You do not need to be fluent to enjoy Greece. A few well-chosen phrases, said with a smile, change how people respond to you. Waiters relax, shopkeepers chat, and taxi drivers start telling you their life story. Here are 25 phrases worth learning before you land.
Greetings and manners
| Greek | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Γεια σου | ya soo | Hello or goodbye (friends, people your age) |
| Γεια σας | ya sas | Hello (formal, or to several people) |
| Καλημέρα | kalimera | Good morning |
| Καλησπέρα | kalispera | Good afternoon or good evening |
| Καληνύχτα | kalinikhta | Good night |
| Ναι | neh | Yes |
| Όχι | okhi | No |
| Παρακαλώ | parakalo | Please, or you are welcome |
| Ευχαριστώ | efkharisto | Thank you |
| Συγγνώμη | signomi | Sorry, or excuse me |
| Αντίο | andio | Goodbye |
Getting by
| Greek | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Δεν καταλαβαίνω | dhen katalaveno | I do not understand |
| Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | milate angliká | Do you speak English? |
| Πόσο κάνει; | poso kani | How much is it? |
| Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; | pou ine i tualeta | Where is the toilet? |
| Πού είναι η στάση; | pou ine i stasi | Where is the stop (bus or tram)? |
| Βοήθεια! | voithia | Help! |
| Δεν πειράζει | dhen pirazi | No problem, never mind |
Eating and drinking
| Greek | Say it like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ένα τραπέζι για δύο | ena trapezi ya dhio | A table for two |
| Θα ήθελα... | tha ithela | I would like... |
| Νερό, παρακαλώ | nero parakalo | Water, please |
| Είμαι χορτοφάγος | ime khortofagos | I am vegetarian |
| Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ | ton logariazmo parakalo | The bill, please |
| Καλή όρεξη! | kali orexi | Enjoy your meal! |
| Στην υγειά μας! | stin yia mas | Cheers! |
Pronunciation tip: the stressed syllable is marked with an accent in Greek writing. Say Ευχαριστώ as ef-khari-STO, with the stress on the last syllable.
How to use them
Start every interaction with a greeting. In Greece, walking into a shop or café and saying Καλημέρα or Καλησπέρα before anything else is simply good manners. Then use Θα ήθελα... to ask for things politely: Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ means “I would like a coffee”.
If you get stuck, Δεν καταλαβαίνω is perfectly acceptable. Most people will happily switch to English, or slow down and repeat themselves, especially when you have tried to speak Greek first.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say hello in Greek?
The most common informal greeting is Γεια σου (ya soo). Use Γεια σας (ya sas) in formal situations or with several people. Καλημέρα (kalimera) means good morning.
How do you say thank you in Greek?
Thank you is Ευχαριστώ (efkharisto). Say Ευχαριστώ πολύ (efkharisto poli) for thank you very much.
Do people in Greece speak English?
Many people do, especially in tourist areas and among younger people. Trying a few Greek phrases is always appreciated and often leads to warmer conversations.