Basic Words

1. Ναι

   ne

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Όχι

   O-chi

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Παρακαλώ

   pa-ra-ka-LO

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Ευχαριστώ

   ef-cha-ri-STO

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Συγγνώμη

   si-GNO-mi

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. Λυπάμαι

   li-PA-me

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Είναι εντάξει

   I-ne en-DA-xi

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Δεν καταλαβαίνω

   den ka-ta-la-VE-no

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Καταλαβαίνω

   ka-ta-la-VE-no

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Τελείωσα

    te-LI-o-sa

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Περιμένετε, παρακαλώ

    pe-ri-ME-ne-te pa-ra-ka-LO

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Περιμένετε" is the polite plural imperative of "περιμένω" (to wait). "παρακαλώ" (please) softens the request.

12. Μια στιγμή

    mia stig-MI

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Ένας ενήλικας, παρακαλώ

    E-nas e-NI-li-kas pa-ra-ka-LO

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Δεν έχω κράτηση

    den E-cho KRA-ti-si

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Έχω κράτηση

    E-cho KRA-ti-si

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Βοηθήστε με, παρακαλώ

    vo-i-THI-ste me pa-ra-ka-LO

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Άλλη μια φορά, παρακαλώ

    A-li mia fo-RA pa-ra-ka-LO

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Μιλήστε πιο αργά, παρακαλώ

    mi-LI-ste pio ar-GA pa-ra-ka-LO

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Μιλάω λίγο

    mi-LA-o LI-go

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

20. Μιλάτε αγγλικά;

    mi-LA-te an-gli-KA

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "Μιλάτε" is the polite plural; "Μιλάς" is for people you know.

21. Αυτό

    af-TO

    This / that (near)

    Usage

    Point at an object to order or ask about it; Greek does not split "this" and "that (near you)" — both are "αυτό"

22. Εκείνο

    e-KI-no

    That (over there)

    Usage

    For something further away; use "αυτό" for what is close at hand

23. Εδώ

    e-DO

    Here

    Usage

    Pin down a place — useful on a map or in a taxi

24. Εκεί

    e-KI

    There

    Usage

    A spot near the other person or a little way off

25. Εκεί πέρα

    e-KI PE-ra

    Over there

    Usage

    A place further away than plain "εκεί"

26. Εγώ

    e-GO

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself to make clear who does what, or whose turn it is

27. Εσείς

    e-SIS

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite form for strangers and elders; use "εσύ" with friends and children

28. Μαζί

    ma-ZI

    Together

    Usage

    Show that you are with someone, or that things should be handled as one

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