With a little practice, the language won’t be “all Greek” during your next visit.
Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
So, youre finally going to go on that long-awaited getaway toGreece.
Many people, especially those who live and work in major tourist areas, do speak English.
Athens' cityscape.Credit:Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
After all, isnt cross-cultural communication the alpha and omega of travel?
Greek can admittedly be a difficult language to learn.
I was raised in a Greek immigrant household, and I’ve lived in Athens for almost three decades.
The Parthenon in Athens, Greece.Richmatts/Getty Images
Yet, I still make plenty of mistakes.
Below, you’ll find translations of the most common Greek phrases that travelers may use and come across.
We recommend downloading alanguage learning appor using Google Translate to play audio of the pronunciations.
Ermou shopping street in Athens.Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
But dont stressits not as hard as it sounds.
Lets get started with a few easy phrases.
Good evening: (kah-LOH VRAH-thee)
Say this when bidding someone saying farewell in the evening.
Outdoor dining in Mykonos, Greece.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
It’s polite to say “"(para-kah-LO) after asking for directions or the price of something.
It can even mean “I beg your pardon?”
or “Huh?”
when you want someone to repeat what they said.
My name is …: … (me LEH-neh)
What is your name?
- How do you say?
(pos LEH-me)
Say this when you want to know the Greek word for something.
See/talk to you later: (tah LEH-meh)
You may hear people ending their conversations with this phrase.
Just remember, they’re the opposite of what you might initially think.
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Common Greek Phrases Travelers Should Know
Where is the bathroom?
Use this phrase while pointing to a place in your guidebook or on a map to ask for directions.
Do you speak English?
(Mee-LAH-teh ag-li-KAH)
How much is it?
Adding “"(af-TOH) means, “How much is it?”
I don’t understand: (Then Kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh)
Help!:!
confirm to memorize this one.
I love Greece: (Ah-gah-POH tin Eh-LAH-tha)
Oops!:!
while raising a glass to them.
Beer:(BEE-rah)
To order a beer, say " “(THE-loh ME-ah BEE-rah para-kah-LOH).
Enjoy your meal: (kah-LEE OH-reh-xi)
Say this to your table mates before tucking into your meal.
(STIN ee-YAH mas)
This translates as “To our health!”
you could also shorten the phrase to " " (YAH mas) for a more casual take.
(AHS-pro PAH-toh)
This phrase will surely impress if you spring it on a new Greek acquaintance.
(CHRO-nya pol-LAH)
Say this during celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
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Greek Slang and Phrases
What’s up/How’s it going?
(tee LEI)
This literally means Whats the word?
What are you up to?
(pou eeSAY)
The literal translation of this is Where are you?
but its used to ask something along the lines of What have you been up to lately?”
It means Hey, friend!
