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73+ Essential Greek Travel Phrases for travelers on a Greek Holiday (+Free Pdf)

Are you visiting Greece? Learning a few Greek travel phrases can make your experience even better! While many locals speak English, knowing basic Greek words will help you connect, show respect, and navigate with ease.

I’ve been to Greece many times, and my favorite word is Kalimera. It just sounds so good. So besides this one, inside this guide, you will find other simple Greek phrases for tourists and a FREE basic Greek words pdf.

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Greece is one of the most desired and visited countries in Europe during summertime. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, lovely culture, and delicious food Greece attracts all types of tourists. I’m one of them and can’t wait to return.

While you don’t need to be fluent in Greek, knowing a few basic Greek words and phrases will be useful. Maybe when ordering drinks when enjoying Santorini’s sunsets or food in one of the rooftop bars in Athens overlooking the Acropolis. Perhaps when in Mykonos, or enjoying the beaches in Crete or Zakynthos.

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In this Greek language guide, you will find useful Greek phrases for tourists, including expressing gratitude, ordering food, a list of Greek phrases seeking assistance, and Greek phrases for travel when navigating. There is also a FREE basic Greek phrases pdf, that you can print and bring it with you to Athens or the Greek islands.

Let’s begin learning Greek, one essential Greek travel phrase at a time!

FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.


Greek phrases for travelers


List of essential Greek travel phrases for tourists traveling to Greece, with Greek language basics and free Greek travel phrases pdf. Easy Greek travel words for anyone interested in learning Greek language. From how to say thank you in Greek, to Greek phrases for ordering food and words for going around for easy navigation on your holiday in Greece. FREE Cheat Sheet Greece | Visit Greece | Greek travel phrases | summer | Europe #traveljournal #travelbujo #greek #travelphrases


KEY TAKEAWAYS

● Greek is spoken in Greece and Cyprus, and countries with Greek diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.

● Greek language basics are relatively easy to learn due to its phonetic pronunciation and straightforward grammar. Download the Greek travel phrases cheat sheet before your trip.

● Essential Greek travel phrases, cover greetings, directions, ordering food, shopping, emergency words, and compliments.



Where is Greek spoken?

Did you know that more than 13 million people speak Greek?

Greek is an official language in Greece and Cyprus. As a mother tongue, it is widely spoken by the Greek population in other countries. You would be able to hear Greek in certain regions of Albania, Bulgaria, Italy (specifically in the region of Calabria), and Turkey (mainly in the region of Western Thrace).

Greek speaking communities can also be found in countries with Greek diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.

There are numerous ways to learn easy Greek words and phrases by taking a language course. You can use language apps like Duolingo, or Memrise. You can sign up for a language exchange, download a cheat sheet in this blog post, or travel to Greece.


Greek language basics: alphabet and pronunciation

Before you start learning Greek words and phrases, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Greek alphabet. This will not be hard, since you already know some letters from Maths, and since many English and Greek letters kind of look the same.

The Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters and does not include the letters W and X. However, it does include additional letters such as Ψ (psi) and Ω (omega).

Is greek language easy to learn? Pronunciation of Greek words and phrases is generally phonetic, making it relatively straightforward. Each letter in the Greek alphabet has a consistent and distinct sound, making it easier to pronounce words accurately.

A simple guide to Greek alphabet and pronunciation with similar English sounds:

α afatherπατέραςpatérasν nnewνέοςnéos
β bballμπάλαbálaξ xsixέξιéxi
γ ggotπήρεpíreο opotκατσαρόλαkatsaróla
δ ddogσκύλοςskýlosπ ppartyκόμμαkómma
ε enetδίχτυdíchtyρ rredτο κόκκινοto kókkino
ζ zzebraζέβραdvigaloσ ssitκαθίστεkathíste
η ēobeyυπακούωypakoúoτ ttalkΜΙΛΑ ρεmila re
θ ththingπράγμαprágmaυ uputβάζωvázo
ι imachineμηχανήmichaníφ phphoneτηλέφωνοtiléfono
κ kkinσυγγενείςsyngeneísχ chkioskκιόσκιkióski
λ llotπαρτίδαpartídaψ pslipsχείλιαcheília
μ mmanάνδραςándrasω ōnoteσημείωσηsimeíosi


Essential Greek travel phrases

Top Greek words and phrases for travelers

Top Greek words and phrases include expressions that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and are a base for every communication, all included in Greek basic phrases pdf available for download.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
HiΓεια
Geia
PleaseΠαρακαλώ
Parakaló
Thank youΣας ευχαριστώ
Sas efcharistó
Excuse meΜε συγχωρείται
Me senchoríte
SorryΣυγγνώμη
Signómi
Yes / NoΝαι / Όχι
Ne / Óchi
I don’t understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
Den katalavéno
Do you speak [language]?Μιλάτε …
Miláte…
What is the WiFi password?Ποιος είναι ο κωδικός του WiFi?
Poios eínai o kodikós tou WiFi?
Could you take my picture?Μπορείς να με βγάλεις φωτογραφία?
Boreís na me vgális fotografía?
Where is the bathroom/toilet?Που είναι το μπάνιο/η τουαλέτα?
Pou eínai to bánio/i toualéta?


Common Greek travel phrases for greetings and introductions

Greek words to know when traveling for greetings lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
HelloΓειά σου
Geiá sou
GoodbyeΑντίο
Antio
Good morningΚαλημέρα
Kaliméra
Good dayΚαλημέρα
Kaliméra
Good eveningΚαλό απόγευμα
Kaló apógevma
Good nightΚαληνύχτα
Kalinichta
Nice to meet youΧάρηκα για τη γνωριμία
Chárika gia ti gnorimia
How are you?Πώς είσαι?
Pós eísai?
My name is …Με λένε …
Me léne …
How do you say […] in [language]?Πώς λες … στα …?
Pós les … sta …?
Speak slowly, please.Μιλήστε πιο αργά παρακαλώ.
Milíste pio argá parakaló.


Essential Greek travel phrases for directions and getting around

Greek words and phrases for asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
Where is …Που είναι …
Pou eínai…
What time is …Τι ώρα είναι …
Ti óra eínai…
How do I get to …Πώς πάω στο …
Pós páo sto…
How far away is …Πόσο μακριά είναι …
Póso makriá eínai…
Do you have a map?Έχετε χάρτη?
Échete chárti?
When does the next … arrive?Πότε φτάνει το επόμενο …?
Póte ftánei to epómeno…?
How long does it take to get to….?Πόση ώρα χρειάζεται για να φτάσω στο …?
Pósi óra chreiázetai gia na ftáso sto …?
here / thereεδώ / εκεί
edó / ekeí
North / South / East / WestΒοράς / Νότος / Ανατολή / Δύση
Vóras / Nótos / Anatolí / Dýsi
left / right / straight / back / up / downαριστερά / δεξιά / ευθεία / πίσω / πάνω / κάτω
aristerá / dexiá / efthía / píso / páno / káto
car / bus / train / taxi / metro / planeαυτοκίνητο / λεωφορείο / τρένο / ταξί / μετρό / αεροπλάνο
aftokínito / leoforío / tréno / taxí / metró / aeropláno
bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospitalΜπάνιο / εστιατόριο / ξενοδοχείο / τράπεζα / φαρμακείο / νοσοκομείο
Bánio / estiatório / xenodochío / trápeza / farmakío / nosokomío


Useful Greek phrases for tourists when ordering food and drinks

Basic greek for tourists for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
Cheers!Στην υγειά σας
Stin ygeiá sas
Is this …Είναι αυτό …
Eínai aftó …
I’m allergic to …Είμαι αλλεργικός/αλλεργική σε…
Eímai allergikós/allergikí se…
The bill, please.Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ.
Ton logariasmó parakaló.
I would like to have …Θα ήθελα …
Tha íthela…
May I see the menu?Μπορώ να το δω τον κατάλογο?
Boró na to do ton katálogo?
What do you recommend?Τι προτείνετε?
Ti protínete?
vegetarian / vegan / gluten freeΧορτοφάγος / βίγκαν / χωρίς γλουτένη
Chortofágos / vígan / chorís glouténi
sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicyγλυκό / ξινό / πικρό / αλμυρό / πικάντικο
glikó / xinó / pikró / almiró / pikántiko
coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beerκαφές / τσάι / νερό / χυμός / κρασί / μπύρα
kafés / tsái / neró / himós / krasí / bira
milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeansγάλα / αυγά / ψάρι / φιστίκια / οστρακοειδή / σιτάρι / σόγια
gála / avgá / psári / fistíkia / ostrakoidí / sitári / sógia


Practical Greek basic terms for shopping

Greek basics terms for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
How much?Πόσο?
Póso
May I try this on?Μπορώ να το δοκιμάσω?
Boró na to dokimáso?
Do you have this in …Το έχετε σε …
Échete se …
Excuse me, I’m looking for … Με συγχωρείται, ψάχνω για …
Me synchoríte, psáchno gia …
Is this on sale?Αυτό είναι σε πώληση?
Aftó eínai se pólisi?
When do you open/close? Πότε ανοίγετε/κλείνετε?
Póte anoígete/kleínete?
Do you accept credit cards?Δέχεστε πιστωτική κάρτα?
Décheste pistotikí kárta?
bigger / smallerμεγαλύτερο / μικρότερο
megalitero / mikrótero
1 one / 2 two / 3 three / 4 four / 5 five / 6 six / 7 seven / 8 eight / 9 nine / 10 ten1 ένα / 2 δύο / 3 τρία / 4 τέσσερα / 5 πέντε / 6 έξι / 7 εφτά / 8 οκτώ / 9 εννιά / 10 δέκα
1 éna / 2 dýo / 3 tría / 4 téssera / 5 pénte / 6 éxi / 7 eftá / 8 októ / 9 enniá / 10 déka
50 fifty / 100 hundred / 1000 thousand50 πενήντα / 100 εκατό / 1000 χίλια
50 penínta / 100 ekató / 1000 chília
white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / blackλευκό / κίτρινο / πορτοκαλί / κόκκινο / μπλε / πράσινο / ροζ / μωβ / γκρι / καφέ / μαύρο
lefkó / kítrino / portokalí / kókkino / ble / prásino / roz / mov / gri / kafé / mávro


Useful phrases in Greek for travel when checking in a hotel

Useful Greek words you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
What time is …Τι ώρα είναι …
Ti óra eínai…
… is not working.… δεν λειτουργεί.
… den leitourgeí.
Do you have WiFi?Έχετε WiFi?
exete WiFi?
Can I drink the tap water?Μπορώ να πιώ νερό βρύσης?
Boró na pió neró vrisis?
breakfast / lunch / dinnerπρωινό / μεσημεριανό / βραδινό
proinó / mesimerianó / vradinó
toilet paper / key / towelχαρτί τουαλέτας / κλειδί / πετσέτα
hartí toualétas / kleidí / petséta
air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryerκλιματιστικό / ανεμιστήρας / θερμάστρα /
πιστολάκι μαλλιών
klimatistikó / anemistíras / thermástra /
pistoláki mallión


Helpful Greek travel terms in case of emergencies

Here you will find basic Greek phrases for travel in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations.

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
HelpΒοήθεια
Voítheia
I am lostΧάθηκα.
háthika.
There is a …Υπάρχει ένα …
Ypárhi éna …
Please call the …Παρακαλώ καλέστε στο …
Parakaló kaléste sto …
I lost my passportΈχασα το διαβατήριό μου.
Éhasa to diavatírió mou.
My money was stolenΜου έκλεψαν τα λεφτά
Mou éklepsan ta leftá
fire / flood / earthquakeφωτιά / πλημμύρα / σεισμός
fotiá / plimira / seismós
police / firemen / ambulanceαστυνομία / πυροσβέστες / ασθενοφόρο
astinomía / pyrosvéstes / asthenofóro


List of nonessential Greek phrases

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the essential travel phrases. After learning Greek phrases to know when traveling expand your key Greek phrases with list of Greek phrases below;

ENGLISHGREEK & HOW TO SAY IT
LoveΑγάπη
Agápi
FriendΦίλος
Fílos
You have beautiful eyesΈχεις όμορφα μάτια
Éhis ómorfa mátia
You have a beautiful smileΈχεις ωραίο χαμόγελο
Éhis oréo chamógelo


Best language App for traveling abroad

Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn Greek for travellers, or if the situations come your way when above mentioned Greek words and phrases won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.

Google Translate

Price: Free
Language: 200+ languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places.

I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’.

All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone.

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➤ Read more travel guides

Did you enjoy this guide with common Greek words, common Greek phrases for tourists and basic Greek phrases with pronunciation.

Don’t forget you can download basic words in Greek language cheat sheet.

If you liked this post, check out others below!

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How to say Thank you in 101 different languages in the World
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About the author: Anja

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Anja is a travel blogger and the founder of Anja on Adventure travel blog. Originally from Slovenia, she was also living in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. She loves traveling to tropical destinations, as well as beach destinations with endless summer. But you can also find her eating her way through Italy or Mexico, learning about ancient cultures in Easter Island, visiting bucket list places in Peru, or taking road trips through the USA. She is passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. For the past 15+ years she has been traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide. Her goal is to visit every tropical destination in the World. Anja On Adventure is here to provide helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that she has gathered from first-hand experience.