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?