Speak Greek! The Basics...

The Greek nation are a friendly but proud group of people. Many in the tourist industry have excellent language skills, however, I always find that if you try to speak a little bit of the local language, it always goes a long way. I am proud to be learning Greek, and every day it gets better and better. Here are just a few basics to get you started:


Kalimera - Good Morning
Kalispera - Good Afternoon
Kalinichta - Good Evening

Yassou/Yassas - Hello and Goodbye

Efcharisto (Poli) -  Thank you (very much)

Parakalo - Please/You're Welcome

Signomi - Sorry/Excuse Me

Ti Kanis - How are you?
Poli Kala - I'm well /good
Ehtse Ketse - I'm okay/alright

Neh - Yes
Ohi - No

Katalaveno - I understand
Then Katalaveno - I don't understand

Pos se lene - What is your name?
Me lene...  - My name is...

Milas Anglika? - Do you speak English?

Ti ora ine? - What time is it?

Pou ine? - Where is?

Thelo - I want

Poso kani? - How much is it?

Aristera - Left
Dexia - Right

Aniktos - Open
Klistos - Closed

Ton Logariasmos Parakalo - The Bill... Please

Aspro Krassi - White Wine
Kokinos Krassi - Red Wine
Biera - Beer
Nero - Water

Ena - One
Dio - Two
Tria - Three
Tesera - Four
Pende - Five
Exhi - Six
Epta - Seven
Ochto - Eight
Enea - Nine
Deka - Ten


Try purchasing a greek phrase book, or go online and there are endless apps that will assist you with the local lingo! If all else fails, there is google translate, or good old fashioned hand signals!