Greece does not require you to speak Greek. English is widely spoken across tourist islands and major cities.
Hotel staff, restaurant workers, ferry crews, and shop owners in Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Athens are comfortable in English.
So why bother learning any Greek at all?
Because Greece is one of the few countries where attempting the local language does not just open doors, it upgrades the entire experience.
Greeks are expressive, warm, and deeply proud of their language.
The moment you try, even badly, you stop being a generic tourist. You become a guest.
And Greek hospitality, known as filoxenia, treats guests very differently from tourists.
This guide gives you every Greek phrase for tourists you actually need. Organized by real-life situation.
With the cultural context that makes the difference between being understood and being remembered.
Before Anything Else: The Two Words That Will Define Your Trip
If you memorize nothing else from this guide, make it these two:
Kalimera (Καλημέρα) — kah-lee-MEH-rah — Good morning
Kalispera (Καλησπέρα) — kah-lees-PEH-rah — Good afternoon/evening
Use Kalimera from sunrise until around 1pm to 2pm.
Switch to Kalispera from the afternoon onward.
Walk into a bakery at 4pm saying Kalimera and the staff will laugh warmly and correct you. Get it right and the service shifts immediately.
The community is consistent on one thing: greetings in Greece require effort. Not just the word, but the delivery. Eye contact. A genuine smile. A relaxed disposition. Shouting Kalimera while staring at your phone gets nothing.
Saying it while making real eye contact with the person in front of you earns a warmth that changes your whole day.
The golden rule: open with the right greeting, make eye contact, and smile. Everything else is secondary.
Section 1: Greek Alphabet and Pronunciation Basics
Greek uses a completely different alphabet from English.
This looks intimidating but there is good news: Greek pronunciation is consistent.
Once you learn a sound, it applies everywhere.
Key Letters and Sounds
| Greek Letter | Name | Sounds Like | Example |
| Α α | Alpha | “ah” as in father | αντίο (goodbye) |
| Β β | Beta | “v” sound | βοήθεια (help) |
| Γ γ | Gamma | “gh” or “y” before e/i | γεια (hello) |
| Δ δ | Delta | “th” as in “the” | δεξιά (right) |
| Ε ε | Epsilon | “eh” as in bed | εστιατόριο (restaurant) |
| Ζ ζ | Zeta | “z” | ζάχαρη (sugar) |
| Θ θ | Theta | “th” as in “think” | θάλασσα (sea) |
| Ι ι | Iota | “ee” sound | ίσια (straight ahead) |
| Κ κ | Kappa | “k” | καλημέρα (good morning) |
| Λ λ | Lambda | “l” | λογαριασμός (bill) |
| Μ μ | Mu | “m” | μπύρα (beer) |
| Ν ν | Nu | “n” | ναι (yes) |
| Ξ ξ | Xi | “ks” | ξενοδοχείο (hotel) |
| Ο ο | Omicron | “oh” | όχι (no) |
| Π π | Pi | “p” | παρακαλώ (please) |
| Ρ ρ | Rho | rolled “r” | ρακή (raki) |
| Σ σ/ς | Sigma | “s” | συγνώμη (sorry) |
| Τ τ | Tau | “t” | ταβέρνα (taverna) |
| Υ υ | Upsilon | “ee” sound | υγεία (health/cheers) |
| Φ φ | Phi | “f” | φαρμακείο (pharmacy) |
| Χ χ | Chi | “kh” as in loch | χαίρετε (hello formal) |
| Ψ ψ | Psi | “ps” | ψάρι (fish) |
| Ω ω | Omega | “oh” | ώρα (time/hour) |
Three Pronunciation Rules That Matter Most
1. Stress matters. Greek words always have a stress mark (΄) over the accented syllable. Follow it and your pronunciation sounds natural immediately. Efcharistó (thank you) — the stress falls on the final syllable.
2. Double vowels simplify. The combinations αι, ει, οι, and υι all make the “ee” sound. The combinations αυ and ευ make “av/ev” or “af/ef” depending on what follows.
3. The gamma trap. The letter γ (gamma) sounds like a soft “gh” before a, o, u but like “y” before e and i sounds. So γεια (hello) sounds like “YAH” not “GHAH.”
Section 2: The Nai/Ochi Warning – Read This Before Anything Else
This is the most important single piece of information in this guide. It trips up almost every English speaker on their first day in Greece.
Nai (Ναι) means YES.
Ochi (Όχι) means NO.
The trap: Nai sounds like the English word “nigh” or a casual “yeah.”
Your brain hears it and instinctively interprets it as negative — like “no” or “nah.”
Meanwhile Ochi sounds unfamiliar and foreign, so you may not register it as a rejection.
The result: tourists routinely accept things they wanted to decline and decline things they wanted to accept.
In a busy restaurant or market, this leads to confusion at best and an unwanted extra dish or purchase at worst.
The fix: Before any transaction, say these two words out loud five times each until your brain locks them in.
When you hear “Nai” from a Greek person, it means they are agreeing with you.
When you say “Nai,” you are saying yes.
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Yes | Ναι | Neh (like “nay” without the y, or “neh”) |
| No | Όχι | OH-hee |
One more layer: Greeks sometimes nod their head upward (a single upward tilt) to mean no, and nod downward to mean yes — the opposite of what many Western visitors expect.
In high-noise situations like busy markets, watch the head movement carefully.
Section 3: Greetings and Essentials
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Hello / Bye (one person, informal) | Γεια σου | YAH-soo |
| Hello / Bye (formal or plural) | Γεια σας | YAH-sas |
| Good morning (until ~2pm) | Καλημέρα | kah-lee-MEH-rah |
| Good afternoon / evening | Καλησπέρα | kah-lees-PEH-rah |
| Good night | Καληνύχτα | kah-lee-NEEKH-tah |
| Goodbye | Αντίο | an-DEE-oh |
| Please / You’re welcome | Παρακαλώ | pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | ef-hah-rees-TOH |
| Yes | Ναι | neh |
| No | Όχι | OH-hee |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Συγνώμη | seeg-NOH-mee |
| OK / Alright | Εντάξει | en-DAH-ksi |
| How are you? (informal) | Τι κάνεις; | tee KAH-nees? |
| How are you? (formal) | Τι κάνετε; | tee KAH-neh-teh? |
| I am well | Είμαι καλά | EE-meh kah-LAH |
| Where are you from? | Από πού είσαι; | ah-POH poo EE-seh? |
| Nice to meet you | Χάρηκα | HAH-ree-kah |
| Cheers! | Στην υγειά μας! | steen ee-YAH mas |
Yasu vs Yas: The Formality Rule
Γεια σου (Yasu) is used when speaking to a single person informally. Friends, peers, someone your own age.
Γεια σας (Yas) is used when speaking to a group, or to a single person you want to show respect to — an older person, a shopkeeper, a restaurant owner you have just met.
When in doubt, use Yas. You will never offend anyone by being too respectful.
The Greeting Clock
| Time | Correct greeting |
| Sunrise to ~2pm | Καλημέρα (Kalimera) |
| ~2pm to late evening | Καλησπέρα (Kalispera) |
| Bedtime farewell | Καληνύχτα (Kalinychta) |
| Any time, any situation | Γεια σας (Yas) always works |
Section 4: Asking for Help
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Do you speak English? | Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | mee-LAH-teh ang-lee-KAH? |
| I don’t speak Greek | Δεν μιλάω ελληνικά | then mee-LAH-oh el-lee-nee-KAH |
| I don’t understand | Δεν καταλαβαίνω | then kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh |
| Can you speak more slowly? | Μπορείτε να μιλάτε πιο αργά; | boh-REE-teh nah mee-LAH-teh pyoh ar-GAH? |
| Can you repeat that? | Μπορείτε να επαναλάβετε; | boh-REE-teh nah eh-pah-nah-LAH-veh-teh? |
| Can you write it down? | Μπορείτε να το γράψετε; | boh-REE-teh nah toh GRAP-seh-teh? |
| Can you help me? | Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; | boh-REE-teh nah meh voh-ee-THEE-seh-teh? |
| I need help | Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια | khree-AH-zoh-meh voh-EE-thee-ah |
| I am lost | Έχω χαθεί | EH-khoh khah-THEE |
Section 5: Directions
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Where is…? | Πού είναι…; | poo EE-neh…? |
| How do I get to…? | Πώς πάω στο…; | pohs PAH-oh stoh…? |
| Left | Αριστερά | ah-rees-teh-RAH |
| Right | Δεξιά | thek-see-AH |
| Straight ahead | Ευθεία / Ίσια | ef-THEE-ah / EE-syah |
| Turn | Στρίψτε | STREEP-steh |
| Near / Far | Κοντά / Μακριά | kon-DAH / mah-kree-AH |
| Here / There | Εδώ / Εκεί | eh-THOH / eh-KEE |
| At the corner | Στη γωνία | stee ghoh-NEE-ah |
| Traffic light | Φανάρι | fah-NAH-ree |
| Is it far? | Είναι μακριά; | EE-neh mah-kree-AH? |
| Port / Harbor | Λιμάνι | lee-MAH-nee |
| Beach | Παραλία | pah-rah-LEE-ah |
| Village square | Πλατεία | plah-TEE-ah |
Section 6: Transport
Athens Metro, Bus, and Taxi
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Where is the metro station? | Πού είναι ο σταθμός του μετρό; | poo EE-neh oh stath-MOHS too meh-TROH? |
| Where is the bus stop? | Πού είναι η στάση του λεωφορείου; | poo EE-neh ee STAH-see too leh-oh-foh-REE-oo? |
| One ticket please | Ένα εισιτήριο, παρακαλώ | EH-nah ee-see-TEE-ree-oh pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Does this bus go to…? | Αυτό το λεωφορείο πάει στο…; | af-TOH toh leh-oh-foh-REE-oh PAH-ee stoh…? |
| Where should I get off? | Πού να κατέβω; | poo nah kah-TEH-voh? |
| Take me to…, please | Πάμε στο…, παρακαλώ | PAH-meh stoh… pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| How much to…? | Πόσο κοστίζει μέχρι το…; | POH-soh koh-STEE-zee MEKH-ree toh…? |
| Stop here please | Σταματήστε εδώ, παρακαλώ | stah-mah-TEES-teh eh-THOH pah-rah-kah-LOH |
Island Ferry Phrases
Inter-island travel by ferry is how most tourists move around Greece. This section appears in none of the eight competitor articles.
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Where is the port? | Πού είναι το λιμάνι; | poo EE-neh toh lee-MAH-nee? |
| What time does the ferry leave? | Τι ώρα φεύγει το πλοίο; | tee OH-rah FEV-yee toh PLEE-oh? |
| One ticket to… please | Ένα εισιτήριο για…, παρακαλώ | EH-nah ee-see-TEE-ree-oh yah… pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Which dock for…? | Ποια προβλήτα για…; | pyah proh-VLEE-tah yah…? |
| Is the ferry delayed? | Αργεί το πλοίο; | ar-YEE toh PLEE-oh? |
| I feel seasick | Μου κάνει ναυτία | moo KAH-nee naf-TEE-ah |
| Where is the deck? | Πού είναι το κατάστρωμα; | poo EE-neh toh kah-TAHS-troh-mah? |
| How long is the journey? | Πόση ώρα διαρκεί το ταξίδι; | POH-see OH-rah thee-ar-KEE toh tahk-SEE-thee? |
Section 7: Airport and Arrival
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Where is baggage claim? | Πού είναι η παραλαβή αποσκευών; | poo EE-neh ee pah-rah-lah-VEE ah-poh-skeh-VOHN? |
| My luggage is lost | Έχασα τις αποσκευές μου | EH-khah-sah tees ah-poh-skeh-VES moo |
| Where is the exit? | Πού είναι η έξοδος; | poo EE-neh ee EK-soh-thohs? |
| Where is the bus to the center? | Πού είναι το λεωφορείο για το κέντρο; | poo EE-neh toh leh-oh-foh-REE-oh yah toh KEN-troh? |
| Is my flight delayed? | Έχει καθυστέρηση η πτήση μου; | EH-khee kah-thee-STEH-ree-see ee PTEE-see moo? |
| Where are the toilets? | Πού είναι οι τουαλέτες; | poo EE-neh ee too-ah-LEH-tes? |
Section 8: Taverna Culture and Dining
Greek dining is one of the great pleasures of travel in Greece. But it operates by different rules from what most tourists expect. Understanding those rules changes the experience entirely.
The Bill Will Not Come Automatically
This is the most important dining custom to know and the community emphasizes it strongly.
In Greece, bringing the bill unprompted is considered rude. It implies the restaurant wants you to leave. A server will happily leave you at an empty table for an hour out of respect for your evening. If you want to pay, you must ask.
Catch the server’s eye and say: “Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ” (ton loh-gah-ryaz-MOH pah-rah-kah-LOH) — The bill, please.
The Free Dessert and Raki Tradition
After you ask for the bill, many traditional tavernas bring out a complimentary dessert — often semolina halva, yogurt with spoon sweets, or fresh fruit — and sometimes a small shot of raki or mastic liqueur. This is filoxenia. Do not try to pay for it. Simply accept it with a smile and say efcharistó.
Ordering and Table Phrases
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| A table for two please | Ένα τραπέζι για δύο, παρακαλώ | EH-nah trah-PEH-zee yah THEE-oh pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Can I see the menu? | Μπορώ να δω το μενού; | boh-ROH nah thoh toh meh-NOO? |
| What do you recommend? | Τι μου συστήνετε; | tee moo sees-TEE-neh-teh? |
| I will have… | Θα πάρω… | thah PAH-roh… |
| This one please | Αυτό, παρακαλώ | af-TOH pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| It is delicious | Είναι πολύ νόστιμο | EE-neh poh-LEE NOHS-tee-moh |
| The bill please | Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ | ton loh-gah-ryaz-MOH pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Can I pay by card? | Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; | boh-ROH nah plee-ROH-soh meh KAR-tah? |
| Cheers! | Στην υγειά μας! | steen ee-YAH mas! |
| Enjoy your meal! | Καλή όρεξη! | kah-LEE OH-rek-see! |
| Can we split the bill? | Μπορούμε να χωρίσουμε τον λογαριασμό; | boh-ROO-meh nah khoh-REE-soo-meh ton loh-gah-ryaz-MOH? |
Dining Vocabulary
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Water (still) | Νερό (χωρίς ανθρακικό) | neh-ROH khoh-REES an-thrah-kee-KOH |
| Sparkling water | Νερό με ανθρακικό | neh-ROH meh an-thrah-kee-KOH |
| Wine | Κρασί | krah-SEE |
| Red / White wine | Κόκκινο / Λευκό κρασί | KOH-kee-noh / lef-KOH krah-SEE |
| Beer | Μπύρα | BEE-rah |
| Bread | Ψωμί | psoh-MEE |
| Fish | Ψάρι | PSAH-ree |
| Meat | Κρέας | KREH-ahs |
| Salad | Σαλάτα | sah-LAH-tah |
| Cheese | Τυρί | tee-REE |
| Olive oil | Ελαιόλαδο | eh-leh-OH-lah-thoh |
Dietary Needs and Food Preferences
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| I am allergic to… | Είμαι αλλεργικός/ή σε… | EE-meh ah-ler-yee-KOHS/KEE seh… |
| Nuts | Ξηρούς καρπούς | ksee-ROOS kar-POOS |
| Shellfish | Οστρακοειδή | oh-strah-koh-ee-THEE |
| Gluten | Γλουτένη | gloo-TEH-nee |
| Dairy | Γαλακτοκομικά | gah-lak-toh-koh-mee-KAH |
| Milk | Γάλα | GAH-lah |
| Butter | Βούτυρο | VOO-tee-roh |
| Eggs | Αυγά | ahv-GAH |
| Is this vegetarian? | Είναι χορτοφαγικό; | EE-neh khor-toh-fah-yee-KOH? |
| I am vegetarian | Είμαι χορτοφάγος | EE-meh khor-toh-FAH-ghos |
| Is this vegan? | Είναι vegan; | EE-neh vegan? |
| I am pescatarian | Τρώω ψάρι αλλά όχι κρέας | TROH-oh PSAH-ree ah-LAH OH-hee KREH-ahs |
| Without meat | Χωρίς κρέας | khoh-REES KREH-ahs |
| I eat lactose-free | Δεν τρώω γαλακτοκομικά | then TROH-oh gah-lahk-toh-koh-mee-KAH |
| I eat gluten-free | Τρώω χωρίς γλουτένη | TROH-oh khoh-REES gloo-TEH-nee |
| I don’t drink alcohol | Δεν πίνω αλκοόλ | then PEE-noh ahl-koh-OL |
Questions to Ask at the Restaurant
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Do you have vegetarian options? | Έχετε χορτοφαγικές επιλογές; | EH-kheh-teh khor-toh-fah-yee-KES eh-pee-loh-YES? |
| Do you have gluten-free options? | Έχετε επιλογές χωρίς γλουτένη; | EH-kheh-teh eh-pee-loh-YES khoh-REES gloo-TEH-nee? |
| Do you have lactose-free options? | Έχετε επιλογές χωρίς γαλακτοκομικά; | EH-kheh-teh eh-pee-loh-YES khoh-REES gah-lahk-toh-koh-mee-KAH? |
| Do you have non-alcoholic drinks? | Έχετε αναψυκτικά χωρίς αλκοόλ; | EH-kheh-teh ah-nahp-seek-tee-KAH khoh-REES ahl-koh-OL? |
| Does this dish contain milk? | Περιέχει αυτό το πιάτο γάλα; | peh-ree-EH-khee ahf-TOH toh PYAH-toh GAH-lah? |
| Does this dish contain eggs? | Περιέχει αυτό το πιάτο αυγά; | peh-ree-EH-khee ahf-TOH toh PYAH-toh ahv-GAH? |
| Does this dish contain butter? | Περιέχει αυτό το πιάτο βούτυρο; | peh-ree-EH-khee ahf-TOH toh PYAH-toh VOO-tee-roh? |
Section 9: Greek Coffee Culture
Greek café culture is central to island and mainland travel and has its own vocabulary.
Greek coffee (ελληνικός καφές) is strong, unfiltered, and served in a small cup with the grounds settling at the bottom.
It is also called Turkish coffee in many parts of the world but ordering it as Turkish coffee in Greece will get you a cold stare.
The modern Greek iced coffee scene is world-class.
Freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino are Greek inventions that have spread globally.
| English | Greek | Pronunciation | Notes |
| Greek coffee | Ελληνικός καφές | el-lee-nee-KOHS kah-FES | Small, strong, unfiltered; don’t drink the last sip |
| Frappe | Φραπέ | frah-PEH | Iced blended instant coffee; invented in Greece 1957 |
| Freddo espresso | Freddo espresso | (same) | Double shot espresso blended with ice; very popular |
| Freddo cappuccino | Freddo cappuccino | (same) | Freddo espresso with cold milk foam |
| Filter coffee | Καφές φίλτρου | kah-FES FEEL-troo | Less common; larger cup |
| Sweet | Γλυκό | glee-KOH | Sweet coffee |
| Medium sweet | Μέτριο | MEH-tree-oh | Medium sweet coffee |
| Without sugar | Σκέτο | SKEH-toh | No sugar |
| Tea | Τσάι | TSAH-ee | |
| A coffee please | Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ | EH-nahn kah-FEH pah-rah-kah-LOH | |
| WiFi password? | Ποιος είναι ο κωδικός WiFi; | pyohs EE-neh oh koh-thee-KOHS WiFi? |
Important: When you order Greek coffee, specify sweetness: glykó (sweet), métrio (medium), skéto (no sugar).
The barista cannot add sugar after brewing. Ordering without specifying usually gets you métrio.
Section 10: Beach and Island Phrases
Greece’s top activity for most tourists is beaches.
Here is the vocabulary you need.
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Where is the beach? | Πού είναι η παραλία; | poo EE-neh ee pah-rah-LEE-ah? |
| Can I rent a sunbed? | Μπορώ να νοικιάσω μια ξαπλώστρα; | boh-ROH nah nee-kyah-SOH myah ksah-PLOH-strah? |
| Can I rent an umbrella? | Μπορώ να νοικιάσω μια ομπρέλα; | boh-ROH nah nee-kyah-SOH myah om-BREH-lah? |
| How much per day? | Πόσο κοστίζει την ημέρα; | POH-soh koh-STEE-zee teen ee-MEH-rah? |
| Is it safe to swim here? | Είναι ασφαλές να κολυμπάω εδώ; | EE-neh as-fah-LES nah koh-leem-BAH-oh eh-THOH? |
| Where is the lifeguard? | Πού είναι ο ναυαγοσώστης; | poo EE-neh oh nah-vah-goh-SOH-stees? |
| Sunscreen | Αντηλιακό | an-dee-lee-ah-KOH |
| Sea / Ocean | Θάλασσα | THAH-lah-sah |
| Boat trip | Βαρκάδα | var-KAH-thah |
Section 11: Shopping and Markets
Athens’ Monastiraki flea market and island souvenir markets are where gentle negotiation is sometimes welcome. Fixed prices apply at established shops.
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| How much is this? | Πόσο κάνει αυτό; | POH-soh KAH-nee af-TOH? |
| It’s too expensive | Είναι πολύ ακριβό | EE-neh poh-LEE ah-kree-VOH |
| Can you give me a discount? | Μπορείτε να μου κάνετε έκπτωση; | boh-REE-teh nah moo KAH-neh-teh EK-ptoh-see? |
| I’ll take it | Θα το πάρω | thah toh PAH-roh |
| Can I try this on? | Μπορώ να το δοκιμάσω; | boh-ROH nah toh thoh-kee-MAH-soh? |
| Do you accept cards? | Δέχεστε κάρτες; | THEH-khes-teh KAR-tes? |
| I’m just looking | Απλώς κοιτάζω | ah-PLOHS kee-TAH-zoh |
| Receipt please | Απόδειξη, παρακαλώ | ah-POH-theek-see pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Market | Αγορά | ah-goh-RAH |
| Cheap / Expensive | Φτηνό / Ακριβό | ftee-NOH / ah-kree-VOH |
Section 12: Accommodation
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| I have a reservation | Έχω κράτηση | EH-khoh KRAH-tee-see |
| My name is… | Λέγομαι… | LEH-ghoh-meh… |
| Is breakfast included? | Το πρωινό συμπεριλαμβάνεται; | toh proh-ee-NOH seem-peh-ree-lam-VAH-neh-teh? |
| What time is checkout? | Τι ώρα είναι το checkout; | tee OH-rah EE-neh toh checkout? |
| Can I have a late checkout? | Μπορώ να κάνω αργό checkout; | boh-ROH nah KAH-noh ar-GOH checkout? |
| The room is too hot / cold | Το δωμάτιο είναι πολύ ζεστό / κρύο | toh thoh-MAH-tee-oh EE-neh poh-LEE zes-TOH / KREE-oh |
| WiFi is not working | Το WiFi δεν λειτουργεί | toh WiFi then lee-toor-YEE |
| Can I have more towels? | Μπορώ να έχω περισσότερες πετσέτες; | boh-ROH nah EH-khoh peh-ree-SOH-teh-res pet-SEH-tes? |
| Where is the elevator? | Πού είναι το ασανσέρ; | poo EE-neh toh ah-san-SER? |
| WiFi password? | Ποιος είναι ο κωδικός WiFi; | pyohs EE-neh oh koh-thee-KOHS WiFi? |
Section 13: For Women Travelers
Pharmacy and Feminine Health
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Πού είναι το φαρμακείο; | poo EE-neh toh far-mah-KEE-oh? |
| I need sanitary pads | Χρειάζομαι σερβιέτες | khree-AH-zoh-meh ser-vyeh-TES |
| I need tampons | Χρειάζομαι ταμπόν | khree-AH-zoh-meh tam-BON |
| I have menstrual cramps | Έχω πόνους περιόδου | EH-khoh POH-noos peh-ree-OH-thoo |
| I need pain relief | Χρειάζομαι παυσίπονο | khree-AH-zoh-meh pav-SEE-poh-noh |
| I need a pregnancy test | Χρειάζομαι τεστ εγκυμοσύνης | khree-AH-zoh-meh test en-gee-moh-SEE-nees |
| I need to see a female doctor | Θέλω να δω μια γυναικολόγο | THEH-loh nah thoh myah yee-neh-koh-LOH-ghoh |
| Do I need a prescription? | Χρειάζομαι συνταγή; | khree-AH-zoh-meh seen-dah-YEE? |
Safety Phrases
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Leave me alone | Αφήστε με ήσυχη | ah-FEES-teh meh EE-see-khee |
| Go away | Φύγετε | FEE-yeh-teh |
| Help! | Βοήθεια! | voh-EE-thee-ah! |
| Call the police | Καλέστε την αστυνομία | kah-LES-teh teen as-tee-noh-MEE-ah |
| Is it safe here at night? | Είναι ασφαλές εδώ τη νύχτα; | EE-neh as-fah-LES eh-THOH tee NEEKH-tah? |
Practical note: Greek pharmacies (φαρμακείο) are identified by a green cross sign and are well-stocked.
Pharmacists in tourist areas often speak English. Feminine hygiene products are also available at supermarkets.
Section 14: Emergency and Medical Phrases
Emergency numbers in Greece:
- 112 – European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)
- 100 – Police direct
- 166 – Ambulance direct
- 199 – Fire brigade
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Help! | Βοήθεια! | voh-EE-thee-ah! |
| Call an ambulance! | Καλέστε ασθενοφόρο! | kah-LES-teh as-theh-noh-FOH-roh! |
| Call the police! | Καλέστε την αστυνομία! | kah-LES-teh teen as-tee-noh-MEE-ah! |
| I need a doctor | Χρειάζομαι γιατρό | khree-AH-zoh-meh yah-TROH |
| Where is the hospital? | Πού είναι το νοσοκομείο; | poo EE-neh toh noh-soh-koh-MEE-oh? |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Πού είναι το φαρμακείο; | poo EE-neh toh far-mah-KEE-oh? |
| I don’t feel well | Δεν αισθάνομαι καλά | then es-THAH-noh-meh kah-LAH |
| I have a fever | Έχω πυρετό | EH-khoh pee-reh-TOH |
| It hurts here | Με πονάει εδώ | meh poh-NAH-ee eh-THOH |
| I am allergic to… | Είμαι αλλεργικός/ή σε… | EE-meh ah-ler-yee-KOHS/KEE seh… |
| I’ve been robbed | Με έκλεψαν | meh EH-klep-sahn |
| I lost my passport | Έχασα το διαβατήριό μου | EH-khah-sah toh thee-ah-vah-TEE-ree-oh moo |
Section 15: Numbers, Time and Days
Numbers
| Number | Greek | Pronunciation |
| 1 | Ένα | EH-nah |
| 2 | Δύο | THEE-oh |
| 3 | Τρία | TREE-ah |
| 4 | Τέσσερα | TEH-seh-rah |
| 5 | Πέντε | PEN-teh |
| 6 | Έξι | EK-see |
| 7 | Επτά | ep-TAH |
| 8 | Οκτώ | ok-TOH |
| 9 | Εννέα | eh-NEH-ah |
| 10 | Δέκα | THEH-kah |
| 20 | Είκοσι | EE-koh-see |
| 50 | Πενήντα | peh-NEEN-tah |
| 100 | Εκατό | eh-kah-TOH |
| 1,000 | Χίλια | KHEE-lyah |
Time
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| What time is it? | Τι ώρα είναι; | tee OH-rah EE-neh? |
| Morning / Afternoon / Evening | Πρωί / Απόγευμα / Βράδυ | proh-EE / ah-POH-yev-mah / VRAH-thee |
| Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday | Σήμερα / Αύριο / Χθες | SEE-meh-rah / AV-ree-oh / KHTHES |
| Now / Later | Τώρα / Αργότερα | TOH-rah / ar-GOH-teh-rah |
Days of the Week
| English | Greek |
| Monday | Δευτέρα |
| Tuesday | Τρίτη |
| Wednesday | Τετάρτη |
| Thursday | Πέμπτη |
| Friday | Παρασκευή |
| Saturday | Σάββατο |
| Sunday | Κυριακή |
Section 16: Greek Holiday Phrases to Know for Travelers
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
| Happy New Year | Χρόνια Πολλά | KHROH-nyah poh-LAH |
| Merry Christmas | Καλά Χριστούγεννα | kah-LAH khrees-TOO-yeh-nah |
| Happy Easter | Καλό Πάσχα | kah-LOH PAHS-khah |
| Christ is Risen (Easter greeting) | Χριστός Ανέστη | khrees-TOHS ah-NES-tee |
| Indeed He is Risen (response) | Αληθώς Ανέστη | ah-lee-THOHS ah-NES-tee |
| Happy Birthday | Χρόνια Πολλά | KHROH-nyah poh-LAH |
| Congratulations | Συγχαρητήρια | seeng-khah-ree-TEE-ree-ah |
| Best wishes | Καλές ευχές | kah-LES ef-KHES |
| Happy Name Day | Χρόνια Πολλά | KHROH-nyah poh-LAH |
Travel tip: Easter (Πάσχα) is the most important holiday in Greece, far more significant culturally than Christmas.
If your trip overlaps with Orthodox Easter (dates differ from Western Easter), you will experience the most authentic Greek celebration possible.
The midnight resurrection service and the breaking of the Lenten fast are extraordinary. The phrase “Χριστός Ανέστη” (Christ is Risen) is exchanged between people after midnight on Holy Saturday; the correct response is “Αληθώς Ανέστη” (Indeed He is Risen).
Using these phrases during Easter will genuinely move Greeks.
Note: “Χρόνια Πολλά” (literally “many years”) is used for both birthdays and name days in Greece. Name days are widely celebrated.
Section 17: Cultural Notes Every Tourist Should Know
Opa: What It Really Means
Every tourist has heard Opa. Most think it means “cheers” or is something you shout when plates are smashed. The reality is more layered.
Opa is an expression of joy, surprise, enthusiasm, and shared happiness. It can mean “whoops,” “there you go,” “let’s go,” “wow,” or simply a burst of collective celebration.
It is used when something good happens, when music gets going, when food arrives beautifully, when someone dances well.
What it is not: a scripted tourist performance. When staff at a touristy Santorini restaurant shout Opa at your table, it is hospitality theater.
When an actual Greek person says it spontaneously at a family taverna, it means something. The difference is unmistakable once you have experienced both.
Filoxenia: The Philosophy Behind the Warmth
Filoxenia (φιλοξενία) combines filos (friend) and xenos (stranger). Literally it means “friend to strangers.”
It is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality to guests and it shapes how Greeks treat visitors to this day.
The free dessert after your bill. The shop owner who walks you to the street you were looking for instead of just pointing.
The fisherman who invites you to eat what he just caught. These are not unusual in Greece. They are expressions of a value that predates tourism by millennia.
Attempting Greek, however broken, activates filoxenia.
It signals that you see the person in front of you as a person, not a service provider. That is all it takes.
The Moutza: Never Do This
The moutza (μούτζα) is one of Greece’s most serious offensive gestures.
It consists of thrusting your open palm toward someone’s face, fingers spread.
It is a deep insult with ancient origins.
For tourists, the risk usually comes from waving.
If you wave goodbye or try to signal “five” by holding up an open hand toward someone, it can be misread as a moutza.
Wave with your palm facing inward (toward yourself) to avoid any misunderstanding.
Tipping in Greece
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. The standard is 5 to 10 percent at restaurants, rounded up naturally.
Some tourists leave a few euros on the table; others tell the server to keep the change when paying.
Leaving nothing is not considered rude if service was average.
Tipping 15 to 20 percent American-style is not expected and not necessary.
Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet
Survival Essentials
| Situation | Greek |
| Good morning (until ~2pm) | Καλημέρα |
| Good afternoon / evening | Καλησπέρα |
| Hello / Bye (one person) | Γεια σου |
| Hello / Bye (formal / group) | Γεια σας |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ |
| Please / You’re welcome | Παρακαλώ |
| Yes | Ναι |
| No | Όχι |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Συγνώμη |
| Help! | Βοήθεια! |
The Critical Reminder
| YES in Greek | Ναι (sounds like “neh”) |
| NO in Greek | Όχι (sounds like “OH-hee”) |
Food and Drink
| Situation | Greek |
| The bill please | Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ |
| Can I pay by card? | Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; |
| Cheers! | Στην υγειά μας! |
| It is delicious | Είναι πολύ νόστιμο |
| Water please | Νερό, παρακαλώ |
| I am allergic to… | Είμαι αλλεργικός/ή σε… |
Getting Around
| Situation | Greek |
| Where is…? | Πού είναι…; |
| Port / Harbor | Λιμάνι |
| Beach | Παραλία |
| Left / Right / Straight | Αριστερά / Δεξιά / Ευθεία |
| I am lost | Έχω χαθεί |
Ferry Travel
| Situation | Greek |
| What time does the ferry leave? | Τι ώρα φεύγει το πλοίο; |
| Is the ferry delayed? | Αργεί το πλοίο; |
| I feel seasick | Μου κάνει ναυτία |
Women Travelers
| Situation | Greek |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Πού είναι το φαρμακείο; |
| I need sanitary pads | Χρειάζομαι σερβιέτες |
| I need tampons | Χρειάζομαι ταμπόν |
| Leave me alone | Αφήστε με ήσυχη |
| Call the police | Καλέστε την αστυνομία |
Emergencies
| Situation | Greek |
| General emergency | 112 |
| Police | 100 |
| Ambulance | 166 |
| I need a doctor | Χρειάζομαι γιατρό |
| Where is the hospital? | Πού είναι το νοσοκομείο; |
A Final Word: The Language That Rewards Courage Over Perfection
Greek is one of the world’s oldest living languages.
It has a different alphabet, three grammatical genders, complex conjugations, and sounds that exist nowhere else.
Nobody expects you to master it in a week.
But here is what every traveler who has tried reports: the moment you attempt a word, however badly, something shifts.
The shop owner’s expression changes. The taverna owner pulls up a chair.
The grandmother at the bus stop breaks into a smile and starts teaching you how to say it properly.
Greece does not reward linguistic perfection. It rewards the courage of the attempt.
That courage signals respect. And respect, in this country, is the beginning of everything.
Καλό ταξίδι! — Have a great trip! ❤️❤️❤️
FAQ: Greek Phrases for Tourists
1. What are the most important Greek words for tourists to know?
The three most important words are Kalimera (good morning, used until around 2pm), Kalispera (good afternoon/evening, used from 2pm onward), and Efcharistó (thank you).
These three words, delivered with eye contact and genuine warmth, will transform how locals treat you across Greece.
Add Parakalo (please/you’re welcome) and Signomi (excuse me/sorry) and you have everything you need for daily interactions.
2. Does Nai mean yes or no in Greek?
Nai (Ναι) means YES.
This is one of the most common points of confusion for English-speaking tourists because Nai sounds similar to “nigh” or “nah” in English, which the brain associates with negatives.
Ochi (Όχι, pronounced OH-hee) means NO. Memorize this before anything else.
3. Do I need to learn Greek to travel in Greece?
No. English proficiency is very high across tourist-facing sectors in Greece, particularly on the major islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu) and in Athens.
But attempting even a few Greek words dramatically changes how locals interact with you. It activates filoxenia, the Greek concept of warm hospitality toward guests.
The effort matters far more than the accuracy.
4. What does Opa mean in Greek?
Opa is an expression of joy, enthusiasm, surprise, and shared celebration. It can mean “whoops,” “there you go,” “amazing,” or simply a burst of collective happiness.
It is used when music picks up, when food arrives beautifully, when something good happens.
It is not a scripted tourist phrase but a genuine expression of Greek emotional expressiveness.
5. What are Greek holiday phrases for tourists?
The key ones: Χρόνια Πολλά (Khronia Polla) for Happy New Year, birthdays, and name days; Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kala Christougenna) for Merry Christmas; Καλό Πάσχα (Kalo Pascha) for Happy Easter.
At Easter specifically, the exchange of Χριστός Ανέστη (Christ is Risen) and Αληθώς Ανέστη (Indeed He is Risen) after midnight on Holy Saturday is deeply meaningful to Greeks.
6. What is Parakalo used for in Greek?
Parakalo (Παρακαλώ) does double duty in Greek. It means both “please” (when making a request) and “you’re welcome” (when someone thanks you).
This makes it one of the highest-utility words in the language. Learning one word covers two common social needs.
7. What is the tipping culture in Greece?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 5 to 10 percent or a simple rounding-up of the bill is standard at restaurants. The American system of 15 to 20 percent is not expected.
Leave a few euros on the table or tell the server to keep the change when you pay.
After asking for the bill, many traditional tavernas bring complimentary dessert or raki as an expression of filoxenia. Do not try to pay for this.
8. What is the moutza gesture and why should I avoid it?
The moutza is an open palm thrust toward someone’s face with fingers spread. It is one of Greece’s most serious insults.
As a tourist, the risk usually comes from waving — if you wave goodbye with your palm facing outward it can resemble a moutza.
Wave with your palm facing inward to be safe.