Greek Clothing, Sizes and Shopping for Clothes
Greek clothing vocabulary, how to ask for sizes and try things on, and phrases for fit, style, sales and returns.
Shopping for clothes is a good way to practise Greek in a friendly setting, and the vocabulary is straightforward.
Clothing vocabulary
- τα ρούχα — clothes
- το πουκάμισο — shirt
- η μπλούζα — blouse, top
- το μπλουζάκι — T-shirt
- το παντελόνι — trousers
- το τζιν — jeans
- η φούστα — skirt
- το φόρεμα — dress
- το σακάκι — jacket (suit)
- το μπουφάν — jacket (casual)
- το παλτό — coat
- το πουλόβερ — jumper
- τα εσώρουχα — underwear
- οι κάλτσες — socks
- τα παπούτσια — shoes
- τα σανδάλια — sandals
- οι σαγιονάρες — flip-flops
- το μαγιό — swimsuit
- το καπέλο — hat
- η ζώνη — belt
- το κασκόλ — scarf
- η τσάντα — bag
Colours and materials
- κόκκινο, μπλε, πράσινο, κίτρινο, μαύρο, άσπρο, γκρι, καφέ, ροζ
- βαμβάκι — cotton, μαλλί — wool, μετάξι — silk, δέρμα — leather, λινό — linen
Sizes
- το νούμερο — size (a number)
- το μέγεθος — size
- Τι νούμερο φοράτε; — What size do you wear?
- Φοράω νούμερο 38. — I wear size 38.
- Τι νούμερο παπούτσι φοράτε; — What shoe size do you take?
- Small, medium, large — S, M, L are widely used.
Sizes differ between countries, so try things on.
In the shop
- Μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω; — Can I help you?
- Απλώς κοιτάζω, ευχαριστώ. — I'm just looking, thanks.
- Ψάχνω ένα μπουφάν. — I'm looking for a jacket.
- Το έχετε σε μέγεθος M; — Do you have it in size M?
- Το έχετε σε άλλο χρώμα; — Do you have it in another colour?
- Μπορώ να το δοκιμάσω; — Can I try it on?
- το δοκιμαστήριο — fitting room
- Μου κάνει. — It fits me.
- Μου πάει. — It suits me.
- Είναι πολύ μεγάλο / μικρό / στενό / φαρδύ. — It's too big / small / tight / loose.
- Θα το πάρω. — I'll take it.
Prices and sales
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it?
- οι εκπτώσεις — sales
- η προσφορά — special offer
- το ποσοστό — percentage
- Έχει έκπτωση; — Is there a discount?
- Το ταμείο — the till
- η απόδειξη — receipt
Seasonal sales take place in winter and summer.
Returns
- Θα ήθελα να το αλλάξω. — I'd like to exchange it.
- Θα ήθελα να το επιστρέψω. — I'd like to return it.
- Έχω την απόδειξη. — I have the receipt.
Return policies vary, so ask before buying.
Compliments
- Σου πάει πολύ. — It suits you very much.
- Είναι πολύ ωραίο. — It's very nice.
- Ωραίο χρώμα. — Nice colour.
Greek style
Greek fashion ranges from casual beachwear to smart evening clothes. In churches and monasteries, cover shoulders and knees. Sturdy shoes are useful for archaeological sites.
Practical tips
- Try before you buy.
- Keep the receipt.
- Bring modest clothing for religious sites.
Common mistakes
- Using νούμερο and μέγεθος interchangeably for shoes.
- Forgetting μου κάνει means "it fits".
English Greek Dictionary
Offline English–Greek dictionary with meanings in proper Greek script
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