Basic Greek phrases for travel

Excuse me

Romanized Syngnómi

see-GHNOH-mee

Use it to get someone’s attention before a question, or to squeeze past on a crowded metro.

Please

Romanized Parakaló

pah-rah-kah-LOH

Add it to any order or request.

A triple-duty word: please, you’re welcome, and “how can I help?” when answering the phone.

Thank you

Romanized Efcharistó

ef-khah-rees-TOH

Say it after any small service, such as a waiter bringing a dish or a shopkeeper handing over change.

Thank you very much

Romanized Efcharistó polý

ef-khah-rees-TOH poh-LEE

Use it when someone has gone out of their way to help and you want to show extra gratitude.

You’re welcome

Romanized Parakaló

pah-rah-kah-LOH

Use it after someone thanks you. “No problem” is a more casual alternative.

Yes, the same word as “please”. Greek recycles it beautifully.

I’m sorry

Romanized Syngnómi

see-GHNOH-mee

Use it to apologise when you’ve made a mistake or caused someone trouble.

Doubles as “excuse me”. One word covers both bases.

Yes

Romanized Nai

neh

Useful for confirming a price or accepting an offer.

Yes sounds like “neh” and no sounds like “oh-hee” which famously confusing. A Greek “no” can also be a slight upward tilt of the head.

No

Romanized Óchi

OH-khee

Use it to turn down an offer or an extra you didn’t ask for.

Okay

Romanized Entáxei

en-DAHK-see

Use it to agree to a plan, a price, a meeting time or a pickup point.

Perfect

Romanized Téleia

TEH-lyah

A warmer “okay” for when a suggestion suits you.

That works for me

Romanized Mia chará

myah khah-RAH

Use it to accept a suggestion, such as a later table or a different room.

Literally “a joy”, the Greek way of saying everything’s just fine.

No problem

Romanized Kanéna próvlima

kah-NEH-nah PROH-vlee-mah

Use it when someone apologises to you, or to wave off a small inconvenience.

One moment, please

Romanized Misó leptó, parakaló

mee-SOH lep-TOH pah-rah-kah-LOH

Buy yourself a few seconds at the counter while you find your wallet or decide what to buy.

Literally “half a minute”, the standard Greek pause button.

Could you help me, please?

Romanized Boreíte na me voithísete, parakaló?

boh-REE-teh nah meh voh-ee-THEE-seh-teh pah-rah-kah-LOH

The polite way to open a request for assistance.

Hello

Romanized Geia sas

YAH-sahs

An everyday greeting polite enough for staff and strangers. One of the first things you should learn in any language.

“Γεια σας” is polite or plural; “γεια σου” is for one person you know. Both literally wish good health.

• Casual Γεια σου Geia sou YAH-soo

Hi

Romanized Geia

yah

The casual “hello” for friends and anyone you know well.

Good morning

Romanized Kaliméra

kah-lee-MEH-rah

Use it until around midday when you greet staff in a shop, café or hotel.

Greeks stretch “kalimera” well past noon, and you’ll hear it at 2 pm. Say it as you walk into a shop or café.

Good afternoon

Romanized Kalispéra

kah-lee-SPEH-rah

For the stretch between lunch and evening. When people switch to “good evening” varies, so follow what locals say to you.

Greek jumps from kalimera to kalispera with nothing in between. From mid-afternoon onward this is your greeting.

Good evening

Romanized Kalispéra

kah-lee-SPEH-rah

The greeting for later in the day: walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Goodbye

Romanized Antío

ah-DEE-oh

Say it as you leave a shop or get out of a taxi.

In practice Greeks mostly part with “γεια σας”, the same word that greets you.

• Everyday Γεια σας Geia sas YAH-sahs

See you later

Romanized Ta léme

tah LEH-meh

For people you’ll see again, such as hotel staff or the barista you visit each morning.

Literally “we’ll talk”, the beloved casual Greek sign-off.

Have a good day

Romanized Kalí synécheia

kah-LEE see-NEH-khyah

A sign-off after a short exchange, such as paying in a shop.

Literally “good continuation”, the wonderfully Greek wish for whatever the rest of your day holds.

My name is [name]

Romanized Me léne [ónoma]

meh LEH-neh [OH-noh-mah]

It’s useful to introduce yourself in the local language, especially when meeting people during your travels.

How are you?

Romanized Ti kánete?

tee KAH-neh-teh

Follow your greeting with it. Some people answer briefly, others treat it as a real question.

• Casual Τι κάνεις; Ti káneis? tee KAH-nees

I’m well, thank you

Romanized Kalá, efcharistó

kah-LAH ef-khah-rees-TOH

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Ask the question back if you want to continue the conversation.

Nice to meet you

Romanized Chárika

KHAH-ree-kah

A useful phrase when meeting someone new on your travels. Saying it in the local language is a nice touch.

Literally “I was pleased”. The same form is used regardless of gender.