0Useful phrases for visitors to Crete

In the most popular tourist spots visitors will find that the locals speak excellent English. However, some of the best places to eat will have older staff with more limited English, so it is a good idea to know a few phrases.

We should also add that we think any opportunity to learn a few words of another language should be welcomed, and at the minimum it is simply good manners to greet the local people. The Cretan people are very welcoming, but a few words of Greek still go a long way.

Basic manners and greetings

Good morningKalimerah
Good eveningKalisperah
Good nightKalinichta
HelloYassas (someone you know) / Yasou (more formal) / Yass (informal pronunciation)
Thank youEfharisto
PleaseParakoloh
You’re welcomeParakaloh (yes, the same as please)
YesNeh
NoOchi

Drinks

BeerBeera
DraughtVarelisia
WineKrasee
RedKokkino
WhiteAspro
BottleBoukali
WaterNeroh
IcePythaki
OrangePortacalatha

Food

ChipsPatates Tiganetes
BurgerBifteki
BreadPsomee
ChickenKoutopolou
SaladSalata

Numbers

1Ena / Mia
2Treea
3Theeo
4Decera
5Pendeh
6Exe
7Epta
8Octo
9Enya
10Theca

Other words & phrases

Can I haveMe pos eketeh
The billT’ Logareeasmoh
AndKeh
So-SoEtsi Ketsi (perfect for when asked if you speak Greek)

The above words and phrases should enable you to greet people, order food and drink, and ask for the bill. I have found that even a little Greek goes a very long way. Many times I’ve sat down, ordered food and drink for several people and only later has the waiter realised that I actually have very limited Greek — but by that time they are so please that I’ve tried that they are very happy to treat us like locals, whilst speaking in English (and helping us with our Greek). The more you practice the better you will get.

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