Planning a trip to Greece? Learning a few common Greek phrases is a great way to show respect for the local culture and connect with the people you meet. While many Greeks, especially in tourist areas, speak English, making an effort to use their language can make your interactions more memorable. This guide provides a list of essential Greek words and phrases to help you navigate your travels. From simple greetings to asking for directions, these expressions will help you feel more confident during your visit. We will cover basic greetings, dining-out phrases, and other useful expressions for your trip to Greece.
Basic Greek Greetings and Essentials
These are the foundational phrases you’ll use daily. Mastering them will make your first impressions warm and friendly.
Hello, Goodbye, and Good Day
- Yassas (Yah-sas): This is the formal and most versatile greeting. It means “hello” and “goodbye.” Use it when addressing someone you don’t know, an older person, or a group of people.
- Yassou (Yah-soo): This is the informal version of yassas. It’s best used with friends, family, and people younger than you. It also means both “hello” and “goodbye.”
- Kalimera (Kah-lee-meh-ra): This means “good morning” and is used until noon.
- Kalispera (Kah-lee-speh-ra): This means “good evening” and is typically used from late afternoon onward.
- Kalinihta (Kah-lee-neekh-tah): Use this phrase to say “good night” when you are leaving for the evening or going to bed.
Polite Phrases
- Parakalo (Pa-ra-ka-lo): This is a multi-purpose word. It means “please,” “you’re welcome,” and “I beg your pardon?” Its meaning changes based on the context and your tone of voice.
- Efharisto (Ef-ha-ri-sto): This is how you say “thank you.” To be extra polite, you can say efharisto poli (Ef-ha-ri-sto po-lee), which means “thank you very much.”
- Signomi (Seeg-no-mee): This means “excuse me” or “sorry.” Use it to get someone’s attention or apologize for bumping into them.
- Ne (Neh): This simply means “yes.”
- Ohi (O-hee): This means “no.”
Phrases for Dining and Shopping
Eating out is a central part of the Greek experience. These phrases will help you order food, ask for the bill, and navigate local markets.
At a Restaurant or Taverna
- Ton katalogo, parakalo (Ton ka-ta-lo-go, pa-ra-ka-lo): “The menu, please.” This is the first phrase you’ll need when you sit down at a restaurant.
- Tha ithela… (Tha ee-theh-la…): “I would like…” Follow this with the name of the dish you want to order.
- Ena potiri krasi, parakalo (Ena po-tee-ree kra-see, pa-ra-ka-lo): “A glass of wine, please.” You can specify aspro (white) or kokkino (red).
- Ton logariasmo, parakalo (Ton lo-ga-ria-smo, pa-ra-ka-lo): “The bill, please.” Use this when you are ready to pay.
- Nostimo (No-sti-mo): “Delicious.” It’s a nice compliment to give to the chef or your server.
At the Market
- Poso kani? (Po-so ka-nee): “How much is it?” This is essential for shopping at markets or in stores where prices aren’t clearly marked.
- Thelo afto (Theh-lo af-to): “I want this.” You can say this while pointing to an item you wish to purchase.
- Mia bira, parakalo (Mee-ah bee-ra, pa-ra-ka-lo): “A beer, please.”
- Ena nero, parakalo (Ena neh-ro, pa-ra-ka-lo): “A water, please.”
Navigating and Asking for Help
Getting around a new country can be challenging. These phrases can help you ask for directions and find what you’re looking for.
Asking for Directions
- Pou ine…? (Poo ee-neh): “Where is…?” You can use this to ask for the location of anything, from the bathroom to the Acropolis. For example, Pou ine i Acropoli? means “Where is the Acropolis?”
- Pou ine i tualeta? (Poo ee-neh ee tua-le-ta?): “Where is the bathroom?” This is a very practical phrase to know.
- Daxia (Daek-see-a): “Right.”
- Aristera (A-ree-steh-ra): “Left.”
- Efthia (Ef-thee-a): “Straight ahead.”
Understanding and Communication
- Den katalaveno (Then ka-ta-la-veh-no): “I don’t understand.” This is useful when someone is speaking Greek too quickly.
- Milate Anglika? (Mee-la-teh Ang-lee-ka?): “Do you speak English?” Most people in tourist areas do, but it’s polite to ask first.
- Voithia! (Vo-ee-thia): “Help!” This is an important word for emergency situations.
Putting It All Together
Combining these phrases will make your conversations smoother. For example, you could say: “Yassas, tha ithela ena kafe, parakalo.” (Hello, I would like a coffee, please.) Or after a delicious meal: “Efharisto, itan nostimo! Ton logariasmo, parakalo.” (Thank you, it was delicious! The bill, please.)
Taking the time to learn these basic expressions will not only make your trip easier but also richer. The people of Greece are known for their hospitality (filoxenia), and your effort to speak their language will be warmly appreciated.
Are There Untranslatable Greek Phrases That Travelers Should Know?
Traveling through Greece reveals fascinating cultural insights, especially through its rich language. Many travelers find themselves enchanted by untranslatable phrases from around world that capture complex emotions and experiences. Understanding these nuances not only enhances communication but also deepens the appreciation of the local culture and its diverse expressions.
Your Next Steps
Learning a few phrases is the first step toward a more immersive travel experience. Before your trip, practice them out loud. You can use language apps or watch videos to hear the correct pronunciation. Don’t worry about making mistakes; your effort is what counts.
Enjoy the beautiful sights, delicious food, and warm culture of Greece. Kalo taxidi! (Have a good trip!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greek a difficult language to learn?
Greek can be challenging for English speakers because it has a different alphabet and grammar structure. However, learning basic phrases for travel is achievable and very rewarding.
Will people in Greece understand me if my pronunciation isn’t perfect?
Yes, most people will appreciate your effort and will likely understand what you’re trying to say from the context. Don’t be afraid to try.
What is the best way to practice these phrases?
Listen to native speakers pronounce them online through videos or language apps. Practice saying them aloud before your trip. Writing them down on a small card to carry with you can also be very helpful.