Compliments

1. Μιλάτε πολύ καλά ελληνικά

   mi-LA-te po-LI ka-LA e-li-ni-KA

   You speak Greek very well

   Usage

   Compliment someone's Greek language skills; locals appreciate any attempt to speak Greek

   Grammar Note

   "ελληνικά" used adverbially means "in Greek". Capitalize as "Ελληνικά" for the language name

2. Η Ελλάδα είναι πανέμορφη

   i e-LA-da I-ne pa-NE-mor-fi

   Greece is absolutely beautiful

   Usage

   Compliment Greece's scenery and culture; a great conversation opener with locals

   Grammar Note

   "πανέμορφη" combines "παν" (all) + "εύμορφη" (beautiful). Feminine to agree with "Ελλάδα"

3. Το φαγητό σας είναι εξαιρετικό

   to fa-gi-TO sas I-ne e-xe-re-ti-KO

   Your food is exceptional

   Usage

   Compliment the food at a restaurant or home dinner party

   Grammar Note

   "εξαιρετικό" is neuter of "εξαιρετικός" (exceptional), agreeing with neuter "φαγητό"

4. Είστε πολύ ευγενικοί

   I-ste po-LI ev-ge-ni-KI

   You are all very kind

   Usage

   Express appreciation for the kindness of a group of people

   Grammar Note

   "ευγενικοί" is masculine plural of "ευγενικός" (kind). "Είστε" is formal plural of "είναι"

5. Αυτή η φωτογραφία είναι υπέροχη

   af-TI i fo-to-gra-FI-a I-ne i-PE-ro-chi

   This photograph is wonderful

   Usage

   Compliment someone's photograph or creative work

   Grammar Note

   "υπέροχη" is feminine of "υπέροχος" (wonderful), agreeing with feminine "φωτογραφία"

6. Έχετε πολύ ωραίο σπίτι

   E-che-te po-LI o-RE-o SPI-ti

   You have a very nice home

   Usage

   Compliment a Greek host's home when invited

   Grammar Note

   "σπίτι" is neuter, so "ωραίο" (neuter) agrees with it. Greek "φιλοξενία" (hospitality) culture

7. Μου αρέσει πολύ η κουλτούρα σας

   mu a-RE-si po-LI i kul-TU-ra sas

   I really love your culture

   Usage

   Express admiration for Greek culture and traditions

   Grammar Note

   "κουλτούρα" is borrowed from French "culture". Synonym: "πολιτισμός" (civilization/culture)

8. Πολύ καλή δουλειά!

   po-LI ka-LI du-li-A

   Great job! / Well done!

   Usage

   Praise someone's work or achievement

   Grammar Note

   "δουλειά" is feminine, so "καλή" (good, feminine) agrees with it

9. Έχετε πολύ χιούμορ

   E-che-te po-LI chi-U-mor

   You have a great sense of humor

   Usage

   Praise someone's humor; Greeks are known for their lively sense of humor

   Grammar Note

   "χιούμορ" is borrowed from English "humor". Used as an uninflected neuter noun

10. Είστε πολύ καλόκαρδοι

    I-ste po-LI ka-LO-kar-di

    You are all very warm-hearted

    Usage

    Compliment the warm hospitality and kind-heartedness of Greek people

    Grammar Note

    "καλόκαρδος" combines "καλός" (good) + "καρδιά" (heart). Plural: "καλόκαρδοι"

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