Some Common Expressions in Modern Greek


The following table lists some common expressions in Modern Greek. The second column ("Transliterated") shows an approximate pronunciation for readers of English. Clicking on the provided link in the second column you may hear the author's voice (a native speaker) pronouncing those words and phrases. The actual written form in Greek is given on the third column.

The abbreviation "(s.)" after a Greek phrase means that it is in singular, which also implies familiarity with the person towards whom it is directed. On the contrary, "(p.)", which stands for plural, implies either unfamiliarity or respect (talking to a stranger, an elderly person, etc.).

 

Phrase Transliterated In Greek
all right, OK enta'ksi εντάξει
bless you! (e.g., after sneezing) ghia' soo! (s.), ghia' sas! (p.) γειά σου! (s.), γειά σας! (p.)
bravo! good job! bra'vo! μπράβο!
bye-bye ghia' soo (s.), ghia' sas (p.) γειά σου (s.), γειά σας (p.)
cheers! (e.g., before a drink) stin ighia' soo! (s.), stin ighia' sas! (p.) στην υγειά σου! (s.), στην υγειά σας! (p.)
excuse me, pardon me, sorry sighno'mi (s.), me singchori'te (p.) συγγνώμη (s.), με συγχωρείτε (p.)
goodbye ghia'-chara' γειά-χαρά
good morning kalime'ra καλημέρα (before 12:00 noon)
good afternoon/evening kalispe'ra καλησπέρα (after 12:00 noon, greeting someone)
good night kalini'chta καληνύχτα (after dusk, leaving someone we met)
hello ghia' soo (s.), ghia' sas (p.) γειά σου (s.), γειά σας (p.)
hi ghia' γειά
how are you? ti' ka'nis? (s.), ti' ka'nete? (p.) τι κάνεις; (s.), τι κάνετε; (p.)
how do you do? po's i'se? (s.), po's i'ste? (p.) πώς είσαι; (s.), πώς είστε; (p.)
OK, allright enta'ksi εντάξει
thank you efcharisto' ευχαριστώ
what's up? ti' ghi'nete? τι γίνεται;
what's your name? po's se le'ne? (s.), po's le'gheste? (p.) πώς σε λένε; (s.), πώς λέγεστε; (p.)
what's the time? ti' o'ra i'ne? τι ώρα είναι;
where am I? where are we? poo' i'me? poo' i'maste? πού είμαι; πού είμαστε;
yes, right!, I see... ne', sosta'!, ma'lista... ναι, σωστά!, μάλιστα...
you're welcome parakalo' παρακαλώ

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