Welcome to Greece in Greek: Essential Phrases & Travel Tips
Greece is a country of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re visiting Athens, Santorini, or Crete, knowing a few Greek phrases can make your trip more enjoyable and help you connect with the locals.
Official Language of Greece
The official language of Greece is Greek (Ελληνικά – Elliniká). It is one of the world’s oldest continuously spoken languages, dating back over 3,000 years. While many Greeks, especially in tourist areas, speak English, they always appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language.
Most Useful Greek Words and Phrases for Tourists
Basic Greetings and Politeness
| English | Greek (Phonetic Pronunciation) | Greek (Greek Alphabet) |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Yia sou (informal) / Yia sas (formal) | Γεια σου / Γεια σας |
| Good morning | Kaliméra | Καλημέρα |
| Good afternoon/evening | Kalispéra | Καλησπέρα |
| Good night | Kaliníhta | Καληνύχτα |
| Goodbye | Adío | Αντίο |
| Thank you | Efharistó | Ευχαριστώ |
| You’re welcome / Please | Parakaló | Παρακαλώ |
| Yes | Né | Ναι |
| No | Óhi | Όχι |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Signómi | Συγγνώμη |
Useful Travel Phrases
| English | Greek (Phonetic Pronunciation) | Greek (Greek Alphabet) |
|---|---|---|
| Do you speak English? | Miláte Angliká? | Μιλάτε Αγγλικά; |
| I don’t understand | Den katalavéno | Δεν καταλαβαίνω |
| How much does this cost? | Póso kostízi? | Πόσο κοστίζει; |
| Where is the bathroom? | Poo íne i toualéta? | Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; |
| I need help | Hriázome voíthia | Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια |
| I am lost | Ého hathí | Έχω χαθεί |
| Can you help me? | Boríte na me voíthisete? | Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; |
| I would like… | Tha íthela… | Θα ήθελα… |
Common Greek Phrases for Dining & Socializing
| English | Greek (Phonetic Pronunciation) | Greek (Greek Alphabet) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheers! | Stin iyá mas! | Στην υγειά μας! |
| Enjoy your meal! | Kalí órexi! | Καλή όρεξη! |
| The bill, please | Ton logariasmó, parakaló | Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ |
| A coffee, please | Énan kafé, parakaló | Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ |
| A beer, please | Mía bíra, parakaló | Μία μπύρα, παρακαλώ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Greetings & Phrases
1. What is “parakaló” in Greek?
“Παρακαλώ” (Parakaló) means both “please” and “you’re welcome” in Greek, depending on the context.
2. How do you say “greetings from Greece” in Greek?
You can say “Χαιρετισμούς από την Ελλάδα” (Cheretismoús apó tin Elláda), which means “Greetings from Greece.”
3. What is a typical Greek greeting?
A common Greek greeting is “Γεια σου” (Yia sou) for one person and “Γεια σας” (Yia sas) for multiple people or formal situations.
4. What is the best Greek greeting?
The best general greeting in Greek is “Καλημέρα” (Kaliméra) for “Good morning” or “Γεια σας” (Yia sas) for “Hello” in formal settings.
5. How do you welcome someone in Greek?
You can say “Καλώς ήρθες” (Kalós írthes) for one person and “Καλώς ήρθατε” (Kalós írthate) for multiple people or formally, which means “Welcome!”
6. What does “Σε παρακαλώ” mean?
“Σε παρακαλώ” (Se parakaló) means “please” when addressing one person. It is the informal version of “Παρακαλώ” (Parakaló).
7. What is “Yamas” in Greek?
“Γειά μας!” (Yamás) is a popular Greek phrase meaning “Cheers!” It is used when making a toast and literally means “To our health!”
Final Thoughts
Greece is famous for its hospitality, and knowing a few Greek words will make your trip more enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on the islands, or enjoying delicious Greek food, speaking a little Greek will help you connect with the locals.
