Greeks are very fond of languages. This is not even so much a tribute to fashion as a necessity. 20% of the Greek economy comes from tourism, and another 20% from navigation: every Greek dad is sure that knowledge foreign languages- a guarantee of a bright future for his child. As a result, in tourist places, knowledge of the words of the Greek language may not be useful to you at all. Nevertheless, the Greeks love and appreciate it very much when tourists try to speak Greek at least a little. And in a rare tavern, the owner will not please you with at least 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 given Russian and Latin transcriptions next to each phrase. The same letters that are not found in the Latin alphabet were left "as is".
It should also be borne in mind that stress is of great importance in the words of the Greek language. Unlike Russian, the stress in Greek almost always falls on the last, penultimate, or third syllable from the end of a 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.
Greeting words:
1. Γειά σου (I am su) - hello, hello (literally translated “health to you”). So you can say hello at any time of the day, if you are “on you” with the interlocutor. The form of politeness completely coincides with the Russian language. If you want to politely greet a stranger or older person, we say:
Γειά Σας (I am sas) - hello.
The phrases Γειά σου and Γειά Σας can also say goodbye. They will also come in handy if someone near you sneezed: Γειά σου and Γειά Σας will mean in this case "Be healthy" or "Be healthy", respectively.
2. Καλημέρα (kalimEra) - good morning. So you can say hello until about 13.00, but the boundaries here are blurred. For someone, καλημέρα is also relevant until 15.00 - who woke up at what time :).
Καλησπέρα (kalispEra) - Good evening. Actual, 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 you do / do”. But in everyday life it means "how are you" (you / you). With the same meaning, you can use the phrase:
Πως είσαι / είστε (pos. Ise / pos. Iste) - how are you / how are you.
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 (poly kala) - very good.
5. Έτσι κι έτσι (Etsy k'Etsy) - so-so.
Acquaintance:
You can find out the name of the 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 the exchange of names, it is customary to say:
7. Χαίρω πολύ (hero poly) or χαίρομαι (herome) - - glad to meet you.
The Greeks really appreciate it when a tourist, at the very least, tries to speak their language
Polite words:
8. Ευχαριστώ (eucharistO) - thank you;
9. Παρακαλώ (parakalO) - please;
10. Τίποτα (tipota) - nothing, nothing;
11. Δεν πειράζει (zen pirazi) [δen pirazi] – no big deal;
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 negative word beginning with the letter "n", but in Greek the opposite is true - the word "yes" begins with the letter "n":
14. Ναι (nE) - yes
Όχι (Ohy) - no
Words for market and shop
15. Θέλω (sElo) [θelo] - I want;
16. Ορίστε (orIste) - here you are, similar to the English here you are (for example, they give you change and say oρίστε or brought and say oρίστε). When you give money, you can also say (here you are) 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 (ftinO) - cheap;
20. Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ (tone logariismo parakalO) - “count, please”;
Words for orienteering
21. Που είναι…….; (pu Ying) – where is……?
22. Αριστερά (aristerA) - left, left;
23. Δεξιά (dexА) [δeksia] – to the right, to the right;
24. Το ΚΤΕΛ (that KTEL) - this abbreviation is the name of the Greek bus operator, but everyone understands it as "bus station";
25. Το αεροδρόμειο (airfield Omio) - airport;
26. Σιδηροδρομικός σταθμός (sidirodromikOs 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 (hronya pollA) - so you can congratulate on any holiday: birthday, angel's day, etc. Literally, it means "long years".
30. Στην υγεία μας (stin Ya mas) is a toast that means "to our health."
I hope these words will help you in your journey and communication with the Greeks. I am grateful to Anya, our Greek teacher, for her help in writing the material and I remind you that since 2010, on Grekoblog, Anya has been working with everyone who wants to learn from scratch or improve their level of Greek. We wrote in more detail about language lessons via Skype in articles and.
In the Greek phrase book for tourists, we have included only those words and expressions that do not require informative answers.
What is the point of learning the word-question “why?” if you can’t understand what they answer to you? Although we still left this word. And suddenly you want to listen to the 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 hotel neighbors, the owner or hostess of the hotel, the receptionist, just nice people with whom you go to the beach at the same time.
AT Greek phrase book for tourists we have included words and phrases that we used ourselves. We enjoyed saying them. In the end, ask "how much?" or saying “yes, this” when they show you the 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 slow-witted, arrogant tourist who turns his head in displeasure, rolls his eyes (oh, Lord, how stupid these locals are! does not understand!)
Such an aggressive demeanor is characteristic of insecure people who are not ready to understand that sign 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 it is worth saying a few words, admiring the nature around, laughing with them, and some colorful old peasant woman with a cigarette in the corner of her mouth, severe from wrinkles drawn by the sun, breaks into a smile, takes out all her goods. She immediately offers to drink, take a bite, try, and in the end, like a grandmother before her granddaughter leaves, she puts a couple of peaches, a melon and oranges into her bag - they will 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 pleasant. In response, we tried more than once to give something of ours. It's nice, honestly. Recommended.
Greetings, Farewells, Acquaintance, Appeals
Consent, refusal, requests, gratitude, necessity
Language barrier, timing
The hotel is worth knowing simple words- key, luggage, suitcase, tomorrow, today. Especially the key. “Key, please) Thank you)” What is easier? And in response, they can show you a landmark or advise a map of the area that you did not notice.
Pick up a map, smack your lips and say "cafe" or "tavern"? And you will be advised an excellent inexpensive place where the owners of the hotel like to visit themselves. Believe me, you will enjoy: you will see the color and eat deliciously. Someone who, but the Greeks know a lot about delicious food.
Pronouns and adverbs
Signs, names, warnings, institutions, organizations
Seeking help from the police
Numbers are needed more for entertainment than for business. It is easier to write them down in a notebook or with a stick in the sand to rewrite in a notebook. The store has a calculator and a scoreboard at the checkout. Let them be for common development.
Greek is beautiful. Many words are understandable. Especially the written ones. One feels the relationship of the alphabets. In addition, many letters are known to us from school times in the lessons of geometry, algebra and physics.
This is YouTube with the alphabet. You will learn the pronunciation of letters, remember the letters themselves. It is convenient in the language 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. Once we confused a shop on a field road with a cafe. It happens.
Watch the lesson and read the Greek phrase book for tourists.
Food, names of dishes require a separate story. More on this later.
If you are going to go to Greece and do not want to be completely dependent on a Russian-speaking guide, then you need to know English at least at an intermediate level. And if you want to try to travel around Greece on your own, visiting non-tourist places, if you want to feel the real Greece in the countryside and on the sea coast, then here you need at least entry level learn Greek and learn how to read at least the simplest inscriptions.
By the way, you probably remember some letters of the Greek language from school, from physics or mathematics lessons, where “alphas”, “nu”, “pi” and “omegas” denoted different physical and mathematical quantities.
Greek: alphabet, pronunciation
For a Russian-speaking person, Greek is quite simple to read, the eye gets used to writing letters quite easily, and the brain easily begins to put letters into words. The thing is that Slavic writing originates precisely from Byzantium, from the Greek language, so some letters are very similar to Russian ones. In addition, in Greece they both hear and write, so, knowing the alphabet and some simple words and phrases, you will already be able to communicate and read the inscriptions.
The Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters, the table below shows the names of the letters and how they are read:
The purpose of some establishments can be identified by identification pictures. Such pictures on shop windows or a sign indicate hairdressers, cafes, toilets. By the way, often in Greece the toilet is indicated in the international format - WC.
We will present the main phrases in Greek for oral communication immediately in the form of transcription (pronunciation).
In principle, both hotels and restaurants in Greece will understand you, even if you address them in English. And in many hotels there are Russian-speaking staff. But even if you learn at least a few words and phrases in Greek (greeting, thank you, please) and use them in communication with the locals, you will give them great pleasure. And as a result, the already hospitable Greeks will become even more welcoming and friendly to you.
Cycladic civilization - the grandmother of antiquity
The Cyclades archipelago is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. Translated from the Greek language, "Cyclades" means "lying in a circle." In ancient times, the Cyclades were covered with dense forests. The largest of them - Naxos, Paros, Andros and Tenos were inhabited by the Ionians, and Melos, Thera and Antiparos - by the Dorians.
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle in Thessaloniki
It occupies a building built in 1893 in neoclassical style project famous architect Ernst Zillertal. Six halls present expositions of social, economic, political and military events that took place in recent history Hellas. All these exhibitions allow the visitor to form a general picture not only about revolutionary movements in this area, but also about the painful choice of the inhabitants of the Balkans between tradition and modernism.
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 many thousands of years of history.
We have compiled 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, shop, tavern, cafe and in any, even the most unforeseen situations!
And, perhaps, its study 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 some sounds in Greek words, which should be paid attention to. Special attention.
Thus, stress is of great importance in the Greek language, which, if used incorrectly, can radically change the meaning of not only one word, but the whole phrase.
For example: word " sweat” is translated as “when”, and “ sweat" means "never". By asking: " Pote anachori or leforio?”, you will find out “When the bus leaves”, and by informing the interlocutor that “ Pote anachori to leforio”, cause him terrible bewilderment why this “bus will never leave”.
You should also not be surprised when you see in some words the stress mark put twice. For example, " Pu ine to isitirio sas?- "Where is your ticket?" That's right, with two accents, and befits to pronounce.
1. It is also worth noting that in Greek the strict emphasis on the sound “ "about"”, which should be pronounced clearly, in no case mixing it in the Moscow manner with“ a».
2. Sound " G" in most words it is pronounced softer and more muffled, closer to the Little Russian dialect, and " l» almost never sounds solid - always closer to « "l"».
3. Vowels " "e"" and " "and""only after this very" "l"» are read softly, as in Russian, but mostly they are pronounced more firmly, closer to « "e"" and " "s"».
We will not discuss here the pronunciation of sounds that are not similar in Russian, 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 someone this may become an additional motivation for a deeper study of Greek phonetics.
Let's start with 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 an indefinite article and has a gender division.
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 the unit, 3 and 4 are also divided by gender.
0 - Midan
1 - Enas, Mia, Ena
2 - Dio
3 - Tria, Tris
4 - Tessera, Tesseris
5 - Pengde
6 - Exsi
7 - Efta
8 - Ohto
9 - Enneya
10 - Deka
11 - Endeka
12 - Dodeka
13 - Dekatria, Dekatris
14 - Decatessera, Decatesseris
15 - Dekapande
16 - Dekaexi
17 - Dekaefta
18 - Dekaohto
19 - Dekaenneya
20 - Ikosi
21 - Icosienas, Icosimia, Icosien
22 - Icosidio
23 - Ikositriya, Ikositris
30 - Trianda
40 - Saranda
50 - Paninda
60 - Exinda
70 - Efdominda
80 - Ohdonda
90 - Eneninda
Words related to numbers and quantity
Number - Numero
Number - Aritmos
How much - Poso
So many - Toso
Quantity - Poso, Posotita
One kilogram is ena kilo
Two kilograms - Dio quila
Half - Misos, Misi, Miso
Half a kilo - Misokilo
One and a half kilograms - Enamishi kila
Little - Ligo
Many - Poli
Smaller - Pioligo
Bigger - Piepoli
Smaller (th / th / ee) (by number) - Ligotheros, Ligoteri, Ligotero
Large (th / th / her) (by number) - Perissoteros, Perissoteri, Perissotero
Small (th / th / th) (in size) - Micros, Mikri, Micro
Large (oh / th / th) (in 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 - Tatarty
Thursday - Pumpty
Friday - Paraskevi
Saturday - Savvato
Sunday - Kiryaki
Weekend - Savvatokiryako
Today, later - Apopse
Today — Simera
Tomorrow - Avrio
The day after tomorrow - Metavrio
Yesterday - Htes
The day before yesterday - Prohtes
Now - Torah
Early - Noris
Late - Arga
Day - Mary
Morning - Proi
Evening - Vradi
Night - Nikhta
Noon – Mesimari
Midnight - Mesanihta
Hour - Ora
Minute - Lepto
Secunda - Defterolepto
Immediately, immediately - Amesos
Urgent - Sindoma
After some half an hour - Sho kanen misaoro
In a quarter of an hour - Se na te tarto
Five minutes later - Se pende lepta
Wait a minute - Ena lepto
One moment - Mya stigmi
Last year - Parisy
Next year - Tu hronu
What time is it - Ti ora ine
Opening hours - Pote anigi
When it closes - Pote Klini
When it arrives - Pote ftani
When departs - Pote fevgi
greetings
Welcome Kalos Orisate! Kalos irfate!
Hello (those) / Farewell (those) - Yasu / Yasas
Hi/Bye - Ya
Bye (Adyu) - Andio
Greetings to all - Herete / Heretismus se olus
Hello - Ela / Legete / Embros
Good morning - Kalimera sas / su! Kalimera!
Good afternoon (we use after noon) - Kalo apogevma
Good evening (at a meeting) - Kalispera!
Good evening (at parting) - Kalo vradi!
Good night (farewell before going to bed) - Kalinikhta!
How are you / you - Pos iste / ise
How are you - Chi kanete / kanis
Thank you, OK! And you / how are you - Kala ime, efharisto! Esis/Esi?
Haven't met for a long time - Kero ehume na ta pume / Kero echo na se do
Acquaintance
Your / 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 Melene... / Onomazome.../ Legome...
Where are you (you) from - Apopu iste / ise, Apopu katageste / katagese
I'm from Russia - Ime apotyn Rosiya, Katagome apotyn Rosiya
Nice to meet you - Harika ya tyn gnorimiya
Very happy - Hero poly
Wishes
All the best to you (you) - Nase / Naste kala!
Bon appetit - Kali oreksi!
Have a nice trip - Kalo taxidi!
Have a nice flight - Kaliptysi
Good luck - Kali Tihi!
Healthy toasts - Styniya su / Styniya mas / Styniya sas
To health - Ysygiyan!
Congratulations
Merry Christmas - Cala Christugenna!
Happy New Year - Eftikhismeno to neo ethos / Kali hronya
Happy Easter - Kalo Pascha
Christ is risen - Christ anesti
Truly risen - Alyftos anesti
Many years - Chronia Polla
Happy birthday - Harumena Genatlia
Congratulations - Sinharitiria
Politeness
Forgive (those) me - Me sinhoris / sinhorite
Sorry - Signomi
I'm sorry - Lipame
Please - Paracalo
Thank you - Efcharisto / Efcharisto Poli
Answer to gratitude - Paracalo
Appeals
Help - Voitya!
Fire - Fotya!
Stop (those) - Stamata / Stamatiste!
Call the police - Caleste tin astinomia!
The senses
Friendship - Filia
Kiss - Fili
"Smack-smack" - Filakya
Love - Agapi
My Regrets - Lipame
I missed you - Mulipis
I love you / you - S'agapo / Sas agapo!
A family
I am ego
You are Esi
We are Amis
You are Esis
He, this one is Aphthos
She, this one is Afti
It, this is Aphto
They, these - Afti / Afta
Man - Andras
Woman - Gyneka
Boy - Agori
Girl - Cinnamon
Child - Paddy
Grandmother - Yaya
Grandpa - Papus
Are you married - Iste pandrameni
You are married - Iste pandramanos
Do you have children - Ekhete padya
How many children do you have - Posa pedya ehte
Where do you live - Pu menete esis
Conversation
I understand - Catalaveno
I don't understand - Dan Catalaveno
I know - Xero
I don't know - Dankzero
I want - Felo
I don't want - Danfalo
Can - Boro
Can't - Danboro
Yes - No
No - ooh
All - Oli
Everything - Ola
Nothing - Typota
Good (th / th / her) - Kalos / Kali / Kalo
Bad (oh / th / th) - Kakos / Kaki / Kako
Good - Cala
Bad - Ashima
Good/Order - Endaxy
It's OK - Ola Endaxy
Everything is fine - Ola kala
Possibly Isos
Maybe (in question) - Mipos
Do you have - Mipos ehete
Please speak slower Paracalo milas/milate pyo arga
Say it again - Borite na epanalavete
Speak Russian Milate rosica
Speak (sh / te) in English - Milas / Milate aglika
Yes, a little - Ne, ligaki
As it is said in Greek - Pos legete hundred Hellenic
Words and phrases by topic
Tourism, recreation
Recreation — Xekurasi, Anapavsi
Tourism - Turismos
Moscow — Moskha
St. Petersburg — Aia Petrupoli
Athena - Athena
Thessaloniki - Thessaloniki
Crete — Kriti
Vacation - Adya
Holidays - Diacopes
Non-working day - Argia
Car - Aftokinito
Plane - Aeroplano
Tourist Office – Turistiko grafio
Tourist Police - Turistiki astynomia
Guide, tour guide — Xenagos
Excursion – Ekdromi
City tour – Periigisi polis/Yiros tys polis
Mountain, to the mountains - Wuno, hundred wuna
I love to travel — Mu aresi na taxi devo
Tomorrow we are going on an excursion - Avrio pame ekdromi
I liked the excursion to the monasteries - And the ekdromista of the monastery of mu arese
I really like Greece - And Hellas mu aresi parapoli
In the airport
I need to exchange dollars for euros
Reference - Plyrofories
VAT refund – Epistrofi Phi Pi A
I lost my ticket / passport - Ehasa to isytyrio / dyavatyrio
I missed my flight - Echo argisi ya tyn ptysi mu
How much excess baggage do I have?
How much do I have to pay extra - Poso prepi na pliroso epipleon
I need a declaration form - Hryazome ena endipo dylosis
I only have personal things - Echo mono prosopika mu andikimena
The meeting point of the groups is Topos sinandysis
I want to report missing luggage
In transport
Airport - Aerodromio
Train - Trano
Bus – Leoforio
Metro - Metro
Ship/Ferry - Plio
Arrival - Afixi
Departure - Anahorisi
Adult – Enylikos
Children's — Padicos
Ticket - Isytyrio
One ticket please - Ena isytyrio, paracalo
Metro/train station — Statmos to metro\train
Bus stop - Stasi tou leoforou
Where does this bus go - Pu pai afto to leoforio?
Where are you going - Pu pate esis?
Where is the bus stop going to the city - Pu ine and stasi tu leoforyu, pro tyn poli?
This place is occupied - Afti and tesi ine piazmeni?
Where can I buy tickets for the ship - Pu boro na agoraso isytyriya ya to plio?
Bile (t / you) there and back - That isytyrio / That isytyriya metepistrofis
Departure not earlier - Anachorisy ohi noritera
Return no later - Epistrophy to argotero
In the town
City - Poli
Hotel - Xenodohio
Store — Katastyma, store
Kiosk - Periptero
A pack of cigarettes - Ena paketo cigaro
Market, bazaar - Agora, pazari
Post office -Tahidromio
Bank - Meal
Pharmacy - Farmakio
Restaurant - Estaatorio
Tavern - Tavern
Cafe - Cafeteria
Church - Eklisia
Museum - Mushio
Square -Platya
Center - Kentro
Street - Odos
Road - Dromos
Avenue – Leoforos
Parking - Parkin
Police - Astynomia
Left - Aristera
Right - Deksya
Straight - Eftia
Far away - Makryia
Close to Konda
Here is Edo
There - Eki
Map - Hartis
Where... Puine...
Where is Pu vriskete
Where is the hotel - Pu vriskete to xenodohio?
I'm lost - Hatyka
Can you help me - Borite na mu voitysete?
Police station - Astynomiko tmima
How much is an hour of parking - Poso kani mya ora statmefsis?
How far is it from here to the city center — Poso makryia apo do mehri to kentro tys polis?
In a hotel
Reception - Resepson
Passport - Dyavatyrio
Luggage – Aposkeves
Suitcase - Valitsa
The key is clidie
Breakfast – Proino
Lunch – Mesimeriano
Dinner - Vradyno
Hot / cold water - Zesto / cryo nero
Towel - Petseta
Sheet -Sedoni
Pillow – Maxilary
Salon, living room — Saloni
Maid - Camarriera
Staircase - Rock
Corridor - Dyadromos
Floor – Orofos/Patoma
Ground floor - Isoyo
Second floor - Protos orofos
Room, room — Domatyo
Single room - Monoclino domatio
Double room – Diklino domatyo
Door - Porta
Window - Parafiro
Balcony - Balcony
Bathroom — Banio
Toilet paper - Harti iyas
Air conditioning – Erkondysyon
Account - Logariazmos
Where is Pu Ying?
Where can I get - Pu boro na paro?
Who is there - Pyos ine?
Here is my passport
My surname is that epifeto mu ine
May I call Boro na tylefoniso?
Do you have an air-conditioned room - Ekhete domatyo me erkondysyon?
Can I use the safe - Boro on chrysimopiiso to hrimatokivotyo?
How much is a room per night — Poso kani to domatio ana imera?
I would like a room on another floor - Ta ifela ena domatyo with alo orofo?
Please give me the key - Doste mu that klidi, parakalo
Please change the bed linen - Alakste ta sedonya, paracalo
I'm leaving (we're leaving) - Fevgo (fevgume)
Thanks for the good service - Efcharisto ya tyn paripisi
I had a very good rest - Xekurastika poli kala!
On the beach
Sea - Talas
Island - Nishi
Beach – Paralia
What is the temperature of the water - Tee thermokrasiya ehi to nero?
How much does it cost per hour - Poso kostyzi ana ora
In the cafe
Water - Nero
Refreshing drink - Anapsiktiko
Mineral water – Metaliko nero
Soda water - soda
Ice cream – Pagoto
Juice - Himos
Orange – Portocali
Apricot - Verikoko
Peach — Rodakino
Cherry - Visino
Grape — Stafili
Coffee - Cafes
Sweet - Glyco
Middle -Matrio
Slightly sweet - Me ligi zachary
Sugar Free - Sketo
With milk - Me gala
Greek coffee - Ellinikos cafes
Instant coffee - Nescafe
Cold instant coffee - Frape
Tea - Tsai
Sugar - Zachary
With lemon - Me lemoni
Chocolate drink - Sokolata
Beer — Bira
Wine - Beauty
White - Aspro (levko)
Red - Kokino
Pink - Rose
Dry – Xiro
Sweet - Glyco
Semi-sweet – Imiglico
There are places for smokers here - Iparhi horos ya kapnistes
Where is "here toilet room- Puine and toilet / Puine to banio
Waiter, please - Garson, paracalo
Fork - Ena Piruni
Spoon - Ena Kutali
A plate - Ena pyato
Ashtray - Tasaki
In the tavern
Breakfast – Proino
Lunch - Gevma
Dinner - Dypno
Waiter - Servitoros
Table - Trapezi
Chair – Karekla
Menu — Catalog
Portia - Merida
Plate - Pyato
Spoon - Kutali
Fork - Piruni
Knife - Maheri
Glass - Rub
Napkin - Hartopetseta
Fried eggs - Omelet
Sausage - Salami
Ham - Zabon
Mushrooms - Manitarya
Cheese - Tiri
Olives – Elles
Greek salad - Horiatyki
Tomato and cucumber salad - Angurodomatosalata
Eggplant salad - Melizanosalata
Cucumbers with garlic and yogurt - Tzatziki
Spicy salad (cabbage, carrots) – Pikandiki
Beet salad - Pazarosalata
Cheese and hot pepper salad - Tirokafteri
Cauliflower— Kunoupidi
Brussels sprouts - Brocola
Soup - Soup
Bean soup— Fasolada
Meat - Creas
Beef — Vodino
Veal — Moskharisjo
Lamb - Arnisjo
Pork - Hirino
Shashlik - Souvlaki
Lula kebab - Suzukakya
Sausages – Lukanika
Cutlets - Biftekya
Meatballs – Keftedes
Potato - Patates
Vegetables - Lachanika
Roast - Psito ́
Ribs (lamb, pork) - Paidakya (arnisya, hirina)
Chicken - Kotopulo
Fish Psari
Fried fish - Tiganito psari
Boiled - Vrasto
Smoked – Kapnisto
Fish on coals - Houndmasters of a hundred karvun
Seafood – Talasina
Crabs - Cavouria
Shrimps – Garides
Calamari - Kalamaria
Oysters – Stridya
Omar - Astakos
Octopuses - Htapodya
Mussels - Midya
Dessert - Glyka
Fruits - Fruta
Wine - Beauty
Draft wine – Khima Krassi
Wine on the resin of coniferous trees – Retsyna
Anise vodka - Ouzo
Moonshine - Tsypuro
You can have a bite to eat here - Boro na tsimbiso edo?
Where can I wash my hands - Pu boro na plino ta kheryamu?
Do you have a menu in Russian — Mipos ehhete ena kataly sta rosika?
What is your signature dish - You spesialite ekhete?
What do you have for vegetarians - Ti ehete ya hortofagus?
Can I order ... (something else) - Boro on parangilo (typota alo)?
Bon appetit - Kali oreksi
A little more bread - Ligo psomi akoma
Enough - Ftani / Ohi alo
Very tasty - Poli nostymo
Please bring the bill - Farte tone logariazmo, paracalo
This lord / lady will pay for everything - O kirios / And kiria ta plirosi yaola
Thanks for the good service — Efharisto ya tyn paripisi
Night club
Vodka - Votka
Whiskey — Whiskey
With ice - Mae Pago
Tonic - Tonic
Brandy — Brandi
Cognac — Cognac
Champagne - Sambanha
liquor - liquor
Do you want to dance with me - Felis na chorepsis mazima?
Do you often visit / visit here - Erkheste / Erkhese sikhna edo?
Leave/leave me alone - Afiste\Afise me isiho! (or hesychi if it's a woman speaking)
Purchases
Closed — Klista
Open - Anyhta
Gift, souvenir - Doro, souvenir
Cashier — Tamio
Price — Timi
Size - Numero
Growth - Megetos
Color — Chrome
Check - Apodyksi
Money - Lefta, hrimata
Clothing — Disima
Coat - Coat
Cloak - Adyavroho
Suit — Kostumi
Trousers - Pandeloni
Jacket - Sakaki
Jacket - Bufan
Shirt - Pukamiso
Dress — Forema
Blouse - Blouse
Skirt - Fusta
Underwear — Esoruha
Swimsuit - Mayo
Robe – Burnousi
Shoes - Papucia
Sandals – Padila
Slippers – Pandofles
Bag - Zanda
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
It's too expensive - Ine poli akrivo
How much do I owe you - Poso sas crostao?
Can I arrange tax-free for tourists from this amount?
Can you recommend me - Borite na mu hypodixet
For a woman / girl - Ya ginaka / cinnamon
For a man/boy - Ya andra/agori
You can try on - Boro na dokimaso
There is something better - Ehete typota kalitero
There is 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 open now in the city - Are you an ectasis liturgun torah styn poly?
Do you have a guide who speaks Russian — Ehete kanen xenago na milai rosika?
How much is the entrance ticket - Poso kani ena isytyrio?
Is it allowed to take pictures here - Epitrepete and Lipsi photography edo?
In the hospital
Hospital - Nosokomyo
Doctor - Yatros
Nurse - Nosokoma
First Aid - Protes Voites
Ambulance – Astenoforo
Arrostia's disease - Asthenia
Treatment - Therapy
Medicine - Pharmaco
Rana - Pligy
trauma - trauma
Analysis - Exetacy
X-ray - Actinography
Temperature — Pirathos
Pain - Diarrhea
Headache - Ponokephalos
Vertigo - Zalada
Insomnia - Aipnya
Drowsiness - Nista / Ipnyliya
Cough - Vihas
Runny nose Sinachi/Catarrhoi
Heartburn - Kaura
Nausea - Tasi ya emeto
Vomiting - Emetos
Seasickness - Naftiya
Shortness of breath - Dyspnia
Chill - Rigi
Bleeding - Emorraiya
Low blood pressure - Hypotasi
High blood pressure - Ipertasi
Diarrhea - D'arria
Constipation - Diskilhotyta
Allergy - Allergy
Colds - Cryology
Sunstroke - Iliasi
Burn - Engavma
Inflammation - Phlegmon
Rash - Exanthima
Tumor - Ongos
Swelling - Priximo
Dislocation - Exartrosi
Stretching - Strambuligma
Fracture - Katagma
Get well - Perastica!
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 Italians or, say, the French, but because here, on the border of Europe and Asia, the traditions and customs of different cultures are mixed together, and the 400-year-old Turkish yoke, when silence was really “gold ”, taught the Greeks to speak without words - with subtle movements of the eyebrows, lips, eyes, slightly noticeable tilts of the head and crossing of the fingers.
That is why, here, non-verbal signs used in ordinary conversation will often tell much more and more truthfully than words and phrases spoken, and sometimes they can also mean something directly opposite to what was said.
The bodies, faces, hands of the Greeks rarely remain motionless during a conversation, and one who knows this symbolism well enough, watching 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 does not hurt to remember a few gestures in order to better understand what was said, even without knowing the Greek language.
In addition, this will avoid awkward situations of using seemingly harmless gestures, which can turn out to be rather rude in the Greek sense of decency, and cause an involuntary insult to the interlocutor.
Personal space
One of the most important non-verbal signs in the culture of any nation is the observance of personal distance.
It is especially easy to appreciate this by looking at the usual queue somewhere in Japan, the USA or, for example, in Russia. The Greeks in this table are probably closest to us. For them, the personal distance is rather short: handshakes, hugs, kisses when meeting and parting, patting and touching the interlocutor during a conversation are common here.
Eye contact
Openly and interestedly looking into the eyes of the interlocutor is also taken for granted here, and looking away and avoiding direct contact is a lack of interest, a sign of secrecy and even deceit.
On the other hand, an extremely close, very close look can be regarded as a challenge or even a threat.
Negative answer
Sometimes foreigners ask the 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 perseverance: after all, he has already answered them several times: “No! Why ask again and again?
Is it really incomprehensible that upturned eyes and slightly protruding, tightly compressed lips mean: “Actually, I don’t know!”
Just raised eyebrows mean the usual “No!”, And partially or completely closed eyes at the same time - already a solid “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 the tongue, then it says:“ No! In no case!"
All this can be done both in a quick, barely noticeable movement, or underlined slowly to give a pronounced accent to what is shown.
Yes
The head tilted down and slightly to the side means in any case "Yes!"
For added emphasis, this movement can be done consciously slowly and accompanied by a slight covering of the eyes. And no more 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 in close contact.
If the object of gratitude is far away, then only one gesture is performed.
Doubt
Tightly compressed lips with tips lowered down and rotation from side to side with the hand, reminiscent of screwing in a light bulb, means an expression of doubt about what was said or something indefinite: “Either this or that!”
Invitation
The palm down and forward and backward movements with bent, pressed fingers are sometimes perceived by foreigners as a gesture suggesting to take a few steps back. In fact, 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 the similar well-known gesture: “Come to me!”
Listen
Lightly touching or patting your lower lip with your index finger is often perceived as an invitation to be 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
Shaking the head from left to right, similar to the common expression of denial, often accompanied by a palm turned from the bottom up 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 give 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 that 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, hardly anyone wants to leave an unfavorable impression of themselves.
Mutza
Sometimes foreigners, trying to demonstrate the number "5", raise their hand with fingers spread out 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 often see him on the highways, when not very polite drivers show what they think of each other, or during demonstrations on Constitution Square in the capital, when protesters express their opinion about the government. However, in this case, this is done impersonally, and what they see does not mean at all that these people often use such a gesture in a personal conversation.
In general, of all the Greek gestures, for some reason this one is the most mentioned, and a lot of fables have been written about it. In fact, its history is rooted in Byzantine, and, possibly, in more ancient times, when the judge, in order to show universal contempt for the condemned, put his hand into a bowl of ashes, which he then smeared over the face of the guilty.
Thumb
Used in many countries as a sign of approval, in Greece this gesture is equivalent to a raised middle finger in the US and is quite offensive.
OK
Widespread in recent times, thanks to Hollywood cinema, a circle of large and index finger is also a very rude and offensive gesture, hinting at the interlocutor's homosexual inclinations. In Greece, if you want to tell someone about your consent, you should say it out loud.
Index and pinky
Some people, when photographed, often jokingly instruct each other "horns". In Greece, such a sign, shown to the interlocutor, impartially informs that he is a "cuckold."
Little finger
Funny video: see how Greeks are constantly gesticulating:
A little about communication etiquette
While in Greece and communicating with its inhabitants, do not spare a little time to show at least 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. This is important for creating a favorable relationship with yourself and establishing good relationships in the future.
Feel free to be honest about yourself if you can. Greeks usually share personal details of their lives and appreciate when others do the same.
In order to get to know you better, they are likely to ask you personal questions during a casual conversation.
In addition, the Greeks openly look at everything that interests them, so do not be offended if you are constantly in the spotlight wherever you go.
The spoken word is as valuable in Greek culture as the written word, and people must be true to what they say.
Greeks with whom you have a close relationship may expect you to do them a favor and show them more loyalty 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 world culture.
Hearing and pronouncing every day: politics, economics, democracy, Europe, theater, drama, history, physics, trauma ... and many other words, few of us think that they were once borrowed into other languages from Greek and sounded millennia ago on the land of ancient Hellas, just as they sound now.
After all, the Greek language has changed much less over the past twenty-five centuries than, say, English over the past 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 locals, as a rule, do not expect that foreigners know at least something in Greek, and the level of proficiency English language here, at least in tourist places, is quite sufficient for communication. But, on the other hand, the Russians have a huge advantage over the inhabitants of most European countries, because the Greek alphabet, before which the British, Germans, and French often give in, once, with the advent of Byzantine Orthodoxy in Russia, became the basis for the Slavic alphabet , therefore, in Greece, reading most of the street inscriptions and names after the slightest practice will not be difficult for you, believe me. And if you memorize at least a few words and common phrases, no matter what level of knowledge you have reached, the Greeks will appreciate your efforts with delight, and your reward will be an increase in status from the usual “xenos” - a stranger to an almost honorary “philos” - a friend.
