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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.

A few words of Greek
Contents · 3
  1. ΑThe ones worth learning
  2. ΒReading signs
  3. ΓGestures

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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The My network

Where the journey goes next

Thassos first — then the neighbours of a Balkan road trip and the coasts across the water. Same format, the same honesty about the money, written place by place.

Turquoise water and a long sandy beach below green hills on ThassosThassos.onlineOur sister site · North AegeanThassos has a guide of its ownThe green, marble-edged island of the north Aegean, a short ferry crossing from Keramoti or Kavala and one of the Greek islands Romanian travellers know best. Beaches, mountain villages, tavernas and where to stay — covered in depth on thassos.online.Open the Thassos guide · thassos.online →