Slang

1. Ρε φίλε

   re FI-le

   Hey man / dude

   Usage

   Only with friends your own age. On its own, «ρε» aimed at an elder, a shop assistant or a stranger is rude — keep it paired with φίλε and keep it among friends

2. Έλα

   E-la

   Come on / hello (on the phone)

   Usage

   Literally "come". It is how friends answer the phone, and also "come on" or "no way". Harmless with anyone, though «Parakalo» is safer with someone senior

3. Τέλειο

   TE-li-o

   Perfect / awesome

   Usage

   A compliment that is safe with anyone — food, views, plans alike

4. Φοβερό

   fo-ve-RO

   Amazing

   Usage

   Literally "fearsome", but in speech it is almost always praise. Safe with anyone

5. Κομπλέ

   kom-BLE

   All good

   Usage

   From French "complet" — settled, fine. Natural with friends and with staff your age; use «Entaxei» in formal settings

6. Χαλαρά

   cha-la-RA

   Chill / no stress

   Usage

   Both "easily" and "don't worry about it". Safe with anyone

7. Σιγά σιγά

   si-GA si-GA

   Slowly, take your time

   Usage

   The Greek sense of time in two words. Safe with anyone, whether you are being rushed or calming someone down

8. Κέφι

   KE-fi

   High spirits

   Usage

   The lift you get from music and a good table. «Echo kefi» — I'm in the mood; «den echo kefi» — I'm not up for it. Safe with anyone

9. Μεράκι

   me-RA-ki

   Loving care put into something

   Usage

   «To eftiaxe me meraki» — they made it with love. The highest praise for a cook or craftsman, and fine with elders

10. Μπράβο

    BRA-vo

    Well done

    Usage

    Works for children and adults alike — you will hear it the moment you attempt a word of Greek

11. Πω πω

    po po

    Wow / oh my

    Usage

    An exclamation for surprise, awe or exasperation. Never rude, whoever you say it to

12. Σοβαρά;

    so-va-RA

    Seriously?

    Usage

    The Greek question mark is «;». Safe with anyone as a reaction — say it with surprise rather than doubt

13. Άντε

    AN-de

    Come on / go on

    Usage

    For nudging a friend along. Said sharply it sounds impatient, so avoid it with elders or staff

14. Χάλια

    CHA-li-a

    In a bad way / awful

    Usage

    «Eimai chalia» means I feel awful. Use it for your own state or for situations — not as a label for a person

15. Ξενέρωσα

    xe-NE-ro-sa

    That killed the mood for me

    Usage

    The opposite of κέφι. Youth slang for friends when a plan falls apart; with elders, «Krima» is safer

16. Ό,τι να 'ναι

    O-ti na 'ne

    Total nonsense / all over the place

    Usage

    The standard youth verdict on something incoherent. Aim it at situations or things, never at a person

17. Έχει ζόρι

    E-chi ZO-ri

    It's tough going

    Usage

    ζόρι comes from Turkish and means hardship — good for a steep trail or red tape. Not rude with anyone

18. Τα λέμε

    ta LE-me

    See you / talk soon

    Usage

    Literally "we'll talk". For friends and peers when parting; use «Geia sas» in formal settings

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