Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it’s as rich and historic as Greek. Whether you’re planning a trip to Greece, have Greek-speaking friends, or are simply interested in the language, mastering some essential vocabulary can greatly enhance your experience. In this article, we’ll cover 50 essential words you need to know for Greek at the A1 level. These words will form the foundation of your Greek language skills, helping you navigate basic conversations and everyday situations.
1. **Γεια (Yia)** – Hello
2. **Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)** – Good morning
3. **Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra)** – Good evening
4. **Καληνύχτα (Kalinychta)** – Good night
5. **Αντίο (Adío)** – Goodbye
6. **Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)** – Please
7. **Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)** – Thank you
8. **Συγγνώμη (Signómi)** – Sorry/Excuse me
9. **Ναι (Ne)** – Yes
10. **Όχι (Óchi)** – No
These basic greetings and polite phrases will help you make a good impression and show respect to Greek speakers. Note that “Ναι” (Ne) means “yes,” which can be confusing for English speakers since it sounds like “no.”
Knowing numbers is crucial for everyday activities such as shopping, dining, and navigating public transportation.
11. **Ένα (Éna)** – One
12. **Δύο (Dýo)** – Two
13. **Τρία (Tría)** – Three
14. **Τέσσερα (Téssera)** – Four
15. **Πέντε (Pénte)** – Five
16. **Έξι (Éxi)** – Six
17. **Επτά (Eptá)** – Seven
18. **Οκτώ (Októ)** – Eight
19. **Εννιά (Enniá)** – Nine
20. **Δέκα (Déka)** – Ten
Once you’re comfortable with these, try counting to 20, then 100. Understanding numbers will help you in almost any situation.
Being able to ask and understand basic questions is essential for communication.
21. **Πώς σε λένε; (Pós se léne?)** – What is your name?
22. **Με λένε… (Me léne…)** – My name is…
23. **Πόσο κοστίζει; (Póso kostízei?)** – How much does it cost?
24. **Πού είναι…; (Poú eínai…?)** – Where is…?
25. **Τι κάνεις; (Ti káneis?)** – How are you?
26. **Καλά, ευχαριστώ. (Kalá, efcharistó.)** – Fine, thank you.
27. **Τι είναι αυτό; (Ti eínai aftó?)** – What is this?
28. **Μιλάς Αγγλικά; (Milás Angliká?)** – Do you speak English?
29. **Ναι, λίγο. (Ne, lígo.)** – Yes, a little.
30. **Πόσο χρονών είσαι; (Póso chronón eísai?)** – How old are you?
These questions and answers will help you start conversations and gather basic information.
Greek cuisine is famous worldwide, and knowing some food-related vocabulary can enhance your dining experience.
31. **Ψωμί (Psomí)** – Bread
32. **Νερό (Neró)** – Water
33. **Καφές (Kafés)** – Coffee
34. **Τσάι (Tsái)** – Tea
35. **Κρασί (Krasí)** – Wine
36. **Μπύρα (Býra)** – Beer
37. **Γάλα (Gála)** – Milk
38. **Φρούτα (Froúta)** – Fruit
39. **Λαχανικά (Lachaniká)** – Vegetables
40. **Κρέας (Kréas)** – Meat
Knowing these words can help you order food and drinks, and understand menus in Greek restaurants.
Understanding directions and place names is crucial for navigating a new environment.
41. **Δρόμος (Drómos)** – Road
42. **Πλατεία (Plateía)** – Square
43. **Εκκλησία (Ekklisía)** – Church
44. **Αεροδρόμιο (Aerodrómio)** – Airport
45. **Σταθμός (Stathmós)** – Station
46. **Ξενοδοχείο (Xenodochío)** – Hotel
47. **Εστιατόριο (Estiatório)** – Restaurant
48. **Φαρμακείο (Farmakeío)** – Pharmacy
49. **Αγορά (Agorá)** – Market
50. **Παραλία (Paralía)** – Beach
These words will be extremely useful when asking for directions or exploring your surroundings.
Mastering these 50 essential Greek words will provide you with a solid foundation for basic communication. As with any language, practice is key. Try to incorporate these words into your daily routine, whether by labeling items in your home with their Greek names, practicing conversations with a language partner, or using language learning apps. Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Καλή τύχη (Kalí týchi) – good luck!
