Buzz
Greece stands out as a beloved destination for travelers. Similar to many European countries, encountering English-speaking locals in Greece is quite common. However, enriching your travel experience by acquiring some basic Greek phrases can significantly enhance your interactions. Even mastering a simple greeting like saying hello in Greek can positively influence how you're received. Follow these suggestions to familiarize yourself with Greek greetings.
Steps
Initiating Greetings
Use 'Yassou'. Pronounce it as 'YAH-soo'. This phrase is ideal for casually greeting individuals. Remember to smile as you say it – it adds warmth to your greeting! Note that 'Yassou' is an approximate English representation of the Greek pronunciation and may also be spelled as 'giasou' or 'ya su'. In informal settings, you can even shorten it to 'ya'.
- Opt for 'Yassas' (pronounced 'YAH-sas') in formal contexts or when addressing two or more people informally. Use this formal version when greeting strangers or elders.
- Technically, the slightly less formal 'yassou' is more suitable for acquaintances or individuals younger than you. However, both terms are often used interchangeably, so there's no need to stress about getting it exactly 'right'.
Opt for 'Herete'. Pronounce it as 'HE-reh-teh'; pronounce the e's like in the word 'egg'. You can use 'herete' in both formal and informal settings, typically between 10 am and 2 pm.
Utilize time-specific greetings. Like many cultures, Greeks employ greetings specific to different times of the day. While 'yassou' or 'yassas' work well throughout the day, consider these phrases for more context:
- Kalimera (καλημέρα): 'good morning'. Use when arriving or departing from a location or event. Pronounced 'kah-lee-MEH-rah'.
- Kalispera (καλησπέρα): 'good afternoon' or 'good evening'. Use only upon arrival or meeting someone in the evening or at night. Pronounced 'kah-lee-SPARE-a'.
- Kalinihta (καληνύχτα): 'good night'. Use exclusively as a farewell greeting in the evening or at night. Pronounced 'kah-lee-NEE-hta'.
Grasp Greek greeting customs. Greeks generally favor open and casual greetings, with few distinctions between formal and informal ones. Maintain open and casual body language, making eye contact and smiling at both strangers and acquaintances.
- Avoid bowing or attempting cheek kisses. The former is too formal, and the latter may come off as too forward.
- Refrain from initiating handshakes unless a hand is offered to you. Handshakes are not common in Greece, especially among friends or locals.
Practicing Additional Phrases
Master Greek farewell expressions. Focus on those appropriate for concluding conversations or ending the day.
- Say 'antio'. Emphasize the 'i' syllable. This serves as a standard, informal farewell.
- Say 'geia' (pronounced 'gee-ah') or 'ya'. It can mean both 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
Inquire about the locals' language proficiency. Use 'Mila'te...?' which means 'do you speak...?' Combine it with the Greek word for your language. Sometimes, conversing in your native tongue or another common European language might be easier.
- English: 'Mila'te Agglika'?'
- French: 'Mila'te Gallika'?'
- German: 'Mila'te Germanika'?'
- Spanish: 'Mila'te Ispanika'?'
- Chinese: 'Mila'te Kine'zika?'
Pose inquiries. Learning common question phrases can deepen your interactions beyond basic greetings. Note that understanding responses might be challenging!
- Ask 'Pos Ise?' for 'How are you?' Pronounce it with the short 's' – like the 'ose' in 'dose,' not 'nose'. Pronounced as 'Pos ee-say'.
- Ask 'ti kaneis' (tee kah-nis) for 'What's going on?'
- Use 'Umidl pos ise vrexima?' to inquire 'Where are you going?' Pronounce it as 'Um-id pos ise vere-MA'.
- Say 'esi?' (pronounced 'eh-see') to respond with 'And you?'
Express personal information. When asked about your well-being, respond with basic qualifiers like 'good,' 'bad,' and 'okay.' In Greek, 'I' is 'egO' and 'you' is 'esi'.
- Good: kalA
- I'm not okay: 'den eimai kala'.
- Not good: Oxi (O-hi) kalA,
- Yes: 'neh'
- No: 'OH-hee'
Useful Advice
-
Maintain composure. Avoid appearing tense or frustrated if you encounter difficulty in making yourself understood. Greeks are renowned for their hospitality, and locals will likely assist once they grasp your request.
-
Minimize reliance on notes. Strive to use memorized words and phrases as much as possible. This will enhance the flow of your conversations, reducing reliance on guidebooks.
The guidance provided in this section is drawn from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a useful tip you wish to contribute to Mytour, please share it in the field below.
- If you're facing difficulties, consider watching Greek clips or movies to accelerate your comprehension.
- Make an effort to interact with locals as much as possible to grasp the language nuances.
