When on holiday in a different Country, it is always nice to learn a few local words, listed below are a few basic words.
Hello/Goodbye
Yassu / Yassas (for more than one person)
Good Morning
Kali Mera
Good Afternoon/Evening
Kali Spera
Good Night
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.