Must-Know Greek Phrases for Your Trip to Greece

English is widely spoken and understood in Greece so travelers to the country needn’t spend months learning the language before they visit, but taking the time to learn a few key phrases can make things much easier and will go a long way with the locals during your trip. The following phrases are easy to learn and will be helpful during your stay.

Please and Thank You

Parakalo and efharisto, respectively.

Where is the bathroom?

Poo ee-ne toileta? This phrase will come in handy more often than not.

Where is the pharmacy?

Poo ee-ne ena pharmakío? There is always a pharmacy open somewhere in Greece and they can be helpful in emergencies. Most Greek pharmacists will be able to help you figure out what might be wrong and provide you with medication until you can see a doctor.

Where is the beach?

Poo ee-ne ee paralee-a? Unless you are visiting the mountains or in the dead of winter, knowing the beach location is imperative.

More wine, please.

Ke alo krasi, parakalo. Perhaps the single most important phrase on this list. One thing you don’t want to do in Greece is run out of wine!

Where can I find a taxi?

Poo na vro ena taxí? No Ubers here! One of the most common methods of public transport in Greece is the taxi, easily recognizable by the yellow paint and taxi sign atop the car. While you see them absolutely everywhere and can simply wave one down when you see one, locals can point you toward a taxi stand where you are guaranteed to find a ride.

I have a nut allergy.

E-ho allerhíya apo ksirous carpous. While not something everyone will need to learn, this phrase could mean life or death for some.