Language

Finding your way around Greece without speaking a word of Greek is certainly doable (and it's been done by millions of tourists before you).  Especially in areas and industries catering to tourists (such as airports, hotels, rental car agencies), you should have no trouble communicating in English.  Many hotels and resort areas also cater to guests who speak Turkish, German, or Swedish as well.

The first challenge of the language you are likely to face is the alphabet.  Most of the road signs are written in Greek and Latin letters, but just in case, we’ve included the Greek version on this website.  Some places like Μυτιλήνη can be transliterated to Latin letters in multiple ways, so you’ll see Mytilini, Mytilene, Mitilini, etc.  If you get lost and need directions, younger people are more likely to speak English or at least be less shy about it.

This all said, it never hurts to know a few words and phrases, so we've started compiling a list.  Let us know if there are more phrases you are curious to know.  You can also play with Google Translator, which allows you to listen to the pronunciation to go along with whatever you translate.

English

Greek

Pronunciation

bride

νύφη

nífi

groom

γαμπρός

gabrós

yes

ναι 

ne

no

όχι 

óhee

please, you're welcome

παρακαλώ

parakaló

thank you

ευχαριστώ

efharistó

hello, goodbye, bless you

 γειά σου

ya sou

good morning

καλημέρα 

kaliméra

good evening

καλησπέρα 

kalispéra

good night

καληνύχτα 

kaliníchta

congratulations

συγχαρητήρια

sigharitíria

It's nice to meet you. 

Χαίρω πολύ. 

hiéro polí

What is your name? 

Πώς σε λένε; 

pos se léne

My name is...

Με λένε...

me léne

water

νερό

neró

red/white wine

κόκκινο/λευκό κρασί

kókino/lefkó krasí

cheers

γειά μας 

ya mas

Where is the bathroom?

Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;

pou íne i toualéta