Basic Greek Words, Phrases, and Slang to Learn Before You Go to Greece

So you're planning a trip to Greece. Finding the best flights and deciding which sandals to pack might be at the top of your to-do list. But before you head off to explore the country's awe-inspiring ruins and whitewashed villages, don't forget to pick up a few Greek phrases, too. Handy tools like digital translators may be a big help, but learning the basics of a language is always courteous.

Even though Greece is a popular tourist destination, few people consider trying to learn Greek as part of their travels. The culprit is likely the Greek alphabet. If you're unfamiliar, think of the angular shapes used by college fraternities and sororities or your last algebra class. Unlike the Latin alphabet of Romance languages, such as Spanish, Italian, and French, Greek letters are indecipherable for many English speakers.

In many vacation spots, almost everyone speaks basic English, but you'll get more out of your trip if you learn some common phrases (and even a little Greek slang). When locals treat you to a free slice of baklava or a shot of ouzo at the end of your meal, you'll know you scored points for trying.

Below, you'll find translations written first in Greek. The phonetic pronunciation follows in parentheses with emphasis placed on the syllables in capital letters. Try downloading a language learning app or using Google Translate to play an audio of how these phrases are pronounced.

No one wants to be an annoying tourist abroad by assuming everyone speaks English. With a few tips and a little practice, you'll have no problem speaking enough Greek to get by as a thoughtful traveler.

Basic Greek Words and Phrases

Hello: Γειά σου (YAH-soo)

The less formal way to say "hi" would just be Γεια (yah). If addressing a group, say Γεια σας (YAH-sas).

Nice to meet you: Χάρηκα πολύ (HA-ree-ka po-LEE)

How are you?: Tι κανείς? (tee-KAH-nis)

Good morning: Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MER-ah)

You can use this greeting up until noon, and then for the rest of the day, you can use Γεια (yah) as the standard greeting.

Good afternoon/evening: Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPER-ah)

Use this greeting around late afternoon, dusk, and into the evening.

Goodnight: Καληνύχτα (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah)

Say this when going to bed.

Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)

Remember that a good tourist is a polite tourist.

Please/You're welcome: Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE)

In Greek, learning to say "please" and "you're welcome" is easy because it's the same word. It's polite to say Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE) after asking for directions or the price of something. It can even mean "I beg your pardon?" or "huh?" when you've misunderstood or want someone to repeat something.

My name is...: Με λένε... (may LEH-neh)

What is your name?: πως σε λένε? (pos-oh LEH-neh)

Goodbye: Γειά σου (YAH-soo)

The informal way of saying bye would be Γεια (yah). Recall that this is the same as saying hello (similar to ciao in Italian or aloha in Hawaiian). Remember to use the plural, Γεια σας (YAH-sas), if addressing a group.

See/Talk to you later: Τα λέμε (tah-LEH-meh)

You may hear people ending their conversations with this phrase as well.

Yes: Ναί (neh); No: όχι (OH-hee)

Be careful not to confuse yes and no — it's easy to mistakenly associate naí (neh) with "no" in English, and όχι (oh-hee) with "okay" when in fact it's the opposite in Greek. An easy mnemonic is that they're the inverse of what you would initially think.

Excuse me/Sorry: Συγνώμη (See-GHNO-mee)

Say this to get someone's attention, ask to pass by someone, or apologize if you've bumped into someone.

Common Greek Phrases Travelers Should Know

Where is the bathroom?: Πού είναι η τουαλέτα? (Poh-EE-nay ee tua-LEH-tah)

Helpful hint: Πού είναι (Poh-EE-nay) means "where is?" so you can ask for help with locating something by saying this while pointing to a specific location in your guidebook or on a map.

Do you speak English?: Μιλάτε αγγλικά? (Mee-LAH-teh ag-li-KAH)

Cheers!: Στην υγειά μας! (STIN-eh YAH-mas)

This literally means "To our health!" If addressing a group of people not including yourself, say Στην υγειά μας (STIN-eh YAH-sas), which means "To your health!" You can also shorten the phrase to simply Γειά μας (YAH-mas) for a more casual take.

Bottoms up!: Ασπρο πάτο! (AHS-pro PAH-toh)

Meaning literally "white bottom," this phrase will surely impress if you use it with a new Greek acquaintance.

How much is it?: Πόσο κάνει αυτό? (POH-soh KAH-nee af-TOH)

You can get by simply asking Πόσο κάνει (POH-soh KAH-nee), "How much?" Adding the "af-TOH" means "How much is it?"

I don't understand: Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Then Kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh)

Help!: Βοήθεια! (voh-EE-thee-yah)

I love Greece: Αγαπώ την Ελλάδα (Ah-gah-POH teen Eh-LAH-tha)

Oops!: Ωπα! (OH-pa)

If there's one Greek word you may have heard before, it's likely "opa." Originally meaning "oops" or "whoops," it's now also used frequently as a joyful exclamation of enthusiasm for music, dancing, food, and drinks. For example, when you've thoroughly impressed your server with your new Greek skills, and he offers you a round of ouzo shots on the house, you can say, "Opa!" in appreciation.

Greek Slang and Phrases

What's up/How's it going?: Τι λέει? (tee-LEI)

What are you up to?: Που είσαι? (pou-eeSAY)

So good/so cool: και γαμώ (kay-gaMOU)

You can also use μαλάκα (maLAka), which is technically a curse word. You'll hear everyone using it colloquially to address friends but only use it with someone you know.

See you later: τα λέμε (ta LEH-meh)

Dude/man: ρε φίλε (reh-FEEleh)