Getting Started with Essential Greek
Learning Greek can feel challenging at first, but starting with the most common words and phrases will help you communicate quickly and confidently. This guide focuses on everyday Greek vocabulary that beginners can use right away, with clear English translations and practical examples.
1. Greek Alphabet Basics (Very Short Overview)
You do not need to master the whole alphabet today, but recognizing a few letters will help you read signs and words:
- Α α – like a in "father"
- Ε ε – like e in "pet"
- Ι ι – like ee in "see"
- Ο ο – like o in "not"
- Μ μ – like m in "man"
- Ν ν – like n in "no"
In this guide, you will see Greek words in the Greek alphabet plus an English translation. Focus on meaning and sound first; the alphabet will become easier with practice.
2. Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases
Essential Greetings
- Γεια σου – Hi / Hello (to one person, informal)
- Γεια σας – Hello (to more than one person or formal)
- Καλημέρα – Good morning / Good day
- Καλησπέρα – Good evening
- Καληνύχτα – Good night (when leaving or going to sleep)
Polite Expressions
- Παρακαλώ – Please / You’re welcome
- Ευχαριστώ – Thank you
- Ευχαριστώ πολύ – Thank you very much
- Συγγνώμη – I’m sorry / Excuse me
- Δεν καταλαβαίνω – I don’t understand
Sample Mini-Dialogues
Example 1
Greek: Καλημέρα! Τι κάνεις;
English: Good morning! How are you?
Greek: Καλημέρα! Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ.
English: Good morning! I’m fine, thank you.
Example 2
Greek: Συγγνώμη, δεν καταλαβαίνω.
English: Sorry, I don’t understand.
Greek: Παρακαλώ, μιλήστε πιο αργά.
English: Please, speak more slowly.
3. Introducing Yourself
Key Phrases for Self-Introduction
- Με λένε … – My name is …
- Είμαι από … – I am from …
- Χάρηκα – Nice to meet you
- Μιλάω λίγα ελληνικά – I speak a little Greek
- Δεν μιλάω καλά ελληνικά – I don’t speak Greek well
Useful Vocabulary for Introductions
- Έλληνας – Greek (man)
- Ελληνίδα – Greek (woman)
- Άγγλος / Αγγλίδα – English (man / woman)
- Αμερικανός / Αμερικανίδα – American (man / woman)
- Φοιτητής / Φοιτήτρια – student (male / female)
- Δάσκαλος / Δασκάλα – teacher (male / female)
Self-Introduction Example
Greek: Γεια σου, με λένε Άννα. Είμαι από την Αγγλία. Μιλάω λίγα ελληνικά.
English: Hi, my name is Anna. I am from England. I speak a little Greek.
Greek: Χάρηκα, Άννα!
English: Nice to meet you, Anna!
4. Numbers, Days, and Time Words
Numbers 1–10
- ένα – one
- δύο – two
- τρία – three
- τέσσερα – four
- πέντε – five
- έξι – six
- επτά / εφτά – seven
- οκτώ – eight
- εννέα / εννιά – nine
- δέκα – ten
Days of the Week
- Δευτέρα – Monday
- Τρίτη – Tuesday
- Τετάρτη – Wednesday
- Πέμπτη – Thursday
- Παρασκευή – Friday
- Σάββατο – Saturday
- Κυριακή – Sunday
Common Time Words
- σήμερα – today
- αύριο – tomorrow
- χθες – yesterday
- τώρα – now
- αργότερα – later
- νωρίς – early
- αργά – late
Example sentence:
Greek: Ραντεβού στις πέντε αύριο.
English: Meeting at five tomorrow.
5. Everyday Survival Phrases
Asking for Help
- Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; – Can you help me?
- Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; – Where is the toilet?
- Πού είναι το μετρό; – Where is the metro?
- Χάθηκα – I am lost
- Μιλάτε αγγλικά; – Do you speak English?
In a Shop or Restaurant
- Θα ήθελα … – I would like …
- Πόσο κάνει; – How much is it?
- Ο λογαριασμός, παρακαλώ – The bill, please
- Νερό, παρακαλώ – Water, please
- Καφές – coffee
- Μπύρα – beer
- Ψωμί – bread
Example order:
Greek: Θέλω έναν καφέ και ένα νερό, παρακαλώ.
English: I want a coffee and a water, please.
6. Yes, No, and Simple Reactions
Agreeing and Disagreeing
- Ναι – Yes
- Όχι – No
- Ίσως – Maybe
- Εντάξει – OK / All right
- Πολύ καλό – Very good
- Δεν ξέρω – I don’t know
Example reactions:
Greek: Θέλεις καφέ;
English: Do you want coffee?
Greek: Ναι, ευχαριστώ!
English: Yes, thank you!
Greek: Όχι, εντάξει.
English: No, it’s OK.
7. Essential Travel and Direction Words
Key Nouns
- δρόμος – road / street
- στάση – stop (bus stop)
- πλατεία – square (town square)
- ξενοδοχείο – hotel
- εστιατόριο – restaurant
- φαρμακείο – pharmacy
- νοσοκομείο – hospital
Direction Phrases
- Πού είναι …; – Where is …?
- Είναι κοντά; – Is it near?
- Είναι μακριά; – Is it far?
- δεξιά – right
- αριστερά – left
- ευθεία – straight ahead
Example question:
Greek: Συγγνώμη, πού είναι η στάση του λεωφορείου;
English: Excuse me, where is the bus stop?
8. Helpful Adjectives and Everyday Nouns
Common Adjectives
- μεγάλος / μεγάλη – big (masculine / feminine)
- μικρός / μικρή – small
- ωραίος / ωραία – nice / beautiful
- φθηνός / φθηνή – cheap
- ακριβός / ακριβή – expensive
- καλός / καλή – good
- κακός / κακή – bad
Useful Everyday Nouns
- σπίτι – house / home
- δωμάτιο – room
- φίλος / φίλη – friend (male / female)
- τηλέφωνο – telephone / phone
- λεφτά – money
- εισιτήριο – ticket
Example sentences:
Greek: Είναι πολύ ωραίο σπίτι.
English: It is a very nice house.
Greek: Το εισιτήριο είναι ακριβό.
English: The ticket is expensive.
9. Short Practice Tips
To remember these essential Greek words and phrases:
- Repeat aloud – Say each phrase several times: for example, "Ευχαριστώ", "Παρακαλώ".
- Use in real situations – Order a drink with Greek: "Θα ήθελα έναν καφέ".
- Make mini-dialogues – Combine phrases: "Γεια σου, με λένε … Χάρηκα!"
- Focus on high-frequency words – Practice greetings, numbers, and survival phrases every day.
With these essential Greek vocabulary items and phrases, you can greet people, introduce yourself, ask for help, and manage basic daily situations. As you continue, add more words step by step and keep practicing with short, simple sentences.
