Basic Greek Phrases: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Today you’ll learn all the Greek survival phrases you need, while you’re in Greece!
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you need to have a few Greek phrases in your pocket. It will make your experience even more enjoyable, whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Athens, relaxing on the stunning Santorini, or tasting delicious Greek food!
You’ll learn all the Greek survival phrases you need to communicate with locals navigate your way around and go deeper into the rich Greek culture. Let’s get started!
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you need to have a few Greek phrases in your pocket. It will make your experience even more enjoyable, whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Athens, relaxing on the stunning Santorini, or tasting delicious Greek food!
You’ll learn all the Greek survival phrases you need to communicate with locals navigate your way around and go deeper into the rich Greek culture. Let’s get started!
Why Learn Greek Survival Phrases?
When traveling to Greece, being able to communicate even a little bit in the local language can open doors to authentic experiences
and interactions. Greeks appreciate people who show an interest in their language. Making the effort to speak a few phrases can lead to
warmer welcomes, better service, and a deeper connection with the local culture.
1. Basic Greetings and Expressions in Greek
Let’s start with the basics.
Here are some phrases to get you started:
– Hello or goodbye (informal): Γεια σου (Yiá su) or Γεια (Yiá)
– Hello or goodbye (formal): Γεια σας (Yiá sas)
– Good morning: Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)
– Good afternoon / good evening: Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra)
– Good night: Καληνύχτα (Kaliníhta)
– Please: Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)
– Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)
– Yes: Ναι (Ne)
– No:Όχι (Óchi)
Here are some phrases to get you started:
– Hello or goodbye (informal): Γεια σου (Yiá su) or Γεια (Yiá)
– Hello or goodbye (formal): Γεια σας (Yiá sas)
– Good morning: Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)
– Good afternoon / good evening: Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra)
– Good night: Καληνύχτα (Kaliníhta)
– Please: Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)
– Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)
– Yes: Ναι (Ne)
– No:Όχι (Óchi)
2. Asking for Directions in Greek
Getting around a new place can be a challenge, but with these phrases, you’ll be able to ask for directions and find your way with ease:
-Where is…?: Πού είναι…; (Pú íne…?)
-I’m lost: Έχασα τον δρόμο (Éhasa ton drómo)
-Left: Αριστερά (Aristerá)
-Right: Δεξιά (Dexiá)
-Straight ahead: Ευθεία (efthía)
-Near: Κοντά (Kondá)
-Far: Μακριά (Makriá)
-Where is…?: Πού είναι…; (Pú íne…?)
-I’m lost: Έχασα τον δρόμο (Éhasa ton drómo)
-Left: Αριστερά (Aristerá)
-Right: Δεξιά (Dexiá)
-Straight ahead: Ευθεία (efthía)
-Near: Κοντά (Kondá)
-Far: Μακριά (Makriá)
3. Ordering Food and Drinks in Greek
Greek cuisine is famous for its dishes. To enjoy the local food, order using these phrases.
1. A table for 2 people: Ένα τραπέζι για δύο άτομα (Éna trapézi ya thíο átoma)
2. Could we order?: Να παραγγείλουμε; (na paragilume?)
3.I would like…: Θα ήθελα… (Tha íthela…)
4. Water: Νερό (Neró)
5. Coffee: Καφές (Kafés)
6. Beer: Μπύρα (Bíra)
7. One beer, please: Μία μπίρα, παρακαλώ. (Mía bíra, parakaló)
8. Wine: Κρασί (Krasí)
9. Greek salad: Χωριάτικη (Horiátiki)
10.Could we pay?: Να πληρώσουμε; (Na plirósume?)
11. the bill, please.: Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
1. A table for 2 people: Ένα τραπέζι για δύο άτομα (Éna trapézi ya thíο átoma)
2. Could we order?: Να παραγγείλουμε; (na paragilume?)
3.I would like…: Θα ήθελα… (Tha íthela…)
4. Water: Νερό (Neró)
5. Coffee: Καφές (Kafés)
6. Beer: Μπύρα (Bíra)
7. One beer, please: Μία μπίρα, παρακαλώ. (Mía bíra, parakaló)
8. Wine: Κρασί (Krasí)
9. Greek salad: Χωριάτικη (Horiátiki)
10.Could we pay?: Να πληρώσουμε; (Na plirósume?)
11. the bill, please.: Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
4. Asking for help in Greek
While nobody wants to think about emergencies, it’s important to be prepared.
These phrases can help you seek help if needed.
1. Help!: Βοήθεια! (Voítheia!)
2. I need a doctor:Χρειάζομαι γιατρό (Hriázomai yiatró)
3. Call the police: Καλέστε την αστυνομία (Kaléste tin astynomía)
1. Help!: Βοήθεια! (Voítheia!)
2. I need a doctor:Χρειάζομαι γιατρό (Hriázomai yiatró)
3. Call the police: Καλέστε την αστυνομία (Kaléste tin astynomía)
5. Connect with locals in Greek
Connecting with locals can improve your travel experience.
Use these phrases to strike up conversations and make new friends!
1. What’s your name?: Πώς σε λένε; (Pós se léne?)
2. My name is…:Με λένε… (Me léne…)
3. How are you?: Τι κάνεις; (Ti kanis?)
4. Very good: Πολύ καλά (Poli kala)
5. Nice to meet you!: Χάρηκα! (Harika!)
6. My name is…: Με λένε… (Me léne…)
7. Where are you from?:Από πού είσαι; (Apó pú íse?)
8. I’m from …. : Είμαι από … (Íme apó…)
Use these phrases to strike up conversations and make new friends!
1. What’s your name?: Πώς σε λένε; (Pós se léne?)
2. My name is…:Με λένε… (Me léne…)
3. How are you?: Τι κάνεις; (Ti kanis?)
4. Very good: Πολύ καλά (Poli kala)
5. Nice to meet you!: Χάρηκα! (Harika!)
6. My name is…: Με λένε… (Me léne…)
7. Where are you from?:Από πού είσαι; (Apó pú íse?)
8. I’m from …. : Είμαι από … (Íme apó…)
Tips for Learning Greek Survival Phrases
1. Practice Regularly
Dedicate a few minutes each day to practice these phrases. Repetition is the key to memorize them.
2. Use Language Apps Language learning apps like Memrise offer interactive quizzes to help memeorize better.
3. Engage with Locals Don’t be shy to use your newly phrases when interacting with locals. They’ll appreciate your effort and offer helpful corrections!
So, pack your bags, and get ready for unforgettable interactions and adventures!
Καλό ταξίδι! Kaló taxídi! Bon voyage!
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning.
Τα λεμε,
Θανάσης
(If you like my free lessons and you’d like to donate and support this website, treat me a tasty Greek coffee☕ Your contribution helps me continue to create great free content.)
2. Use Language Apps Language learning apps like Memrise offer interactive quizzes to help memeorize better.
3. Engage with Locals Don’t be shy to use your newly phrases when interacting with locals. They’ll appreciate your effort and offer helpful corrections!
So, pack your bags, and get ready for unforgettable interactions and adventures!
Καλό ταξίδι! Kaló taxídi! Bon voyage!
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning.
Τα λεμε,
Θανάσης
(If you like my free lessons and you’d like to donate and support this website, treat me a tasty Greek coffee☕ Your contribution helps me continue to create great free content.)
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Wow, I had never thought about it in that way before You have really opened my eyes to a new perspective Keep up the great work!
This blog post has left us feeling grateful and inspired
Glad to hear that!