Here are some essential Greek phrases to help you navigate your trip:
Greetings and Basics
- Γεια σας (Yia sas): Hello (formal)
- Γεια (Yia): Hi (informal)
- Καλημέρα (Kalimera): Good morning
- Καλησπέρα (Kalispera): Good afternoon/evening
- Καληνύχτα (Kalinichta): Good night
- Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó): Thank you
- Παρακαλώ (Parakaló): Please/You’re welcome
- Ναι (Nai): Yes
- Όχι (Ochi): No
- Συγνώμη (Sigomi): Excuse me/I’m sorry
Essential Questions
- Πώς σε λένε; (Pos se lene?): What’s your name?
- Με λένε… (Me lene…): My name is…
- Πώς είσαι; (Pos ise?): How are you?
- Καλά είμαι (Kala eimai): I’m fine
- Μιλάτε Αγγλικά; (Milate Anglika?): Do you speak English?
- Δεν μιλάω Ελληνικά (Den milao Ellinika): I don’t speak Greek
Food and Drink
- Δίψασα/Δίψαστος (Dipsa/Dipsastos): I’m thirsty
- Πεινούσα/Πεινούστος (Peinousa/Peinustos): I’m hungry
- Παρακαλώ, τον λογαριασμό (Parakaló, ton logariasmó): Check, please
Other Useful Phrases
- Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (Pu ine i toualeta?): Where is the bathroom?
- Βοήθεια (Boithia): Help!
- Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Den katalavaino): I don’t understand
- Είμαι χαρούμενος/χαρούμενη (Eimai charoumenos/charoumeni): I’m happy
A few tips:
- Greek pronunciation can be tricky, so listening to native speakers or using pronunciation guides is helpful.
- A little effort goes a long way in showing respect to locals.
- Don’t be afraid to try! Most Greeks appreciate foreigners trying to speak their language.
