List of Basic Greek Words for International Students

Greek Words: Embarking on a study abroad adventure in Greece? Then you must get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and a beautiful language! To make your journey of studying in Greece or just getting a degree in the language smoother, learning even a few key Greek words can go a long way. 

Whether taking up an elective course in the Greek language or doing your entire degree in the Greek language, learning the basic Greek words used in everyday life can be beneficial for Indian students going to study abroad in Greece. In this article, we will provide you with essential Greek vocabulary and expressions that are highly useful for everyday situations. We will cover some common Greek words and phrases that you will need to navigate daily life, from ordering food and asking for directions to making friends and understanding your lectures. Get ready to speak with confidence and feel comfortable in your new Greek environment.

Must Read Top MA Courses in Greek language:

• MA in Greek at University of Michigan
• Greek MA at University of Glasgow

Basic Greek Words for Everyday Use for International Students

The Greek language holds a significant place when it comes to navigating daily life and connecting with the culture during your study abroad program in Greece. Check out some basic Greek words and meanings in English that can be of great use in the daily life of an international student landing their dream study abroad destination in Greece. 

In each of the headings given below, we will cover some basic and unique Greek words with their phonetic spellings and meanings in English. 

Basic Greek Words for Lectures

Greek words in English can help you retain the knowledge for a longer time. Hence, Greek words in English translation can help you keep your pace in learning the common Greek words and phrases. Some of the basic Greek words that can be useful for international students while attending lectures are given below. 

Greek Words and Phrases Used in Classes
Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words Meaning in English
Καθηγητής	Kathigētēs	Professor (masculine)
Καθηγήτρια	Kathigētria	Professor (feminine)
Διαλέξεις	Dialexeis	Lectures
Σημειώσεις	Sēmeioseis	Notes
Καταλαβαίνω	katalaveno	I understand
Μπορείτε να επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ	Mporeite na επαναλάβετε, parakalo	Can you repeat that, please?

To understand the relation between the phonetic spellings and the Greek words given above, you can read our blog Letters in the Greek Alphabet.

Greek Words for Greeting in Classes

Here is a list of some more common basic Greek words translated to English, so that you can use them with other common basic Greek words given above, to understand how to meet and greet with your class in Greece. 

Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words’ Meaning in English
Γεια σας	Yia sas	Hello (Formal)
Καλημέρα	Kalimera	Good Morning
Καλησπέρα	Kalaspera	Good Evening
Γεια σας, κύριε/κυρία	Yia sas, kurie/kiria	Hello, Mr./Ms. [last name], (formal)
Γεια σας, παιδιά	Yia sas, pedia	Hello, everyone (informal)

Greek Words for Initiating a Conversation

Even though you learn the basic Greek words, without the knowledge of the right Greek words and phrases, initiating and proceeding with a conversation in Greek may be difficult. So, below we have listed some sets of Greek words that can be helpful in starting a new conversation as a foreign student in Greece or maybe just in your Greek lectures. 

Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words Meaning in English
Πώς σας λένε	Pos sas lene	What is your name?
Με λένε [Your Name]	Me lene [Your Name]	My name is [Your Name]
Είστε από [Your Country]	Eiste apo [Your Country]	Are you from [Your Country]?
Χαίρομαι πολύ!	Chairomai poli!	Nice to meet you!
Γεια σας! Χαίρομαι που σας γνωρίζω.	Yia sas! Chairomai pou sas gnorizo.	Hello! Nice to meet you.

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Greek Words and Phrases for Visiting a Grocery Shop

Now that you are well-versed with the important Greek vocabulary for picking up a conversation in the classroom or in your college. What about when you visit the local market to get stock of your daily needs grocery? Worry not! Below we have covered the phrases to be used at a local grocery shop in Greek words. 

Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words’ Meaning in English
Συγγνώμη	Syngnomi	Excuse Me
Παρακαλώ	Parakalo	Please
Θα ήθελα...	Tha ithela...	I would like...
Έχετε...	Echete...	Do you have...
Πόσο κάνει	Poso kanei	How much is it?

Basic Greek Words to Get Around the City

Below are some basic Greek words that will help you navigate your way through the city.

Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words’ Meaning in English
Πώς πάω στην...	Pos pao stin..	How do I get to...?
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα	Pou ine i toualeta	Where is the restroom?
Ευχαριστώ	Efcharisto	Thank you
Παρακαλώ	Parakalo	You're welcome

Top 10 Greek Words in English

We know that the Greek language lays the foundation for the generation of many words in English. Many words in the English language have been derived from the Greek language. Hence, learning some common Greek words may be helpful in comprehending your day-to-day conversation in the country.

In this section, we will learn about some top Greek words translated to English, check the complete list below. 

Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words in English (Translation)
πρόλογος	Prólogos	Prologue: An introduction to a story or a play.
ἔκστασις	ékstasis	Ecstasy: A state of overwhelming joy or happiness.
χρόνος	Chrónos	Chronology: It is the order of events in which they happen with time.
Καταστροφή	Katastrophḗ	Catastrophe: A sudden disaster
Μαραθών	Marathṓn	Marathon: A long-distance running race, usually 30-40 km
Οὐ τόπος	Ou tópos	Utopia: A perfect society that doesn’t exist.
Ναι	Ne	Yes
Όχι	Ochi	No
Νερό	Nero	Water
Φιλοσοφία	Filosofia	Philosophy

Greek Words with Deep Meanings

Below are some unique Greek words that possess a very deep meaning. 

Greek Words	Phonetic Spellings	Greek Words in English (Translation)
Ἀρετή	Aretē	Excellence
Μοίρα	Moira	Fate/Destiny
Τέλος	Telos	End, Purpose
Ἀλήθεια	Alήtheia	Truth (unhidden ness)
Δικαιοσύνη	Dikaiosýnē	Justice

This was all about the Greek words, Greek words translated to English and basic Greek words hello. Memorising these words will help Indian or international students living abroad in Greece hold a useful conversation with the local people in Greece.