So, you’ve landed in Greece. You’re ready for feta overload, sunsets that look Photoshopped and possibly befriending a stray cat or two. But before you dive into the baklava, let’s tackle something essential: talking like you belong.
You don’t need to be fluent in Greek to win hearts here, just a few key phrases. They’re short, sweet and sound even better when delivered with your best effort (and a smile). Ready? Let’s go!
1. Yassou (Γειά σου)
👋 Hello / Hi
Pronunciation: YAH-soo
Use it casually with friends, strangers, shopkeepers, even the waiter bringing your souvlaki. It’s the Swiss Army knife of greetings.
2. Kalimera (Καλημέρα)
🌞 Good morning
Pronunciation: kah-lee-MEHR-ah
Say this until about lunchtime. Beyond that, you’ll sound like you’ve just woken up from a siesta that lasted 18 hours.
3. Kalispera (Καλησπέρα)
🌆 Good evening
Pronunciation: kah-lee-SPARE-ah
Perfect for dinners, sunsets and impressing locals when you roll into a taverna at 9pm.
4. Efharistó (Ευχαριστώ)
🙏 Thank you
Pronunciation: eff-hah-ree-STOH
Use it everywhere, all the time. Bonus: it sounds lovely rolling off the tongue and usually earns you a warm smile.
5. Parakaló (Παρακαλώ)
🤲 Please / You’re welcome
Pronunciation: pah-rah-kah-LOH
This one does double duty. Ask politely for your frappe, then graciously respond when they thank you for your order.
6. Signómi (Συγγνώμη)
🙇 Excuse me / Sorry
Pronunciation: see-GHNO-mee
Ideal for squeezing past people in a busy market or apologising when you almost knock over a display of olives.
7. Posó kostízi? (Πόσο κοστίζει;)
💶 How much does it cost?
Pronunciation: POH-soh koh-STEE-zee?
A phrase that will save you from panic-buying souvenirs that turn out to be three times your budget.
8. To logariasmó, parakaló (Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ)
💳 The bill, please
Pronunciation: toh loh-ghah-ree-az-MOH pah-rah-kah-LOH
Use this when you’re ready to waddle out of the taverna after your fifth plate of mezze.
9. Né (Ναι)
👍 Yes
Pronunciation: neh
Sounds like “no” in English, but it actually means yes. Confusing at first, but soon you’ll be nodding and saying “neh” like a pro.
10. Óchi (Όχι)
👎 No
Pronunciation: OH-hee
Use sparingly because, let’s face it, saying no to more olives feels like a crime against humanity.
✨ Final Thoughts:
With these ten phrases in your pocket, you won’t just survive Greece, you’ll thrive. Locals love it when visitors try a bit of Greek, even if you sound like a GCSE language exam gone slightly wrong. Say it with confidence, toss in a smile and you’ll earn goodwill, extra olives and maybe even a discount on that fridge magnet you definitely don’t need but will buy anyway.
