So, you’ve landed in Athens, ready to explore the ancient city. But there’s a twist — today, you're going to speak only Greek.
Don't worry! You don’t need to be fluent. Just a few survival phrases will help you order food, ask for directions, shop, and connect with locals. Here's what your day in Athens using only Greek might look like — with the essential phrases you’ll need at each step.
🌅 Morning: Café & Breakfast
You stop by a local café for a freddo espresso.
🗣️ Καλημέρα! Έναν φρέντο εσπρέσο, παρακαλώ.
Kaliméra! Énan frédo esprésso, parakaló.
→ Good morning! One freddo espresso, please.
🗣️ Πόσο κοστίζει;
Póso kostízei?
→ How much does it cost?
💬 Bonus tip: Smile and say Ευχαριστώ! (Efharistó! – Thank you!)
🏛️ Mid-Morning: Sightseeing at the Acropolis
You ask how to get to the Acropolis.
🗣️ Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η Ακρόπολη;
Signómi, poú eínai i Akrópoli?
→ Excuse me, where is the Acropolis?
A local replies with gestures and a smile. You thank them:
🗣️ Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Efharistó polí!
→ Thank you very much!
🛍️ Afternoon: Shopping in Plaka
You spot a souvenir and ask:
🗣️ Πόσο κάνει αυτό;
Póso káni aftó?
→ How much is this?
You’re not sure about the size? Ask:
🗣️ Έχετε πιο μικρό / πιο μεγάλο;
Éhete pio mikró / pio megaló?
→ Do you have a smaller / bigger one?
Time to pay:
🗣️ Ορίστε.
Oríste.
→ Here you go. (When handing money)
🍽️ Evening: Taverna Dinner
You sit down and greet the waiter:
🗣️ Καλησπέρα! Ένα τραπέζι για δύο, παρακαλώ.
Kalispéra! Éna trapézi gia dýo, parakaló.
→ Good evening! A table for two, please.
Ordering your meal:
🗣️ Θα ήθελα μία χωριάτικη σαλάτα και σουβλάκι.
Tha íthela mía horiátiki saláta kai souvláki.
→ I’d like a Greek salad and souvlaki.
After dinner:
🗣️ Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
Ton logariasmó, parakaló.
→ The bill, please.
🌙 Night: Saying Goodbye
You're heading back to your hotel.
🗣️ Καληνύχτα!
Kaliníkhta!
→ Good night!
And maybe one more:
🗣️ Ήταν υπέροχα!
Ítan ipéroha!
→ It was wonderful!
✨ Survival Phrases Recap
| English | Greek | Greeklish |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good morning | Καλημέρα | Kaliméra |
| Excuse me | Συγγνώμη | Signómi |
| Please | Παρακαλώ | Parakaló |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | Efharistó |
| Where is...? | Πού είναι…; | Poú eínai...? |
| How much is it? | Πόσο κοστίζει; | Póso kostízei? |
| The bill, please | Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ | Ton logariasmó, parakaló |
| Good night | Καληνύχτα | Kaliníkhta |
🧠 Final Tip
Even if you make mistakes, Greeks will appreciate your effort. Use hand gestures, smile, and say what you can — you'll build confidence fast.
💬 Have you ever tried spending a full day using only Greek?
