💬 Essentials
A few words of Greek
English is widely spoken wherever there are visitors. A handful of Greek words still changes how you are received — and 'ne' means yes.

Contents · 3
The ones worth learning
- Kaliméra — good morning (until about midday)
- Kalispéra — good evening
- Yiá sas — hello / goodbye (polite); yiá sou to one person you know
- Efharistó — thank you; efharistó polý — thank you very much
- Parakaló — please, and also "you're welcome"
- Ne — yes. Óhi — no. (The one that trips everyone up.)
- Signómi — sorry / excuse me
- Póso kánei? — how much is it?
- To logariasmó, parakaló — the bill, please
- Stin yiá mas! — cheers!
- Neró — water. Kafés — coffee.
Reading signs
Road signs on main roads are in Greek and Latin letters. Ferry and bus timetables usually are too. Place names are transliterated in several ways — Chora, Hora and Xora are the same word ("the main village").
Gestures
A small upward nod of the head, often with a click of the tongue, means no. Do not mistake it for yes.
Before you go
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