Greece · Language · 2026
Talking your way around Greece
Greek uses its own alphabet — even basic phrases require some letter-recognition. Most signs in tourist areas have English transliterations. The script looks intimidating; the language itself isn't impossible.
English level: Conversational English is the norm in tourist areas — Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete's main resorts, Rhodes. On smaller islands, expect basic English at the taverna level. Older Greeks in non-tourist contexts may speak no English.
Phrases worth memorising
Hello / Goodbye
/YAH-soo (informal) / YAH-sas (formal/plural)/
Γεια σου / Γεια σας
Thank you
/ef-kha-ree-STOH/
Ευχαριστώ
Please / You're welcome
/pa-ra-ka-LOH/
Παρακαλώ
Same word for both — context decides.
Yes / No
/neh / OH-khee/
Ναι / Όχι
Greek 'ναι' (neh) sounds like English 'no' to outsiders. The body language (downward nod) is your best confirmation.
Good morning / evening
/ka-lee-MEH-rah / ka-lee-SPEH-rah/
Καλημέρα / Καλησπέρα
Cheers!
/stin yee-AH-mas/
Στην υγειά μας!
Literally 'to our health'. Often shortened to 'Yamas'.
The bill, please
/ton lo-ga-rias-MOH/
Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ
How much?
/POH-soh KAH-nee/
Πόσο κάνει;
Excuse me
/see-GHNOH-mee/
Συγγνώμη
Do you speak English?
/mee-LAH-teh ang-glee-KAH/
Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
What's polite, what's a trap
The 'no' gesture is a single upward head-tilt, sometimes with raised eyebrows. To outsiders it looks like 'maybe' or 'yes'. The 'tch' / 'tsk' sound is also 'no' — not impatience.
The Greek 'γ' (g) is closer to a soft Spanish 'g' or French 'r' than to English 'g'. 'Γειά' is closer to 'YAH' than 'GHEE-ah'.
'Malaka' is everywhere — Greeks use it as filler, banter, friendly insult. As a foreigner, don't try to deploy it; you'll miss the register.
Last reviewed . Phonetic guides are approximate; native pronunciations are worth listening to before deploying.
See also: etiquette & customs · visa & entry.