Basic Greek phrases for travel

Excuse me

Romanized Syngnómi

see-GHNOH-mee

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

Please

Romanized Parakaló

pah-rah-kah-LOH

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

A triple-duty word: please, you’re welcome, and “how can I help?” when answering the phone.

Thank you

Romanized Efcharistó

ef-khah-rees-TOH

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Thank you very much

Romanized Efcharistó polý

ef-khah-rees-TOH poh-LEE

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

You’re welcome

Romanized Parakaló

pah-rah-kah-LOH

The universal response to thank you.

Yes, the same word as “please” — Greek recycles it beautifully.

I’m sorry

Romanized Syngnómi

see-GHNOH-mee

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

Doubles as “excuse me” — one word covers both bases.

Yes

Romanized Nai

neh

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

Yes sounds like “neh” and no sounds like “oh-hee” which famously confusing. A Greek “no” can also be a slight upward tilt of the head.

No

Romanized Óchi

OH-khee

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

Okay

Romanized Entáxei

en-DAHK-see

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

Perfect

Romanized Téleia

TEH-lyah

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

Romanized Mia chará

myah khah-RAH

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

Literally “a joy”, the Greek way of saying everything’s just fine.

No problem

Romanized Kanéna próvlima

kah-NEH-nah PROH-vlee-mah

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

One moment, please

Romanized Misó leptó, parakaló

mee-SOH lep-TOH pah-rah-kah-LOH

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Literally “half a minute” — the standard Greek pause button.

Could you help me, please?

Romanized Boreíte na me voithísete, parakaló?

boh-REE-teh nah meh voh-ee-THEE-seh-teh pah-rah-kah-LOH

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

Romanized Geia sas

YAH-sahs

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

“Γεια σας” is polite or plural; “γεια σου” is for one person you know. Both literally wish good health.

• Casual Γεια σου Geia sou YAH-soo ▶

Hi

Romanized Geia

yah

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

Good morning

Romanized Kaliméra

kah-lee-MEH-rah

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

Greeks stretch “kalimera” well past noon you’ll hear it at 2 pm without irony. A cheery "Καλημέρα" when you walk into a store, cafe or restaurant will instantly have locals smiling.

Good afternoon

Romanized Kalispéra

kah-lee-SPEH-rah

For the stretch between lunch and sunset, in languages that use it. If you’re unsure of the cutoff, locals will forgive you either way.

Greek jumps from kalimera to kalispera with nothing in between — from mid-afternoon onward this is your greeting.

Good evening

Romanized Kalispéra

kah-lee-SPEH-rah

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Goodbye

Romanized Antío

ah-DEE-oh

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

In practice Greeks mostly part with “γεια σας” — the same word that greets you.

• Everyday Γεια σας Geia sas YAH-sahs ▶

See you later

Romanized Ta léme

tah LEH-meh

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

Literally “we’ll talk” — the beloved casual Greek sign-off.

Have a good day

Romanized Kalí synécheia

kah-LEE see-NEH-khyah

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

Literally “good continuation” — the wonderfully Greek wish for whatever the rest of your day holds.

My name is [name]

Romanized Me léne [ónoma]

meh LEH-neh [OH-noh-mah]

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

How are you?

Romanized Ti kánete?

tee KAH-neh-teh

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

• Casual Τι κάνεις; Ti káneis? tee KAH-nees ▶

I’m well, thank you

Romanized Kalá, efcharistó

kah-LAH ef-khah-rees-TOH

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

Nice to meet you

Romanized Chárika

KHAH-ree-kah

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.

Literally “I was pleased” — one word, no gender endings, always right.