Say “Yassas” (pronounced “YAH-sas”)[2] X Research source in formal situations, or when you’re informally greeting two or more people at the same time. Use this formal version if you’re addressing a stranger or an older person. Technically, the somewhat more informal “yassou” is best suited to use with people you know and people much younger than you. However, you will hear both used interchangeably, so you don’t need to worry much about getting it “right”.
Kalimera (καλημέρα): “good morning”. Use this when reaching or leaving a location or event. Pronounce it “kah-lee-MEH-rah”. [5] X Research source Kalispera (καλησπέρα): “good afternoon” or “good evening”. Use this only when coming to a place or meeting someone in the evening or at night. Pronounce it “kah-lee-SPARE-a”. Kalinihta (καληνύχτα): “good night”. Use this phrase only as a goodbye greeting in the evening or at night. Pronounce it “kah-lee-NEE-hta”.
Do not bow or attempt to kiss the cheek. The former is too formal, and the latter may be considered too forward. Do not attempt to shake hands unless a hand is offered to you. Shaking hands is not a common custom in Greece – certainly not among friends or locals.
Say “antio”. Be sure to stress the “i” syllable. This is a standard, informal farewell. Say “geia” (pronounced “gee-ah”) or “ya”. This can mean both “hello” and “goodbye”.
English: “Mila’te Agglika’?” French: “Mila’te Gallika’?” German: “Mila’te Germanika’?” Spanish: “Mila’te Ispanika’?” Chinese: “Mila’te Kine’zika?”
Say “Pos Ise?” to ask “How are you?” Pronounce it with the short “s” – like the “ose” in the word “dose,” not the word “nose”. “Pos ee-say”. Say “ti kaneis” (tee kah-nis) to ask “What’s going on?"[7] X Research source Use “Umidl pos ise vrexima?” to say “Where are you going?” Pronounce it “Um-id pos ise vere-MA”. Say “esi?” (pronounced “eh-see”) to reflect a question with “And you?”
Good: kalA I’m not okay: “den eimai kala”. Not good: Oxi (O-hi) kalA, Yes: “neh” No: “OH-hee”
