Order anything by pointing in Macedonian
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Macedonian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Macedonian phrases in this lesson
- Би сакал...bi SA-kal
- I would like...
- ОваO-va
- This one
- Колку чини?KOL-koo CHI-ni
- How much is it?
- Сметката, те моламSMET-ka-ta, teh MO-lam
- The bill, please
- Со картичкаso kar-TICH-ka
- By card
- Во готовоvo GO-to-vo
- In cash
- ВодаVO-da
- Water
- Кафеka-FEH
- Coffee
- Чајchai
- Tea
- ПивоPI-vo
- Beer
- Без...bez
- Without...
Literally "I would like". A woman says би сакала (bi SA-ka-la).
Point and say it.
Direct and widely understood. Prices are often quoted in denars (ден). In markets the first price may have room for negotiation, though in cafes it generally does not.
The definite article in Macedonian is a suffix: сметка (bill) becomes сметката (the bill). Catching a waiter's eye or a small hand gesture usually accompanies this phrase.
Card payment is accepted in most Skopje restaurants and supermarkets. In smaller towns and village cafes, always carry cash. Ask before ordering if you are unsure.
Literally "in ready money." Denars are the only currency accepted in everyday transactions. Exchange at a bank or official exchange office for the best rate.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban Macedonia. In restaurants, still bottled water is "вода без гас" and sparkling is "вода со гас." Specify when ordering.
Turkish-style coffee is still common alongside espresso.
"Без шеќер" (bez SHEH-kyer), without sugar.