Essential Greek Phrases for Holidaymakers: Eat, Drink & Travel Like a Local!
Essential Greek Phrases for Holidaymakers: Eat, Drink & Travel Like a Local! 🇬🇷🍷🌞
Ever noticed how you get better service when you make an effort to speak the local language? In Greece, even attempting a few Greek words—no matter how bad—can go a long way. It’s not about being fluent, but about showing respect and making connections.
Waiters, bartenders, and shopkeepers will appreciate your effort, and you might even get warmer service, a friendlier welcome, or a little extra—maybe a free dessert with your meal or a better table with a sea view.
So, whether you’re ordering souvlaki, asking for the bill, or just greeting people, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet of Greek words and phrases for a smoother, more enjoyable trip!
1. Essential Greetings & Pleasantries
Start every conversation with a friendly greeting—it makes all the difference!
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Γειά σου (informal) / Γειά σας (formal) | Yah soo / Yah sas |
| Good morning | Καλημέρα | Kah-lee-MEH-rah |
| Good afternoon / evening | Καλησπέρα | Kah-lee-SPEH-rah |
| Good night | Καληνύχτα | Kah-lee-NEEKH-tah |
| Please | Παρακαλώ | Pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | Ef-kha-ree-STOH |
| You’re welcome | Παρακαλώ / Τίποτα | Pah-rah-kah-LOH / TEE-po-tah |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Συγγνώμη | See-GNOH-mee |
| Do you speak English? | Μιλάτε αγγλικά; | Mee-LAH-teh ah-glee-KAH? |
💡 Tip: If someone responds in rapid Greek, don’t panic! Just say:
“Συγγνώμη, δεν καταλαβαίνω.” (Sorry, I don’t understand.)
2. Ordering Food & Drinks Like a Pro 🍽️🍷
Greek restaurants and tavernas love it when you try to order in Greek. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, they’ll appreciate the effort and might even treat you better!
Getting a Table
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A table for two, please | Ένα τραπέζι για δύο, παρακαλώ | EH-nah tra-PEH-zee yah THEE-oh, pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Do you have a menu? | Έχετε μενού; | EH-khe-teh meh-NOO? |
| Can I see the menu, please? | Μπορώ να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ; | Boh-ROH nah THOH toh meh-NOO, pah-rah-kah-LOH? |
| Do you have an English menu? | Έχετε μενού στα αγγλικά; | EH-khe-teh meh-NOO stah ah-glee-KAH? |
💡 Tip: Many restaurants have an English menu, but ordering in Greek makes a great impression!
Ordering Drinks 🍷🍻
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A beer, please | Μια μπύρα, παρακαλώ | Mee-ah BEE-rah, pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| A glass of red/white wine, please | Ένα ποτήρι κόκκινο/λευκό κρασί, παρακαλώ | EH-nah po-TEE-ree KOH-kee-noh / lef-KOH kra-SEE |
| A bottle of water, please | Ένα μπουκάλι νερό, παρακαλώ | EH-nah boo-KAH-lee neh-ROH |
| With / Without ice | Με / Χωρίς πάγο | Meh / Kho-REES PAH-gho |
| I would like a coffee | Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ | Tha EE-theh-lah EH-nan kah-FEH |
💡 Tip: In Greece, if you just ask for “καφέ” (coffee), they’ll bring you a Greek coffee (small, strong, and unfiltered). If you want a larger coffee, ask for:
- “Έναν καφέ με γάλα” (A coffee with milk) ☕
- “Έναν εσπρέσο” (An espresso)
- “Έναν φραπέ” (A cold, frothy iced coffee—super popular in Greece!)
Ordering Food 🍽️
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I would like… | Θα ήθελα… | Tha EE-theh-lah… |
| The same, please | Το ίδιο, παρακαλώ | Toh EE-thee-oh, pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| What do you recommend? | Τι προτείνετε; | Tee pro-TEE-neh-teh? |
| Is this spicy? | Είναι πικάντικο; | EE-neh pee-KAN-dee-koh? |
| I am vegetarian | Είμαι χορτοφάγος | EE-meh khor-to-FAH-ghos |
💡 Tip: Greek food is amazing! If you want authentic Greek dishes, try saying:
“Ποιο είναι το παραδοσιακό φαγητό εδώ;” (What’s the traditional dish here?)
Asking for the Bill 💰
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Can I have the bill, please? | Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ | Ton lo-ghar-ee-as-MOH, pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Can I pay by card? | Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; | Boh-ROH nah plee-ROH-so meh KAR-tah? |
| Do you accept cash? | Δέχεστε μετρητά; | THEH-khe-steh meh-tree-TAH? |
| Keep the change | Κρατήστε τα ρέστα | Kra-TEES-teh tah RES-tah |
💡 Tip: Tipping in Greece is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is a nice gesture.
🇬🇷 Final Thoughts: Make an Effort & Get Treated Like a Local!
Even if your Greek isn’t perfect, locals love it when you try. A little effort can mean better service, warmer hospitality, and a more immersive experience.
So next time you’re in Greece, ditch the English menu, throw in some Greek, and enjoy the best of what this incredible country has to offer!
📌 What Greek phrase do you always use on holiday? Let us know in the comments! ✈️🍷
