Greece is one of the popular tourist destinations. Like most European countries, English-speaking Greeks can be found easily. However, your travel experience can be improved by learning some common Greek phrases. Something as simple as learning how to say hello in Greek can have a positive effect on how you are treated. Use these tips to learn how to greet people in Greek.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Saying Hello
Step 1. Understand how the Greeks greeted each other
Greeks tend to be open and casual when greeting. For example, there are some clear differences between formal and informal greetings. Use body language that is open and casual. Try making eye contact and smiling at strangers and friends.
- Don't bend over or try to kiss the cheek. Bowing looks too formal while kissing the cheek is considered too much.
- Don't try to shake hands unless the other person offers it first. Shaking hands is not a common practice in Greece; certainly not among friends or locals.
Step 2. Say “Yassou”
Pronounce it as “YAH-su”. This phrase is best used to say hello to one person informally. Smile when you say it; be friendly! Remember that “Yassou” is just a way of pronouncing Greek fluently in English. The word “Yassou” is sometimes spelled as “giasou” or “ya su”. You can also shorten the phrase to “yes” in informal conversation.
- Say “Yassas” (pronounced “YAH-sas”) in informal situations, or when casually greeting two or more people at the same time. Use the formal version when greeting strangers or older people.
- Technically, the informal "yassou" is best suited for people you know or are younger. However, the two greetings can be used interchangeably so you don't have to worry about being wrong when using them.
Step 3. Use “Herete”
Pronounce it as “HE-reh-tea”; pronounce the letter e as in the word "table". The word " herete " can be used in both formal and informal situations. “Herete” is usually used between 10 am and 2 pm.
Step 4. Use temporary greetings
Like other cultures, the Greeks use a certain time greeting in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Use “yassou or “yassas” at these times, but the following phrases are more appropriate.
- Kalimera (καλημέρα): “good morning”. Use the word when arriving or leaving a location or event. Pronounce it as "ka-li-me-ra".
- Kalispera (καλησπέρα): “good afternoon” or “good evening”. Use the word only when visiting a place or meeting someone in the afternoon or evening. Pronounce it as "ka-li-spe-ra".
- Kalinihta (καληνύχτα): "good night". Use the word only as a goodbye in the afternoon or evening. Pronounce it as "ka-li-nikh-ta".
Method 2 of 2: Practice Other Phrases
Step 1. Learn how to say goodbye phrases in Greek
This phrase is suitable for use at the end of a conversation or at the end of the day.
- Say "antio". Make sure to emphasize the sound of the letter "i". The phrase antio is a non-formal and standard form of saying goodbye.
- Say “geia” (Pronounce as “ji-a”) or “yes”. The phrase can mean “hello” or “goodbye”.
Step 2. Ask if the locals can speak your language
Mila'te…?” means “are you talking…?” Add the name of your language in Greek at the end of the sentence to form a phrase. In some cases, it will be easier to communicate in your mother tongue – or another European language common to you and the Greeks.
- English: "Mila'te Agglika'?"
- French: "Mila'te Gallika'?"
- German: "Mila'te Germanika'?"
- Spanish: "Mila'te Ispanika'?"
- Chinese: "Mila'te Kine'zika?"
Step 3. Ask questions
Knowing some common asking phrases will be helpful to you. This method can increase the interaction carried out to a higher level. However, be aware that you may have trouble understanding the other person's response!
- Say “Ise's post?” to ask “How are you?” Pronounce the phrase with a short “s” sound – like the “ose” in “dose”, not “nose”. "Isey post".
- Say “ti kaneis” (ti kanis) to ask “What is going on?”
- Use " Umidl pos ise vrexima? " to say “Where are you going?” Pronounce it as "Umid pos isey vere-MA".
- Say "esi ?" (pronounced “ehsi”) to reverse the question.
Step 4. Talk about yourself
If someone asks how you are doing, this can be used as a tool to respond with qualifier phrases such as “good”, “bad” and “fair”. The Greek word “I” is “egO”, while the word “you” is “esi.
- Good: kaIA
- My condition is not good: “den eimai kala”.
- Not good: Oxi (ohi) kaIA
- Yes: "no"
- No: “OH-hi”
Tips
- Stay calm. Don't look tense or frustrated if you're having trouble understanding Greek. Greeks are known for their hospitality and the locals are likely to help when they understand what you mean.
- Use as few notes as possible. Try to use as many words and phrases from memory as possible. This will improve the flow of the conversation if you don't always read from the manual.
