How to Speak Tourist Greek

Nothing makes your travels easier than knowing a few words in the local language. In Greece, even a few words will warm your welcome and may even inspire a lasting friendship.

Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 20 minutes

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Here's How:

2. Greece greets differently depending on the time of day. In the morning, say kalimera - kah-lee-MARE-ah - and in the afternoon, say kalomesimeri - kah-lo-messy-mary-
3. Say it three times right now. Very good!
4. In the evening, say kalispera - kah-lee-spare-ah
5. Say it three times! Very good!
6. To say good night, say kalinikta - kah-lee-neek-tah.
7. You can also just say "Hello" anytime - yia sas or yiassou or giasou - yah-soo - this can also be said in parting, or as a toast.
8. Need something? Remember to say "Please!" - parakaló - par-ah-kah-LO.
9. Parakaló can also be used to say "Huh?" - as a shortened version of "Please repeat that!"
10. And always say "Thank you!" - efkharistó- eff-car-ee-STOH. Having trouble? Say "If car I stole" and drop the l.
11. Right is deksiá say it decks-yah.
12. And left is aristerá - ar-ee-stare-ah - .
13. A general affirmative is entáksi en-tohk-see - right, okay, uh-huh.
14. Now it's time to say goodbye! Antío sas! An-tyoh sahs!
    

Tips:

2. Don't confuse "yes" and "no". Yes is né - which sounds like "no" or "nah" to English speakers. No is ókhi - which sounds like "okay" to English speakers.
3. Think you're really mangling your Greek pronunciation? Smile wider - this will completely compensate for any mistakes you may make.
4. Avoid relying on your understanding of spoken directions. Get a good map to use as a visual aid when you ask - but make sure your informant knows where you are to start.
   

Related Features:

• Saying Hello To Greece - In Greek
• The ABCs of Greek - Literally
• Greek Language and Literature
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