If you're planning a trip to Greece—whether it's to explore the islands or to visit your partner's family—learning a few basic Greek phrases can make your experience much more meaningful. Locals and family members truly appreciate it when you try to speak their language, as it shows respect and a desire to connect.
Below you'll find the 50 most useful Greek phrases, covering greetings, dining etiquette, and common travel situations.
Essential Greek Phrases
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Γεια σου | ya soo |
| Good morning | Καλημέρα | ka-li-ME-ra |
| Good afternoon/evening | Καλησπέρα | ka-li-SPE-ra |
| Good night | Καληνύχτα | ka-li-NEE-hta |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | ef-ha-ri-STO |
| Please / You're welcome | Παρακαλώ | pa-ra-ka-LO |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Συγγνώμη | sig-NO-mi |
| Yes | Ναι | ne |
| No | Όχι | O-hi |
| Maybe | Ίσως | EE-sos |
| How are you? | Τι κάνεις; | ti KA-nis |
| I am fine | Είμαι καλά | EE-me ka-LA |
| My name is... | Με λένε... | me LE-ne |
| What is your name? | Πώς σε λένε; | pos se LE-ne |
| Nice to meet you | Χάρηκα | HA-ri-ka |
| Goodbye | Αντίο | an-DEE-o |
| See you later | Τα λέμε | ta LE-me |
| Where is...? | Πού είναι...; | poo EE-ne |
| Toilet / Bathroom | Τουαλέτα | too-a-LE-ta |
| Pharmacy | Φαρμακείο | far-ma-KEE-o |
| Beach | Παραλία | pa-ra-LEE-a |
| Hotel | Ξενοδοχείο | kse-no-tho-HEE-o |
| Airport | Αεροδρόμιο | a-e-ro-THRO-mi-o |
| Bus stop | Στάση | STA-si |
| Taxi | Ταξί | ta-KSEE |
| Left | Αριστερά | a-ri-ste-RA |
| Right | Δεξιά | the-ksy-A |
| Straight | Ίσια | EE-sya |
| How much is this? | Πόσο κάνει αυτό; | PO-so KA-ni af-TO |
| The menu please | Το μενού παρακαλώ | to me-NOO pa-ra-ka-LO |
| The bill please | Το λογαριασμό παρακαλώ | to lo-ga-ri-a-SMO pa-ra-ka-LO |
| Water | Νερό | ne-RO |
| Bread | Ψωμί | pso-MEE |
| Wine | Κρασί | kra-SI |
| Beer | Μπύρα | BEE-ra |
| Coffee | Καφέ | ka-FE |
| Cheers! | Στην υγειά μας! | stin yi-YA mas |
| Delicious | Νόστιμο | NOS-ti-mo |
| I am vegetarian | Είμαι χορτοφάγος | EE-me hor-to-FA-gos |
| I have an allergy | Έχω αλλεργία | E-ho a-ler-YI-a |
| Help! | Βοήθεια! | vo-EE-thya |
| Doctor | Γιατρός | ya-TROS |
| Police | Αστυνομία | a-sti-no-MEE-a |
| I don't understand | Δεν καταλαβαίνω | then ka-ta-la-VE-no |
| Do you speak English? | Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | mi-LA-te an-gli-KA |
| Speak slowly | Μιλάτε αργά | mi-LA-te ar-GA |
| Open | Ανοιχτά | a-ni-HTA |
| Closed | Κλειστά | kli-STA |
| Entrance | Είσοδος | EE-so-thos |
| Exit | Έξοδος | E-kso-thos |
Connect Deeper with Greek
Learning phrases is a great start, but speaking with confidence changes how you connect with family and friends.
Access the Official Greek Survival Guide at GreekTutor Academy
Learn the 50 most essential verbs and start speaking today.