When on holiday in a different Country, it is always nice to learn a few local words, listed below are a few basic words.
|
English |
Greek (pronunciation) |
|
Hello/Goodbye |
Yassu / Yassas (for more than one person) |
|
Good morning |
Kali Mera |
|
Good Afternoon/Evening |
Kali Spera |
|
Goodnight |
Kali Nichta |
|
Please |
Para-ka-low |
|
Thank you |
Ef-harris-toe |
|
Yes |
Nei |
|
No |
Oc-hi |
|
Cheers |
Yam-mas |
|
Today |
Sim-era |
|
Tomorrow |
Av-rio |
|
Excuse me/Sorry |
Sig-no-mi |
|
OK/All right |
En-daxi |
|
How are you? |
Ti-Kannis? |
|
Fine/Good |
Ka-la |
|
Do you speak English? |
Mi-las An-gli-ca? |
|
Do you understand? |
Kat-ta-la-ves? |
|
I don't understand! |
Then Kat-ta-la-veno |
|
I understand! |
Kat-ta-la-veno |
|
I want |
Thelo |
|
I don't want |
Then Thelo |
|
How much is this? |
Poso Kani? |
|
The bill, please |
Toe lo-garias-mo, para-ga-low |
|
Where is ......? |
Poo-enay? |
The locals will really appreciate any effort to use some Greek words and phrases, and will delight in teaching you words that should only be spoken in jest or with friends.
Beware of the phrases “kalimera” and “kalamari”. One means good morning and the other means squid! This can be a great source of amusement.
Waving at someone with the palm of your hand facing them is considered to be quite rude by elderly Greeks. It is better to wave backwards, with the back of your hand facing them.
Most tavernas, restaurants and bars will speak English, and some locals have adopted some very obvious accents from their UK visitors.