Basic Greek Words for International Students
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.
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.
- 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
Commonly asked questions
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 Word | Meaning in English |
| Yia sas | Hello/Goodbye (formal tone) |
| Πώς σε λένε (pronounced as - pos-oh LEH-neh) | What is your name? |
| Parakaló | Please/You're welcome |
| Καλημέρα (Kaliméra) | Good morning |
| Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra) | Good evening |
| Ναι | Yes |
| Óchi | No |
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 |
Some important Greek words for tourists are -
| Greek Words | Meaning in English |
|---|---|
| Kalimera | Good Morning |
| Yassou | Hello |
| Efharisto | Thank you |
| Parakalo | Please/You're welcome |
| Ne | Yes |
| Ohi | No |
| Signomi | Sorry/Excuse me |
| Pou ine | Where is |
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