Planning a trip to Greece? Whether you're walking the streets of Athens, relaxing on a beach in Crete, or exploring the villages of the Peloponnese, knowing a few Greek phrases can go a long way. The locals will appreciate your effort—and you’ll feel more confident navigating daily interactions.
If you want to go beyond just a few phrases and actually start speaking Greek confidently, you can check out my full program here:
👉 Greek Mastercourse (Learn to Speak Greek in 3 Weeks)
Here are the 10 most useful Greek phrases every traveler should know:
Γειά σου / Γειά σας – Hello (informal / formal)
Pronunciation: Yia sou / Yia sas
Use "γειά σου" with people you know or same age, and "γειά σας" for strangers or in polite situations.
Καλημέρα – Good morning
Pronunciation: Kaliméra
A warm and polite way to start any conversation until around 1–2 p.m.
Καλησπέρα – Good evening
Pronunciation: Kalispéra
Use this after 5 p.m. when greeting people or entering restaurants and shops.
Ευχαριστώ – Thank you
Pronunciation: Efharistó
A must-know phrase. Greeks love polite visitors!
Παρακαλώ – Please / You’re welcome
Pronunciation: Parakaló
Dual-purpose: use it to say please when asking for something, and to respond when someone thanks you.
Συγγνώμη – Sorry / Excuse me
Pronunciation: Signómi
Perfect for getting someone’s attention or apologizing if you bump into someone.
Μιλάτε αγγλικά; – Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: Miláte angliká?
Most Greeks do, but it’s polite to ask before launching into English.
Πόσο κοστίζει; – How much does it cost?
Pronunciation: Póso kostízi?
Use it in shops, markets, or even taxis.
Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ – The bill, please
Pronunciation: Ton logariasmó, parakaló
Essential when you’re ready to pay at a restaurant or café.
Ναι / Όχι – Yes / No
Pronunciation: Neh / Óhi
⚠️ Fun fact: “Ναι” means yes, even though it sounds like “no” in English!
✈️ Bonus Tips for Travelers
Smile! A smile goes a long way, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.
Greeks are friendly and proud of their language. Trying to speak Greek—even just a little—makes a great impression.
Download a voice notes app to practice the sounds before you go!
If you’d like to practice these phrases with real-life dialogues, pronunciation, and a step-by-step system, you can start here:
👉 Greek Mastercourse (Learn to Speak Greek in 3 Weeks)
Ready to try out your Greek?
Start with “Καλημέρα!” tomorrow morning.
