Most Athenians speak English — particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants where you’ll need no Greek to manage a trip. But learning 20-30 basic Greek phrases transforms the experience: shopkeepers warm up dramatically, taxi drivers chat, taverna staff bring extra ouzo to your table, and you can read enough Greek signage to navigate confidently. Greek pronunciation is more straightforward than its alphabet looks — and the Greeks genuinely appreciate the effort. This is the complete Greek phrases tourists Athens useful words guide for 2026 with the 50 most-useful phrases, pronunciation in English, and the cultural context for when to use each one.
The Essentials (Master These First)
Hello / Goodbye
Γεια σας (Yia sas): “Hello” (formal). Use with anyone you don’t know.
Γεια σου (Yia sou): “Hello” (informal). Use with peers and friends.
Γεια (Yia): “Hi / bye”. Casual.
Καλημέρα (Kalimera): “Good morning”. Use until 12 PM-ish.
Καλό απόγευμα (Kalo apoyevma): “Good afternoon” (rarely used; kalimera or yia sas usually work).
Καλησπέρα (Kalispera): “Good evening”. Use from late afternoon.
Καληνύχτα (Kalinychta): “Good night” (when leaving for the night).
Αντίο (Adio): “Goodbye” (more formal).
Please / Thank You
Παρακαλώ (Parakalo): “Please” and “You’re welcome” (the multi-purpose word).
Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto): “Thank you”. Note: the “h” is silent.
Ευχαριστώ πολύ (Efharisto poly): “Thank you very much”.
For broader context, see our Athens Trip Planning pillar, our safety guide, and our getting around guide.
Yes / No / Excuse Me
Ναι (Ne): “Yes”. Counter-intuitive for English speakers — “Ne” doesn’t mean “No”; it means “Yes”.
Όχι (Ohi): “No”.
Συγγνώμη (Signomi): “Excuse me” / “I’m sorry”.
Με συγχωρείτε (Me sinhorite): “Excuse me” (more formal).
Asking Questions
Πού είναι…? (Pou ine…?): “Where is…?” — the essential traveller phrase.
Πόσο κάνει? (Poso kani?): “How much is it?” — for shopping and taxis.
Τι ώρα? (Ti ora?): “What time?”
Πότε? (Pote?): “When?”
Μιλάτε αγγλικά? (Milate anglika?): “Do you speak English?” — useful opener; most Athenians say “yes”.
Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Den katalaveno): “I don’t understand”.
Restaurant Greek
Ordering
Έναν καφέ (Enan kafe): “A coffee”.
Έναν φραπέ (Enan frape): “A frappe” (the iconic Greek iced coffee).
Ένα νερό (Ena nero): “A water”.
Μια μπύρα (Mia bira): “A beer”.
Ένα κρασί (Ena krasi): “A wine”.
Το μενού, παρακαλώ (To menou, parakalo): “The menu, please”.
Θα ήθελα… (Tha ithela…): “I would like…” — polite ordering opener.
Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ (Ton logariazmo, parakalo): “The bill, please”.
Greek Food Words
Σουβλάκι (Souvlaki): the famous skewered grilled meat.
Γύρος (Gyros): the rotating spit-grilled meat in pita.
Τζατζίκι (Tzatziki): yoghurt-cucumber-garlic dip.
Χωριάτικη σαλάτα (Horiatiki salata): Greek salad (“villager’s salad”).
Μουσακάς (Moussakas): moussaka.
Παστίτσιο (Pastitsio): Greek lasagna.
Σαγανάκι (Saganaki): fried cheese.
Καλαμάρι (Kalamari): squid.
Ψάρι (Psari): fish.
Κοτόπουλο (Kotopoulo): chicken.
Χορτοφάγος (Hortofagos): vegetarian.
Restaurant Manners
Καλή όρεξη (Kali orexi): “Bon appetit”. Greeks say this at the start of every meal.
Στην υγειά μας! (Stin iyia mas!): “To our health!” The Greek “cheers” toast.
Ήταν πολύ νόστιμο (Itan poly nostimo): “It was very delicious”.
Shopping Greek
Μπορώ να δω…? (Boro na do…?): “Can I see…?”
Έχετε…? (Ehete…?): “Do you have…?”
Πιο φθηνά? (Pio fthina?): “Cheaper?” — for bargaining.
Πάρα πολύ ακριβό (Para poly akrivo): “Too expensive” — for bargaining.
Δεχτείτε κάρτα? (Dehtite karta?): “Do you accept card?”
Μετρητά (Metrita): “Cash”.
Απόδειξη (Apodixi): “Receipt”.
Μέγεθος (Megethos): “Size” (for clothing).
Transportation Greek
Πού είναι η στάση? (Pou ine i stasi?): “Where is the stop?” (bus stop).
Πού είναι το μετρό? (Pou ine to metro?): “Where is the Metro?”
Πόσο κάνει το εισιτήριο? (Poso kani to isitirio?): “How much is the ticket?”
Στο αεροδρόμιο, παρακαλώ (Sto aerodromio, parakalo): “To the airport, please” — to taxi driver.
Στο κέντρο (Sto kentro): “To the centre”.
Στο Σύνταγμα (Sto Syntagma): “To Syntagma”.
Πρέπει να αλλάξω? (Prepi na alaxo?): “Do I need to change?” (transfer).
Greek Numbers (1-10)
1: Ένα (Ena)
2: Δύο (Dyo)
3: Τρία (Tria)
4: Τέσσερα (Tessera)
5: Πέντε (Pente)
6: Έξι (Exi)
7: Επτά (Epta)
8: Οκτώ (Okto)
9: Εννέα (Ennea)
10: Δέκα (Deka)
Higher numbers follow English-like patterns: είκοσι (ikosi) = 20; τριάντα (trianta) = 30; εκατό (ekato) = 100; χίλια (hilia) = 1,000.
Time & Days
Σήμερα (Simera): today.
Αύριο (Avrio): tomorrow.
Χθες (Hthes): yesterday.
Δευτέρα (Deftera): Monday.
Τρίτη (Triti): Tuesday.
Τετάρτη (Tetarti): Wednesday.
Πέμπτη (Pempti): Thursday.
Παρασκευή (Paraskevi): Friday.
Σάββατο (Savato): Saturday.
Κυριακή (Kiriaki): Sunday.
Greek Alphabet Quick Reference
You don’t need to learn the alphabet for a tourist trip, but recognising a few letters helps with signs:
Α α (Alpha): A.
Β β (Beta): V (not B).
Δ δ (Delta): D / Th.
Ε ε (Epsilon): E.
Η η (Eta): I.
Θ θ (Theta): Th.
Ι ι (Iota): I.
Κ κ (Kappa): K.
Λ λ (Lambda): L.
Μ μ (Mu): M.
Ν ν (Nu): N.
Ο ο (Omicron): O.
Π π (Pi): P.
Ρ ρ (Rho): R.
Σ σ ς (Sigma): S.
Τ τ (Tau): T.
Υ υ (Upsilon): I / Y.
Φ φ (Phi): F.
Χ χ (Chi): H / Kh.
Ω ω (Omega): O.
Useful Cultural Phrases
Σιγά σιγά (Siga siga): “Slowly slowly”. The Greek life philosophy; you’ll hear this constantly.
Έλα! (Ela!): “Come on!” Multi-purpose; can mean “let’s go”, “really?”, “no way”, or simply “come here”.
Ωραία! (Oraia!): “Beautiful!” / “Great!” — the most common Greek positive exclamation.
Φιλιά (Filia): “Kisses” — informal sign-off in messages, between friends.
Καλό βράδυ (Kalo vradi): “Good evening” / “Have a nice evening”.
Καλή τύχη (Kali tyhi): “Good luck”.
Με συγχωρείτε (Me sinhorite): “Pardon me”.
Είμαι από… (Ime apo…): “I’m from…” Followed by your country (e.g., Είμαι από την Αμερική = “I’m from America”).
Emergency Phrases
Βοήθεια! (Voithia!): “Help!”
Φωτιά! (Fotia!): “Fire!”
Καλέστε την αστυνομία (Kaleste tin astynomia): “Call the police”.
Καλέστε ασθενοφόρο (Kaleste asthenoforo): “Call an ambulance”.
Χάθηκα (Hathika): “I’m lost”.
Δεν αισθάνομαι καλά (Den esthanome kala): “I don’t feel well”.
Χρειάζομαι γιατρό (Hriazome yatro): “I need a doctor”.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t say “Ne” expecting “No”: Ne means YES in Greek. Use Ohi for no.
Don’t pronounce the “h” in Efharisto: “ef-ka-ris-TO”. The Greek “X” letter is silent.
Stress matters: Greek stress is on the marked syllable (the accent). Misplaced stress can change meaning.
Don’t be afraid to mix English: Athenians appreciate effort; they’ll switch to English when they sense you need them to.
Cultural Notes for Using Greek
Greek hospitality (Filoxenia): the central cultural value. Greeks genuinely warm to visitors who attempt the language; expect free shots of ouzo from tavernas, extended conversations from shopkeepers, and unsolicited recommendations.
Greeks and tipping: Greeks don’t tip excessively. 5-10% at restaurants is generous; rounding up the taxi fare is standard.
The Greek tone: Greek conversational tone sounds louder and more emphatic than English; this is normal and not aggressive.
The Greek “no” gesture: a single backward tilt of the head with eyebrows raised. Easy to mistake for a “yes” nod. The Greek “yes” is a small downward nod.
Sample Useful Phrases for the Day
At the cafe: “Kalimera! Enan kafe, parakalo.” = “Good morning! A coffee, please.”
At the taverna: “Yia sas. Tha ithela ena souvlaki ke mia bira, parakalo.” = “Hello. I would like a souvlaki and a beer, please.”
At the bill: “Ton logariazmo, parakalo. Efharisto.” = “The bill, please. Thank you.”
At the taxi: “Sto Syntagma, parakalo. Poso kani?” = “To Syntagma, please. How much?”
At the shop: “Yia sas. Ehete ftina? Poso kani afto?” = “Hello. Do you have cheaper? How much is this?”
At the Acropolis: “Signomi, pou ine to mouseo Akropolis?” = “Excuse me, where is the Acropolis Museum?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to learn Greek to visit Athens?
No — most Athenians speak good English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. You can have a complete trip without speaking any Greek. But learning 20-30 basic phrases transforms the experience and Athenians genuinely warm to visitors who try.
What are the most useful Greek phrases for tourists?
Hello (Yia sas), thank you (Efharisto), please (Parakalo), yes (Ne), no (Ohi), how much (Poso kani), where is (Pou ine), excuse me (Signomi), I don’t understand (Den katalaveno), and the toast (Stin iyia mas — “to our health”).
Is Ne yes or no in Greek?
Ne (Ναι) means YES in Greek — counter-intuitive for English speakers. Ohi (Όχι) means NO. The cultural confusion is constant; remember “Ne = Yes” before your trip.
How do you say thank you in Greek?
Efharisto (Ευχαριστώ) — “Thank you”. The “X” letter is silent; pronounced “ef-ka-ris-TO” with stress on the last syllable. Add “poly” (πολύ = very) for “Thank you very much” — Efharisto poly.
How do you say hello in Greek?
Yia sas (Γεια σας) — formal. Yia sou (Γεια σου) — informal. Yia — casual “hi/bye”. Kalimera — good morning. Kalispera — good evening. The formal Yia sas works in any situation with people you don’t know.
What is the Greek word for cheers?
Stin iyia mas! (Στην υγειά μας!) — literally “to our health”. The standard Greek toast at meals and drinks. You’ll hear it constantly at tavernas.
Do Athenians speak English?
Yes — most Athenians in tourist areas speak good English. Hotel staff, restaurant staff, museum staff, and the younger generation generally fluent. Older Greeks in residential neighbourhoods may have less English; basic Greek phrases helpful but Google Translate works too.
Greek Pronunciation: The Detailed Guide
The Greek alphabet has 24 letters with some specific pronunciation rules:
Vowel Sounds (Crucial)
α (alpha): short A as in “father.”
ε (epsilon): short E as in “bet.”
ι (iota), η (eta), υ (upsilon): all sound like long EE as in “see” — three letters, same sound.
ο (omicron), ω (omega): both sound like O as in “thought” — two letters, same sound.
ου (combination): sounds like OO as in “boot.”
αι (combination): sounds like E as in “bet.”
ει, οι, υι (combinations): sound like EE as in “see.”
αυ, ευ (combinations): sound like AV/EV before voiced consonants or AF/EF before voiceless consonants.
Consonant Sounds
β (beta): V sound (not B).
γ (gamma): Y-ish sound before E/I; throaty G sound before A/O/U.
δ (delta): TH as in “this.”
θ (theta): TH as in “think.”
χ (chi): H sound (not K); like Spanish “j” in “Juan.”
ψ (psi): PS sound.
ξ (xi): KS sound.
Stress & Accent
Greek has tonal stress marked with accents. Words with accents are stressed on the marked syllable:
Καλημέρα (Kalimera): stress on “ME” — kah-lee-MEH-rah.
Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto): stress on “TO” — ef-ka-rees-TOH.
Παρακαλώ (Parakalo): stress on “LO” — pa-rah-kah-LOH.
Pronunciation Practice: The Common Phrases
Greetings
Yia sas (formal hello): YAH sahss.
Yia sou (informal hello): YAH soo.
Kalimera (good morning): kah-lee-MEH-rah.
Kalispera (good evening): kah-lee-SPEH-rah.
Kalinychta (good night): kah-lee-NEEH-tah.
Adio (goodbye): ah-DEE-oh.
Essential Polite
Parakalo (please/welcome): pa-rah-kah-LOH.
Efharisto (thank you): ef-ka-rees-TOH.
Efharisto poly (thank you very much): ef-ka-rees-TOH po-LEE.
Signomi (excuse me / sorry): seeg-NOH-mee.
Ne (yes): NEH.
Ohi (no): OH-hee.
Common Greek Expressions (Beyond Tourist Phrases)
Daily Expressions
Τι κάνεις? (Ti kaneis?): “How are you?” (informal).
Καλά (Kala): “Good / well.”
Όλα καλά (Ola kala): “All good / no problem.”
Έτσι κι έτσι (Etsi ki etsi): “So-so.”
Σιγά σιγά (Siga siga): “Slowly slowly” — the Greek life philosophy.
Σιγά τον πολυέλαιο (Siga ton polielaio): idiom meaning “no big deal” (literally “slow down the chandelier”).
Exclamations
Ωραία! (Oraia!): “Beautiful! / Great!”
Φοβερό! (Fovero!): “Awesome!” (literally “scary” — used positively).
Έλα! (Ela!): “Come on! / No way! / Really?”
Άντε! (Ade!): “Come on! / Move it!”
Ας πάμε (As pame): “Let’s go.”
Δεν πειράζει (Den pirazei): “It doesn’t matter / No problem.”
Cultural Phrases
Καλή όρεξη (Kali orexi): “Bon appetit” — said at the start of every meal.
Στην υγειά μας (Stin iyia mas): “To our health” — the toast.
Γεια στα χέρια σου (Yia sta heria sou): “Bless your hands” — said to cooks/chefs after a great meal.
Με γεια (Me yia): “Wear in good health” — said when someone has new clothes.
Καλό μήνα (Kalo mina): “Good month” — said on the first of each month.
Καλό σαββατοκύριακο (Kalo savatokiriako): “Good weekend.”
Restaurant Greek in Detail
Arriving
“Έχετε τραπέζι για δύο?” (Ehete trapezi yia dyo?): “Do you have a table for two?”
“Μπορούμε να καθίσουμε εδώ?” (Boroume na kathisoume edo?): “Can we sit here?”
“Το μενού, παρακαλώ” (To menou, parakalo): “The menu, please.”
Ordering
“Θα ήθελα…” (Tha ithela…): “I would like…”
“Συστήνετε κάτι?” (Sistinete kati?): “Do you recommend something?”
“Τι είναι αυτό?” (Ti ine afto?): “What is this?”
“Είναι πικάντικο?” (Ine pikandiko?): “Is it spicy?”
“Έχει χορτοφαγικά πιάτα?” (Ehei hortofagika piata?): “Do you have vegetarian dishes?”
During the Meal
“Πολύ νόστιμο” (Poly nostimo): “Very delicious.”
“Λίγο νερό, παρακαλώ” (Ligo nero, parakalo): “Some water, please.”
“Άλλο ένα ποτό” (Allo ena poto): “Another drink.”
Paying
“Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ” (Ton logariazmo, parakalo): “The bill, please.”
“Δεχτείτε κάρτα?” (Dehtite karta?): “Do you accept card?”
“Μετρητά” (Metrita): “Cash.”
“Κρατήστε τα ρέστα” (Kratiste ta resta): “Keep the change.”
Shopping Greek in Detail
“Πόσο κάνει?” (Poso kani?): “How much?”
“Πολύ ακριβό” (Poly akrivo): “Very expensive.”
“Έχετε άλλο χρώμα?” (Ehete allo hroma?): “Do you have another colour?”
“Μπορώ να δω άλλο μέγεθος?” (Boro na do allo megethos?): “Can I see another size?”
“Πιο φθηνά?” (Pio fthina?): “Cheaper?” (for bargaining at flea markets).
“Δεν θέλω, ευχαριστώ” (Den thelo, efharisto): “I don’t want, thank you.”
“Θα το πάρω” (Tha to paro): “I’ll take it.”
Transportation Greek in Detail
“Πού είναι το μετρό?” (Pou ine to metro?): “Where is the Metro?”
“Πού είναι η στάση?” (Pou ine i stasi?): “Where is the stop?”
“Πόσο κάνει ένα εισιτήριο?” (Poso kani ena isitirio?): “How much for one ticket?”
“Στο αεροδρόμιο, παρακαλώ” (Sto aerodromio, parakalo): “To the airport, please.”
“Στο Σύνταγμα” (Sto Syntagma): “To Syntagma.”
“Στην Ακρόπολη” (Stin Akropoli): “To the Acropolis.”
“Πόσο πρέπει να περιμένω?” (Poso prepei na perimeno?): “How long do I have to wait?”
Greek Food Words: Extended
Meat Dishes
Σουβλάκι (Souvlaki): skewered grilled meat.
Γύρος (Gyros): spit-grilled meat in pita.
Κοτόπουλο (Kotopoulo): chicken.
Αρνί (Arni): lamb.
Χοιρινό (Hirino): pork.
Μοσχάρι (Moshari): beef.
Παϊδάκια (Paidakia): lamb chops.
Κοκκινιστό (Kokkinisto): red-sauce braised meat.
Seafood
Ψάρι (Psari): fish.
Καλαμάρι (Kalamari): squid.
Χταπόδι (Htapodi): octopus.
Γαρίδες (Garides): shrimp.
Μύδια (Mydia): mussels.
Αχινός (Ahinos): sea urchin.
Λαβράκι (Lavraki): sea bass.
Σαρδέλες (Sardeles): sardines.
Vegetables & Salads
Σαλάτα (Salata): salad.
Χωριάτικη (Horiatiki): Greek salad.
Ντομάτα (Domata): tomato.
Πατάτες (Patates): potatoes.
Κολοκυθάκια (Kolokithakia): zucchini.
Φασόλια (Fasolia): beans.
Cheeses
Φέτα (Feta): feta cheese.
Γραβιέρα (Graviera): Greek hard cheese.
Κασέρι (Kaseri): Greek semi-hard cheese.
Μανούρι (Manouri): Greek whey cheese.
Σαγανάκι (Saganaki): fried cheese.
Drinks
Νερό (Nero): water.
Κρασί (Krasi): wine.
Μπύρα (Bira): beer.
Ούζο (Ouzo): ouzo.
Καφές (Kafes): coffee.
Φραπέ (Frape): frappe (iced coffee).
Ελληνικός καφές (Ellinikos kafes): Greek coffee.
Τσάι (Tsai): tea.
Desserts
Μπακλαβάς (Baklavas): baklava.
Λουκουμάδες (Loukoumades): Greek honey doughnuts.
Γιαούρτι (Yiaourti): Greek yoghurt.
Παστέλι (Pasteli): sesame-honey bar.
Λουκούμι (Loukoumi): Greek delight.
Πάγωμα (Pagoma): ice.
Numbers Beyond 1-10
11: Έντεκα (Endeka)
12: Δώδεκα (Dodeka)
15: Δεκαπέντε (Dekapente)
20: Είκοσι (Ikosi)
30: Τριάντα (Trianta)
50: Πενήντα (Peninta)
100: Εκατό (Ekato)
500: Πεντακόσια (Pentakosia)
1,000: Χίλια (Hilia)
Time Phrases
Τι ώρα είναι? (Ti ora ine?): “What time is it?”
Είναι (Ine) + number: “It is [number] o’clock.”
Δέκα η ώρα (Deka i ora): “Ten o’clock.”
Δέκα και μισή (Deka kai misi): “Half past ten.”
Δέκα παρά τέταρτο (Deka para tetarto): “Quarter to ten.”
Δέκα και τέταρτο (Deka kai tetarto): “Quarter past ten.”
Το πρωί (To proi): “In the morning.”
Το μεσημέρι (To mesimeri): “At noon.”
Το απόγευμα (To apogevma): “In the afternoon.”
Το βράδυ (To vradi): “In the evening.”
Τη νύχτα (Ti nyhta): “At night.”
Tourist-Specific Phrases
“Από πού είστε?” (Apo pou iste?): “Where are you from?”
“Είμαι από την Αμερική” (Ime apo tin Ameriki): “I’m from America.”
“Είμαι από την Αγγλία” (Ime apo tin Anglia): “I’m from England.”
“Είμαι τουρίστας” (Ime touristas): “I’m a tourist.”
“Είμαι εδώ για διακοπές” (Ime edo yia diakopes): “I’m here on vacation.”
“Σας αρέσει η Αθήνα? (Sas areseit i Athina?): “Do you like Athens?” (rhetorical Greek pride question).
Cultural Linguistic Tips
Greek conversational tone: sounds louder and more-emphatic than English; this is normal and not aggressive.
The Greek “no” gesture: a single backward tilt of the head with eyebrows raised. Easy to mistake for a “yes” nod. The Greek “yes” is a small downward nod.
The hand-flick gesture: a small palm-down hand wave can mean “go on” or “come here” depending on context.
The “moutza” gesture: showing palm with fingers spread is highly offensive in Greek culture. Never make this gesture even accidentally.
Mix English and Greek freely: Athenians appreciate effort; they’ll switch to English when they sense you need them to.
Common Greek Idioms
“Σαν τη Πόλη δεν έχει” (San ti Poli den ehei): literally “Nothing like the City” (referring to Constantinople); used to mean “incomparable.”
“Έπεσα από τα σύννεφα” (Epesa apo ta synefa): “I fell from the clouds” — meaning “I was shocked.”
“Δεν είναι όλα ρόδα” (Den ine ola roda): “Not everything is roses” — meaning “life isn’t always easy.”
“Με την ησυχία σου” (Me tin isyhia sou): “With your calm” — meaning “take your time.”
“Ο καθένας με την τρέλα του” (O kathenas me tin trela tou): “Each one with their craziness” — meaning “everyone has their own quirks.”
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more planning content, see our Athens Trip Planning pillar, our safety guide, our packing list, our SIM and WiFi guide, and our getting around guide.