How are you in Greek? Dictionary of Ancient Greek Culture

Russian-Greek phrasebook: how to communicate in an unfamiliar country. Popular phrases and expressions for travelers.

• Tours for May to Greece
• Last minute tours to Greece

On Greek(Modern Greek: ελληνική γλώσσα) today spoken by 10 million people in Greece and about 82% of the population of Cyprus. It is one of the oldest Indo-European languages ​​and one of the oldest written languages ​​in the world. A wealth of literature was created in the Greek language at all stages of its existence.

In modern Greece, the literary language exists in two versions: Kafarevusa (καθαρεύουσα) - a language that follows ancient Greek writing standards, but with modern pronunciation, and Dimotika (δημοτική) - a form of language close to colloquial. The official version of Greek is Dimotika (since 1976)

Greetings, general expressions
Hello, hello, hello	Yasas, yasu, I
Good morning	Kalimera
Good evening	Kalispera
Goodbye	Yasu
Cheers!	Steen igiya su!
How are you?	Ti canis?
Do you dance?	Yesis you are sad?
No I don't dance	Ohi, den khorevo
Thank you	Efkharisto
Please (request)	Parakalo
Sorry	Signomi
What is your name?	Me lene?
My name is...	To onoma mu ine...
I don't speak Greek	De milao elinika
Yes OK	Ne, endaxy
No	Oh and
How much does a city tour cost?	Poso kani yiros thousand polis?
Is there a guide who speaks Russian?	Iparchi xenagos, pu milai desicas?
I'm a foreigner and don't know the city. Could you help me find...?	Ime xenos ke den kzero tyn boli. Ta borusate na me voitysete na vro...?
I'm lost. Help me please	Khatyka. Voityste me, parakalo.
Please show me the place where I am now on the city plan	Dexte mu, parakalo, one hundred chedyagrama thousand polis to meros pu vriskome tora
Let me pass	Epitrepste mu na peraso
For the good of the cause
What do you say it's called? Metaxa?	Pos ipate legete afto? Metaxa?
Pour me some more! And take a couple of bottles with you	Vale ke alo, ke dose mazi mu dio bukalya!
No, I'm feeling fine and yes, I'm sure I want to take a dip in the fountain.	Ohi, kala ime, ne, ke ime siguros oti felo na kano banio sto sindrevani
How to get to the nearest pharmacy?	Pu ehi farmakio edo konda?
Are you sure this is a fur coat made from a real Arctic fox?	Iste siguri oti afti i guna ine apo tis polikis alepus?
You say I look like The Snow Queen? I'll take it, honey	Yesis lete oti me afti i guna ime san vasilisa tu pagu? Tin pernod, agapitos
Kiss Me	Filise me
You are as beautiful as a Greek god	Ise omorphos san ellinikos feos
My baby	Moro mu
Where are you from?	Apo pu ise?
I'm from Russia	Ime apo teen Russia
Where do you live?	Pu menis?
Are you married?	Isa pandremeni?
You are married?	Ise pandremenos?
Do you have children?	Ehis faggot?
How many children do you have?	Posa pedya ehis?
I	His
You	Esi
We	Amis
You	Esis
He	Aftos
She	Afti
Man	Andras
Woman	Gineka
Boy	Agori
Girl	Koritsi
Child	Pedi
Grandmother	I-I
Grandfather	Papus
Sorry	Signomi/me synhorite
A lot of	Poly
Few	Ligo
Big	Megalo
Small	Micro
What it is?	Ti ine afto?
Who is this?	Pkos ine aftos?
Where is it?	Pu ine?
When?	Sweat?
What is the price?	Posa stihizi?
I want to eat	Pinao
I'm thirsty	Dipsao
I don't speak Greek	Dae milo elinika
How are you?	Are you kan/is/-ete/?
OK, thank you	Kala, efkharisto
Thank you, I don't want to	Efkharisto, de/n/body
I have to ask you	Echo na sas kano mya paraklisi
Help me please	Voitiste me, parakalo
Have a nice holiday!	Kali xekurasi/anapafsi!
Bon appetit!	Kali orexy!
Do you dance?	Horevete?
Where are you from?	Apo pu irtate?
I came from-	Irta apo
Moscow	You are mosha
Saint Petersburg	Agia Petroupoli
Numbers and numbers
One	Ena
Two	Dio
Three	Tria
Four	Tessera
Five	Pende
Six	Exy
Seven	Epta
Eight	Octo
Nine	Ennia
Ten	Deka
Twenty	Ikosi
Twenty one	Ikosi ena
Twenty two	Ikosi dio (etc.)
Thirty	Trianda
Fourty	Saranda
Fifty	Peninda
Sixty	Exinda
Seventy	Evdominda
Eighty	Ogdonda
Ninety	Eneninda
One hundred	Ekato
Airport
What is my baggage excess?	Ya poso ipervenun se varos i aposkaves mu?
How much should I pay for excess baggage?	Poso prepi na plyroso ya kate eilo parapano?
I was not greeted. Is it possible to announce on the radio that I am waiting under the arrivals board? My last name...	Dan me ehun sinandysi. Borite na anakinosete hundred radio, oty perimeno kato apo tone binaka afixis? That epithet is mu ine...
I don't find my suitcase. Where can I contact about missing luggage?	Dan boro na vro tyn valica mu. Pu boro na dyloso ya thousand hamenes aposkaves?
Transport
Where is the bus stop going into the city?	Pu ine and stasi tu leoforiu, pu drink stin pain?
This place is free?	Ine elevtero afto katizma?
Where can I buy tickets for the ship?	Pu boro na agoraso isitirya am I then vapori?
How much does an hour of parking cost?	Poso kani mya ora thousand stasis?
In the cafe
Where can you eat here?	Edo pu ta borusa na tsimbiso?
Please bring the bill	Ferte to logariasmo, parakalo
	Efkharisto ya tyn peripisi
Bon appetit	Kali orexi
Do you have a menu in Russian?	Ekhete ena catalogo hundred dew?
What is your signature dish?	Are you special ehete?
Can I order something else?	Boro na parangilo typota alo?
I had a very good rest!	Xekurastica poly kala!
Table	Trapesi
Breakfast	Proevma, proino
Dinner	Euma
Dinner	Deepneau
Menu	Maine
Cheese	Tyri
Sausage	Salami
Ham	Bacon
Olives	Eleyes
Shrimps	Garides
Squid	Kalamarakya
Soup	soup
Bean soup	Fasolada
Meat	Kraas
Fish	Hounds
Fruits	Fruta
Ice cream	Pagoto
Water	Nero
Coffee with milk	Cafes me gala
Wine	Beautiful
White wine	Aspro/lefko/krasi
Red wine	Kokino beauty
Dry wine	Xero beauty
Sweet wine	Gliko paint
Semi-sweet wine	Imigliko paint
Whiskey	Whiskey
Beer	Bira
Where can I wash my hands?	Pu boro na plino ta herya mu?
Bon appetit	Kali orexy
Waiter, please...	Garson, paracalo
Some more bread	Ligo Psomi Akoma
Fork	Ena piruni
spoon	Ena wrapped up
Sugar	Zakhar
Ashtray	Tasaki
A pack of cigarettes	Ena packeto cigaro
Delicious	Poly nostymo
In the shop
What is the price?	Poso kani?
I want to buy souvenirs	Telo on agoraso merica souvenir
Too expensive	Ine poly acrivo
I need to exchange dollars to EUR	Chreasome na halaso dolarya ya euro
How much do I owe you?	Posa sas filo?
I want to buy gifts	Telo na agoraso merica dora
Can I use this amount to get tax free for tourists?	Boro na kano touristyko tex fri apafto to poso?
Shop	Kataistima, shops
Gift, souvenir	Doro, souvenir
Cash register	Tamio
Price	Timi
Size	Numero
Height	Megetos
Color	Chroma
Can you recommend me-?	Borite na mu ipodikset-?
For woman/girl	I am gyneka/koritzi
For man/boy	I am Andhra/Aghori
You can try it on	Boro na dokimaso
Is there anything better?	Ekhete tipota kalitero?
Is there anything cheaper?	Iparhi typote ftynotero?
In a hotel
May I call?	Boro na tylefoniso?
	E hete domatyo me ercondysion?
Hello! I booked a room in advance. My last name...	Harete! Angazarisa ena domatyo apo prin. That's the epithet mu ine... That's the devil.
Can I use the safe?	Boro na hrisimopiiso to hrimatokivotyo?
Hotel	Xenodochio
Housemaid	Camariera
Baggage	Aposkeves
Single Room	Monoclino domatio
Double Room	Diclino domatio
Key	Clydia
Hot/cold/water	Zesto/cryo/nero
Towel	Patsata
Where is the hotel?	Pu vriskete to xenodohio?
How much does a room cost per night?	Poso styhizi to domatyo tyn mera?
Do you have air conditioned room?	Ekhete domatyo me ercondyción?
Can you give me a room on another floor?	Borite na mu dosete ena domatyo with alo orofo?
Please give me the key	Doste mu, parakalo, then klidi
May I call?	Boro na tylefoniso?
Please change the bed linen	Parakalo, alakste ta asprorukha
I'm leaving (we're leaving)	Fevgo(fevgume)
Thanks for the good service	Efkharisto ya tyn peripiisi
In the museum
What time does the museum open?	Pote anigi to mushio?
What exhibitions are currently open in the city?	Are you ectesis liturgun tora stin of pain?
Do you have a guide who speaks Russian?	Ekhete kanena kanena xenago pu milai rosika?
Can I invite a translator?	Borite na fonaxete tone metaphrasty?
How much is admission?	Poso kani ena isityryo?
Swearing in Greek
What a cunning one!	Ti eksipnos!
Stinky	Vromiari
Don't annoy me	Mi me ecneurisis
You have a fake fur coat	And guna su ine mufa
You smell like rotten feta	Yesi mirizis san vromiki feta
Dates and times
Monday	Deftera
Tuesday	Thrity
Wednesday	Tetarti
Thursday	Pempty
Friday	Paraskevi
Saturday	Savvato
Sunday	Kyriaki
Tonight	Apopse
Tomorrow	Avrio
Tomorrow night	Avrio then for the sake of
Today	Simera
Tourism
Rest	Anapavsi xekurasi
Tourism	Turizmos
Vacation	Adya
Holidays	Diakopes
Day off	Argy, repo
Automobile	Aftokinito
Airplane	Aeroplano
Tourist Office	Turistico Grafio
Guide, tour guide	Xenagos
Excursion	Ekdromi
City Tour	Iiros tis polis
Sea	Talas
Island	Nishi
Beach	Amudya
Mountains	Vuna
I like to travel	Mu aresi on taxidevo
Tomorrow we are going on an excursion	Avrio pame ekdromi
I liked the excursion to the monasteries	And ekdromi hundred monasteries mu arese
I really like the Aegean Sea	Mu aresi poli to Egeo
What is the water temperature?	Ti thermokrasia ehi to nero?
How much does it cost per hour?	Poso styhizi afto tyn ora
How many kilometers from here to Thessaloniki	Posa chilometra ine apo do Thessaloniki
Speech irregularities
Democracy, republic	Democracy
Affirmative yes	Wai
Table	meal
Sound	Background

When the suitcases are already packed, but there is still a little time left before departure to Greece, experienced travelers try to use this opportunity to memorize a few phrases in Greek, because knowing how to say “hello”, “please” and “thank you” is always a good gesture, when traveling to any country in the world, and even more so to Greece, where the population is so jealous of its thousands of years of history.

We have put together a short guide for tourists - a dictionary of the most common Greek words, phrases and gestures that will be useful to you at the airport, hotel, store, tavern, cafe and in any, even the most unexpected situations!
And, perhaps, studying it will be the first step for a deeper acquaintance with this beautiful ancient, but still ageless language.

Words and phrases for communication

Sounds

To begin with, it is worth paying attention to certain, but at the same time very significant, subtleties of the pronunciation of certain sounds in Greek words, which should be paid special attention to.
So, great value in Greek has an accent that, if used incorrectly, can radically change the meaning of not only one word, but also an entire phrase.

For example: word " pote" is translated as "when", and " pote" means "never". Asking: " Pote anachori to leoforio?”, you will find out “When the bus leaves”, and by telling your interlocutor that “ Pote anachori to leoforio”, will cause him terrible bewilderment as to why this “bus will never leave.”

You should also not be surprised when you see the accent mark placed twice in some words. For example, " Pu ine to isitirio sas?" - "Where is your ticket?" This is exactly how it should be pronounced, with two accents.

1. It is also worth noting that important in Greek there is a strict emphasis on the sound “ "O"", which should be pronounced clearly, without under any circumstances confusing it in the Moscow manner with " A».

2. Sound " G" in most words is pronounced softer and more muffled, closer to the Little Russian dialect, and " l"almost never sounds firm - always closer to " "l"».

3. Vowels " "e"" And " "And""only after this very thing" "l"" are read softly, as in Russian, but generally they are pronounced more firmly, closer to " "uh"" And " "s"».

We will not discuss here the pronunciation of sounds that have no analogues in the Russian language; we will simply replace them in our transcriptions with the closest suitable analogues.
I assure you that the Greeks will understand you in this case, and for some this may become an additional motivation for more deep study Greek phonetics.

Let's start with the numbers

Numerals occupy an important place not only in the theory of any language, but also in practice Everyday life every people.

In Greek, a special role is assigned to the unit, which is used as indefinite article and is divided by gender.

So, " Enas Kyrios mu ipe…" - "One gentleman told me...", but at the same time " Miya Kiriya..." - "One lady..." and " Ena padi..." - "One child ...". In addition to 1, 3 and 4 are also divided into genders.

0 - Miden
1 - Enas, Miya, Ena
2 - Dio
3 - Tria, Tris
4 - Tessera, Tesseris
5 - Pengde
6 - Exy
7 - Efta
8 - Ohto
9 - Enneya
10 - Deka
11 - Endeka
12 - Dodeka
13 - Decatria, Decatris
14 - Dekatessera, Dekatesseris
15 - Dekapende
16 - Dekaeksi
17 - Dekaefta
18 - Dekaohto
19 - Dekaenneya
20 - Ikosi
21 - Ikosienas, Ikosimia, Ikosiena
22 - Icosidio
23 - Ikositria, Ikositris
30 - Trianda
40 - Saranda
50 - Paninda
60 - Exinda
70 - Efdominda
80 - Okhdonda
90 - Eneninda

Words related to numbers and quantity

Number - Numero
Number - Aritmos
How much - Poso
So much - Toso
Quantity – Poso, Posotita
One kilogram - Ena kilo
Two kilograms - Dio kila
Half - Misos, Misi, Miso
Half a kilo - Misokilo
One and a half kilograms - Enamisi kila
Malo - Ligo
A lot - Poly
Smaller - Pieligo
More - Piyopoli
Smaller (th/y/ee) (by number) - Ligoteros, Ligoteri, Ligotero
Large (th/ee/ee) (by quantity) - Perissoteros, Perissoteri, Perissotero
Small (size) - Mikros, Mikri, Micro

Large (size) - Megalos, Megali, Megalo

Calendar and time

Year - Chronos, Ethos
Season - Epochs
Summer – Kalokeri
Autumn – Ftinoporo
Winter – Himonas
Spring – Anixi
Month - Minas
Week - Evdomada
Monday – Deftera
Tuesday – Triti
Wednesday – Tetarti
Thursday - Pampty
Friday – Paraskevi
Saturday – Savvato
Sunday – Kiryaki
Weekend – Savvatokirjako
Today, later - Apopse
Today - Simera
Tomorrow - Avrio
The day after tomorrow - Metavrio
Yesterday - Htes
The day before yesterday - Prokhtes
Now - Torah
Early - Noris
Late - Arga
Day - Mayor
Morning - Proi
Evening - Vradi
Night - Nykhta
Noon – Mesimeri
Midnight – Mesanichta
Hour - Ora
Minute - Lepto
Second - Defterolepto
Immediately, immediately - Amesos
Urgent - Sindoma
After about half an hour - Sho kanena misaoro
In a quarter of an hour - Se ena tetarto
In five minutes - Xie pende mite
Just a minute - Ena lepto
One moment - Mya stigma
Last year - Parisi
Next year - that time
What time is it - Ti ora ine
When does it open - Pote anigi
When does it close - Pote klini
When will it arrive - Pote ftani
When he leaves - Pote favgi

Greetings

Welcome - Kalos orisate! Kalos irfate!
Hello(those)/Goodbye(those) - Yyasu/Yasas
Hello/Bye - Ya
Bye (Adju) - Andio
Greetings to everyone - Kherete / Kheretizmus se olus
Hello - Ela / Legete / Ambros
Good morning - Kalimera sas/su! Kalimera!
Good afternoon (use in the afternoon) - Kalog apogevma
Good evening (upon meeting) - Kalispera!
Good evening (at parting) - Kalo for enmity!
Good night (farewell before bed) - Kalinichta!
How are you/you – Pos iste/ise
How are you - Ti kanete/kanis
OK, thank you! And how about you - Kala ime, efkharisto! Esis/Esi?
We haven’t met for a long time - Kero ekhume na ta pume / Kero echo na se do

Acquaintance

Your name is Pyo ine to onoma sas/su?
What is your name - Pos sas/se lene, Pos legeste/legese, Pos onomazeste/onomazese
My name is Me lene.../ Onomazome.../ Legome...
Where are you from - Apopu iste/ise, Apopu katageste/katagese
I am from Russia - Ime apotyn Rosiya, Katagome apotyn Rosiya
Nice to meet you - Harika ya tyn gnorimiya
I’m very glad - Hero poli

Wishes

All the best to you (you) - Nase/Naste kala!
Bon appetit - Kali oreksi!
Have a nice trip - Kalo taxidi!
Have a nice flight - Kali Ptysi
Good luck - Kali Tihi!
Healthy toasts - Styniya su/Styniya mas/Styniya sas
To your health - Ysygiyan!

Congratulations

Have a nice Christmas - Cala Christugenna!
Happy New Year - Eftichizmeno to neo etos / Kali hronya
Happy Easter - Kalo Paskha
Christ is risen - Christ anesti
He is risen indeed - Aliftos anesti
Many years - Chronicle of Polla
Happy birthday - Harumena Genetlia
Congratulations – Sinharitiria

Politeness

Forgive me - Me singhoris/synchorite
Sorry - Signomi
I'm sorry - Lipame
Please - Parakalo
Thank you - Efkharisto/Efkharisto Poli
Reply to gratitude - Parakalo

Appeals

Help - Voitya!
Fire - Fotya!
Stop (those) - Stamata/Stamatiste!
Call the police - Kaleste tin astynomiya!

Feelings

Friendship - Philia
Kiss - Fili
“Smack-smack” - Filakya
Love - Agapi
My regrets - Lipame
I missed you - Mu lipis
I love you/you - Saagapo/Sas agapo!

Family

I am Ego
You are Esi
We are Amis
You are Esis
He, this one - Aftos
She, this one - Afti
It, this is Afto
They, these - Afti/Afta
Man - Andras
Woman - Gineka
Boy - Agori
Girl - Cinnamon
Child - Padi
Grandmother - Yaya
Grandfather - Papus
Are you married - Iste pandremeni
Are you married - Iste pandramenos
Do you have children - Ekhete padya
How many children do you have - Posa padya ehete
Where do you live - Pu menete esis

Conversation

I understand - Catalavano
I don't understand - Dan Catalavano
I know - Xero
I don't know - Denkzero
I want - Felo
I don’t want to - Danfalo
I can - Boro
I can't - Danborough
Yes - Ne
No - Ohi
Everyone - Olya
Everything - Ola
Nothing - Typota
Good - Kalos/Kali/Kalo
Bad (oh/th/oh) - Kakos/Kaki/Kako
Okay - Kala
Bad - Askima
Good/Order – Endaxy
Everything is fine - Ola Endaxy
Everything is fine - Ola kala
Possibly - Isos
Maybe (in the question) - Mypos
Do you have - Mipos ehete
Please speak more slowly Parakalo milas/milate pyo arga
Say it again - Borite na epanalavete
Speak Russian Milate Rosika
Speak English - Milas/Milate aglika
Yes, a little - Ne, ligaki
As they say in Greek - Pos legete hundred hellenika

Words and phrases by topic

Tourism, recreation

Rest – Ksekurasi, Anapavsi
Tourism – Turizmos
Moscow — Moskha
St. Petersburg - Agia Petroupoli
Athena - Athena
Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki
Crete - Kriti
Vacation - Adya
Vacations – Djakopes
Non-working day – Argia
Car – Aftokinito
Airplane - Aeroplano
Tourist office – Turistico grafio
Tourist police – Tourists astynomiya
Guide, tour guide - Xenagos
Excursion – Ekdromi
City tour – Periigisi polis/Yiros tys polis
Mountain, to the mountains - Vuno, hundred vuna
I love to travel - Mu aresi on taxi devo
Tomorrow we are going on an excursion - Avrio pame ekdromi
I liked the excursion to the monasteries - And the ecdromist of the monastery of mu arese
I really like Greece - And Hellas mu aresi parapoli

In an Aeroport

I need to exchange dollars for euros - Hriazome for halaso dolarya and euros
Help - Plyrophories
VAT refund – Epistrophy Phi Pi A
I lost my ticket/passport - Ehasa to isytyrio/dyavatyrio
I was late for my flight - Echo argisi ya tyn ptysi mu
What is my excess luggage - Poso ipervaros aposkevon echo
How much should I pay extra - Poso prepi na plyroso epipleon
I need a declaration form - Hriyazome ena endipo dylosis
I only have personal things - Echo mono prosopika mu andikimena
Group meeting place - Topos sinandysis
I want to report missing luggage - Telo na dyloso tyn apolia aposkavon

In transport

Airport - Aerodromio
Train - Trano
Bus – Leoforio
Metro - Metro
Ship/Ferry – Plio
Arrival – Afiksi
Departure – Anachorisi
Adult – Enylikos
Children's - Pedikos
Ticket – Isytyrio
One ticket please - Ena isytyrio, parakalo
Metro/train station - Statmos tu metro\train
Bus stop - Stasi tou leoforou
Where is this bus going - Pu pai afto leoforio?
Where are you going - Pu pate esis?
Where is the stop for the bus going to the city - Pu ine i stasi tu leoforou, pro tyn poli?
This place is taken - Afti i tesi ine pjazmeni?
Where can I buy tickets for the ship - Pu boro na agoraso isytyriya ya to plio?
Bile (y/you) there and back - That isytyrio / That isytyriya metepistrofis
Departure no earlier – Anachorisy ohi noritera
Return no later than - Epistrophy to Argotero

In the city

City - Poli
Hotel – Xenodokhio
Shop – Katastyma, shop
Kiosk-Periptero
A pack of cigarettes - Ena paketo cigaro
Market, bazaar - Agora, pazari
Post office - Tahidromio
Bank - Meal
Pharmacy – Pharmakio
Restaurant – Estyatorio
Tavern - Tavern
Cafe – Cafeteria
Church – Eklisyya
Museum – Musio
Area -Platyya
Center - Kentro
Street - Odos
Road - Dromos
Avenue - Leoforos
Parking – Parkin
Police – Astynomiya
To the left - Aristera
To the right - Dexya
Straight - Eftya
Far away - Makryya
Close - Konda
Here is Edo
There - Eki
Map - Hartis
Where... Puine...
Where is - Pu vriskete
Where is the hotel - Pu vriskete to xenodokhio?
I'm lost - Khatyka
Can you help me - Borite na mu voitysete?
Police station - Astynomico tmima
How much does an hour of parking cost - Poso kani mya ora statmefsis?
How far is it from here to the city center - Poso makrya apo do mehri to kentro thousand polis?

In a hotel

Reception - Reception
Passport – Dyavatyrio
Luggage – Aposkeves
Suitcase – Valica
Key - Klidi
Breakfast – Proino
Lunch – Mesimariano
Dinner - Vradyno
Hot/cold water – Zesto/cryo nero
Towel – Petsata
Bedsheet - Sedoni
Pillow – Maxilari
Salon, living room – Saloni
Maid - Camarera
Staircase - Rock
Corridor - Dyadromos
Floor – Orophos/Patoma
Ground floor - Isoyo
Second floor – Protos orophos
Room, room — Domatyo
Single room – Monoclino Domato
Double room – Diklino domatyo
Door - Porta
Window – Parafiro
Balcony – Balconies
Bathroom – Banio
Toilet paper – Harti iyas
Air conditioning – Erkondysjön
Account - Logaryazmos
Where is Pu ine?
Where can I get Pu boro na paro?
Who is there - Pyos ine?
Here's my passport - That's why
My last name is To epifeto mu ine
Can I call Boro on telephoniso?
Do you have a room with air conditioning - Ekhete domatyo me erkondysyon?
Can I use the safe - Boro na hrisimopiiso to hrimatokivotyo?
How much does a room cost per night - Poso kani to domatyo ana imera?
I would like a room on another floor - Ta ifela ena domatyo s alo orofo?
Please give me the key - Doste mu to klidi, parakalo
Please change the bed linen - Alakste ta sedonya, parakalo
I'm leaving (we're leaving) - Favgo (favgume)
Thank you for the good service - Efkharisto ya tyn peripisi
I had a very good rest - Xekurastica poly kala!

On the beach

Sea - Talas
Island - Nishi
Beach - Paralia
What is the water temperature - Ti thermokrasiya ehi to nero?
How much does it cost per hour - Poso kostyzi ana ora

In the cafe

Water - Nero
Cool drink - Anapsiktiko
Mineral water – Metaliko nero
Soda water - Soda
Ice cream – Pagoto
Juice - Himos
Orange – Portocali
Apricot - Verikoko
Peach – Rodakino
Cherry — Vishino
Vinogradny – Stafili
Coffee – Cafes
Sweet - Gliko
Middle -Matrio
A little sweet - Me Ligi Zachary
No sugar - Sketo
With milk - Me gala
Greek coffee – Ellinikos cafe
Instant coffee - Nescafe
Cold instant coffee - Frape
Tea - Tsai
Sugar - Zachary
With lemon - Me lemony
Chocolate drink – Sokolata
Beer – Bira
Wine - Beautiful
White - Aspro (Levko)
Red — Kokino
Pink - Rosé
Dry – Xiro
Sweet – Gliko
Semi-sweet – Imigliko
There are smoking areas here - Iparhi khoros ya kapnistes
Where is the toilet room - Puine and toilet / Puine to banio
Waiter, please - Garson, parakalo
Fork - Ena piruni
Spoon - Ena wrapped
Plate - Ena pyato
Ashtray - Tasaki

In the tavern

Breakfast – Proino
Lunch - Gevma
Dinner – Dypno
Waiter - Servitoros
Table - Trapesi
Chair – Karekla
Menu – Catalogos
Portia - Merida
Plate - Pyato
Spoon – Kutali
Fork – Piruni
Knife - Maheri
Glass - Potiri
Napkin – Hartopetseta
Scrambled eggs - Omelette
Sausage – Salami
Ham – Zabon
Mushrooms – Manitarya
Cheese - Tiri
Olives - Elies
Greek salad – Khoryatyki
Tomato and cucumber salad - Angurodomatosalata
Eggplant salad – Melizanosalata
Cucumbers with garlic and yogurt – Dzadzyki
Spicy salad (cabbage, carrots) – Pikandiki
Beetroot salad – Pazzarosalata
Cheese and hot pepper salad – Tirokafteri
Cauliflower - Kunupidi
Brussels sprouts - Brocola
Soup - Supa
Bean soup - Fasolada
Meat - Kraas
Beef – Vodino
Veal – Mosharisyo
Lamb - Arnisjo
Pork – Hirino
Kebab - Souvlaki
Lula kebab - Suzukakya
Sausages – Lukanika
Cutlets – Biftekya
Meatballs – Keftedes
Potatoes - Patates
Vegetables – Lahanika
Roast - Psito
Ribs (lamb, pork) – Paidakya (arnisya, hirina)
Chicken – Kotopoulo
Fish Psari
Fried fish – Tiganito psari
Boiled – Vrasto
Smoked – Kapnisto
Fish on coals - Dogs of a hundred karvuna
Seafood – Talasina
Crabs – Kavurya
Shrimp – Garides
Squids – Kalamarya
Oysters – Stridya
Omar - Astakos
Octopuses – Htapodhya
Mussels - Midya
Dessert – Glika
Fruits – Fruta
Wine - Beautiful
Wine on tap – Khima Krasi
Wine made from pine resin - Retsina
Anise vodka - Ouzo
Moonshine - Tsypuro
You can have a snack here - Boro na tsimbiso edo?
Where can I wash my hands - Pu boro na plino ta herya mu?
Do you have a menu in Russian - Mipos ehete ena katalogo hundred rosika?
What is your signature dish - Are you special?
What do you have for vegetarians - Ti ehete ya hortophagus?
Can I order... (something else) - Boro na parangilo (typota alo)?
Bon appetit - Kali oreksi
A little more bread - Ligo psomi akoma
Enough - Ftani/Okhi alo
Very tasty - Polinostymo
Please bring the bill - Ferte ton logariazmo, parakalo
This gentleman/lady will pay for everything - O kyrios/And kyria ta plirosi yaola
Thank you for the good service - Efkharisto ya tyn peripisi

Night club

Vodka - Votka
Whiskey - Whiskey
With ice - Mae Pago
Tonic - Tonic
Brandy - Brandy
Cognac - Cognac
Champagne - Sambanha
Liqueur - Liqueur
Do you want to dance with me - Felis na horepsis mazy mu?
Do you often come here - Erheste/Erkhese sihna edo?
Leave/leave me alone - Afiste\Afise me isikho! (or hesihi if it’s a woman speaking)

Purchases

Closed - Klysta
Open - Anichta
Gift, souvenir – Doro, souvenir
Cash desk - Tamio
Price – Timi
Size - Number
Growth - Magethos
Color – Chroma
Check - Apodyksi
Money – Lefta, hrimata
Clothing – Disima
Coat - Coat
Cloak - Adyavrokho
Suit – Suit
Pants – Pandeloni
Jacket – Sakaki
Jacket – Bufan
Shirt - Pukamiso
Dress – Forema
Blouse – Blouse
Skirt – Fusta
Underwear – Esoruh
Swimsuit – Mayo
Robe - Bournuzi
Shoes – Paputsya
Sandals – Padila
Slippers – Pandofles
Bag – Tsanda
Belt – Zoni
Expensive – Akrivo
Cheap – Ftyno
I need - Felo
Do you have - Mipos ehete
How much does it cost - Poso kani
How much does it cost - Poso kani afto
I want to buy souvenirs/gifts – Telo na agoraso merica anamnistyka/souvenir/dorakya
It's too expensive - Ine poli akrivo
How much do I owe you - Poso sa crostao?
Can I use this amount to arrange a tax-free for tourists - Boro na kano touristsko tax-free apafto to poso
Can you recommend to me - Borite na mu ipodikset
For a woman/girl – Yya gineka/koritsy
For a man/boy - Yya andra/agori
You can try it on - Boro na dokimaso
Is there something better - Ekhete typota kalitero
Is there something cheaper - Iparhi kati ftynotero
I'll buy it - Fa to agoraso

Museums and excursions

What time does the museum open - Pote anigi to mushio?
What exhibitions are currently open in the city - Are you ektesis liturgun torah styn poly?
Do you have a guide who speaks Russian - Ekhete kanena xenago na milai rosika?
How much does the entrance ticket cost - Poso kani ena isytyrio?
Photography is allowed here - Epitrapete and lipsi fotografion edo?

In the hospital

Hospital - Nosokomyo
Doctor - Yatros
Nurse - Nosokoma
First aid - Protes Voites
Ambulance – Astenoforo
Arrosti's disease - Asthenia
Treatment - Therapy
Medicine – Pharmaco
Rana - Plig
Trauma - Trauma
Analysis – Eksetasi
X-ray - Actinography
Temperature - Piratos
Pain - Diarrhea
Headache - Ponocephalos
Dizziness – Zalada
Insomnia - Aipnya
Drowsiness – Nista/Ipnylia
Cough - Vihas
Runny nose Sinahi/Katarroi
Heartburn – Kaura
Nausea - Tasi I am this
Vomiting - Emetos
Seasickness – Naftya
Shortness of breath - Dyspnia
Chills - Rigi
Bleeding - Emorraia
Low blood pressure - Hypotasis
High blood pressure - Ipertasi
Diarrhea - Diarria
Constipation - Disability
Allergy - Allergy
Cold – Cryologima
Sunstroke - Iliasi
Burn - Engauma
Inflammation - Phlegmon
Rash - Exanthyma
Tumor - Ongos
Swelling - Priximo
Dislocation - Exartrosi
Stretching - Strambuligma
Fracture – Katagma
Get well soon - Perastika!

Gestures

Greek body language is the topic of a separate large article, or even a serious scientific study, because it can be said without exaggeration that the Greeks are the champions of gestures throughout the Mediterranean.
And not at all because they gesticulate more than the Italians or, say, the French, but due to the fact that here, on the border of Europe and Asia, traditions and customs are mixed together different cultures, and the 400-year Turkish yoke, when silence was truly “golden,” taught the Greeks to speak without words - with subtle movements of the eyebrows, lips, eyes, subtle tilts of the head and crossing of the fingers.

That is why, here, non-verbal signs used in ordinary conversation often tell much more and more truthfully than spoken words and phrases, and sometimes they can mean something directly opposite to what was said.
The bodies, faces, and hands of the Greeks rarely remain motionless during a conversation, and anyone who knows this symbolism well enough, observing them from a sufficiently large distance, will be able to understand the essence of the conversation without even hearing the words.

Ordinary tourists are unlikely to have to deal with this in full, but still, it won’t hurt to remember a few gestures in order to better understand what is being said, even without knowing the Greek language.

In addition, this will allow you to avoid awkward situations of using seemingly harmless gestures, which can turn out to be quite rude in the Greek understanding of decency, and cause an unwitting insult to your interlocutor.

Personal space

One of the most important non-verbal signs in the culture of any nation is maintaining personal distance.

This is especially easy to appreciate by looking at a regular queue somewhere in Japan, the USA or, for example, Russia. The Greeks in this table are probably closest to us. For them, the personal distance is quite short: handshakes, hugs, kisses when meeting and parting, patting and touching the interlocutor during a conversation are commonplace here.

Eye contact

Looking openly and interestedly into the eyes of your interlocutor is also taken for granted here, while looking away and avoiding direct contact- lack of interest, a sign of secrecy and even deceit.
On the other hand, an extremely close gaze, from a very close distance, can be regarded as a challenge or even a threat.

Negative answer

Sometimes foreigners ask a Greek the same question several times, thinking that he does not understand them or does not want to answer at all. And he, in turn, is surprised at such persistence: after all, he has already answered them several times: “No! Why ask again and again?
Is it really not clear that raised eyes and slightly protruding, tightly compressed lips mean: “Actually, I don’t know!”
Simply raised eyebrows mean the usual “No!”, and partially or completely closed eyes mean a firm “No!”
When all this is accompanied by tilting the head back, it says: “No! Of course not!”, and if this is also accompanied by clicking of the tongue, then it says: “No! In no case!"
All this can be done either with a quick, barely noticeable movement, or with an emphatically slow movement to give what is shown a pronounced emphasis.

Yes

A head tilted down and slightly to the side means, in any case, “Yes!”

For additional emphasis, this movement can be performed deliberately slowly and accompanied by a slight closure of the eyes. And no repeated head shaking! As in the case of denial, all this is done once, and whoever was inattentive is to blame!

Gratitude

Following the gesture meaning “Yes!”, the right hand pressed to the heart shows an expression of gratitude, which is also accompanied by verbal confirmation during close contact.
If the object of gratitude is far away, then only one gesture is performed.

Doubt

Tightly compressed lips with the tips down and a rotation of the hand from side to side, reminiscent of screwing in a light bulb in its movement, means an expression of doubt about what was said or something indefinite: “Either this way or that!”

Invitation

A palm down and movements back and forth with bent fingers pressed together are sometimes perceived by foreigners as a gesture inviting them to take a few steps back. In reality, it means an invitation to come closer and join. By the way, if you turn your hand palm up, it will become completely identical to a similar well-known gesture: “Come to me!”

Listen

Lightly touching the lower lip with the index finger or patting it is often perceived as an invitation to remain silent, although it means the exact opposite: “Listen! I’ll tell you something!”
Together with the previous gesture, he invites you to come up and talk.

Misunderstanding

Similar to a common expression of denial, shaking the head from left to right, often accompanied by a palm turned from bottom to top with the thumb, index and middle fingers extended to the sides, invites the interlocutor to repeat or explain what was said, or the reason why it was said.
To add emphasis, this gesture can be enhanced by wide open eyes.

Impolite and vulgar gestures

As in other countries, in Greece there are harsh and vulgar gestures, which in certain situations are more expressive than any words. Moreover, some of them are visually similar to those widely used in other countries, completely harmless, and sometimes absolutely friendly, positive signs.
Therefore, it is worth mentioning them here in order to avoid them during your stay in Greece: after all, it is unlikely that anyone wants to leave an unfavorable impression of themselves.

Mutza

Sometimes foreigners, trying to demonstrate the number “5”, raise their hand up with their fingers spread towards the interlocutor. In Greece, such a gesture, reminiscent of throwing a ball into a basket and meaning an expression of complete contempt, is a serious insult.

Tourists can often see it on the roads, when not-so-polite drivers show what they think of each other, or during demonstrations on Constitution Square in the capital, when protesters express their opinions about the government. However, in this case, this is done impersonally, and what is seen does not at all mean that these people often use such a gesture in a personal conversation.

In general, of all the Greek gestures, for some reason this is the most mentioned, and many fables have been written about it. In fact, its history goes back to Byzantine, and perhaps even more ancient times, when the judge, in order to show general contempt for the convicted person, dipped his hand into a bowl of ashes, which he then smeared on the face of the guilty person.

Thumb

Used in many countries as a symbol of approval, in Greece this gesture is equivalent to raising the middle finger in the US and is quite offensive.

OK

Widespread in Lately, thanks to Hollywood cinema, a circle of thumb and index finger is also a very rude and offensive gesture, hinting at the homosexual inclinations of the interlocutor. In Greece, if you want to tell someone that you consent, you must say it out loud.

Index and little fingers

Some people, when taking pictures, often playfully cuckold each other. In Greece, such a sign, shown to the interlocutor, impartially informs the person that he is a “cuckold.”

Little finger

Funny video: watch how Greeks talk while constantly gesticulating:

A little about etiquette when communicating

When in Greece and interacting with its inhabitants, take a little time to show even the slightest attention to the lives of people, regardless of whether you know them.

For example, ask about their well-being - "chi kane te" - before asking for directions anywhere. This is important for creating a favorable attitude towards yourself and establishing good relationships in the future.

Feel free to be honest about yourself if you can. Greeks tend to share personal details of their lives and appreciate it when others do the same.

To get to know you better, they will likely ask you personal questions during a casual conversation.
In addition, Greeks are open-minded about everything that interests them, so don't be offended if you constantly find yourself the center of attention wherever you go.

The spoken word is valued in Greek culture just as much as the written word, and people must be true to what they say.
Greeks with whom you have developed close relationships may expect you to do them favors and be more loyal to them than others. If possible, do what they ask - they will probably do the same for you in return.

A few words in conclusion

Greek is one of the oldest languages ​​that has made an invaluable contribution to global culture.
Hearing and saying every day: politics, economics, democracy, Europe, theater, drama, history, physics, trauma..., as well as many other words, few of us think that they were once borrowed into other languages ​​from Greek and sounded thousands of years ago on the ground ancient Hellas exactly the same as they sound now.
After all, over the last twenty-five centuries, the Greek language has changed much less than, say, English over the last five, and the classical ancient Greek alphabet is the same one that is used today.

It must be said that the language and pronunciation of the Hellenes is not easy to learn and local residents, as a rule, do not expect that foreigners know anything in Greek, and even the level of proficiency English language here, at least in tourist areas, it is quite sufficient for communication. But, on the other hand, Russians have a huge advantage over the inhabitants of most European countries, because the Greek alphabet, to which the British, Germans, and French often give in, once upon a time, with the advent of Byzantine Orthodoxy in Rus', became the basis for the Slavic alphabet , so reading most street inscriptions and names in Greece after a little practice will not be difficult for you, believe me. And if you learn at least a few words and common phrases, no matter what level of knowledge you reach, the Greeks will enthusiastically appreciate your efforts, and your reward will be an increase in status from the usual “xenos” - stranger to the almost honorary “philos” - friend.

In the Greek phrasebook for tourists, we included only those words and expressions that do not require informative answers.
What’s the point of learning the question word “why?” if you can’t understand what they’re answering? Although we still left this word. What if you want to listen to Greek speech?

Our phrasebook is not for conversations and information, it is for establishing contact, for creating a pleasant mood for yourself and others. Others are neighbors at the hotel, the owner or hostess of the hotel, the receptionist, just nice people with whom you go to the beach at the same time.

IN Greek phrasebook for tourists We included words and phrases that we used ourselves. We enjoyed saying them. After all, asking “how much does it cost?” or saying “yes, that” when they show you souvenirs on the counter is much more pleasant than shaking your head and getting angry that you are not understood.

Local residents are always positive towards tourists and guests. Their income depends on us. But even they are trying to quickly get rid of the dull, arrogant tourist who turns his head with displeasure and rolls his eyes (Oh, God, how stupid these locals are! They can’t understand such a simple thing, after all, I’m pointing with my finger - here! This! No, damn it, does not understand!)

Such an aggressive demeanor is typical of insecure people who are not ready to understand that body language and a couple of pre-learned phrases open the doors of the heart of even a simple peasant woman selling melons in her field.

We have noticed more than once that all we have to do is say a few words, admire the nature around us, laugh with them, and some colorful old peasant woman with a cigarette in the corner of her mouth, stern from the wrinkles traced by the sun, breaks into a smile and takes out all her goods. She immediately offers to sip, take a bite, try, and in the end, like a grandmother before her granddaughter’s departure, she puts a couple of peaches, melon and oranges into her bag - they’ll come in handy!

Communication is a great thing. A couple of words + a smile creates a great mood for the whole day and a desire to do something nice. In response, we tried more than once to give something ours. It's nice, honestly. We recommend.

Greetings, Farewells, Introductions, Addresses

Consent, refusal, requests, gratitude, necessity

Language barrier, timing

The hotel is worth knowing simple words– key, luggage, suitcase, tomorrow, today. Especially the key. “The key, please) Thank you)” What’s easier? And in response, they may show you a landmark or recommend a map of an area that you did not notice.

Pick up a card, smack your lips and say “cafe” or “tavern”? And they will advise you on an excellent inexpensive place where the owners of the hotel like to visit themselves. Believe me, you will enjoy it: you will see the color and eat deliciously. Well, the Greeks know a lot about delicious food.

Pronouns and adverbs

Signs, names, warnings, institutions, organizations

Calling the police for help

Numbers are needed more for entertainment than for business benefit. It’s easier to write them down in a notebook or with a stick in the sand to copy them into a notebook. The store has a calculator and a display at the checkout. Let them be for general development.

The Greek language is beautiful. Many words are clear. Especially written ones. The kinship of the alphabets is felt. In addition, many letters have been known to us since school times in geometry, algebra and physics lessons.

This is a YouTube with the alphabet. You will learn the pronunciation of letters, remember the letters themselves. The convenient thing about language is that “as it is heard, so it is written.” By repeating the letters, you can read the simplest signs on the street. Sometimes it's necessary. One day we mixed up the shop for field road with a cafe. Happens.

Watch the lesson and read the Greek phrasebook for tourists.

Food, the names of the dishes require a separate story. More on this later.

The Greeks are very keen on languages. This is not so much a tribute to fashion as a necessity. 20% of the Greek economy comes from tourism, and another 20% from shipping: every Greek dad is sure that knowledge foreign languages- the key to a bright future for his child. As a result, in tourist places, knowledge of Greek words may not be useful to you at all. However, the Greeks really love and appreciate it when tourists try to speak Greek, at least a little. And in a rare tavern, the owner will not at least please you with dessert for this attempt.

Together with Anya, our Greek tutor, Grekoblog compiled a list of 30 words/phrases that seemed to us the most popular on the trip. To make it easier to perceive unfamiliar words, we have provided Russian and Latin transcriptions next to each phrase. The same letters that are not found in the Latin alphabet were left “as is”.

You also need to take into account that in the words of the Greek language great importance has an emphasis. Unlike the Russian language, the stress in Greek almost always falls on the last, penultimate or third syllable from the end of the word. To simplify, in Russian transcription we have highlighted stressed vowels in capital letters.

In Greek, stress is of great importance: it almost always falls on the last or penultimate syllable

Words of greeting:

1. Γειά σου (I am su) - hello, hello (literally translated “health to you”). This way you can say hello at any time of the day if you are on a first-name basis with your interlocutor. The form of politeness completely coincides with the Russian language. If you want to politely greet a stranger or an older person, we say:

Γειά Σας (I am sas) - hello.

The phrases Γειά σου and Γειά Σας can also be used to say goodbye. They will also come in handy if someone next to you sneezed: Γειά σου and Γειά Σας will mean in this case “Be healthy” or “Be healthy,” respectively.

2. Καλημέρα (kalimEra) - good morning. You can say hello this way until about 13.00, but the boundaries are blurred. For some, καλημέρα is relevant even before 15.00 - who woke up at what time :).

Καλησπέρα (kalispEra) - Good evening. Relevant, as a rule, after 16-17 hours.

You can say goodbye at night by wishing “good night” - Καληνύχτα (kalinIkhta).

3. Τι κάνεις/ κάνετε (ti kAnis/kAnete) – Literally these words of the Greek language are translated as “what are you doing/doing.” But in everyday life it means “how are you” (you/you). The following phrase can be used with the same meaning:

Πως είσαι/ είστε (pos Ise / pos Iste) - how are you/how are you doing.

You can answer the question “how are you” in different ways:

4. Μια χαρά (mya hara) or καλά (kalA), which means “good”;

Another option: πολύ καλά (polyI kala) - very good.

5. Έτσι κι έτσι (Etsy k’Etsy) – so-so.

Acquaintance:

You can find out the name of your interlocutor using the following phrases:

6. Πως σε λένε; (pos se lene) - what is your name?

Πως Σας λένε; (pos sas lene) – what is your name?

You can answer this like this:

Με λένε…… (me lene) - my name is (name)

After exchanging names it is customary to say:

7. Χαίρω πολύ (hero polyI) or χαίρομαι (hErome) – – glad to meet you.

The Greeks really appreciate it when a tourist at least tries to speak their language

Polite words:

8. Ευχαριστώ (eucharistO) - thank you;

9. Παρακαλώ (parakalO) - please;

10. Τίποτα (tipota) - nothing, for nothing;

11. Δεν πειράζει (zen pirAzi) [δen pirazi] – it’s okay;

12.Καλώς όρισες (kalOs Orises) – welcome (you);

Καλώς ορίσατε (kalos orIsate) – welcome (you);

13. Εντάξει (endAxi) – good, ok;

The words “yes” and “no” in Greek are different from the usual no, yes or si, etc. We are used to the fact that a negative word begins with the letter “n”, but in Greek it’s the other way around - the word “yes” begins with the letter “n”:

14. Ναι (ne) – yes

Όχι (Ohi) – no

Words for market and store

15. Θέλω (sElo) [θelo] – I want;

16. Ορίστε (orIste) - here you go, similar to the English here you are (for example, they give you change and say oρίστε or they brought it and say oρίστε). When you give money, you can also say (here you go) oρίστε). This is also relevant as a reaction to someone calling you by name or when answering a call instead of “Hello.”

17. Πόσο κάνει (poso kani) – how much does it cost;

18. Ακριβό (akrivO) – expensive;

19. Φτηνό (phtinO) – cheap;

20. Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ (tone logariasmO paracalO) – “count, please”;

Words for navigation

21. Που είναι…….; (pu Ine) - where is......?

22. Αριστερά (aristerA) – left, left;

23. Δεξιά (deksA) [δeksia] – to the right, to the right;

24. Το ΚΤΕΛ (then KTEL) - this abbreviation is the name of the Greek bus operator, but everyone understands it as “bus station”;

25. Το αεροδρόμειο (aerodrome) – airport;

26. Σιδηροδρομικός σταθμός (sidirodromicOs stasmOs) – railway station;

27. Καταλαβαίνω (katalavEno) – I understand;

Δεν καταλαβαίνω (zen katalaveno) [δen katalaveno] – I don’t understand;

28. Ξέρω (ksEro) – I know;

Δεν ξέρω (zen ksEro) [δen ksero] - I don’t know;

And finally, congratulations:

29. Χρόνια πολλά (chronic pollA) - this can be congratulated on any holiday: birthday, angel’s day, etc. Literally this means “long life.”

30. Στην υγεία μας (stin Ya mas) is a toast that means “to our health.”

I hope these words will help you in your travel and communication with the Greeks. I am grateful to Anya, our Greek teacher, for her help in writing the material and remind you that since 2010, Anya has been teaching Greek on Grekoblog with everyone who wants to learn “from scratch” or improve their level of Greek. We wrote in more detail about language classes via Skype in articles and.