Essential Greek words & phrases to use during your stay in Greece (and Skiathos)

Warm, simple Greek expressions that make your holiday even more delightful.

One of the most beautiful things about Greece is how truly warm, open and expressive the people are. Even if you don’t speak the language, just a few simple Greek words can instantly make a connection, spark a smile and create a more authentic experience — especially on islands like Skiathos, where locals appreciate even the smallest effort.

You don’t need to be fluent.

Just a handful of words can make you feel like Greece is welcoming you home.

Here are the most useful Greek expressions to use during your holiday — friendly, easy to remember, and guaranteed to bring joy.

1. Kaliméra — Καλημέρα — Good morning

Say it until early afternoon.

Greeks LOVE hearing foreigners say this.

Use it when:

• greeting the baker

• walking into a café

• passing someone on a hiking trail

• starting your day at the beach

It’s the sound of Greece waking up.

2. Evening greetings you’ll actually use in Greece

Kalispéra — Καλησπέρα — Good evening

Used from late afternoon until the early part of the night when greeting someone.

Say it when you arrive somewhere in the evening — at a restaurant, café, or shop.

Kalo vrádi — Καλό βράδυ — Have a nice evening

This is what Greeks say when they are leaving somewhere in the evening but may still continue their night with other plans.

Use it:

• when leaving a restaurant but still going for a walk

• when ending a conversation but the night isn’t over

• when you’re heading to another place

It’s a warm and polite “enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Kaliníhta — Καληνύχτα — Good night

This one is only used when the night is truly finished and you are going home to sleep.

Greeks never use “kaliníhta” if they plan to continue their evening.

Use it:

• when returning to your villa for the night

• when guests or friends are going home to sleep

• when the day is officially over

It literally signals: no more plans, the night is done.

3. Efcharistó — Ευχαριστώ — Thank you

Efcharistó polí — Ευχαριστώ πολύ — Thank you very much

“Efcharistó” is one of the simplest and most appreciated words you can say in Greece.

If you want to express extra gratitude — or simply be a little warmer — say:

👉 Efcharistó polí (eff-har-ees-TOH po-LEE)

Which means: thank you very much.

You’ll hear Greeks reply with:

Parakaló (you’re welcome).

It’s one of the easiest ways to make someone smile.

4. Parakaló — Παρακαλώ — Please / You’re welcome

A wonderfully versatile Greek word meaning:

• please

• you’re welcome

• here you go

• no problem

You’ll hear it constantly in Greece.

5. Yássas — Γειά σας — Hello / Goodbye (formal)

Yássou — Γειά σου — Hello / Goodbye (informal)

Greece’s version of ciao — both hello and goodbye.

Use yássas with staff, older people or strangers.

Use yássou with friends or younger people.

6. Né — Ναι — Yes

7. Óchi — Όχι — No

Be careful: Né (yes) sounds like no in English.

Remember:

✔ Né = Yes

✔ Óchi = No

8. Ti Kánis? — Τι κάνεις; — How are you?

Answer with: Kalá — Καλά — I’m good

Greeks genuinely care about how you are — even strangers.

You’ll often hear: “Όλα καλά;” (Everything good?)

9. Neró — Νερό — Water

Useful for ordering water at cafés or restaurants.

For cold water: krío neró — κρύο νερό

10. Ton logariasmó, parakaló — Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ — The bill, please

This is the polite, complete way to ask for the bill:

Ton logariasmó, parakaló (TON lo-ga-riaz-MO, pa-ra-ka-LO)

Greeks never rush your meal — the bill only arrives when you ask for it.

And of course… in true Greek hospitality style:

You will almost always receive a small complimentary dessert with your bill.

Anything from watermelon to homemade cake, loukoumi or a traditional sweet — a little gesture to thank you for your visit.

11. Nósteimo — Νόστιμο — Delicious

The perfect word to compliment a dish.

Nósteimo (NO-stee-mo) means delicious / tasty / full of flavour.

Use it when:

• your lobster spaghetti was amazing

• the grilled fish was perfect

• the meze were unforgettable

If you want to emphasise it even more:

👉 Poly nósteimo — Πολύ νόστιμο — very delicious.

Chefs and taverna owners love hearing this.

12. Kalí órexi — Καλή όρεξη — Enjoy your meal

The Greek version of bon appétit.

Use it when:

• everyone’s plates arrive

• before starting to eat

• when others get their food

It literally means: good appetite — but it feels like “enjoy your meal.”

13. S’ agapó — Σ’ αγαπώ — I love you

Not essential… unless you’re in Greece with someone special. ❤️

Bonus: Greek words with no real translation

These reveal the heart of Greek culture:

Kefi — κέφι

Joy, passion, uplifted spirit — the special energy that comes from music, food and being together.

Filoxenía — φιλοξενία

Literal meaning: “friend to the stranger.”

The deep Greek tradition of hospitality and generosity.

Siga siga — σιγά σιγά

Slowly, slowly.

A reminder not to rush — especially on holiday.

You’ll feel all three in Skiathos.