Greek is one of the oldest languages in the world, the ancestor of many French scientific and medical words. The alphabet is different but very logical: 24 letters, regular phonetics. Essential for exploring Athens, Santorini, Crete or Thessaloniki.
Modern Greek (elliniki glossa) is spoken by roughly 13.5 million people, mainly in Greece and Cyprus, as well as in Hellenic diasporas across Australia, North America, Germany and South Africa. It is one of the oldest documented languages in the world, with an unbroken lineage stretching back to the ancient Greek of Homer. That continuity explains why so many French and English scientific, medical and philosophical roots come from Greek: democracy, philosophy, theatre, biology, psychology. The Greek alphabet has twenty-four letters, several of which already feel familiar from mathematics (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, pi, sigma, omega). The phonetics are highly regular: each letter has a single pronunciation, which makes reading quick to learn. A few quirks are worth knowing: the written accent always marks the stressed syllable, and letters such as theta or chi correspond to aspirated sounds absent from French. Ancient Greek also used a smooth breathing and a rough breathing above initial vowels, traces of which survive in the Latin transcription of certain words. For travellers, two cultural concepts matter as much as the language itself. Xenia, the sacred hospitality offered to strangers, opens the doors of tavernas and homes: a smile and a kalimera are often enough. Parea refers to the circle of friends with whom one shares coffee, meals and hours of conversation. Slip a few Greek words into your exchanges and you will be welcomed as a temporary member of this parea.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Eleftherios Venizelos after an overnight flight. A smiling kalimera to the immigration officer breaks the ice immediately. You then look for the exit to reach the metro or the express bus to the city centre.
You hail a yellow taxi outside the terminal. The driver starts the meter and asks for your address. You give the Plaka district, ask for an approximate fare, then point out the exact spot where you want to be dropped off.
At the foot of the Acropolis, you settle on a terrace to try a frappe. The waiter arrives with the menu. You ask for his recommendation, order a vegetarian dish and finally request the bill.
On the volcanic steps of Oia, you twist your ankle. A nearby shopkeeper helps you sit down. You explain that you don't feel well, ask where the nearest hospital is and mention an allergy.
Last morning before the ferry. You settle the hotel bill, ask about the check-out time, then take the metro to Piraeus. One final efharisto poly to the receptionist before leaving.
What you need to know before travelling to a greek-speaking country.
"Parakalo" is the most versatile word in Greek: it means both "please" and "you're welcome". When a Greek says "parakalo" after your "efharisto", it is their way of saying "you're welcome". One word for two essential functions.
The Greek head gesture can be confusing. A slight upward head tilt means "no" in Greek, not "yes" as in France. Also learn that "ne" means "yes" in Greek, which can throw off French speakers.
Philoxenia (hospitality towards strangers) is a sacred concept in Greece. Accepting an invitation to eat, have coffee or visit a home is greatly appreciated. Refusing without explanation can seem cold and hurtful.
Greek coffee is sipped slowly. Ellinikos kafes (traditional Greek coffee) or frappe are consumed while chatting for an hour. Don't down it in one go. It is a social ritual above all, not just a beverage.
The siesta (mesimeri) is still practiced in rural areas and islands. Between 2pm and 5pm, some shops close. Avoid making noise or ringing a private doorbell during these rest hours.
The Orthodox religion is very present. In churches and monasteries, women must cover their shoulders and men should avoid shorts. Be discreet and respectful in places of worship, even if you are not religious.
"Opa!" is the universal Greek exclamation: used when toasting, dancing, enjoying a joyful moment or even after a small mishap. Feel free to use it: Greeks appreciate shared enthusiasm.
Bargaining is rare in official shops and restaurants. At street markets (laiki agora), polite negotiation at the end of the day is acceptable. Stay courteous and keep smiling.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Ne
ne
Yes
Ohi
O-hi
No
Efharisto
ef-ha-ris-TO
Thank you
Parakalo
pa-ra-ka-LO
You're welcome / Please
Syngnomi
sin-GNO-mi
Sorry
Nero
NE-ro
Water
Fai
fai
Food
Xenodocheio
kse-no-do-HI-o
Hotel
Aerodromio
a-e-ro-DRO-mio
Airport
Nosokomeio
no-so-ko-MI-o
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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