List of Basic Greek Words for International Students

Do you want to study some Greek language words? We have tried to lighten the load of learning with through this article. So, read on some new Greek words and start learning!
Whether taking up a Greek language elective course or doing your entire degree in the Greek language, learning the basic Greek words used in everyday life can be useful for Indian students going to study in Greece. In this article, we will provide you with essential Greek vocabulary and expressions that are highly useful for everyday situations.
Must Read Top MA Courses in Greek language:
- Basic Greek Words for Everyday Use for International Students
- Top 10 Greek Words in English
- Greek Words with Deep Meanings
- Greek Words FAQs
Basic Greek Words for Everyday Use for International Students
The Greek language holds a significant place when it comes to navigating daily life and connecting with the culture during your study abroad program in Greece. Check out some basic Greek words and meanings in English that can be of great use in the daily life of an international student landing their dream study abroad destination in Greece.
In each of the headings given below, we will cover some basic and unique Greek words with their phonetic spellings and meanings in English.
Basic Greek Words for Lectures
Greek words in English can help you retain the knowledge for a longer time. Hence, Greek words in English translation can help you keep your pace in learning the common Greek words and phrases. Some of the basic Greek words that can be useful for international students while attending lectures are given below.
Greek Words and Phrases Used in Classes |
||
---|---|---|
Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words Meaning in English |
Καθηγητής |
Kathigētēs |
Professor (masculine) |
Καθηγήτρια |
Kathigētria |
Professor (feminine) |
Διαλέξεις |
Dialexeis |
Lectures |
Σημειώσεις |
Sēmeioseis |
Notes |
Καταλαβαίνω |
katalaveno |
I understand |
Μπορείτε να επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ |
Mporeite na επαναλάβετε, parakalo |
Can you repeat that, please? |
To understand the relation between the phonetic spellings and the Greek words given above, you can read our blog Letters in the Greek Alphabet.
Greek Words for Greeting in Classes
Here is a list of some more common basic Greek words translated to English, so that you can use them with other common basic Greek words given above, to understand how to meet and greet with your class in Greece.
Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words’ Meaning in English |
---|---|---|
Γεια σας |
Yia sas |
Hello (Formal) |
Καλημέρα |
Kalimera |
Good Morning |
Καλησπέρα |
Kalaspera |
Good Evening |
Γεια σας, κύριε/κυρία |
Yia sas, kurie/kiria |
Hello, Mr./Ms. [last name], (formal) |
Γεια σας, παιδιά |
Yia sas, pedia |
Hello, everyone (informal) |
Greek Words for Initiating a Conversation
Even though you learn the basic Greek words, without the knowledge of the right Greek words and phrases, initiating and proceeding with a conversation in Greek may be difficult. So, below we have listed some sets of Greek words that can be helpful in starting a new conversation as a foreign student in Greece or maybe just in your Greek lectures.
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Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words Meaning in English |
---|---|---|
Πώς σας λένε |
Pos sas lene |
What is your name? |
Με λένε [Your Name] |
Me lene [Your Name] |
My name is [Your Name] |
Είστε από [Your Country] |
Eiste apo [Your Country] |
Are you from [Your Country]? |
Χαίρομαι πολύ! |
Chairomai poli! |
Nice to meet you! |
Γεια σας! Χαίρομαι που σας γνωρίζω. |
Yia sas! Chairomai pou sas gnorizo. |
Hello! Nice to meet you. |
Other Useful Links:
Greek Words and Phrases for Visiting a Grocery Shop
Now that you are well-versed with the important Greek vocabulary for picking up a conversation in the classroom or in your college. What about when you visit the local market to get stock of your daily needs grocery? Worry not! Below we have covered the phrases to be used at a local grocery shop in Greek words.
Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words’ Meaning in English |
---|---|---|
Συγγνώμη |
Syngnomi |
Excuse Me |
Παρακαλώ |
Parakalo |
Please |
Θα ήθελα... |
Tha ithela... |
I would like... |
Έχετε... |
Echete... |
Do you have... |
Πόσο κάνει |
Poso kanei |
How much is it? |
Basic Greek Words to Get Around the City
Below are some basic Greek words that will help you navigate your way through the city.
Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words’ Meaning in English |
---|---|---|
Πώς πάω στην... |
Pos pao stin.. |
How do I get to...? |
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα |
Pou ine i toualeta |
Where is the restroom? |
Ευχαριστώ |
Efcharisto |
Thank you |
Παρακαλώ |
Parakalo |
You're welcome |
Top 10 Greek Words in English
We know that the Greek language lays the foundation for the generation of many words in English. Many words in the English language have been derived from the Greek language. Hence, learning some common Greek words may be helpful in comprehending your day-to-day conversation in the country.
In this section, we will learn about some top Greek words translated to English, check the complete list below.
Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words in English (Translation) |
---|---|---|
πρόλογος |
Prólogos |
Prologue: An introduction to a story or a play. |
ἔκστασις |
ékstasis |
Ecstasy: A state of overwhelming joy or happiness. |
χρόνος |
Chrónos |
Chronology: It is the order of events in which they happen with time. |
Καταστροφή |
Katastrophḗ |
Catastrophe: A sudden disaster |
Μαραθών |
Marathṓn |
Marathon: A long-distance running race, usually 30-40 km |
Οὐ τόπος |
Ou tópos |
Utopia: A perfect society that doesn’t exist. |
Ναι |
Ne |
Yes |
Όχι |
Ochi |
No |
Νερό |
Nero |
Water |
Φιλοσοφία |
Filosofia |
Philosophy |
Related Reads:
Greek Words with Deep Meanings
Below are some unique Greek words that possess a very deep meaning.
Greek Words |
Phonetic Spellings |
Greek Words in English (Translation) |
---|---|---|
Ἀρετή |
Aretē |
Excellence |
Μοίρα |
Moira |
Fate/Destiny |
Τέλος |
Telos |
End, Purpose |
Ἀλήθεια |
Alήtheia |
Truth (unhidden ness) |
Δικαιοσύνη |
Dikaiosýnē |
Justice |
This was all about the Greek words, Greek words translated to English and basic Greek words hello. Memorising these words will help Indian or international students living abroad in Greece hold a useful conversation with the local people in Greece.
Greek Words FAQs
Some unique Greek words with deep meanings are given in table below.
Greek Words | Greek Words Meaning |
---|---|
Φιλότιμο | This word refers to a sense of dignity, responsibility and honour. It describes someone who cares about doing right thing and takes pride in their work |
Κελεπούρι | A kind of hidden treasure or something unexpected and delightful that you discover by chance |
Ξένια | Act of welcoming a stranger as honoured guest |
Μοίρα | This word refers to fate or destiny - predetermined course of events |
Κάθαρσις | This word describes a purification or cleansing - often in moral or emotional sense |

5 basic Greek words are given in table below.
Greek Words (Phonetic Spelling)
Meanings
Γεια σας (Yia sas)
Hello! (formal)
Ναι (Ne)
Yes
Όχι (Ochi)
No
Ευχαριστώ (Efcharisto)
Thank You!
Παρακαλώ (Parakalo)
Please/You're Welcome