Need-to-know Phrases: Greek

When travelling to a foreign country, it is always good to pick up the local language beforehand. Knowing one or two key phrases can aid you in narrowing the language barrier when you are asking for directions, purchasing souvenirs, or ordering food at a restaurant.
In part 1 of our Need-to-know Phrases series, we explore the Greek alphabet.
For English speakers, you are likely to encounter difficulties with Greek. The Greek alphabet does not follow the Latin alphabet, which means you probably can’t decipher letters or words at all without a basic knowledge of the language.
Do not fret. Here is a basic pronunciation guide for some of the commonly used Greek words and phrases you will likely need when travelling in the country.
Hello (Formal, polite, respectful)
Γεια σας
Say: Yah-sas
Hello (Informal, friendly)
Γεια σου
Say: Yah-soo
Goodbye
Αντιο
Say: An-dee-oh
How are you?
Τι κανετε
Say: Tee-kah-neh-teh
Good morning
Καλημέρα
Say: Kah-lee-me-ra
Good evening
Καλησπέρα
Say: Kah-lee-speh-ra
Good night
Καληνύχτα
Say: Kah-lee-neec-ta
Yes
Ναι
Say: Neh
No
Οχι
Say: Oh-keey
Excuse me
Συγνωμη
Say: Seeg-no-mee
Thank you
Ευχαριστω
Say: Ef-khah-ri-stoh
Sorry (Apologetic)
Λυπαμαι
Say: Lee-par-meh
Help
Βοήθεια
Say: Vo-hee-tee-yah
Do you speak English
Μιλατε αγγλικα
Say: Mee-la-teh Ang-glee-kar
I don’t understand
Δεν καταλαβαινω
Say: Ten Kah-tah-lah-vey-noh
Where is the toilet?
Που ειναι η τουαλετα?
Say: Poo Εee-ne Ee Tu-ah-ley-ta?