Greek Language Basics
It may be a common expression heard a million times from all of us: "Sounds like Greek to me!".

We know that it takes time to learn our local language. Although, English is widely spoken in Greece; especially in most tourist areas. Like every Mediterranean country, you will find most Greeks to be easy going, extrovert and open characters. This means that communication will never be a problem.
We usually speak loudly, using our hands (or body) while we make conversation. So, body language can always be of some help.
Some prefer to use a small dictionary, a language guide or a book, which you can find in most bookstores on the islands or the airports.
Or you can use a set of day-to-day words and expressions given below. They have been collected and grouped in such a way as to be easily pronounced and used during your stay.
Itâs worth trying; you will see that your effort is warmly received, returning back some happy faces and many smiles. No matter how wrong it might sound, it will be highly appreciated and rewarded.
Essential phrases | |
Hello | Yia su |
Goodbye | Adio |
Please | Parakalo |
Thank you | Efkharisto |
Yes | Ne |
No | Ohi |
Sorry | Sighnomi |
I have a reservation | Ekho kani mia kratisi |
I would like a taxi | Tha ithela ena taksi |
Thank you | Efkharisto |
I don't understand | Then katalaveno |
One moment please | Mia stigmi parakalo |
Greetings & Goodbyes | |
Good Morning | Kalimera |
Good Evening | Kalispera |
Good Night | Kalinikhta |
How are you? | Ti kaneis? |
Fine and you? | Kala esi? |
What's your name? | Pos se lene? |
My name is... | Me lene... |
I'm pleased to meet you | Hero poli |
Goodbye | Adio |
Transport | |
Bus | Leoforio |
Ticket | Isitirio |
How far? | Poso makria? |
Wait | Perimenete |
Question Words | |
How? | Pos? |
What? | Ti? |
When? | Pote? |
Where? | Pu? |
Why? | Yiati? |
How much is it? | Poso kani? |
How far is it? | Poso makria ine? |
Do you speak English? | Milas Anglika? |
Do you understand? | Katalavenis? |
Where's the toilet? | Pu ine I toualeta? |
Emergency | |
Help | Voithia |
Call the police | Kalese tin astinomia |
Call a doctor | Kalese ena yiatro |
Ambulance | Asthenoforo |
Fire | Fotia |
I'm sick | Ime arostos |
I'm lost | Ekho khathi |
Thief | Kleftis |
Stop | Stamata |
Go away | Fiye |
Food and drink | |
Food | Fayito |
Drink | Poto |
Breakfast | Proyevma |
Lunch | Yevma |
Dinner | Dipno |