Figure it out. Say it. Remember it.

Learning Greek: a practical guide

This is a written companion to the free Greek course on LanguagePath: what the language is like, how it sounds, the phrases you will use first, how the course is structured, and what to watch out for. Everything here comes from the same lessons you can practise interactively above.

What Greek is like

Greek uses its own alphabet, but it's very regular to sound out. Every vowel is short and pure, and the stress always falls where the little accent mark (τόνος) is written — put the emphasis there, as in ευχαριστώ. Greek has three genders — masculine ο, feminine η, neuter το — and the small word for 'the' changes to match: ο σταθμός, η τουαλέτα, το ψωμί. Word order is flexible, so once you know a handful of phrases you can start combining them.

Words you may already know

Pronunciation notes

Greek has its own alphabet, but it's very regular: once you learn a few letters — θ, δ, χ and a couple of vowel combinations — you can sound out almost any word.

• θ — like the "th" in think — a soft, breathy th, as in θέλω = THEH-lo.
• δ — like the "th" in this — a voiced th, as in δύο = DHEE-o.
• χ — raspy "ch" as in loch, from the back of the throat, as in ευχαριστώ = ef-kha-ree-STOH.
• γ — soft "gh"; before e/i it sounds like "y", as in γεια = yah.
• ξ — "ks" as in foxes, as in έξι = EH-ksee.
• ψ — "ps" as in lips, as in ψωμί = pso-MEE.
• ρ — rolled r, like the Spanish r, as in Ελλάδα = el-LA-tha.
• vowels — pure and short: α=a, ε=e, ι/η=ee, ο/ω=o, ου=oo, as in καλημέρα = ka-lee-MEH-ra.

First phrases

The pocket phrases below are the ones learners reach for most often. Say each one out loud a few times before moving on.

How the Greek course is structured

The course has 16 short lessons that build on each other. Each one introduces a few new pieces and then asks you to construct sentences you have never seen, before revealing the answer:

1. Greetings & saying hello — Γειά σου · Καλημέρα · Καλησπέρα
2. Being polite — ευχαριστώ · παρακαλώ · συγνώμη
3. Numbers 1–10 — ένα · δύο · τρία · δέκα
4. I want" — the verb θέλω — θέλω · θέλουμε · έναν / μία
5. Food & drink — νερό · ψωμί · καφές · το μενού
6. Getting around — πού είναι; · δεξιά · αριστερά · ευθεία
7. Questions & "do you have…?" — έχετε; · υπάρχει; · μπορώ;
8. Family & people — οικογένεια · μητέρα · πατέρας · φίλος
9. Time & weather — σήμερα · αύριο · τι καιρό κάνει;
10. Small talk & your name — με λένε · πώς σε λένε; · χαίρω πολύ
11. Health & emergency — βοήθεια · γιατρός · φαρμακείο · δεν καταλαβαίνω
12. Tying it together — a capstone conversation with what you've learned
13. Airport & tickets — αεροδρόμιο · διαβατήριο · εισιτήριο · πύλη
14. The taxi — ταξί · πάω · ξενοδοχείο · σταματήστε
15. The hotel — κράτηση · δωμάτιο · κλειδί · νύχτα
16. Ask for help — δεν καταλαβαίνω · πιο αργά · αγγλικά

Inside the lessons

Here is how a few of the lessons explain the language, with worked examples and the word-by-word breakdown the course uses.

Greetings & saying hello

Key pieces: Γειά σου · Καλημέρα · Καλησπέρα

The first word you'll ever need: Γειά σου — hello. It's informal, for friends and people your own age.

• Γειά σου (yah soo) — hi / bye (informal)
• Καλημέρα (ka-lee-MEH-ra) — good morning
• Καλησπέρα (ka-lee-SPEH-ra) — good evening
• Γειά σας (yah sas) — hello (formal / plural)
• Αντίο (an-DEE-o) — goodbye

To say “Hello!” in Greek: Γειά σου! (yah soo). Built from γειά σου = hello (informal).

For the morning, use Καλημέρα — literally 'good day'.

To say “Good morning!” in Greek: Καλημέρα! (ka-lee-MEH-ra). Built from καλημέρα = good morning.

To be polite with strangers or elders, use Γειά σας — the formal 'you'.

To say “Hello (formal)” in Greek: Γειά σας (yah sas). Built from γειά σας = hello (formal).

Being polite

Key pieces: ευχαριστώ · παρακαλώ · συγνώμη

The all-important Ευχαριστώ — thank you. You'll say it a hundred times a day in Greece.

• Ευχαριστώ (ef-kha-ree-STOH) — thank you
• Παρακαλώ (pa-ra-ka-LOH) — please / you're welcome
• Συγνώμη (see-GNO-mee) — sorry / excuse me
• Ναι (neh) — yes
• Όχι (O-khee) — no

To say “Thank you” in Greek: Ευχαριστώ (ef-kha-ree-STOH). Built from ευχαριστώ = thank you.

Παρακαλώ does double duty: 'please' and 'you're welcome'.

To say “You're welcome” in Greek: Παρακαλώ (pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from παρακαλώ = you're welcome / please.

To get someone's attention or apologize: Συγνώμη — sorry / excuse me.

To say “Sorry / excuse me” in Greek: Συγνώμη (see-GNO-mee). Built from συγνώμη = sorry / excuse me.

Numbers 1–10

Key pieces: ένα · δύο · τρία · δέκα

Numbers unlock prices and times. Listen and repeat: ένα, δύο, τρία .

• ένα (EH-na) — 1
• δύο (DHEE-o) — 2
• τρία (TREE-a) — 3 Memory hook: ≈ English tri- (triangle, trio).
• τέσσερα (TEH-se-ra) — 4
• πέντε (PEN-de) — 5
• δέκα (DHEH-ka) — 10

To say “Two coffees, please” in Greek: Δύο καφέδες, παρακαλώ (DHEE-o ka-FEH-dhes, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from δύο = two; καφέδες = coffees; παρακαλώ = please.

To shop, you'll need Πόσο κάνει; — how much is it?

To say “How much is it?” in Greek: Πόσο κάνει; (PO-so KA-nee). Built from πόσο = how much; κάνει = does it cost.

To say “It's five euros” in Greek: Πέντε ευρώ (PEN-de EV-ro). Built from πέντε = five; ευρώ = euros.

I want" — the verb θέλω

Key pieces: θέλω · θέλουμε · έναν / μία

To say what you want: θέλω — I want.

έναν is 'a' for masculine nouns, μία for feminine. A coffee is masculine → έναν καφέ .

To say “I want a coffee” in Greek: Θέλω έναν καφέ (THEH-lo EH-nan ka-FEH). Built from θέλω = I want; έναν καφέ = a coffee.

To say “I want water” in Greek: Θέλω νερό (THEH-lo ne-RO). Built from θέλω = I want; νερό = water.

For 'we want', change the ending: θέλουμε .

To say “We want a table” in Greek: Θέλουμε ένα τραπέζι (THEH-loo-meh EH-na tra-PE-zee). Built from θέλουμε = we want; ένα τραπέζι = a table.

To say “I want the bill” in Greek: Θέλω τον λογαριασμό (THEH-lo ton lo-gha-ree-az-MO). Built from θέλω = I want; τον λογαριασμό = the bill.

Food & drink

Key pieces: νερό · ψωμί · καφές · το μενού

Hungry? Key words: νερό (water), ψωμί (bread), καφές (coffee).

• νερό (ne-RO) — water
• ψωμί (pso-MEE) — bread
• καφές (ka-FEH) — coffee Memory hook: ≈ English coffee.
• κρασί (kra-SEE) — wine
• το μενού (to me-NOO) — the menu Memory hook: ≈ English menu.
• ο λογαριασμός (o lo-gha-ree-az-MOS) — the bill

To say “Water and bread, please” in Greek: Νερό και ψωμί, παρακαλώ (ne-RO ke pso-MEE, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from νερό = water; και = and; ψωμί = bread.

To say “I want the menu” in Greek: Θέλω το μενού (THEH-lo to me-NOO). Built from θέλω = I want; το μενού = the menu.

νόστιμο = delicious. Say it and the chef will love you.

To say “It's delicious!” in Greek: Είναι νόστιμο! (EE-ne NO-stee-mo). Built from είναι = it is; νόστιμο = delicious.

Getting around

Key pieces: πού είναι; · δεξιά · αριστερά · ευθεία

The most useful question anywhere: Πού είναι…; — where is…?

• Πού είναι...? (poo EE-ne) — Where is...?
• δεξιά (dhe-KSIA) — to the right
• αριστερά (a-ree-ste-RA) — to the left
• ευθεία (ef-THEE-a) — straight ahead
• ο σταθμός (o stath-MOS) — the station
• η τουαλέτα (ee too-a-LE-ta) — the bathroom Memory hook: ≈ English toilet.

To say “Where is the station?” in Greek: Πού είναι ο σταθμός; (poo EE-ne o stath-MOS). Built from πού = where; είναι = is; ο σταθμός = the station.

To say “Where is the bathroom?” in Greek: Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (poo EE-ne ee too-a-LE-ta). Built from πού = where; είναι = is; η τουαλέτα = the bathroom.

δεξιά and αριστερά tell you which way to turn. Straight ahead is ευθεία .

To say “Straight ahead” in Greek: Ευθεία (ef-THEE-a). Built from ευθεία = straight ahead.

Questions & "do you have…?"

Key pieces: έχετε; · υπάρχει; · μπορώ;

To ask if someone has something: Έχεις…; (informal) or Έχετε…; (formal / plural).

To say “Do you have a table?” in Greek: Έχετε τραπέζι; (EH-khe-te tra-PE-zee). Built from έχετε = do you have; τραπέζι = a table.

Υπάρχει…; = is there…? Very handy.

To say “Is there wifi?” in Greek: Υπάρχει wifi; (ee-PAR-khee wifi). Built from υπάρχει = is there; wifi = wifi.

Μπορώ…; = may I…? Use it for polite requests.

To say “May I pay?” in Greek: Μπορώ να πληρώσω; (bo-RO na plee-RO-so). Built from μπορώ = may I; να πληρώσω = to pay.

Family & people

Key pieces: οικογένεια · μητέρα · πατέρας · φίλος

Family words: οικογένεια (family), μητέρα (mother), πατέρας (father).

• η οικογένεια (ee ee-ko-YEH-nee-a) — the family
• η μητέρα (ee mee-TEH-ra) — the mother
• ο πατέρας (o pa-TEH-ras) — the father
• η αδερφή (ee a-dher-FEE) — the sister
• ο αδερφός (o a-dher-FOS) — the brother
• ο φίλος (o FEE-los) — the friend Memory hook: ≈ English phil(o)- (philosophy).

To say “I have a friend” in Greek: Έχω έναν φίλο (EH-kho EH-nan FEE-lo). Built from έχω = I have; έναν φίλο = a friend.

Έχω = I have. It's the key verb for saying what you've got.

To say “I have a family” in Greek: Έχω μια οικογένεια (EH-kho mya ee-ko-YEH-nee-a). Built from έχω = I have; μια οικογένεια = a family.

Time & weather

Key pieces: σήμερα · αύριο · τι καιρό κάνει;

Today is σήμερα , tomorrow is αύριο .

• σήμερα (SEE-me-ra) — today
• αύριο (AV-ree-o) — tomorrow
• τώρα (TO-ra) — now
• τι καιρό κάνει; (tee ke-RO KA-nee) — what's the weather like?
• βρέχει (VRE-khee) — it's raining

To say “See you tomorrow” in Greek: Τα λέμε αύριο (ta LE-me AV-ree-o). Built from τα λέμε = see you; αύριο = tomorrow.

Ask about the weather: Τι καιρό κάνει;

To say “It's raining” in Greek: Βρέχει (VRE-khee). Built from βρέχει = it's raining.

Small talk & your name

Key pieces: με λένε · πώς σε λένε; · χαίρω πολύ

Introduce yourself: Με λένε… = my name is…, and Χαίρω πολύ = pleased to meet you.

To say “My name is Alex” in Greek: Με λένε Alex (me LE-ne Alex). Built from με λένε = my name is; Alex = your name.

To ask someone's name: Πώς σε λένε;

To say “What's your name?” in Greek: Πώς σε λένε; (pos se LE-ne). Built from πώς = how; σε λένε = do they call you?.

To ask where someone is from: Από πού είσαι;

To say “I'm from England” in Greek: Είμαι από την Αγγλία (EE-me a-PO teen an-GLEE-a). Built from είμαι = I am; από την Αγγλία = from England.

To say “Pleased to meet you” in Greek: Χαίρω πολύ (KHE-ro po-LEE). Built from χαίρω πολύ = pleased to meet you.

Health & emergency

Key pieces: βοήθεια · γιατρός · φαρμακείο · δεν καταλαβαίνω

If you need help, shout Βοήθεια! Then: ο γιατρός (doctor), το φαρμακείο (pharmacy).

• Βοήθεια! (vo-EE-thee-a) — Help!
• ο γιατρός (o ya-TROS) — the doctor Memory hook: ≈ English -iatrics (psychiatry).
• το φαρμακείο (to far-ma-KEE-o) — the pharmacy Memory hook: ≈ English pharmacy.
• Δεν καταλαβαίνω (dhen ka-ta-la-VE-no) — I don't understand
• Πονάει εδώ (po-NA-ee e-THO) — it hurts here

To say “Help!” in Greek: Βοήθεια! (vo-EE-thee-a). Built from βοήθεια = help.

To say “I don't understand” in Greek: Δεν καταλαβαίνω (dhen ka-ta-la-VE-no). Built from δεν = not; καταλαβαίνω = I understand.

To say you need help: Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια .

To say “I need help” in Greek: Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια (khree-A-zo-me vo-EE-thee-a). Built from χρειάζομαι = I need; βοήθεια = help.

Tying it together

Key pieces: a capstone conversation with what you've learned

Great — you've built a real toolbox. This capstone uses only words you've met. Build each line yourself before revealing.

To say “Hello, how are you?” in Greek: Γειά σου, τι κάνεις; (yah soo, tee KA-nees). Built from γειά σου = hi; τι κάνεις; = how are you?.

To say “I'd like a coffee, please” in Greek: Θέλω έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ (THEH-lo EH-nan ka-FEH, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from θέλω = I want; έναν καφέ = a coffee; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “Where is the station?” in Greek: Πού είναι ο σταθμός; (poo EE-ne o stath-MOS). Built from πού = where; είναι = is; ο σταθμός = the station.

To say “How much is it?” in Greek: Πόσο κάνει; (PO-so KA-nee). Built from πόσο = how much; κάνει = does it cost.

Airport & tickets

Key pieces: αεροδρόμιο · διαβατήριο · εισιτήριο · πύλη

You have landed. The building is the αεροδρόμιο . Your document is a διαβατήριο .

• το αεροδρόμιο (to a-e-ro-DRO-mee-o) — the airport
• το διαβατήριο (to dya-va-TEE-ree-o) — the passport
• το εισιτήριο (to ee-see-TEE-ree-o) — the ticket
• η πτήση (ee PTEE-see) — the flight
• η πύλη (ee PEE-lee) — the gate

To say “Where is the airport?” in Greek: Πού είναι το αεροδρόμιο; (poo EE-ne to a-e-ro-DRO-mee-o). Built from πού είναι = where is; το αεροδρόμιο = the airport.

To say “Here is my passport” in Greek: Ορίστε το διαβατήριό μου (o-REE-ste to dya-va-TEE-ree-O moo). Built from ορίστε = here is; το διαβατήριό μου = my passport.

To say “A ticket, please” in Greek: Ένα εισιτήριο, παρακαλώ (EH-na ee-see-TEE-ree-o, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from ένα εισιτήριο = a ticket; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “Where is the gate?” in Greek: Πού είναι η πύλη; (poo EE-ne ee PEE-lee). Built from πού είναι = where is; η πύλη = the gate.

The taxi

Key pieces: ταξί · πάω · ξενοδοχείο · σταματήστε

The driver is waiting. Ταξί is the same idea. Tell them where to go with θέλω να πάω .

• το ταξί (to ta-KSEE) — the taxi
• ο οδηγός (o o-dee-GHOS) — the driver
• θέλω να πάω (THEH-lo na PA-o) — I want to go
• σταματήστε εδώ (sta-ma-TEE-ste e-THO) — stop here (formal)

To say “Taxi, please” in Greek: Ένα ταξί, παρακαλώ (EH-na ta-KSEE, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from ένα ταξί = a taxi; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “I want to go to the hotel” in Greek: Θέλω να πάω στο ξενοδοχείο (THEH-lo na PA-o sto kse-no-dho-KHEE-o). Built from θέλω = I want; να πάω = to go; στο ξενοδοχείο = to the hotel.

To say “Stop here, please” in Greek: Σταματήστε εδώ, παρακαλώ (sta-ma-TEE-ste e-THO, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from σταματήστε = stop (formal); εδώ = here; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “How much is it?” in Greek: Πόσο κάνει; (PO-so KA-nee). Built from πόσο = how much; κάνει = does it cost.

The hotel

Key pieces: κράτηση · δωμάτιο · κλειδί · νύχτα

At the desk: έχω κράτηση — I have a reservation.

• το ξενοδοχείο (to kse-no-dho-KHEE-o) — the hotel
• η κράτηση (ee KRA-tee-se) — the reservation
• το δωμάτιο (to dho-MA-tee-o) — the room
• το κλειδί (to klee-DHEE) — the key
• μία νύχτα (MEE-a NEE-khta) — one night

To say “I have a reservation” in Greek: Έχω κράτηση (EH-kho KRA-tee-se). Built from έχω = I have; κράτηση = reservation.

To say “A room for one night, please” in Greek: Ένα δωμάτιο για μία νύχτα, παρακαλώ (EH-na dho-MA-tee-o ya MEE-a NEE-khta, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from ένα δωμάτιο = a room; για μία νύχτα = for one night; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “The key, please” in Greek: Το κλειδί, παρακαλώ (to klee-DHEE, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from το κλειδί = the key; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “Where is my room?” in Greek: Πού είναι το δωμάτιό μου; (poo EE-ne to dho-MA-tee-O moo). Built from πού είναι = where is; το δωμάτιό μου = my room.

Ask for help

Key pieces: δεν καταλαβαίνω · πιο αργά · αγγλικά

When the language is too fast: Πιο αργά, παρακαλώ — slower, please.

• πιο αργά (pyo ar-GHA) — slower
• πάλι (PA-lee) — again
• αγγλικά (ang-glee-KA) — English
• μπορείτε να βοηθήσετε; (bo-REE-te na vo-ee-THEE-se-te) — can you help? (formal)

To say “I don't understand” in Greek: Δεν καταλαβαίνω (dhen ka-ta-la-VE-no). Built from δεν = not; καταλαβαίνω = I understand.

To say “Slower, please” in Greek: Πιο αργά, παρακαλώ (pyo ar-GHA, pa-ra-ka-LOH). Built from πιο αργά = slower; παρακαλώ = please.

To say “Can you help me?” in Greek: Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; (bo-REE-te na me vo-ee-THEE-se-te). Built from μπορείτε = can you (formal); να με βοηθήσετε = to help me.

To say “Do you speak English?” in Greek: Μιλάτε αγγλικά; (mee-LA-te ang-glee-KA). Built from μιλάτε = do you speak (formal); αγγλικά = English.

Common mistakes and things to watch out for

• Γειά σου (yah soo): informal.
• Γειά σας (yah sas): formal / plural.
• σταματήστε εδώ (sta-ma-TEE-ste e-THO): formal.
• μπορείτε να βοηθήσετε; (bo-REE-te na vo-ee-THEE-se-te): formal.

Culture and etiquette

Hospitality is sweet

Greeks welcome guests with a cold glass of water and a spoon of sweet jam (glyko, γλυκό). Accepting it — with a sincere 'ευχαριστώ' — is the polite thing and shows respect for the host.

Two greetings for the day

Καλημέρα (kalimera) is used until roughly noon or early afternoon, then Καλησπέρα (kalispera) takes over for the evening. Get those right and you'll sound instantly more natural.

Body language talks

A gentle downward nod or a quiet 'ne' means yes; a slight head tilt with 'ochi'(όχι) means no. Greeks also click their tongue to show mild disapproval — you'll hear it more than you think.

Coffee is a ritual

Greeks linger over coffee — a strong little Greek coffee (ελληνικός) or an iced freddo espresso in summer. It's meant to be savoured slowly, usually with a glass of cold water.

Name days, not birthdays

In Greece, people often celebrate their name day — the feast day of the saint they're named after — more than their birthday. Wishing someone 'χρόνια πολλά' is a lovely gesture.

Effort opens doors

Greeks are delighted when visitors try their language. A warm 'Καλημέρα' and a sincere 'Ευχαριστώ' go a long way — effort matters far more than perfect pronunciation.

Example dialogues

At a café

At the station

At a restaurant

Written by the LanguagePath editorial team from our own course material. Pronunciation guides are approximate English respellings; tap any phrase in the app above to hear it. Native-speaker review of every course is ongoing — tell us if you spot an error.