Greek “Cheers” and Other Common Greek Phrases for Travelers
Greek people are very proud of their language and culture and appreciate it when people make an effort to speak Greek. Your experience there can only be improved by learning some of the language before you go, but after you’ve mastered the pleasantries, what should you learn? Here are essential Greek phrases for tourists including how to say “Cheers” in Greek.
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1. Γεια μας – Yia mas! (Greek Cheers)
If you’re planning to spend a lot of your time in Greece in the many tavernas, you’re sure to want to know how to make a toast. The most common Greek toast word for “Cheers” is “Yia mas”, which means “to our health”. As in other countries, you clink glasses when you toast. In fact, there’s a theory that this tradition originated with the Ancient Greeks. By clinking your glasses together your drink would slosh into the other person’s glass and therefore if it was poisoned, they would be poisoned too. You can also make a toast to someone else, by saying “Στην υγειά σου” (Stinygiasou) (“to your health”) in informal situations and “Εις υγείαν σας,” (Eis igían sas) if you find yourself at a more formal function.
2. Ένα καφέ, παρακαλώ – Ena kafe, parakalo (A coffee, please)
Like the Turkish, Greeks are very fond of their very own coffee. Greek coffee is far removed from what you’d get in a Starbucks. Made with a fine coffee grind in a tall, narrow pot (called a briki, cezve or ibrik), it’s served with the grounds still in the cup, which are left to settle as you drink, and foam on top. Drinking coffee is a leisurely affair in Greece and a coffee break can last hours. The main phrase you need is “Ena kafe, parakalo” (a coffee, please), but you’ll also want to know how to ask for different levels of sweetness.
Σκέτος (Sketos) – unsweetened
Μέτριος (Metrio) – somewhat sweet
Γλυκό (Glyko) – sweet
Βαρύγλυκο (Varyglyko) – very sweet
Traditionally served black and usually with a glass of water on the side, drinking Greek coffee is something you don’t want to miss. If you’re unsure though you can ask for it with milk (Καφέ με γάλα – Kafe me gala), or even just for an instant Nescafe (Ένα Νες – Ena ness).
3. Opa! (A celebratory Greek expression)
This multifunctional word will serve you well in many different situations. Sometimes it means “oops!”, sometimes it’s used as a call for attention and it’s even cried when the flame is lit on the flambé dish saganaki. Often “Opa” is just an interjection when everyone’s having fun, especially when dancing (think of the image of Greeks breaking plates!). Greek singer Giorgos Alkaios sang his song “OPA!” at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010, as a message to Greeks to dance and be happy in the face of the economic crisis. Opa is about excitement and high spirits, which you’ll be seeing plenty of in Greece.
4. Φίλοι μου – Fili mou (My friends)
Finally, Greeks are very friendly and it’s not uncommon to use affectionate terms even towards strangers. “Fili mou” means “my friends”, “Μωρό μου” (moro mou) “my baby”, and “Αγάπη μου” (agape mou) “my love”. Don’t be too surprised if a complete stranger proclaims their love to you!
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Learning these common Greek phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience, making your interactions with locals more meaningful and enjoyable. If you want to dive deeper into the beautiful Greek language and culture, consider taking a personalized Greek course with one of our native teachers. Our tailor-made lessons are designed to help you master essential expressions and beyond, ensuring a memorable and immersive journey through Greece. Contact us now so we can pair you up with a native teacher for in-person Greek lessons in New York and other major cities.
Commonly Asked Questions About Common Greek Phrases
1. How do you toast in Greek?
To toast in Greek, you say “Γεια μας!” (Yia mas!), which means “To our health!”
2. What are the most common greetings in Greek?
Common greetings in Greek include “Γειά σου” (Yia sou) for hello, and “Καλημέρα” (Kalimera) for good morning, “Καλησπέρα” (Kalispera) for good evening, and “Καληνύχτα” (Kalinichta) for good night.
3. How do you say cheers in Greek slang?
In Greek slang, you can say “Στην υγειά μας!” (Stin igia mas!) which also means “To our health!” but is often shortened to “ΥΓΕΙΑ!” (Yia!).
4. Does Yamas mean thanks?
No, “Yamas” means “to our health” or “cheers.” The Greek word for thanks is “Ευχαριστώ” (Efharisto).