Greetings

1. Γεια σας

   gia sas

   Hello (formal/plural)

   Usage

   Formal greeting used with strangers, elders, or groups

   Grammar Note

   "Γεια" means health and is used as a greeting. "σας" is the polite/plural form

2. Ευχαριστώ

   ef-cha-ri-STO

   Thank you

   Usage

   The standard expression of gratitude, used in all everyday situations

   Grammar Note

   First person singular of the verb "to thank". From "ευ" (well) + "χάρη" (grace/favor)

3. Παρακαλώ

   pa-ra-ka-LO

   You're welcome / Please

   Usage

   Used as "you're welcome" in response to thanks, or "please" when making a request

   Grammar Note

   Context-dependent word: "please" when requesting, "you're welcome" when responding to thanks

4. Καλημέρα

   ka-li-ME-ra

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting used from dawn until around noon

   Grammar Note

   Combination of "καλή" (good) and "μέρα" (day). Written as one word in modern Greek

5. Καλησπέρα

   ka-li-SPE-ra

   Good evening

   Usage

   Evening greeting used from late afternoon onward, common in restaurants and shops

   Grammar Note

   From "καλή" (good) + "εσπέρα" (evening). Distinguished from "Καληνύχτα" (good night)

6. Συγγνώμη

   si-GNO-mi

   Excuse me / I'm sorry

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention or to apologize mildly; also before asking for directions

   Grammar Note

   From "συν" (together) + "γνώμη" (opinion/mind). For deeper apology use "λυπάμαι"

7. Μιλάτε αγγλικά;

   mi-LA-te an-gli-KA

   Do you speak English?

   Usage

   Essential phrase to check if communication is possible; widely understood in tourist areas

   Grammar Note

   "Μιλάτε" is the polite/plural form of "μιλώ" (to speak). "αγγλικά" means "in English"

8. Δεν καταλαβαίνω

   den ka-ta-la-VE-no

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Essential phrase when you cannot understand what is being said

   Grammar Note

   "δεν" before a verb forms negation. Pair with "Μπορείτε να μιλάτε πιο αργά;" (speak slower please)

9. Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;

   pu I-ne i tu-a-LE-ta

   Where is the toilet?

   Usage

   One of the most practical phrases for travelers

   Grammar Note

   "Πού" (where) + "είναι" (is) is the standard structure for asking locations. "η" is the feminine article

10. Αντίο

    an-DI-o

    Goodbye

    Usage

    Standard farewell. "Γεια" is used for more casual goodbyes

    Grammar Note

    Same origin as Italian "addio". "Γεια σας" also works as farewell, but "Αντίο" is more final

11. Καληνύχτα

    ka-li-NI-chta

    Good night

    Usage

    Used before sleeping or as a late-night farewell. Distinguished from Καλησπέρα (good evening)

    Grammar Note

    Combination of "καλή" (good) + "νύχτα" (night). Used later in the evening than Καλησπέρα

12. Δεν μπορώ να μιλήσω ελληνικά

    den bo-RO na mi-LI-so e-li-ni-KA

    I can't speak Greek

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you don't speak Greek

    Grammar Note

    Greek uses "να + subjunctive" instead of an infinitive. "να μιλήσω" = "to speak"

13. Θα ξανάρθω.

    tha xa-NAR-tho

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Πέρασα πολύ ωραία.

    PE-ra-sa po-LI o-RE-a

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Ευχαριστώ, τα λέμε!

    ef-cha-ri-STO ta LE-me

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. Όνειρα γλυκά.

    O-ni-ra gli-KA

    Good night

    Usage

    A bedtime alternative to "Καληνύχτα"; literally "sweet dreams"

17. Βγαίνω για λίγο.

    VGE-no gia LI-go

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Γύρισα.

    GI-ri-sa

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging

19. Με συγχωρείτε, πρέπει να φύγω.

    me sin-cho-RI-te PRE-pi na FI-go

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Τίποτα.

    TI-po-ta

    You're welcome

    Usage

    An alternative to "Παρακαλώ" for replying to thanks; literally "it's nothing"

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