Order anything by pointing in Greek
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Greek words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Greek phrases in this lesson
- Θα ήθελα...thah EE-theh-lah
- I would like...
- Αυτό εδώaf-TOH eh-THOH
- This one
- Πόσο κάνει;POH-soh KAH-nee
- How much is it?
- Τον λογαριασμόton loh-gah-ree-az-MOH
- The bill, please
- Με κάρταmeh KAR-tah
- By card
- Με μετρητάmeh meh-tree-TAH
- In cash
- Νερόneh-ROH
- Water
- Καφέkah-FEH
- Coffee
- ΤσάιTSAH-ee
- Tea
- ΜπίραBEE-rah
- Beer
- Χωρίς...khoh-REES
- Without...
The polite "I would like": "θα ήθελα έναν καφέ" (thah EE-theh-lah EH-nan kah-FEH).
Pair with a point at the product. Saves you from having to pronounce anything complicated at the deli counter.
A direct price question. Useful at markets and kiosks (περίπτερο) where prices are not always displayed.
Say this or catch the waiter's eye and mime writing. Greek dining is unhurried, so staff will not bring the bill until you ask.
Card payment is widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. In remote villages cash is still king, so carry some.
Useful at tavernas, small markets, and island kiosks where cards may not be accepted.
Tap water is drinkable in most of mainland Greece but not on all islands. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.
Greek coffee culture is rich: specify frappé (iced instant), freddo espresso (iced espresso), or Greek coffee (βαρύ γλυκό). Just saying "café" opens a conversation.
The μπ is a b sound. Greek lagers are everywhere.
"Χωρίς ζάχαρη" (khoh-REES ZAH-khah-ree), without sugar. Greek coffee is ordered sketo (no sugar), metrio (medium) or glyko (sweet).