How do you say "thank you" in Greek?

Efharisto (Ευχαριστώ) is the standard "thank you." For emphasis, say "efharisto poli" (thank you very much). Locals really appreciate when tourists make the effort!

What are essential Greek phrases for restaurants?

Key phrases: "Ena kafe parakalo" (one coffee please), "To logariasmo" (the bill), "Nosteemo!" (delicious!), "Yamas!" (cheers!). Staff will appreciate your effort.

Is Greek hard to learn?

Basic phrases are easy to learn. The Greek alphabet looks different but many sounds are similar to English. Focus on common tourist phrases — you don't need to be fluent to get by!

50+ Essential Phrases

Essential Greek Phrases

Learn useful Greek phrases with audio pronunciation to enhance your travel experience in the Cyclades

GreetingsFood & drinkEmergencies

Why Learn Some Greek for Your Trip?

While many Greeks in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Greek phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. Locals appreciate the effort, and it can help you navigate more easily, especially in less touristy areas.

We've compiled a list of essential phrases with audio pronunciation to help you communicate during your visit to the Cyclades islands.

Showing 40 of 40 phrases

Hello
Γειά σου
Pronunciation: YAH-soo
Greetings
Good morning
Καλημέρα
Pronunciation: ka-lee-MER-ah
Greetings
Good evening
Καλησπέρα
Pronunciation: ka-lee-SPER-ah
Greetings
Goodbye
Αντίο
Pronunciation: an-DEE-o
Greetings
Please
Παρακαλώ
Pronunciation: para-ka-LO
Basics
Thank you
Ευχαριστώ
Pronunciation: ef-kha-ree-STO
Basics
You're welcome
Παρακαλώ
Pronunciation: para-ka-LO
Basics
Yes
Ναι
Pronunciation: ne
Basics
No
Όχι
Pronunciation: OH-hee
Basics
Excuse me
Με συγχωρείτε
Pronunciation: me seen-ho-REE-te
Basics
I don't understand
Δεν καταλαβαίνω
Pronunciation: then ka-ta-la-VE-no
Basics
Do you speak English?
Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
Pronunciation: mi-LA-te an-gli-KA
Basics
The bill, please
Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ
Pronunciation: ton lo-ga-ree-a-SMO, para-ka-LO
Dining
Where is the bathroom?
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
Pronunciation: poo EE-ne ee twa-LE-ta
Basics
How much does it cost?
Πόσο κοστίζει;
Pronunciation: PO-so ko-STEE-zi
Shopping
One coffee, please
Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ
Pronunciation: E-nan ka-FE, para-ka-LO
Dining
Where is the beach?
Πού είναι η παραλία;
Pronunciation: poo EE-ne ee para-LEE-a
Sightseeing
I would like a table for two
Θα ήθελα ένα τραπέζι για δύο
Pronunciation: tha EE-the-la E-na tra-PE-zi yia THEE-o
Dining
What time is it?
Τι ώρα είναι;
Pronunciation: tee O-ra EE-ne
Basics
How do I get to the port?
Πώς πάω στο λιμάνι;
Pronunciation: pos PA-o sto lee-MA-nee
Transportation
I need a taxi
Χρειάζομαι ένα ταξί
Pronunciation: hree-A-zo-me E-na ta-KSEE
Transportation
I would like to rent a car
Θα ήθελα να νοικιάσω ένα αυτοκίνητο
Pronunciation: tha EE-the-la na ni-kee-A-so E-na af-to-KEE-ni-to
Transportation
I have a reservation
Έχω μια κράτηση
Pronunciation: E-ho MEE-a KRA-tee-see
Accommodation
Can you help me?
Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
Pronunciation: bo-REE-te na me vo-ee-THEE-se-te
Emergencies
I need a doctor
Χρειάζομαι έναν γιατρό
Pronunciation: hree-A-zo-me E-nan yia-TRO
Emergencies
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο φαρμακείο;
Pronunciation: poo EE-ne to plee-see-E-ste-ro far-ma-KEE-o
Emergencies
I'm lost
Έχω χαθεί
Pronunciation: E-ho ha-THEE
Emergencies
What do you recommend?
Τι προτείνετε;
Pronunciation: tee pro-TEE-ne-te
Dining
Is there a menu in English?
Υπάρχει μενού στα αγγλικά;
Pronunciation: ee-PAR-hee me-NOO sta an-gli-KA
Dining
What time does the ferry leave?
Τι ώρα φεύγει το πλοίο;
Pronunciation: tee O-ra FEV-yee to PLEE-o
Transportation
One ticket to Santorini, please
Ένα εισιτήριο για τη Σαντορίνη, παρακαλώ
Pronunciation: E-na ee-see-TEE-ree-o yia tee san-to-REE-nee, para-ka-LO
Transportation
Is breakfast included?
Περιλαμβάνεται το πρωινό;
Pronunciation: pe-ri-lam-VA-ne-te to pro-ee-NO
Accommodation
What time is check-out?
Τι ώρα είναι το check-out;
Pronunciation: tee O-ra EE-ne to check-out
Accommodation
Is there Wi-Fi?
Υπάρχει Wi-Fi;
Pronunciation: ee-PAR-hee Wi-Fi
Accommodation
Can I pay by credit card?
Μπορώ να πληρώσω με πιστωτική κάρτα;
Pronunciation: bo-RO na plee-RO-so me pis-to-ti-KEE KAR-ta
Shopping
I'm just looking
Απλά κοιτάζω
Pronunciation: a-PLA kee-TA-zo
Shopping
What time does it open?
Τι ώρα ανοίγει;
Pronunciation: tee O-ra a-NEE-yee
Sightseeing
How much is the entrance fee?
Πόσο είναι το εισιτήριο εισόδου;
Pronunciation: PO-so EE-ne to ee-see-TEE-ree-o ee-SO-doo
Sightseeing
Can I take a photo here?
Μπορώ να βγάλω φωτογραφία εδώ;
Pronunciation: bo-RO na VGA-lo fo-to-gra-FEE-a e-THO
Sightseeing
Cheers!
Γειά μας!
Pronunciation: YAH mas
Dining

Greek Translation Tool

Translate words and short phrases to Greek. This is a simple tool to help you communicate during your trip.

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Note: This is a simple translation tool with a limited dictionary and may not be 100% accurate for complex phrases or grammar.

Tips for Greek Pronunciation

Stress marks: In our pronunciation guide, the stressed syllable is indicated with capital letters (e.g., ka-lee-MER-ah).
The Greek 'r': This is rolled slightly, similar to the Spanish 'r'.
The 'g' sound: In Greek, this is more like the 'y' in "yes" when it appears before certain vowels.
Listen to the audio: The best way to learn is to listen to the native pronunciation and practice.

Ready to Practice Your Greek?

Explore the Cyclades islands and put your new language skills to use!

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Greek Phrases for Travelers: Your Complete Language Guide for the Cyclades

Planning a trip to the Cyclades islands ? Learning a few essential Greek phrases will transform your experience. While English is widely spoken in tourist hubs like Santorini and Mykonos , stepping off the beaten path to islands like Sifnos, Folegandros , or Amorgos is much richer when you can greet locals in their own language.

Our guide covers 50+ phrases organized by category, from basic greetings and restaurant vocabulary to directions and emergency phrases. Each entry includes the Greek script, phonetic pronunciation, and context for when to use it. Pair this guide with our packing list, weather forecast , and budget calculator to be fully prepared for your Greek island adventure.

Greek Language FAQ

Common questions about speaking Greek in Greece

Yes, most Greeks in tourist areas speak English, especially younger generations. However, learning basic Greek phrases shows respect and often leads to warmer interactions with locals.

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