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After French, Latin and Viking (and Old English of course, but that is English), the Greek language has contributed more words to modern English than any other – perhaps 5%.

Many Greek words sprang from Greek mythology and history. Knowing those subjects was evidence that a person was educated, so dropping a reference to Greek literature was encouraged even into the 20th century. From Greek mythology, we get words such as atlas, chaos, chronological, erotic, herculean, hypnotic, muse, nectar, promethean, and even cloth.

But most Greek-origin words in English did not come straight from ancient Greek. Many are modern, not ancient, combinations of Greek root words. For example, you probably know the telephone was not used by the ancient Greeks. But the word itself is all Greek, made up of the Greek words for “distant” and “sound.” Besides tele and phon, common Greek roots include anti, arch, auto, bio, centro, chromo, cyclo, demo, dys, eu, graph, hydro, hypo, hyper, logo, macro, mega, meta, micro, mono, paleo, para, philo, photo, poly, pro, pseudo, psycho, pyro, techno, thermo and zoo. Among others.

Comparing the original and the modern meanings of Greek words that became English words sometimes shows not only how much language has changed, but how much culture has changed.

idiot
Someone of very low intelligence. For the ancient Greeks, an idiot was a private citizen, a person not involved in civil government or politics. Related: idiosyncracy, idiom, and other individualistic words.
metropolis
The Greek roots of this word are “mother” and “city.” Socrates, convicted in court of corrupting the youth with his philosophy, was given a choice between drinking poison or exile from his mother city of Athens. He chose poison because he wasn’t an idiot, in the ancient sense. If you chose exile, you might be an idiot in the ancient sense, but you would be a live idiot.
acrobat
This circus performer who demonstrates feats of physical agility by climbing to the very top of the rope gets his name from the Greek words “high” and “walk,” with the sense of “rope dancer” and “tip-toe.”
bacterium
From a Greek word that means “stick” because under a microscope (another Greek word), some bacteria look like sticks.
cemetery
The Greek word koimeterion meant “sleeping place, dormitory.” Early Christian writers adopted the word for “burial ground,” and that’s why college students stay in the dormitory and not in the cemetery.
dinosaur
You may have heard this one before. Our word for these ancient reptiles is a modern (1841) combination of the Greek words for “terrible” and “lizard.
hippopotamus
The ancient Greeks called this large, moist African animal a hippopótamos, from the words for “horse” and “river.” In other words, river horse.
rhinoceros
Continuing our African theme, this large, dry African animal is named after the Greek words for “nose” and “horn.” Horns usually don’t grow on noses.
history
The Greek word historía meant “inquiry, record, narrative.”
dialogue
A monologue has one speaker, but a dialogue doesn’t necessarily have two speakers (that would be a “di-logue,” but there’s no such word). Dialogue comes from Greek words that mean “across-talk,” and more than two people can do that if they take turns.
economy
The Greek word for “household administration” has been expanded to mean the management of money, goods, and services for an entire community or nation. But “economical” still refers to personal thrift.
metaphor
In ancient times, this word meant “transfer” or “carrying over.” When my grandfather called my grandmother a peach, metaphorically speaking, he used a figure of speech that transferred the sweetness of the fruit to his sweet wife.
planet
The ancient Greeks get blamed for everything wrong with astronomy before the Renaissance, but they were astute enough to notice that while most stars stood still, some wandered from year to year. The word planet comes from the Greek word for “wandering.”
schizophrenia
People with this mental disorder have been described as having a “split personality,” and the name comes from Greek words for “split” and “mind.” Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech.
technology
This word was not limited to industry or science until the mid-19th century, during the Industrial Revolution. Originally it referred to “technique” (same Greek root) or the systematic study of an art or craft – the art of grammar, at first, and later the fine arts.
grammatical
Speaking of grammar, the Ancient Greek word grammatike meant “skilled in writing.” Now it means “correct in writing.”
syntax
A combination of Ancient Greek words that mean “together” and “arrangement.” Syntax is how words are arranged together.
sarcasm
Though it was used to describe bitter sneering, the Greek word sarkazein literally meant “to cut off flesh,” which you might feel has happened to you when subjected to cutting sarcasm or critical humor.
sycophant
Not a word that I’ve ever used, but you might like it. It means “servile, self-seeking flatterer.” In ancient Greek, it meant “one who shows the fig.” That referred to an insulting hand gesture that respectable Greek politicians wouldn’t use against their opponents, but whose shameless followers could be encouraged to do so.
telescope
Another all-Greek word that wasn’t invented by the Greeks, but perhaps by the Dutch around 1600. Its roots mean “far-seeing” and Galileo Galilei was one of the first astronomers to use a telescope to see faraway things.

As you can see, Greek is deeply woven into modern English. To prove it, in the late 1950s, Greek economist Xenophon Zolotas gave two speeches in English, but using only Greek words, except for articles and prepositions. The results were rather high-sounding, but mostly comprehensible. As you become more familiar with Greek words, English will be easier to understand. And probably, more colorful.

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Greece is one of the unique places with its mythological history, pleasing streets, warm people and delicious food, which visually satisfies our souls. It always arouses curiosity with its language and historical texture. In terms of the appearance of Greek letters Although it may seem incomprehensible, it is actually a pleasant language that leaves a sweet sound in the ear. Moreover, Greek and Greek words are very rich in terms of expressions and meanings. It is one of the oldest languages in the Indo-European family. If we look at its history, it has a rich and varied history with its writing system inspired by the Phoenician alphabet. The history of the Greek language spans more than 2,000 years and various periods, from the Archaic Period (900-600 BC) to the Hellenistic Period (323-30 BC), but its written tradition dates back to the 1st century BC. It begins with epic poetry at the beginning of the millennium.

One of the most fascinating things about the Greek language is its ancient roots. The Greeks have been speaking a unique language for over 3000 years! As we all know, alphabets were used in Ancient Greece and were taken as a part of cultural heritage by many countries colonized by the Greeks. Fortunately, being influenced by other languages does not change one’s roots; it just makes them stronger.

The dialect of Greece is a very poetic dialect. It has a soothing voice that makes it easy to learn and can be memorized effortlessly. Unlike other languages, Greek makes use of visual images in the meaning of words. So besides their true meaning, certain features such as colours, sounds and causes make them unique. Greek has been spoken for over three and a half thousand years, making it the oldest of the Indo-European languages – hence its nickname “the mother of western languages”. Only 13.5 million people speak Greek as their mother tongue, but the global impact is huge. Most of the major foundational texts in Western philosophy – think Plato and Aristotle. And Greek is the foundation of grammar and syntax rules, as well as words and phrases in languages spoken around the world, so don’t be surprised if some of these words sound familiar to you.

We have compiled the meanings of some of the most beautiful words in modern Greek for you. Here are some beautiful Greek words that will make you wonder what I’m waiting for to discover the history of this poetic language and its effects on languages in the world. Happy reading…

1) Charmolypi | χαρμολύπη

The first word in our list of Greek words is charmolypi. The expression Charmolipi etymologically refers to the word “joy and sorrow”. It is basically a compound word consisting of the terms joy and grief or sadness. It’s hard to translate, but conveys the idea of bittersweetness and having mixed feelings about something. It is more practical to say that chrematoli can be written as Chara (joy) or Molos (sadness). The word Charmolipi cannot be translated exactly but still it is wonderful and full of meaning. Composed of two Greek terms, one for joy and the other for grief, charmolipi encompasses all of what life means. After all, isn’t it a stunning mix of joy and sorrow?

2) Elpida | ελπίδα

This beautiful word has an equally wonderful meaning. Derived from the word Elpis, Elpida means hope. In Greek mythology, Elpis was considered the spirit and embodiment of hope, and was usually represented by a young woman bearing fertility. Elpida comes from the ancient Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) and is the personification and spirit of hope in Greek mythology, often depicted as a young woman bearing flowers or fertility. Today, Elpida is actually a popular name for women.

3) Ygeia | ὑγίεια

Hygieia

Today’s medical care has its roots in ancient Greece. The word Ygeia extends from these roots to the present day. The word associated with Hygieia, the goddess of health and cleanliness, is derived from the word “hygiene”. Before it became colloquial, the Modern Greek phrase “Geia sou or Geia sas”—meaning “your health”—was used to wish someone well. Ygeia is also part of the Greek greeting Yia Sou, which is a wish for health.

4) Philoxenia | φιλοξενία

We’re sure you’ve heard how hospitable the Greeks are. But did you know that this hospitality dates back to ancient Greece? True, the ancestors of the Greeks thought that Zeus sent strangers on their way and they had a moral obligation to offer everything they could to outsiders, who were considered holy persons. Okay, maybe your hotel owner or a stranger you ask for directions on the street won’t consider you exactly holy today, but they will definitely be really friendly to you and treat you like a guest of their country. Also, the word they use to describe their hospitality is the same as the Greeks used in antiquity: “filoxenia”[filokseniːa] , literally being friends with strangers.

5) Kalon | καλόν

The word kalon means beautiful in Greek. It does not only express the visible beauty, but also expresses the invisible beauty by looking at the skin. It is used to describe someone who is not only outwardly great, but also has noble intentions and an honorable character. Greek words fascinate us all with the meanings of their roots as they reach our days, right?

6) Filia | φιλία

Many languages use a word meaning “kisses” and “filia” as their tradition of saying goodbye.[filiaː] This is exactly what it means in Greek. Contrary to what you might imagine, it doesn’t usually mean intimacy, although it’s obvious that you’d just call someone you know pretty well “filia”, whether when you’re leaving or before you hang up. The “sweeter” version is “filakia” (literally little kisses) in which younger women sing more often. The Greek word for “kiss” is “friendship”[filiːa] You also need to make sure you don’t confuse it with

7) Curiosity | µεράκι

This word is one of the most difficult to translate; Doing something out of curiosity means adding “a piece of your soul” to what you do. The root of this term is curiosity, which means doing something with pleasure or “labor of love” in Turkish. In usage, this word expresses a passion, an absolute devotion. When you do something with Meraki, you put your soul into it. Surprisingly, this widely used modern Greek word comes across as the term “curiosity” in Turkish. Well, curiosity breeds passion, and passion breeds labor and love. Doesn’t the thought in Turkish sound great to you too?

Peratzatha | Περατζάδα

“peratzatha”, one of many words that can tell you something about Greek culture[peratzaːða] refers to the idle but extremely relaxing activity of people watching. Many Greeks consider this one of the most fun things to do in life, so if you’ve been to Greece before, you’ve probably noticed that many Athenian bars and cafes have tables outside. This is to take advantage of the gorgeous weather that Greece is proud of, of course, but also because there’s something strangely hypnotic about watching people pass by while you sip your coffee or drink. So, if an authentic travel experience of Greece is what you are looking for, we have not only taught you a really great Greek vocabulary, but also a very Greek alternative to the local activities that most local city tours require.

9) Eudaimonia | ευδαιμονία

This word is formed from the root eu meaning good and tyhi meaning “luck”. It can also be translated as “contentment,” which some might say is the most genuine and most consistent form of happiness. Also spelled as Eudaemonia, the term refers to the state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous. Simply put, it means the state in which a person truly develops. We have to thank Aristotle for this term – a single term that effortlessly explains something so broad and profound.

10) Aionia | αιώνια

The word comes from the ancient Greek term aion, meaning “age,” and gives English an indefinite but long period of time, aeon, or describes a large part of geological time. In astronomy and less formal contexts, an aeon denotes a time span of one billion years, while its full Turkish equivalent is infinity.

11) Paracosm | παρακοσμικος

Paracosm comes from the ancient Greek words παρά (pará, ‘beside’, ‘beside’) and κόσμος (kósmos, ‘earth’, ‘universe’). The dictionary meaning of this word, also known as parakosmikos, can be defined as extraterrestrial. Together, these two expressions form the paracosm, an elaborate fantasy world woven especially by children. It is so fascinating that there is a separate Greek word for this wonderful thing that children do!

12) Agapi | Aγάπη

With ancient Greek words, love is defined by many different words. Agapi is considered the highest form of love – the love of two partners for each other, the love that unites parents and their children, or even people’s love for God and vice versa. The term erotas (έρωτας) in modern Greek words means sincere love of a more romantic or sexual nature, while filia (φιλία) means love and friendship. It can be thought of how it differs from agapi in terms of meaning. What sets Agapi apart from others is that she is the purest form of love. Agapi or a-ga-pee is one of many beautiful Greek words for love.

13) Kairos | καιρός

Closely related to the Greek word for time, chronos, kairos is the acknowledgment of a special moment in less than a measure of hours and years. It is the idea of the perfect moment, ripe for action. Kairos is the right moment, at the right time and in the right place, creating the perfect atmosphere for everything to fall into place effortlessly. While the English term serendipity is a fortunate development, Kairos capitalizes on coincidence. Isn’t it fascinating how everything is connected!

14) Yia Mas | Για εμάς

As you can probably guess, “yia mas”[jaː mas] It is also a wish for health, but this time it is ours. Unlike yia soun, “yia mas” is not a greeting, but the standard toast we Greeks do before sipping a glass of alcohol in hand. So if you’re planning to explore the world-famous Athens nightlife, this is a phrase you’ll likely hear a lot. If someone offers you a toast saying “yia mas”, respond and enjoy. Pretty easy, right? You’ll enjoy Athens’ nightlife and bar hopping – and you’ll probably hear and sing about Yia Mas over and over!

15) Philoteimos | φιλότιμο

Another difficult-to-translate word is filotimo, which encompasses a number of virtues: honor, dedication, duty, courage, pride, and honesty. Filotimo, meaning “friend of honor” or “love of honor”, refers to the once honorable and virtuous, even if it is not in his own interest. Although long counted among the highest of Greek virtues, it carried negative connotations in early writings.

16) Chalara | χαλαρά

In its most general sense, halara means “keep calm”. When looking at the dictionary meaning, it means to relax, to relax. Often associated with the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki – known for its chilly atmosphere compared to Athens – chalara denotes a way of life meaning “relaxed” and “relaxed”.

17) Nostalgia | Νοσταλγία

Nostalgia is one of the Greek words derived from nostos meaning returning home and algos meaning pain of something.
The meaning it gives is a combination of nostos, which means returning home, and algos, which means a dull pain, longing. Together, they create nostalgia, which refers to a deep nostalgia or sad love for the past—especially when talking about or commemorating something that was had but no longer has. Oh nostalgia!

18) Petricho | πετρίκο

We continue our list of Greek words with a very familiar word that has been adopted in every language: petríko. It means the smell of earth where the first drop of rain touches it. Close your eyes and imagine that the rain has just started. When the first drops of rain hit the dry ground, an earthy scent comes to your senses – does it sound familiar? This wonderful earthy aroma is called petrichor and is composed of the Greek word for stone, petra, and īchōr, the blood of the mythological Greek gods. It refers to the pleasant earthy smell produced when it rains on dry ground, especially after a long period of drought. The word comes from the Greek words petra (stone) and īchōr (blood of the Greek gods).

19) Eleftheria | Ελευθερία

Eleftheria, meaning “freedom”, specifically refers to the state of being freed from slavery. In essence, Eleftheria is gentle and pleasant; He is free-spirited and cannot be easily crushed. He doesn’t appreciate people with limited minds and attitudes. You can see this word in the Greek national slogan – Eleftheria i thanatos (Liberty or death) which is the subject of the songs of the Greek resistance against Ottoman rule.

20) Philocalist | Φιλοκαλιστ

Philokalist or Philocalist is a Greek term used to describe a person who is able to see beauty in everything. The philologist is essentially a lover of beauty, someone who appreciates the beauty of the little things that make life worthwhile. It may not be a person found beautiful, but a tree, building or landscape. In short, this term tells us that we are in love with everything that looks beautiful. Wonderful!

21) Eucharist | Ευχαριστω

The eucharist is a Greek word meaning ‘thank you’. Efharisto is a word you can use when you sincerely want to express your gratitude and appreciation for what has been given. If you’re traveling to Greece and just need to learn a word, let this be it. This will open up new conversations with the locals and let them know that you are enjoying all the philoxenia the Greeks shower on you!

22) Calimera | Καλημέρα

“Calimera”[kalimeːra] another super useful and beautiful greek word. This is probably the clearest word we know of Greek. Kalimera literally means “have a nice day”. Technically, you have to use it until 12:00, after that “kalispera”[kalispeːra] – so it is preferable to say “have a nice day”. This distinction can be thought of as the difference between the English Good Morning and Good Afternoon. Both words are fairly easy to pronounce, so if you’re looking to impress your Athens tour guide or the Greek restaurant owner you just met, throwing a casual ‘kalimera’ or ‘kalispera’ into the conversation will likely get you patted on the back.

23) Ataraxia | Aταραξία

The literal translation of Ataraxia is a state of calm calm. But the literal translation of the Greek word ataraxia is indifference. Its usage is used to express a state of ultimate freedom in which the mind is freed from the shackles of emotional disturbances such as stress and anxiety. Oh, dream!

24) Parakalo | παρακαλο

The response to the Eucharist, parakalo, is the modern Greek word for “welcome”. But that’s not all! The Greeks like to attach several meanings to a single term. So parakalo means please along with the meaning of welcome. Between the eucharist and the parakalo, you can now say thank you, welcome and please – the holy trinity of a polite tourist!

25) Empyrean | Ουράνιος

Yes, we have come to the end of our list of Greek words. We chose a great word for closing: Empyrean. It takes its origin from the modern Greek word empyros, which is on fire or burning. Its use comes from the Ancient Greek cosmology, the highest place in heaven called Empyrean. Although it is defined as heaven in the most basic sense, it is also referred to as the highest point of the sky, the sky dome in some sources. The term itself evokes a cosmic emotion, doesn’t it?

26)Philosophia | Φιλοσοφία

Philosophy” comes from the Greek word “philosophia,” which means “love of wisdom.” This word is derived from the combination of “philo,” meaning “love,” and “sophia,” meaning “wisdom.”

27)Theoria | Θεωρία

“Theory” comes from the Greek word “theoria,” which means “contemplation” or “a looking at.” This word is derived from the combination of “thea,” meaning “a viewing,” and “horao,” meaning “to gaze at.”

28)Klinike | Κλινική

“Clinic” comes from the Greek word “klinike,” which means “bed” or “infirmary.” This word is derived from the root “kline,” meaning “bed,” which is also the origin of the English word “incline.”

29)Krisis | Κρίσις

“Crisis” comes from the Greek word “krisis,” which means “decision” or “judgment.” This word is derived from the root “krin,” meaning “to separate” or “to decide.”

30)Khaos

“Chaos” comes from the Greek word “khaos,” which means “void” or “emptiness.” This word is derived from the root “kha,” which means “to gape” or “to be wide open.”

31)Kosmos | Κόσμος

“Cosmos” comes from the Greek word “kosmos,” which means “order” or “harmony.” This word is derived from the root “kosm,” meaning “to order” or “to arrange.”

32)Ekleipsis | Εκλειψις

“Eclipse” comes from the Greek word “ekleipsis,” which means “an abandonment” or “a failure to appear.” This word is derived from the combination of “ek,” meaning “out of,” and “leip,” meaning “to leave.”

33)Heureka

“Eureka” comes from the Greek exclamation “heureka,” which means “I have found it!” This word is derived from the combination of “eu,” meaning “well,” and “heurisk,” meaning “to find.”

34)Hyperbole | Υπερβολή

“Hyperbole” comes from the Greek word “hyperbole,” which means “excess” or “overstatement.” This word is derived from the combination of “hyper,” meaning “over,” and “bole,” meaning “to throw.”

35)Odysseia | Οδύσσεια

“Odyssey” comes from the Greek word “odysseia”

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Last updated on January 5th, 2023 at 09:18 am

Greek, also known as Hellenic, is the spoken logos characterized as the symbol of Western Civilization.

Some theorize it as the common point between Eastern logic and Western science.

It belongs to the Indo-European genealogy of languages, forming its own furcate within it.

Greek is spoken today by 15 to 25 million people around Cosmos. It’s bureaucratic in Greece, Cyprus, the EU, and at a topical level in Communities in Albania, Italy, and Turkey.

Greek was first documented in the Mycenaean epoch on Linear B tablets from the 14th Century BC.

It’s the oldest known language that still survives. Its liberal arts have existed and progressed for more than 3,000 years!

As you noticed, we used some unusual words in parts.

Yes, you guessed well, bold underlined words are of Greek origin. Text is exaggerated of course, but consider that we did it on a non-scientific text but on a simple one.

Learn some basic Greek words

Certainly, our aim here is only to teach you some very common Greek words that can be useful during your trip to Greece.

It’s good to know the history behind the language if you intend to travel to Greece, but in the end, being able to communicate with some basic words with the Greeks is the only useful.

And believe us, Although almost every Greek can speak or understand some basic English, You’ll be most welcomed if you try to communicate with the locals using some basic Greek words.

It’s not difficult! Let’s start.

And here are the simple words you may be interested in learning.

Who knows; Maybe they intrigue your interest in a more extensive study of the Greek language.

General words

καλώς ήρθατε(kalos eerthate, th as in throne) = Welcome
καλή διαμονή(kali thiamonee, th as in this) = Enjoy your stay
παρακαλώ(parakalo) = Please or you welcome
ευχαριστώ(efharisto) = Thank you
καλημέρα(kalimera) = Good morning
καλησπέρα(kalispera) = Good afternoon
καληνύχτα(kalinihta) = goodnight
γειά(yeia, y as in yellow) = hi, hello
χαίρετε(herete) = Hello (more polite)
πως είσαι;(pos eese?) = how are you?
τι κάνεις;(ti kaneis?) = how do you do?
θα σας δω αργότερα(tha sas do argotera, th as in throne) = I’ll see you later
σήμερα(símera) = today
αύριο(avrio) = tomorrow
χθές(hthes, th as in throne) = yesterday
ημερολόγιο(imeroloyio, y as in yellow) = diary
ημέρα(imera) = day
ώρα(ora) = hour
λεπτά(lepta) = minutes
χρήματα(hrimata) = money
κάνω(kano) = I do
έρχομαι(erhome) = I am coming
πηγαίνω(piyeno, y as in yellow) = I go
γελάω(yelao, y as in yellow) = I am laughing
διασκεδάζω(thiaskedazo, th as in this) = I enjoy my self
βλέπω(vlepo) = I see
μικρό(mikro) = small
μεγάλο(meyalo, y as in yellow) = large
όμορφο(omorfo) = beautiful
ασχημο(ashimo) = ugly
καλό(kalo) = good
κακό(kako) = bad
χαίρω πολύ(hero poli) = I am glad to meet you
όχι(ohi) = no
ναι(nee) = yes
ονομάζομαι(onomazome) = my name is
με λένε(me lene) = my name is
καλό ταξίδι(kalo taksidi) = have a good trip

For the hotel

Δωμάτιο(thomatio, th as in this) = room
κρεβάτι(krevati) = bed
μπαλκόνι(mpalkoni) = balcony
μπάνιο(mpanio) = bath

In the restaurant

κατάλογος(kataloyos, y as in yellow) = menu
τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ(parakalo) = the bill, please
ηταν πολύ ωραία(itan poli orea) = it was very nice
Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό;(poso kostizi afto?) = how much this cost?
Πόσο κάνει;(poso kani?) = how much?
φρέσκο ψάρι(fresko psari) = fresh fish
Ελληνική κουζινα(elliniki kouzina) = Greek cuisine
πιτσαρία(pitsaria) = Pizza house
καφές(kafes) = coffee
μπύρα(bira) = beer
τσάϊ(tsai) = tea
κρασί(krasi) = wine
νερό(nero) = water
πορτοκαλάδα(portokalatha, th as in this) = orangeade
λεμονάδα(lemonatha, th as in this) = lemonade
κρέας(kreas) = meat
κοτόπουλο(kotopoulo) = chicken
αρνί(arni) = lamb
ψάρι(psari) = fish
μάγειρας(mayeiras, y as in yellow) = chef, cook
φρούτα(frouta) = fruits
επιδόρπιο(epithorpio, th as in this) = dessert
παγωτό(payoto, y as in yellow) = ice cream
τραπέζι(trapezi) = table

On the beach

αυτοκίνητο(aftokinito) = car
δρόμος(thromos, th as in this) = road
Βουνό(vouno) = mountain
περίπατος(peripatos) = walk
θάλασσα(thalassa, th as in throne) = sea
παραλία(paralia) = beach
που είναι;(pou ine?) = where is it?
που βρίσκεται;(pou vriskete?) = where is it?
αμμουδιά(amouthia, th as in this) = sandy beach
ήλιος(ilios) = sun
φεγγάρι(feggari) = moon
ηλιοθεραπεία(iliotherapia, th as in throne) = sunbathing
ξαπλώστρα(ksaplostra) = sunbed
ομπρέλλα(omprella) = umbrella

Months and days

Μάϊος(Maios) = May
Ιούνιος(Iounios) = June
Ιούλιος(Ioulios) = July
Αύγουστος(Avyoustos) = August
Σεπτέμβριος(Septemvrios) = September
Οκτώβριος(Oktovrios) = October
Κυριακή(Kiriaki) = Sunday
Δευτέρα(Theftera, th as in this) = Monday
Τρίτη(Triti) = Tuesday
Τετάρτη(Tetarti) = Wednesday
Πέμπτη(Pempti) = Thursday
Παρασκευή(Paraskevi) = Friday
Σάββατο(Savvato) = Saturday
εβδομάδα(evdomáda) = week
μήνας(minas) = month
έτος(etos) = year
ρολόϊ(roloi) = clock

First aid

γιατρός(yatros, y as in yellow) = doctor
ιατρείο(iatrio) = doctor’s office
φαρμακείο(farmakio) = pharmacy

See? wasn’t that difficult, wasn’t it?

You’ve learned your first 100 Greek words, if you decide to become an expert Greek speaker there are just 70 million left, if you don’t waste your time, you can catch up in 20 years from now!

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Many people who visit Greece want to learn some basic Greek phrases and words before their vacation. This article includes some useful Greek words, and a few common phrases that Greeks use on a daily basis. Ιncludes a couple of popular rude words, just for fun!

Introduction to the Greek language

The Greek language is quite unique. Our alphabet is thousands of years old, and many of the words we use today were also used during the times of Ancient Greece.

Most visitors find the Greek alphabet hard to learn. However, once you’ve managed to memorize the Greek letters, you should be able to read basic Greek words and phrases.

This will be useful when travelling around Greece and the Greek islands, as you will be able to read any road signs that are only in Greek.

At the same time, if all you want to do is to learn a few words and useful Greek phrases, you don’t necessarily need to learn how to read the alphabet. You can be a “good tourist” just by memorizing the sound of a few key phrases!

This guide will introduce you to a few words that you will want to use, and also some phrases that you will probably hear while in Greece. Whether you will want to repeat some of these words, is up to you!

Useful Greek words and their pronunciation – Basic Greek for tourists

According to the prominent Greek linguist Georgios Babiniotis, the Greek language has over 100,000 words.

As you can imagine, very few of those words are used on a daily basis. Here are some of them.

Note: I have used special symbols, so that you can see which syllable you will need to stress. As an example, the word ka-li-mé-ra is stressed on the third syllable: meh.

1. Yes – Neh – Ναι

The Greek word for ‘Yes’ is ‘Neh’. We also use Neh when we answer the phone – though there are many other ways to respond to a phone call.

Note: It is rather confusing that this exact word means ‘No’ in many other languages!

2. No – Óchi – Όχι

‘Óchi’ or ‘Óhi’, the Greek word for ‘No’, is a short word which, nevertheless, many English speakers find difficult to pronounce. You can read it out as ‘oh-hee’, introducing a harsh ‘h’ sound.

And if the word sounds somehow familiar, you are right. Here is my article about the Ochi day, written ‘OXI’ in capital letters.

Note: When they are among friends, Greek people tend to make a ‘tsk’ sound instead of using ‘ohi’. While it’s not exactly polite, it’s a useful thing to know.

3. Good morning – Kaliméra – Καλημέρα

‘Kalimera’ is one of the most popular words in Greece. It is a composite word, where ‘kali’ means ‘good’, and ‘imera’ means ‘day.

Literally translating to ‘good day’, ‘kaliméra’ is generally used when you see someone for the first time in the day, or until some time in the afternoon. Using it until 1-2 pm is absolutely fine.

4. Good evening – Kalispéra – Καλησπέρα

‘Kalispéra’ translates to ‘good evening’ in Greek. You can use it when you think that it’s too late for ‘kaliméra’, perhaps after 4-5 pm.

Some people will switch to ‘kalispera’ just after midday, which might sound a bit extreme, given that it’s not the evening yet.

5. Good night – Kaliníhta – Καληνύχτα

‘Kaliníchta’ is used when you are wishing someone a good night, i.e. when you won’t see them again on that evening.

It’s useful if you are leaving a taverna where you had an evening meal. If you are staying at a hotel with a receptionist, you can say ‘kaliníhta’ on your way back to your room.

6. Hello / Goodbye – Yiá, yiássou, yiássas – Γεια, γεια σου, γεια σας

If kaliméra, kalispéra and kaliníhta are too confusing, there’s another standard greeting you can use: yiássou, or yiássas. This literally means ‘to your health’, and can be used both as ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.

‘Yiássou’, pronounced ‘yah soo’, is used when you are talking to one person. ‘Yiássas’, often written as ‘geia sas’, is appropriate if you are talking to two or more people, but also if you are talking to an older person and want to show some good manners.

Do you want something even easier? You can always just use the short, informal ‘yiá’! This is the easiest of all the Greece greetings.

7. Thank you – Efharistó – Ευχαριστώ

‘Efharistó’ is the first word any polite tourist will want to learn, and it will bring a smile to people’s faces. In fact, I’d say that Greeks don’t use ‘thank you’ as often as other people!

Now, of all the basic Greek words, this is probably the hardest one to pronounce. So, don’t get discouraged if a Greek person tries to correct your pronunciation – they are only trying to help.

Once you feel confident with ‘efharistó’, you can proceed to ‘efharistó polí’ – thank you very much.

8. Please / You are welcome – Parakaló – Παρακαλώ

Unlike ‘efharistó’, the Greek word for ‘you are welcome’ is relatively easy to pronounce: ‘pa-ra-ka-lo’.

We use the exact same word to say ‘please’ – not that you will hear this word all too often here!

9. I am sorry / Excuse me – Siggnómi – Συγγνώμη

The Greek word for ‘I am sorry’ and ‘Excuse me’ is another difficult one to pronounce. It is best described as ‘see-ghno-mee’, with a soft ‘g’ sound.

But don’t worry – it’s very common for Greeks to use the English word ‘sorry’ instead.

10. Cheers – Yiá mas – Γεια μας

Let’s say you have ordered some food and drinks at a Greek taverna, and it’s now time to raise your glasses and say ‘cheers’. The word for that is ‘yiámas’, or ‘yiá mas’, which means ‘to our health’.

‘Yia’ is the same word we use in ‘yiá ssou’ or ‘yiá ssas’. Incidentally, it is a shortened form of the word ‘hygeia’, which is related to hygiene, hygienic, and a handful of other words used in English.

11. Water – Neró – Νερό

Given that Greece is a warm country, at least in summer, ‘water’ might be the most useful Greek word you will learn.

If you are want to buy a bottle of water, try to remember the words ‘mikró’ (small), and ‘megálo’ (big).

Apart from drinking lots of water, here are some more tips to help you stay cool if you are visiting Greece in summer. And remember, watermelon (karpoúzi) is your best friend!

12. Souvlaki – Σουβλάκι

No list of essential Greek words would be complete without at least one iconic Greek dish. Souvlaki is a popular street food option, a quick, inexpensive and filling meal.

Now, there are literally hundreds of Greek dishes, and it will take you several weeks to discover all of them. Here is a guide to 50 popular Greek dishes that you can find in most Greek tavernas.

Note: Depending on where you live in the world, you might find a version of those dishes at a restaurant near you. Quite often, this version might be very different to the actual Greek dish!

13. OK – Endáxi – Εντάξει

If you spend a few days in Greece, you may think that everyone is always looking for a taxi. In reality, the word that everyone uses is ‘endáxi’, which is often cut down to ‘daxi’.

And what is the ‘daxi’ Greek meaning I hear you ask? Well, it’s Greek for ‘OK’!

While we also use ‘OK’ a lot, especially in everyday situations, you are bound to hear this word dozens of times during your Greek vacation. As it’s easy to pronounce, you can try to use it instead of ‘OK’ and impress the Greek people you meet.

14. Come – Éla – Έλα

This is another word you are likely to hear often, especially when someone picks up their phone.

The word ‘éla’ literally means ‘come’, but we also use it as ‘come on’ or even an expression of being surprised. It is often followed by ‘tóra’, which means ‘now’, as an indication of being annoyed.

On other occasions, people follow it with a short word, ‘reh’, just for added emphasis. This word doesn’t really translate to anything in English, but it’s not very polite, so it’s best to avoid it.

15. Gamóto – Γαμώτο

And now for another common word! ‘Gamóto’, pronounced with a soft ‘g’, is not exactly the word you’d want to say to your grandma, as it’s a popular swear word.

Literally translating to the F-word in English, it is used as an indication of being annoyed, disappointed or just plain angry. It’s probably best to avoid using it yourself, but at least now you know what this Japanese-sounding word means.

16. Maláka(s) – Μαλάκα(ς)

Possibly the most famous rude word in Greek, ‘maláka’ can have several meanings, depending on who you are talking to, your tone of voice, and any gestures that go along.

As an example, if you are driving and someone cuts you off, the word ‘maláka’ is rude, similar to a-hole. However, you might also call your friend ‘maláka’, in a tender sort of way, like ‘bro’, ‘dude’ or ‘man’.

Now I’ll just point out that the little stress on this word is very important.

So, while the word ‘maláka’ has the stress on the second syllable, the word ‘malaká’, stressed on the last syllable, means soft / softly. If you are planning to use it, make sure you stress the correct syllable 🙂

Curious for more rude words, slang words and Greek cursewords? Here you go: Greek swear words. This fun article includes Greek swear words, pronunciation, the exact translation in English, and a few synonyms. I wouldn’t suggest reading it at the office!

A few phrases in Greek – Greek phrases for tourists

And now that you have mastered some of our most popular words, let’s check a few key phrases in Greek.

1. What is your name – Pos se leh-neh

The phrase ‘what’s your name’ is a universal ice-breaker. In Greek, you can choose between two forms of the phrase.

You can use ‘Pos se lé-ne’ when talking to a young person, while ‘Pos sas le-ne’ is more appropriate if you want to be polite, or if you are addressing a senior.

2. How are you – Ti kánis, ti kánete

This popular phrase, that you will hear very often in Greece, also has two forms.

If you are talking to a young person, you will need to use ‘ti kanis’ / ‘ti ka nees’. However, if you are addressing a senior, or more than one people, the correct form is ‘ti kanete’.

The standard answer to this question is ‘kalá’, the Greek word for ‘good’, or ‘ola kalá’, best translated as ‘all well’.

3. I do not understand – Den katalavéno

Even if you have mastered a few phrases in Greek, people may give you an answer you don’t understand. In this case, the best thing to say is ‘Den katalavéno’, I don’t understand.

4. I would like the bill please – To logariasmó parakaló

Whether you sit at a taverna table for a long meal, or are just ordering two beers, at some point you will need to get the bill.

As you already know the word parakaló, you only need to learn the word for ‘bill’, which is ‘to logariasmó’, with a soft g.

Plot twist: if you want to say the phrase 100% correctly, you would in fact need to say ‘Tha íthela to logariasmó parakaló’, where ‘tha íthela’ means ‘I would like’.

Yet, the last two words are more than enough – even if you only say ‘parakalo’ or ‘logariasmó’, you will definitely get the message across. Please avoid the dated practice of clicking your fingers, which is considered rude.

Once you get the bill, consider leaving a tip, unless you were really unhappy with the food or the service. Here’s my guide on tipping in Greece.

Incidentally, it’s super easy to say ‘beer’ in Greek pronunciation: beerah!

5. Where is the toilet please – Pou ine i tualéta parakaló

Given the absence of public toilets in most tourist destinations in Greece, it’s always useful to know how to ask for a toilet.

The word ‘tualéta’ indicates a bathroom, washroom, restroom, or however else you may call it in your local language.

The Greek phrase ‘pou einai’, meaning ‘where is?’, can be used for anything you are looking for – the beach, the taxi stand, the best taverna on the island, the Acropolis in Athens.

Tip: Do carry your own toilet paper in case there is none, and DO NOT flush it in the tualéta. Here’s why you shouldn’t flush toilet paper in Greece.

6. How much is this – Póso káni

If you want to buy any products or Greek souvenirs, you can try asking for the price in Greek.

While the actual question is easy to pronounce, you might get stuck if the sales assistant answers back in Greek 🙂

Tip: Be careful not to confuse this phrase with ‘Ti kánis’, which means ‘How are you’!

7. See you / Talk to you later – Ta léme – Τα λέμε

A popular greeting when saying goodbye is the short phrase ‘ta léme’. Literally translating to ‘we say them’ (??), it is the equivalent of ‘see you later’ or ‘talk to you later’. It’s often accompanied by a bye-bye gesture.

FAQs about useful Greek words

Here are some commonly asked questions:

What are some cool Greek words?

There are dozens of cool Greek words. A cool phrase that Greeks use when drinking is ‘yia mas’. It literally means ‘to our health’, and is the equivalent of ‘cheers’.

What are some basic Greek words?

Some basic Greek words include neh / yes, ochi / no, efcharisto / thank you, and parakalo / you are welcome.

What is the most popular Greek word?

Words that you will hear very often in Greece include yiassou, the Greek word for hello, endaxi / OK, and ela / come.

What are some rude Greek words?

Two of the most common rude words in Greek are ‘malakas’ and ‘gamoto’.

Is Greek a useful language?

Greek is the official language in Greece (and Cyprus, along with Turkish). If you are planning to live in either of those countries, it is useful to learn Greek. If you are only visiting Greece for a vacation, you won’t need to learn any Greek, as most people speak English. Still, if you want to experience Greece as fully as possible, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic words.

More travel tips about Athens and Greece

I hope you have enjoyed this article, and that it will be useful for your next trip to Greece. If you are interested in any other articles, for example one on Greek sayings or proverbs, leave a comment down below!

I’m also planning to work on an article on the 500 most common Greek words… but don’t hold your breath 🙂

Here are a few more travel guides and tips about Greece and Athens:

How to order Greek food in Greece (includes what to say if you have any dietary allergies)
Coffee and coffee culture in Greece
What to pack for Greece for all four seasons
30 best things to do in Athens
How many days do you need in Santorini
Driving in Greece – Tips and advice by a local
Quotes about Greece
The history of the Greek flag

Hi! I am Vanessa from Athens. I love helping people discover more about my native language, which Google Translate isn’t always helpful with. Follow my FB page and FB group for more Greece-related info!

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How about learning Basic Greek words so that you can converse with local Greek people? Many people who visit Greece want to learn some basic Greek phrases and words before their vacation. This article includes some useful Greek words that Greeks use on a daily basis.

Introduction To Basic Greek Words And Language

The Greek language is one of a kind. The alphabet dates back thousands of years, and many of the terms we use now were also used in Ancient Greece.

The Greek alphabet is difficult for most tourists to master. However, after you’ve memorized the Greek letters, you should be able to read simple Greek words and phrases.

This will come in handy when commuting around Greece and the Greek islands since you will be able to read any traffic signs that are exclusively in Greek.