Traveling in Greece can be a thrilling experience full of history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, to navigate the charming streets of Greek cities and the breathtaking countryside, it’s essential to arm yourself with a handful of practical Greek phrases pertaining to navigation and direction. Below, we’ve compiled a list of fundamental words and phrases to help you get where you’re going smoothly and enjoyably.
Πού (poú) translates to “where” in English. It’s used to ask about the location of a particular place.
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (Poú eínai i toualéta?)
Αριστερά (aristerá) means “left.” This is used to give or receive directions, indicating a left turn.
Στην επόμενη γωνία στρίψτε αριστερά. (Stin epómeni gonía strípste aristerá.)
Δεξιά (dexiá) signifies “right” and is the counterpart to “left,” indicating a right turn in directions.
Δεξιά είναι το μουσείο. (Dexiá eínai to mouseío.)
Ευθεία (eftheía) means “straight.” It is often used to indicate that one should go straight ahead rather than turning.
Πηγαίνετε ευθεία για περίπου 100 μέτρα. (Pigénete eftheía gia perípou 100 métra.)
Σταυροδρόμι (stavrodrómi) refers to a “crossroads” or “intersection.” It’s useful when explaining where to turn or when asking for clarification at an intersection.
Βρίσκετε στο σταυροδρόμι και περιμένετε εκεί. (Vrískete sto stavrodrómi kai periménete ekeí.)
Στάση (stási) means “stop” or “station,” often used for bus or train stations.
Παρακαλώ, πότε θα φτάσουμε στην επόμενη στάση; (Parakaló, póte tha ftásoume stin epómeni stási?)
Κυκλικός κόμβος (kyklikós kómvos) translates to “roundabout.” It’s a common feature in European road systems and something you’d likely encounter in Greece.
Στον κυκλικό κόμβο, προχωρήστε στη δεύτερη έξοδο. (Ston kyklikó kómvos, prochoríste sti deúteri éxodo.)
Οδός (odós) simply means “street.” When looking for an address, knowing this word is crucial.
Η οδός Ερμού είναι πολύ γνωστή για τα καταστήματα. (I odós Ermou eínai polý gnóstí gia ta katastímata.)
Χάρτης (chártis) is the Greek word for “map,” an essential tool for navigating unfamiliar areas.
Θα μπορούσατε να μου δώσετε έναν χάρτη της περιοχής; (Tha borúsate na mou dósete énan chárti tis periochís?)
Πώς μπορώ να πάω στο(ν)…? (Pós boró na páo sto(n)…) This phrase means “How can I get to…?” and is one of the most important questions you’ll need for getting around.
Πώς μπορώ να πάω στον Παρθενώνα; (Pós boró na páo ston Parthenóna?)
Μακριά (makriá) translates to “far.” It can qualify the distance to a destination.
Το αεροδρόμιο είναι μακριά από εδώ. (To aerodrómio eínai makriá apó edó.)
Κοντά (kontá) means “near” or “close.” It’s the opposite of “far” and indicates a short distance.
Το ξενοδοχείο βρίσκεται κοντά στην πλατεία. (To xenodocheío vrísketai kontá stin plateía.)
Knowing these phrases can enhance your travel experience and enable you to explore Greece with confidence. While English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, attempting to use the local language will enrich your interactions and may even earn you a warm smile from the locals. Happy traveling, or as the Greeks say, καλό ταξίδι (kaló taxídi)!
