Essential Greek Phrases You Need to Know

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Meaning: Hello! But also goodbye.

This greeting is a simple one. Wherever you go, use this to greet whoever is welcoming you. Just know that giásou is the singular form (or colloquial), while giásas is plural or the polite form. You can also use it when you are leaving a place – whether it’s your hotel, a restaurant or a shop.

Meaning: Good morning/Good afternoon

As a rule of thumb, you would say kaliméra (good morning) up until 12:00 p.m. and kalispéra (good afternoon/evening) in the afternoon until the end of the day. When in doubt, just use giásou/giásas.

Meaning: Good night

Use it to wish someone goodbye at the end of the day or if you are passing through the hotel reception to your room.

Meaning: Thank you/You’re welcome

Being able to thank someone is one of the basic human interactions. But being able to respond when someone thanks you is equally useful. However, you could also just give a smile.

Meaning: Please

That’s right – one word to say many things. Parakaló also means ‘please’ when used in a question.

Meaning: I don’t speak Greek.

Sometimes your Greek is going to be so good that locals will start rambling in Greek, thinking you are fluent in the language. You might have to mention every once in a while that you don’t speak Greek, just so that they can switch to English if possible.

Meaning: Can you help me?

This phrase is self-explanatory. Use it when you need help, but be aware that the answer may come in Greek, so only use it if you know the basics.

Meaning: Please, do you speak English?

Meaning: I don’t understand.

Meaning: Sorry or excuse me

Perfect if you have to make your way through a crowd or if you bump into someone.

Meaning: How much is this?

Once you find the strength to do some souvenir shopping, or if you venture into a farmer’s market to buy fresh fruit, this one is definitely going to be useful.

Meaning: Can I have a beer/coffee/tea/water?

Want to impress your friends and order in Greek? Simple. Start with Tha ithela, add the word (ideally in Greek) and finally the parakaló, and you’re done.

Meaning: Can I have a souvlaki with everything/without onions/with tzatziki?

Another useful phrase when you get hungry. Souvlaki is the best food for taking on the go. Greeks are crazy about them, and it is not surprising that foreigners love them too. If you know how to order one, you will never be hungry again.

Meaning: I am a vegetarian.

While a variety of Greek dishes you will find in every taverna are vegetarian, Greeks are big on meat. Use this phrase if you want to inform someone that you are a vegetarian.

Meaning: May I have a hot/cold cappuccino/espresso/Greek coffee?

Meaning: May I have a Greek coffee/frappé (iced instant coffee)/sweet/medium sweet/plain/with milk/without milk?

This one is going to be VERY useful. You may know that Greeks love coffee, and they have a specific way to order. First, you choose the kind of coffee you would like, the sweetness level and then if you want it with or without milk. So to order a sweet iced cappuccino, you would say, ‘Ena freddo cappuccino gliko parakaló.’ It may look difficult now, but once you order your coffee in Greek just like the Greeks, you will feel like you can conquer anything.

Meaning: The bill, please!

This phrase is useful too. Although you could also gesture for the check, it is always appreciated when you say it.

Meaning: Cheers (to us)

Just like in many cultures, you say it while raising your glass, but unlike the French or the Hungarians, you do not have to look the person in the eyes.

Meaning: Enjoy your meal!

At a taverna, the waiter may tell you this when serving your plates. Just reply by saying efharistó (thank you), as you would in English.

Learning ‘yes’ and ‘no’ will always be useful; even if you cannot say much in Greek, you may be surprised how these two little words will come handy in many situations. All you have to do now is finish preparing for your great holiday to Greece.