15 Essential Greek Phrases Every Expat Should Learn First

You don’t need to be fluent in Greek to live in Greece — especially in Athens, where English is widely spoken. But learning even a handful of phrases will transform your daily interactions. Greeks genuinely appreciate the effort, and a few well-placed words can turn a transaction into a connection.

The Basics That Open Every Door

1. Γεια σου / Γεια σας (YAH-soo / YAH-sas) — Hello / Goodbye. The Swiss Army knife of Greek greetings. Informal / formal. Works for both hello AND goodbye. Always greet when entering a shop or elevator.

2. Ευχαριστώ (ef-hah-ri-STO) — Thank you. Add “πολύ” (po-LEE) for “thank you very much.”

3. Παρακαλώ (pah-rah-kah-LO) — Please / You’re welcome / Can I help you? Triple duty word.

4. Ναι / Όχι (NEH / OH-hee) — Yes / No. Warning: “ναι” (yes) sounds like “neh,” which English speakers hear as “no.” And Greeks tilt their head UP with a tongue click for “no” — looks like a nod! Expect confusion in week one.

5. Συγγνώμη (see-GNO-mee) — Excuse me / Sorry. Essential for crowded markets, buses, and metro.

At Restaurants and Cafés

6. Ένα καφέ, παρακαλώ (EH-na kah-FEH, pah-rah-kah-LO) — One coffee, please. Modify: φραπέ (frah-PEH), ελληνικό (eh-lee-nee-KO), φρέντο (FREN-do).

7. Τον λογαριασμό (ton lo-gah-ryaz-MO) — The bill. Waiters won’t bring it until you ask — rushing diners is considered rude.

8. Νόστιμο! (NO-stee-mo) — Delicious! Fast track to a Greek cook’s heart.

Getting Around

9. Πού είναι…? (POO EE-neh) — Where is…? “Πού είναι το μετρό?” (the metro), “η τουαλέτα?” (the bathroom), “η στάση?” (the bus stop).

10. Πόσο κάνει? (PO-so KA-nee) — How much? Essential for markets, taxis, shopping.

Social Phrases

11. Με λένε… (meh LEH-neh) — My name is…

12. Μιλάτε αγγλικά? (mee-LA-teh an-glee-KA) — Do you speak English? Asking in Greek shows respect.

13. Δεν καταλαβαίνω (then ka-ta-la-VEH-no) — I don’t understand. Say with an apologetic smile.

14. Στην υγειά μας! (steen ee-YAH mas) — Cheers! Maintain eye contact when clinking glasses — looking away is bad form.

15. Καλημέρα / Καλησπέρα / Καληνύχτα — Good morning (kah-lee-MEH-rah) / Good evening (kah-lee-SPEH-rah) / Good night (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah). The greetings you’ll hear most in daily life.

The Greek Alphabet — Don’t Be Intimidated

Key differences: H = “ee” sound (not “h”). P = “r” sound. X = “h/ch” sound. B = “v” sound. Learning to read the alphabet — even slowly — makes navigating street signs and menus much easier.

How to Practice

At the laiki (farmer’s market) — vendors are friendly and patient. Become a regular at a neighborhood café. Use Duolingo, Mondly, or GreekPod101 apps. Have ERT (Greek national TV) on in the background to train your ear.

Want to dive deeper? Check our guides on Greek etiquette and Greek seafood menus.