It has been a year since the pandemic Covid-19 affected and limited our daily activities such as coming to the university, tourist attractions, public services, and others. Well, I am not going to update about this pandemic, yet I am going to bring you to the virtual travelling to the land of the Gods, Greece. Well known as the country which has thousands of islands, Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is the southernmost country in Europe completed with rugged mountains, forests, and lakes in the mainland. Greece is known as one of the historical destinations of the world, here you will discover how the democratic system was born and developed. In addition to its history, Greece is also known to have a beautiful clean landscape, no wonder that Greece is listed among the top 10 destinations in Europe. If you visit Greece you have to visit Santorini as the diamond of the Aegean, Athens as the capital city with spectacular sites like the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus, Nafplio as the playground of the Athens elite, Knossos as one of the best places for history, Mateora as one of the best places in mainland, and other beautiful islands in this country.  

Familiarizing yourself with as many common sayings and phrases as possible before your trip to Greece will help you bridge the culture gap, easy travelling, and possibly even make some new Greek friends. Here are some words and phrases you can use when visiting this country:  

1.Yassou / Yassas  

“Yassou” means “Hallo” in English. But in other occasion, Yassou is also used to make an informal toast / cheers. In addition, “Yassas” is used to greet the older people, greet other in the meeting room, and other formal occasions.   

2. Kalimera, Kalispera, Kalinihta  

These words are the same meaning as Good morning, Good evening, and Good night in English. While to say Good afternoon, you can use Kalispera. 

3. Né and ókhi 

In Greek to say “Yes” is “Né”, which sounds like ‘no’ or ‘nah’ to English speakers. While “No” is “ókhi or ochi”, which sounds like “okay” to English speakers, though in some areas it is said more softly, like oh-shee.  

4. Milás angliká.  

If you need help, just ask someone if they speak English by saying that word. Unless the person you meet is downright unfriendly, they’ll likely stop and help you out.   

5. Efkharistó 

This word means “Thank you” in English. When you want to say Thank you very much, you can use “Efkharistó poly”.  

6. “Parakaló” means “Please”. 

7. “Antío sas” means “Good Bye”.  

8. “Ti Kanis?” means “ How are you”.   

9. “Poly Kala means” means “Very well”.   

10. “Kala efcharistó” means “Fine, thank you”.  

11. “Signomi” means “Sorry”.  

12. “Katalaveno” means “I understand”.   

13. “Then Katalaveno” means “ I don’t understand”.   

14. “Pame!” means “Let’s go”.  

15. “Pos Se Lene” means “What is your name”.  

16. “Me Lene ….”  means “ My name is ….. ”.  

17. “Poso kani?” Means “How much does it cost?”. 

18. “Charika gia ti gnorimia” means “Nice to meet you”.  

19. “Orea Mora” means “Nice day”.  

20. “Andio” means “Bye”.  

Those are some words you can use when visiting Greece, of course after the pandemic is over. Believe me, you should visit this country to see the beauty of the historical places, the olive trees, the museum, taste the cheese and yogurt, and other delicious meals. And of course, you can experience staying in the most romantic island in the world which Santorini.  

Check the next article for other beautiful places, enjoy reading! 😊