Learning a new language can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to Greek, a language that is rich in history and culture. While Greek can seem daunting at first, focusing on some basic verbs can help you start forming sentences and engaging in everyday conversation. Here’s a list of essential Greek verbs that you will find useful in daily communication.

Είμαι (Eímai) – To be
This is the most fundamental verb in Greek and is used to describe identity, characteristics, or states of being.
Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ! (Eímai kalá, efcharistó!)

Έχω (Écho) – To have
You use this verb to express possession, relationships, or characteristics.
Έχω μία γάτα. (Écho mía gáta.)

Κάνω (Káno) – To do, to make
A versatile verb that is often used in everyday Greek, suitable for a range of actions and activities.
Κάνω ποδήλατο κάθε μέρα. (Káno podílato káthe méra.)

Πάω (Páo) – To go
This verb is used for all forms of going and moving from one place to another.
Πάω στην αγορά. (Páo stin agorá.)

Έρχομαι (Érchomai) – To come
The counterpart to “to go,” it is used to indicate movement towards the speaker or the speaker’s perspective.
Έρχομαι σε πέντε λεπτά. (Érchomai se pénte leptá.)

Θέλω (Thélo) – To want
Expresses desire or intention when you want to do something or wish for something.
Θέλω να μάθω ελληνικά. (Thélo na mátho elliniká.)

Αγοράζω (Agorázω) – To buy
Anytime you need to communicate about purchasing something, this is the verb to use.
Αγοράζω φρούτα κάθε Σάββατο. (Agorázω froúta káthe Sávvato.)

Πουλάω (Pouláo) – To sell
The opposite of buying; if you’re talking about sales or selling something, use this verb.
Πουλάω το παλιό μου αυτοκίνητο. (Pouláo to palioú mou aftokínito.)

Καταλαβαίνω (Katalavaíno) – To understand
A critical verb when communicating, especially when you are learning the language.
Καταλαβαίνω λίγο ελληνικά. (Katalavaíno lígo elliniká.)

Μιλάω (Miláo) – To speak
Useful for indicating language ability or when you’re engaging in conversation.
Μιλάω αγγλικά και μαθαίνω ελληνικά. (Miláo angliká kai mathaíno elliniká.)

Βλέπω (Vlépo) – To see
Whether you’re sightseeing or simply observing, this verb will often come into play.
Βλέπω τη θάλασσα από το μπαλκόνι μου. (Vlépo ti thálassa apó to balkóni mou.)

Ακούω (Akoúo) – To hear
Use this when you’re listening to music, hearing sounds or simply wanting to express the ability to hear.
Ακούω μουσική τώρα. (Akoúo mousikí tóra.)

Φεύγω (Févgo) – To leave
When you’re departing or going away from somewhere, this verb will be needed.
Φεύγω από το γραφείο στις πέντε. (Févgo apó to grafeío stis pénte.)

Τρώω (Tróo) – To eat
No trip or conversation in Greece is complete without discussing food!
Τρώω πρωινό στις οκτώ το πρωί. (Tróo proinó stis októ to proí.)

Πίνω (Píno) – To drink
Whether it’s coffee, water, or Ouzo, this verb will come in handy.
Πίνω καφέ κάθε πρωί. (Píno kafé káthe proí.)

Starting with these essential Greek verbs will give you a strong foundation for building your Greek language skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try using these verbs in sentences and during your conversations. Καλή τύχη! (Kalí týchi!) – Good luck!