Basic Greek Words for International Students

Basic Greek Words for International Students

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Apr 14, 2026 15:30 IST
Greek Words: Embarking on a study abroad adventure in Greece? Then you must get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and a beautiful language! To make your journey of studying in Greece or just getting a degree in the language smoother, learning even a few key Greek words can go a long way.

Want to study in Greece and learn some basic Greek words? Well, learning Greek begins with learning the Greek alphabet, but the conversation flows with the knowledge of some basic Greek words. This article presents all kinds of basic Greek words used in everyday life for new students settling abroad. 

List of Basic Greek Words for International Students

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. Some common Greek words for beginners include key greetings and polite terms: "Yia sas" (Hello/Goodbye), "Kalimera" (Good morning), "Efharistó" (Thank you), "Parakaló" (Please/You're welcome), "Neh" (Yes), and "Ohi" (No). 

Learning the Greek language can be a little difficult for Indians, as the basic Greek alphabet holds nothing in common with the English alphabet. The language also poses complex grammatical rules and extensive conjugations. The main difficulty in learning the Greek language begins with learning the right pronunciation of words and sentences. It is estimated that mastering the Greek language requires about twice the effort of learning French or Italian. In this article, we will provide you with essential Greek vocabulary and expressions that are highly useful for everyday situations. 

Table of contents
  • Greek Words for Daily Meet-up and Greetings
  • Basic Greek Words for Everyday Use for International Students
  • Top 10 Greek Words in English
  • Greek Words with Deep Meanings
  • Greek Words FAQs

Greek Words for Daily Meet-up and Greetings 

In our day-to-day life, we use some common words to initiate a conversation with people or just to reply to them. Check out some basic Greek words that you need for starting a conversation with people -

Basic Greek Words for Greetings
Greetings in English Greek Translation

Pronunciation of Greek Translations

(Phonetic Spellings)

Hello/Goodbye Γεια (Ya) or Γεια σου/σας Ya or Ya sou/sas
Good Morning Καλημέρα Kalimera
Good Evening Καλησπέρα Kalispera
Good Night Καληνύχτα Kalinikta
Thank you Ευχαριστώ Efharisto
Please/You're welcome Παρακαλώ (Parakalo)
Yes Ναι Ne (sounds like "neh")
No Όχι Ohi (sounds like "oh-hee")
Sorry/Excuse me Συγνώμη Signomi
How are you? Τι κάνεις;  Ti kanis?
I'm fine Είμαι καλά Ime kala

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 Attending 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. 

Basic Greek Words for Greetings in Class

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 Introduction

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. 

Basic Greek Words for First Introduction

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. 

Basic Greek Words Used while Visiting a Grocery Shop 

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.

Basic Greek Words Used in Visiting a 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

Learning some common Greek words with their meanings in English may be helpful in comprehending your day-to-day conversation in the country. In this section, we have compiled some basic Greek words translated to English. Check the complete list below. 

Basic Greek Words in English

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

Planning to avail of a Greek language course abroad? Check the courses given below. 

Greek Words with Deep Meanings

Words with deep meanings are considered powerful Greek words that often carry deep philosophical, emotional or spiritual meanings that are hard to translate. Below are some unique Greek words that possess a very deep meaning. 

Powerful Greek Words

Greek Words

Phonetic Spellings

Greek Words in English (Translation)

Ἀρετή

Aretē

Excellence

μεράκι

Meraki

Soulful Work

Φιλότιμο

Philotimo

honour/duty

καιρός

Kairos

the perfect moment

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

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are some basic Greek words for beginners?
A: 

For beginners trying to learn the Greek language, starting from basic greeting words, asking people's names and telling them your own will be the best approach to starting a conversation in the new language. Hence, we have compiled a list of the most useful Greek words for beginners below. 

Most Useful Greek Words for Beginners
Greek WordMeaning in English
Yia sasHello/Goodbye (formal tone)
Πώς σε λένε (pronounced as - pos-oh LEH-neh)What is your name?
ParakalóPlease/You're welcome
Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)Good morning
Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra)Good evening
ΝαιYes
Óchi No

 

Q:   What are some unique Greek words?
A: 

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 

 

Q:   What are some Greek words for tourists?
A: 

Some important Greek words for tourists are - 

Greek WordsMeaning in English
KalimeraGood Morning
YassouHello
EfharistoThank you
ParakaloPlease/You're welcome
NeYes
OhiNo
SignomiSorry/Excuse me
Pou ineWhere is







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Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Priya Garg is an experienced content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-dat Read Full Bio
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