Introduction

Some fundamental Greek phrases are more valuable than others.

Why not concentrate on mastering these words first? We chose to write this post for you specifically for that reason.

The essential Greek phrases covered in this post will help you communicate better if you’re just beginning to learn Greek or are already fluent.

If you’re soon traveling to a Greek-speaking country, these will be especially useful to you.

Basic Greek Words and Sentences That You Must Know

The following are the basic Greek words and sentences that you must know:

1. Geia! Eímai [to ónomá sou].

Hi! I am [your name].

This is a basic greeting when you meet someone new to introduce yourself.

2. Pós eísai?

How are you?

When you run into friends, family, or anyone you want to start a discussion with, you usually do it this way.

3. Eímai kalá, esý?
I’m good, you?

You can use this expression to tell them that you are fine and ask about them in return.

4. Efcharistó

Thank you

You can use this phrase to thank someone.

5. Chaíromai pou se gnorízo.

Nice to meet you.

This phrase can be used to tell someone how nice you feel about meeting someone.

6. syngnómi

 I’m sorry

If you are looking to apologize, you can say ‘I’m sorry’.

7. Poios eínai o tilefonikós arithmós sas?
What is your phone number?

If you want to have someone’s phone number, you can use the above phrase.

8. Ti sou arései na káneis (ton eléfthero chróno sou)?

What do you like to do (in your free time)?

If you want to know someone’s hobbies, you can use the above phrase.

9. Apó pou eísai?

Where are you from?

You can use this phrase to know where a person is.

10. Ti káneis?

What do you do?

You can use this phrase to find out someone’s profession.

11. Ti ennoeís?

What do you mean?

If you are looking to know the meaning of what someone said, you can use this phrase.

12. Ti simaínei?

What does _____ mean?

If you want to know the meaning of something or some words, you can write them instead of leaving them blank.

13. Den katalavaíno.

I do not understand.

You can use this phrase if you do not understand something.

14. Ti nomízete?

What do you think?

If you want to know someone’s opinion, you can use this phrase.

15. Pos akougetai afto?
How does that sound?

If you want to confirm how your idea sounds, you can use this phrase.

16. Tha boroúsate na milísete lígo pio argá?

Could you speak a little slower?

If you want someone to speak slowly, you can use this phrase.

17. Tha boroúsate na to epanalávete?
Could you repeat that?

If you didn’t understand something that someone said and you want him or her to repeat something. You can use the above phrase.

18. Ta léme sýntoma

See you soon

To tell someone you’ll meet or see someone soon, you can use the above phrase.

19. Poú boró na vro …….?

Where can I find …….?

For instance, if you are looking for a place, a hotel, a restaurant, or anything else, you can use this phrase.

For example: Where can I find a medical store/ tea shop/ general store?

20. Poio eínai to ónomá sou?
What’s your name?

You can use this phrase to know someone’s name.

21. Pós boró na se voithíso?

How can I help you?

If you need/ want to help someone, you can use this phrase.

22. Póso kostízei aftó/aftó?
How much does this/that cost?

To know the cost of something, use this phrase.

23. Den xéro elliniká.
I don’t know Greek.

If you want to tell someone you are not good at Greek, use this phrase. This will be helpful if you have just started learning Greek and are still not comfortable communicating fluently.

24. Peináo.

I am hungry.

If you are hungry and you want to tell someone, use this phrase.

25. Dipsáo

I’m thirsty.

Use this phrase to tell someone you are thirsty.

Basic Greek words that you should know

• Yes – Naí
• No – Ochi
• Why- Giatí
• How – Pos
• Time – chrónos
• Sister – Adelfí
• Brother – Adelfós
• One to Ten counting – éna dýo tría téssera pénte éxi eftá ochtó ennéa déka
• Okay – entáxei

Conclusion

We hope these foundational words and phrases will improve your ability to speak Greek confidently.

The first few times won’t be simple, so practice is the only and best option.

And always remember to prioritize the most important terms first rather than attempting to memorize all of the terms we shared today.