When learning a new language, understanding the context in which vocabulary is used is just as important as learning the words themselves. For those learning Greek and needing to navigate the postal system, knowing specific mailing and shipping vocabulary can be incredibly useful. Below is a list of essential terms and phrases, along with their definitions and example sentences to help you get started.

Ταχυδρομείο (Tachydromeio)
This word means “post office,” the place where you go to send and receive mail and packages.
Πρέπει να πάω στο ταχυδρομείο για να στείλω ένα δέμα.
(I need to go to the post office to send a package.)

Γραμματόσημο (Grammatosimo)
A “stamp” in Greek, which you affix to a letter or package before mailing.
Θα χρειαστώ ένα γραμματόσημο για αυτή την επιστολή.
(I will need a stamp for this letter.)

Επιστολή (Epistoli)
This translates to “letter,” which you can send to someone using the postal service.
Έγραψα μια επιστολή στον φίλο μου στο εξωτερικό.
(I wrote a letter to my friend abroad.)

Δέμα (Dema)
This is the Greek term for “package” or “parcel.”
Περίμενα ένα δέμα από τον ιστότοπο που έκανα παραγγελία.
(I was expecting a package from the website I ordered from.)

Αποστολή (Apostoli)
In the context of mailing and shipping, this word means “dispatch” or “shipment.”
Η αποστολή του δέματός σου έχει καθυστερήσει.
(The shipment of your package has been delayed.)

Κούριερ (Courier)
A “courier” or delivery service, often used for quicker or specialized deliveries.
Θα χρησιμοποιήσω έναν κούριερ για να στείλω τα επείγοντα έγγραφα.
(I will use a courier to send the urgent documents.)

Απόδειξη παράδοσης (Apodeixi paradosis)
This phrase means “delivery receipt,” which confirms that your mail or package has been delivered.
Χρειάζομαι την απόδειξη παράδοσης για την εταιρική αλληλογραφία.
(I need the delivery receipt for the corporate correspondence.)

Συσκευασία (Syskevasia)
The Greek word for “packaging” material, which is used to protect items during shipping.
Αγόρασε κάποια συσκευασία από το ταχυδρομείο για το δώρο.
(She bought some packaging from the post office for the gift.)

Ταχυδρομική θυρίδα (Tachydromiki thirida)
Otherwise known as a “mailbox” or “postbox” where you can drop off mail to be sent.
Βάλε την επιστολή στην ταχυδρομική θυρίδα όταν βγεις.
(Put the letter in the mailbox when you go out.)

Αναζήτηση δέματος (Anazitisi dematos)
This means “tracking a package,” which allows you to follow the progress of your shipment.
Χρησιμοποίησε τον αριθμό αναζήτησης δέματος για να δεις πού βρίσκεται.
(Use the package tracking number to see where it is.)

Εκτελωνισμός (Ektelonismos)
This is the process of “customs clearance,” which goods undergo when entering a country.
Το δέμα μου καθυστερεί λόγω του εκτελωνισμού.
(My package is delayed due to customs clearance.)

Ταχυδρόμηση (Tachydromisi)
The service of “mailing” or “posting” items.
Η ταχυδρόμηση των επιστολών έγινε σήμερα το μεσημέρι.
(The mailing of the letters was done today at noon.)

Understanding these terms can be a lifesaver when you’re in Greece and need to send or receive mail or packages. With practice, you will become more comfortable using these words and phrases, making your experiences with the Greek postal system smoother and more efficient. Happy mailing!