, psarc-hnor
Acor-ma, psarc-hnor
Acor-ma, psarc-hnor
Acor-ma, psarc-hnor

Could I, try, please

Tha borousa na dokimazo, pa-ra-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, pa-ra-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, pa-ra-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, pa-ra-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, pa-ra-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, para-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, para-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, para-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, para-kalo
Tha borousa na dokimazo, para-kalo

Dokimazo means something like to approve by testing. To test or examine.

“Tha Borousa” means “Could I…” or also “I could…”.

For example, “Could I try X?” – “Tha Borousa Na Dokimaso X?”

But also: “I could be a lawyer” – “Tha Borousa na eimai Dikigoros.”

This, flavour

Afti ti, yefsi
Afti ti, yefsi
Afti ti, yefsi
Afti ti, yefsi
Afti ti, yefsi
Afti tee, yef-si
Afti tee yef-si
Afti tee yef-si
Afti tee yef-si
Afti tee yef-si

You can point to the flavor you want as you say “This flavor” in Greek.

Vanilla

Varnil-ia
Varnil-ia
Varnil-ia
Varnil-ia
Varnil-ia
Varnilia
Varnilia
Varnilia
Varnilia
Varnilia

It’s probably better to start by saying “varn-il-a” because when you say it in Greek, the ending “ia” has a very subtle “i” sound to it.

Chocolate

Soko-lata
Soko-lata
Soko-lata
Soko-lata
Soko-lata
Sorkor-lata
Sorkor-lata
Sorkor-lata
Sorkor-lata
Sorkor-lata

Ice Cream Cashier Service Talk

The person behind an ice cream counter may say the following to you at some point when you go about buying ice cream in Greece.

Especially if you first greet the person in Greek. For example, if you say Kalispera (Good Evening).

Your replies will probably come from what you have learned in this Greek lesson – How to order Ice Cream in Greek.

However, in some situations, it may be more appropriate to say one of the essential Greek words and phrases that Greeks use all of the time.

So here are some of the things an ice cream server may say to you:

Ti tha itheles – What would you like?

Ti tha thel-et-e, parakalo – What would you like, please? Used when someone wants to be more polite. It’s the weird plural thing again.

Pos bono na sas voith-iso – How may I help you?

Ees-te etoi-moz na parang-eel-et-e – Are you ready to order?

Ec-heis apofa-si-sei – Have you decided?

Se, Kypello i Cornor – In a, Cup or cone? ( The “i” means “or”)

Mik-ror, mes-e-io, i megalo – Small, medium, or large

Pos-es mez-ouris – How many scoops?

Pya yef-si – Which flavor?

Pya yef-si tha ith-el-es – Which flavor would you like?

Pya yef-seis – Which flavors?

Pya yef-si tha ith-el-es, na thor-kima-sei – Which flavor would you like, to try?

Pya yef-si, tha ith-el-es, na thor-kima-sor – Which flavor, would you like, to taste?

Pagomeni sokolata – Frozen chocolate (Hot chocolate that freezes after the ice cream is dipped into it. It usually comes at a price, and you have to ask for it.) Pagomeno means frozen in Greek. 

In-e, Thor-re-an – It’s, Free

Fys-ika – Of course (in response to your request for a small taste) 

Pouraki – Waffle stick (Depending on the store, you might get one waffle stick for free. Usually, you’ll have to ask for it. They’re called “Pouraki,” which translates to “small cigar,” probably due to its cigarillo shape.)

Varf-la – Waffle 

Conaki Varf-las – Waffle cone 

Afto tha ein-e or-lo – Will that be all? 

Boro na sas fero kati akoma – Can I get you anything else? 

How to ask for more Ice Cream Flavours in Greek

  • Fraoula – Strawberry
  • Banana – Banana (pretty much the same as you say it in English)
  • Fyst-iki ai-yinis – Pistachio
  • Mocha – Coffee flavor
  • Lemoni – Lemon
  • Kaimaki – Special kind of mastic-flavored Greek ice cream. It is similar to vanilla, although it feels slightly colder and sweeter.

Ordering an Ice Cream in Greek – Conclusion

Greek lesson 5 has taught you many different ways to order ice cream in Greek.

So next time you are in Greece, put it to the test and attempt to buy yourself an ice cream using the Greek language.

Key Greek words/phrases/sentences taught in LESSON 5: 14

Total number of key Greek words/phrases/sentences from all lessons so far: 60

George from Letters to Barbara has assisted greatly in making this Greek lesson a top resource for anyone wanting to buy ice cream using the Greek language.

George in Greece

So huge thanks to George for another massive contribution to helping us all speak Greek with confidence.

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Greek Lesson Ice Cream Talk