In this blog, we will learn eleven to twenty in Greek. Building on what we’ve covered.
You already learned one through ten in Blog #9, and you put those numbers to work with money in Blog #10. Now it is time to go a little higher. Let us dive right in.
Eleven to Twenty
Once you know one through ten, the teens are easy. Greek builds them from smaller numbers. It works the same way English builds “thirteen” from “three.” Say each number out loud. Try to hear the smaller number hiding inside the bigger one.
Number
Greek
How to Say It
11
έντεκα
énteka
12
δώδεκα
thótheka
13
δεκατρία
thekatría
14
δεκατέσσερα
thekatéssera
15
δεκαπέντε
thekapénte
16
δεκαέξι
thekaéxi
17
δεκαεπτά
thekaeptá
18
δεκαοκτώ
thekaoktó
19
δεκαεννέα
thekaennéa
20
είκοσι
íkosi
A Quick Note on Sound
The Greek letter δ still makes a soft “th” sound here, just like it did in Blog #9. Many of these number words are spelled with a “d” in English letters. But they sound softer when a Greek speaker says them.
Why This Matters
Numbers are a small part of the language, but they open a big door. You can use them to tell your age, count a group of people, or set a time to meet a friend. Practice these ten new numbers every day this week. Once they feel easy and natural, you will know all the numbers from one to twenty.
Want to learn more about the Greek language? Visit the Greek Language Institute at greek-language.gr for more resources.
And if you want to build on these basics, SpeakGreek will take you further. Real language for real life. One focused session at a time.
Get your FREE Greek Phrase Guide eBook.
Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
Enter your email address to receive your free eBook.
Follow us on TikTok, Threads, and Instagram @speakgreek for daily tips!
Greece uses the euro, and numbers and money in Greek go hand in hand. Now that you know the numbers one through ten, start using them to talk about money. I’ll show you how in this post.
The Euro Basics
The word for euro in Greek is ευρώ. You say it like “evró.” The euro splits into 100 cents, called λεπτά, or “leptá.”
Asking the Price
When asking how much something costs, say: Πόσο κάνει; It sounds like “póso káni?” This phrase means “how much does it cost?”
Here are the numbers one through ten paired with euros. Practice saying each price out loud.
Price
Greek
How to Say It
1 euro
ένα ευρώ
éna evró
2 euros
δύο ευρώ
thío evró
3 euros
τρία ευρώ
tría evró
4 euros
τέσσερα ευρώ
téssera evró
5 euros
πέντε ευρώ
pénte evró
6 euros
έξι ευρώ
éxi evró
7 euros
επτά ευρώ
eptá evró
8 euros
οκτώ ευρώ
októ evró
9 euros
εννέα ευρώ
ennéa evró
10 euros
δέκα ευρώ
théka evró
Why Say This
Numbers and money go hand in hand. The next time you order coffee or buy fresh bread in Greece, you can ask the price and understand the answer. Repeat these phrases, again and again, along with the numbers from our last lesson.
Practicing Numbers and Money in Greek
The best way to learn numbers and money in Greek is to practice out loud, every day. Try asking a friend or family member to quiz you on prices. Say the number, then the price, then the full phrase, “Πόσο κάνει;” Repetition is what makes these words stick. Before your next trip, or your next conversation with a Greek-speaking relative, you will be ready to talk about money with confidence.
And if you want to build on these basics, SpeakGreek will take you further. Real language for real life. One focused session at a time.
Get your FREE Greek Phrase Guide eBook.
Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
Enter your email address to receive your free eBook.
Follow us on TikTok, Threads, and Instagram @speakgreek for daily tips!
In this blog, we will master how to count to ten in Greek.
Let us crack the code by saying them out loud or to ourselves. Numbers are ever present. They are used to count money, tell time, and speak of age. Now, let’s dive right in.
One to Ten
Say each number out loud. Repeating the word over and over makes the word stick. Try counting on your fingers as you go.
Number
Greek
How to Say It
1
ένα
éna
2
δύο
thío
3
τρία
tría
4
τέσσερα
téssera
5
πέντε
pénte
6
έξι
éxi
7
επτά
eptá
8
οκτώ
októ
9
εννέα
ennéa
10
δέκα
théka
Helpful Tip
Here is a tip that helps. Say the numbers in order every morning when you wake up. One through ten takes less than thirty seconds. Do it while you brush your teeth or make your coffee. Small habits like this build real results over time. Before long these ten numbers will feel as natural as breathing. You will not even have to think about them.
A Quick Note on Sound
The Greek letter δ makes a soft “th” sound, like the “th” in the word “this.” That is why the word for ten is spelled with a “d” in English letters, but it sounds softer when a native speaker says it. Listen closely, and try to copy the soft sound.
Numbers are a small part of the language, but they open a big door. You can use them to ask a price, tell your age, or count the people at your table. Practice these ten numbers every day this week. Once they feel easy, we will build on them with our next blog, eleven through twenty.
Want to learn more about the Greek language? Visit the Greek Language Institute at greek-language.gr for more resources.
And if you want to build on these basics, SpeakGreek will take you further. Real language for real life. One focused session at a time.
Get your FREE Greek Phrase Guide eBook.
Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
Enter your email address to receive your free eBook.
Follow us on TikTok, Threads, and Instagram @speakgreek for daily tips!
The night didn’t need a big reason. It only needed a table for six. And we found it at Kypseli Kalamaki. Boy was it packed. The food looked mouth watering on the menu. Have you ever looked at a menu and decided you’re coming back because there were several meals you wanted to try? This was my first time ever feeling this way. And I’m glad I did.
First, let me tell you about Kypseli. It is a cozy neighborhood in Athens, and it sits just north of the city center.
Old buildings line the streets. Plants spill over the balconies. Neighbors call out to each other from across the road. The souvlaki shops here have fed families for many years.
Because of all this, the whole place feels like a warm hug. So it was the perfect spot for our family night.
We walked to the restaurant slowly, taking in the sights along the way. Little shops were still open. Bakeries filled the air with the smell of the day’s bread. Cafés buzzed with people finishing their coffee. Every corner seemed to have its own story to tell.
By the time we reached the restaurant, we were more than ready to sit down. The tables outside were simple, with paper napkins and small baskets for bread. But somehow, that simple setup made everything feel even more welcoming. You can read more about this charming Athens neighborhood on Visit Greece’s official tourism site.
Around the Table
Six of us sat down together. We pulled our chairs close. Nobody needed to look at the menu for long, because we all knew what we wanted:
My husband and I, sitting side by side
Our daughter, watching everything with big, happy eyes. Excited to meet her grandmother and cousins for the first time.
Two brothers, my husband’s nephews. They are his sister’s sons, and they are full of energy! One is 30 years old, and the other is 32. The older one of them, David serves in the Greek army, so it was extra special to have him home with us.
Their cousin, who made their group a trio. She was excited to be around adults that were kind and made her feel welcomed to be in their presence.
Grandmother, my mother-in-law, the heart of our table. She is grandmother to the two brothers. She is also grandmother to our daughter. One woman, loving two branches of our family at once.
Six people with happy hearts. One table that felt just right.
Once we sat down, the two brothers were so excited to be next to their uncle. They leaned in and talked with him about everything. The banter between them tickled me.
Then, they made sure to include everyone else too. They asked our daughter questions. They laughed with their cousin. Because of them, the whole table joined in one big, happy conversation, full of laughter.
The brothers had so much to share. One of them talked about his life in the Greek army, and how good it felt to be home for a few days. His brother teased him about missing home-cooked meals, and everyone laughed along with them.
My husband is the native Greek speaker in our family, so he became our translator for the night. Because of him, everyone understood each other. Words moved easily between Greek and English, and the laughter never stopped.
Even when a joke didn’t translate perfectly, it didn’t matter. Everyone still laughed together, because laughter needs no translation at all.
Meanwhile, something extra special was happening. This was the first time Grandmother was meeting her only granddaughter. Out of six grandchildren, this is her one and only granddaughter.
Our daughter is eight years old, and my mother-in-law’s face lit up the moment she saw her. She held her hand and smiled the whole night. It was a sweet moment for everyone at the table.
Grandmother kept looking over at our daughter, like she couldn’t believe this moment was finally here. She asked her questions slowly, and my husband helped translate each answer. Every time our daughter smiled, Grandmother’s whole face lit up even more.
It was the moment I knew I will remember for a long, long time.
What We Ate
Souvlaki over lemon rice, with a feta cheese, cucumber, and tomato salad. That’s what my husband and I had. It was comforting and satisfying. It tasted like my husband made it.
The souvlaki came off the grill still warm, with a smoky smell that made our mouths water before it even reached the table. The rice underneath soaked up all the juices, and the salad on the side was crisp and cool.
Pizza for the brothers and their cousin, because nothing brings cousins together like a big pizza and lots of laughs.
Honestly, this pizza was better than any pizza we have ever had back in the States. Every bite tasted fresh and full of flavor. We asked for a little bit of a thicker crust and it could be a little crispy, the cheese was melted just right.
Fish with a salad for Grandmother, simple and lovely, just like her. It was the catch of the day, so it was as fresh as fish can get.
You could tell the fish had been pulled from the water not long before it reached our table. My mother-in-law has lived long enough to know the difference at 93 yrs old. She ate slowly, savoring every bite, the way someone does when they truly love their food.
The food that night was exceptional. Every dish felt like it was made with care, and you could taste the difference. The food made on two different continents tastes totally different, even when it is the same meal being prepared.
Even the bread on our table was the day’s bread, baked fresh that late afternoon. We tore off pieces and passed the basket around, and it barely lasted before someone asked for more.
What Kypseli Gave Us
By now, the heat of the day had passed. The evening air felt soft and light.
Because of this, families filled the streets and tables all around us. Husbands and wives sat together. The laugh of small children filled the air. Babies slept in their strollers nearby. The whole neighborhood felt alive with families just like ours.
It was very new for me to see so many families out in the evening like this. Mothers, fathers, children, grandmothers, and grandfathers were all walking together, laughing and eating side by side.
After dinner, children licked away at ice cream cones while their parents strolled along beside them. Back home, I’ve never seen evenings like this before, whole families out on the city streets, walking and laughing together. Here, it seemed to be just a normal part of the day and lives.
I found myself watching these families longer than I meant to. There was something so simple and so beautiful about it. Nobody seemed to be in a rush to get home. Nobody seemed tied to a phone or a screen. They were just together, walking slowly, enjoying each other’s company under the evening sky.
Dinner in Kypseli always feels slow and easy. Scooters buzz by. Neighbors chat on their balconies above us. None of it feels rushed. Instead, it all just adds to the warm feeling of the night.
Grandmother told a story we had heard before. Still, we listened like it was brand new.
Meanwhile, the brothers teased each other between bites of pizza. Our daughter soaked it all in, the noise, the love, and the comfort of being with family.
Every so often, someone would raise a glass and thank the night for bringing us all together. Then the conversation would start right back up again, louder and happier than before.
We stayed out until about 11:45 pm, soaking up every last minute. Then, finally, we made our way home, walking through the door around 12:30 am.
Heading Home for the Night
After dinner, we took a taxi over to my mother-in-law’s house, where she lives with her husband, my husband’s father. He is about 94 or 95 yrs old. This is also where the two brothers live, with their grandparents.
It made sense once we thought about it. Grandmother cooks for the whole family, so having everyone close by keeps the family fed and together. It’s a simple kind of arrangement, but it works, and it clearly keeps this family close in every sense of the word.
For the night, we stayed at a hotel called the President’s Hotel. It was the perfect place to rest after such a full evening.
The room was quiet and comfortable, a nice contrast to the lively streets we had just left behind. We fell into bed with full stomachs and full hearts, still smiling about the night.
Tomorrow, we will catch the train to Patra, ready for the next stop on our trip.
But tonight, we will fall asleep thinking about the laughter, the good food, and the sweet moment between a grandmother and her granddaughter, meeting for the very first time.
In the end, six of us shared this night. Three generations. One grandmother holding our whole family together.
And now, one more special bond, between a grandmother and her granddaughter, just beginning. It was a table full of good food, shared slowly.
That’s the whole story. Simple. Warm. The kind of night I hope we get to have again and again.
Planning a trip to Greece? Counting money and knowing a few key phrases before you leave the house will make your whole trip smoother.
Count your money before you go. Know what you plan to spend. Also, know what you expect to get back in change.
It sounds simple. But it makes a real difference when you are in a foreign country and everything feels new.
Furthermore, if you know a few Greek numbers and money phrases on top of that, you’ll feel confident every step of the way. For more about traveling in Greece, visit visitgreece.gr
Greece Uses the Euro
Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency is the Euro. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent denominations. Notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Euros.
Most shops and restaurants in tourist areas accept credit cards. However, smaller markets and local vendors often prefer cash. That’s why it’s always smart to carry some euros with you, just in case.
Getting Ready With Numbers and Phrases
Start with these numbers. First, they will help you understand prices and count your change.
Number
Greek
Sounds Like
1
Ένα
E-na
2
Δύο
DI-o
3
Τρία
TRI-a
4
Τέσσερα
TES-se-ra
5
Πέντε
PEN-de
6
Έξι
EX-i
7
Εφτά
ef-TA
8
Οχτώ
och-TO
9
Εννιά
en-YA
10
Δέκα
DE-ka
11
Έντεκα
EN-de-ka
12
Δώδεκα
DO-de-ka
13
Δεκατρία
de-ka-TRI-a
14
Δεκατέσσερα
de-ka-TES-se-ra
15
Δεκαπέντε
de-ka-PEN-de
20
Είκοσ
I-ko-si
50
Πενήντα
pe-NIN-da
100
Εκατό
e-ka-TO
Money Phrases Worth Knowing
These phrases will help you shop, eat and pay with confidence.
Greek
Sounds Like
English
Πόσο κάνει;
PO-so KA-ni?
How much does it cost?
Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ!
Ton lo-ga-ria-SMO pa-ra-ka-LO!
The bill please!
Έχετε ρέστα;
E-he-te RES-ta?
Do you have change?
Είναι πολύ ακριβό
I-ne po-LI a-kri-VO
That is too expensive
Μπορείτε να κάνετε έκπτωση;
Bo-RI-te na KA-ne-te EK-pto-si?
Can you give a discount?
Θα πάρω αυτό
Tha PA-ro af-TO
I will take this
Πληρώνω με κάρτα
Pli-RO-no me KAR-ta
I am paying by card
Πληρώνω μετρητά
Pli-RO-no met-ri-TA
I am paying cash
Bargaining at the Market
At outdoor markets in Greece, prices are not always fixed. In fact, a little friendly negotiation is perfectly normal and often expected.
The key is to be warm and respectful about it. After all, Greeks appreciate a good-natured exchange far more than someone who seems demanding.
Here is a simple approach that works well:
First, ask the price: Poso kanei? Then smile and say Einai poly akrivo, that is too expensive. Next, ask politely: Borite na kanete ekptosi? Can you give a discount?
Often a vendor will meet you somewhere in the middle. And even if they don’t, the friendly exchange usually leaves both sides smiling.
One important thing to remember: if a vendor agrees on a price, then always follow through and buy. Otherwise, walking away after agreeing on a price is considered rude in Greek culture.
A Few Helpful Bargaining Tips
Here are some practical things to keep in mind when shopping and dining in Greece.
First, always check your change before you walk away. Mistakes happen, and it’s much easier to sort out right away than after you’ve left the shop.
Also, when eating out, the bill does not come automatically in Greece. Your server will not bring it until you ask. Simply say Ton logariasmo parakalo and they will bring it right over.
Staying Safe and Confident
Tipping is appreciated but not required. In addition, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is a kind and common practice.
At busy tourist markets, keep your cash in a secure pocket or bag. Like any popular destination, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Finally, don’t worry about being perfect with the language. After all, most vendors in tourist areas speak some English. So, your effort to use even a few Greek words will be noticed and appreciated.
Know Before You Go
Now that you have the numbers and the phrases, you are ready.
Count your money before you leave the house. Know your budget. Also, carry some cash. And use a few Greek phrases when you get there.
That combination will make your market visits and dining experiences far more enjoyable and stress-free.
Want to learn more? Read our post on Greek phrases that could save your life.
And if you want to build on these basics, SpeakGreek will take you further. Real language for real life. One focused session at a time.
Get your FREE Greek Phrase Guide eBook.
Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
Enter your email address to receive your free eBook.
Follow us on TikTok, Threads, and Instagram @speakgreek for daily tips!
I was visiting my husband’s family in Greece for the first time. The women were outside hanging clothes to dry in the warm Greek sun.
My knees were knocking. But I walked over anyway.
I took a deep breath and said:
Yia sas!
Then I said:
To onomá mou eínai Saundra.
The clapping started immediately. Then the laughing. Then everyone was talking at once.
And someone called out, Mana mou!
My mother.
Just two phrases. That is all it took. Two phrases and I went from a stranger to family.
Then I did what felt natural. I started helping hang the laundry.
That was the moment I understood something important. Speaking even a little Greek is not just about communication. It is about connection.
The Two Phrases That Started It All
Yia sas!
Sounds like: YA-sas
Means: Hello, to a group of people. Respectful and warm.
To onomá mou eínai…
Sounds like: To O-no-MA moo EE-ne…
Means: My name is…
Those two phrases changed everything that day.
More Phrases Worth Trying
Here are a few more that tend to get a warm reaction:
Greek
Sounds Like
English
Καλημέρα!
Ka-li-ME-ra!
Good morning!
Καλησπέρα!
Ka-li-SPE-ra!
Good evening!
Καληνύχτα!
Ka-li-NACH-ta!
Good night!
Ευχαριστώ!
Ef-ha-ri-STO!
Thank you!
Παρακαλώ!
Pa-ra-ka-LO!
Please / You are welcome!
Πώς είσαι;
Pos I-se?
How are you?
Χαίρομαι!
HE-ro-me!
Nice to meet you!
Why Trying Matters
For more about traveling in Greece visit the Greek National Tourism Organisation at visitgreece.gr
Most tourists never try.
They walk through Greece speaking English and hoping someone understands. And many Greeks do speak English. But that is not the point.
When you try, even just a little, Greeks notice. They see respect and effort. Most importantly they see someone who genuinely cares about their language and their culture.
That changes the interaction.
As a result you stop being just another visitor. Instead you become someone worth talking to.
You Do Not Need to Be Perfect
The pronunciation was far from perfect that day. My knees were knocking so hard I am surprised anyone understood me at all.
But it did not matter.
What mattered was that I tried.
That is all it takes. One phrase. Said with a smile. And the response will surprise you.
Start With Just Two
You do not need to memorize a dictionary.
Start with Yia sas and Efharisto. Hello and thank you. Use them at the market, a restaurant, or hotel.
See what happens.
Want to learn more? Read our post on Greek phrases that could save your life.
That is exactly what SpeakGreek teaches. Real phrases for real moments. Simple enough to learn. Useful enough to matter.
One focused session at a time.
Ας αρχίσουμε. Let us begin.
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I went to the outdoor market by myself. Just me, my bags and the beautiful Greek sunshine. Everything went fine on the way there. Pleasant walk, no humidity and actually a very nice day.
Oh but coming home!
Just before I got to the hill my foot slipped right out from under me. Before I knew it I was going down. It did not hurt a lot. It was mostly embarrassing. Very embarrassing. My bags went up with the fruits and vegetables. I remember watching the produce as it was tossed into the air. Everything was flying, including my dress.
It happened so fast. But it felt like slow motion.
Once I landed I had one mission. Get my dress down and looking decent before anyone saw me.
I collected myself and looked up. There was my husband coming over the top of the hill. He had been waiting for me the whole time.
He gathered the fruits and vegetables rolling down the hill and checked me over to make sure I was not hurt. I told him I was okay. Just embarrassed.
That is when my husband started smiling. Then he doubled over laughing, redder than a beet with tears streaming down his face.
Something caught his attention making him look away for just a moment. When he looked back, there was produce rolling downhill toward him. That is when he knew I had fallen.
Once he caught his breath he looked at me and said:
“You should have yelled, Voithia!”
The One Word That Should Have Been On My Lips
Voithia!
It means Help! It sounds like Vo-EE-thia.
I had walked those hills and gone to market alone in a foreign country. Yet I never knew that one word.
We never thought to learn it before the trip. But believe me, we have never forgotten it since.
A Few More Phrases Worth Knowing
After that trip we picked up some key phrases.
The first was I need a doctor, Χρειάζομαι γιατρό. It sounds like Chree-YAH-zoh-meh yah-TRO. That one came in useful when pink eye paid me a visit.
Then things got serious.
Later that same visit I needed words that really mattered. Not for laughs. For someone I loved.
She is an English speaker fluent in both languages. And when I told her I was studying she smiled and said:
“Learn Greek first. After that Spanish will feel like a walk in the park.”
At first I laughed. The language is known to be difficult. The alphabet alone stops most people before they even start. So how could learning the harder one first make everything else easier?
However the more I thought about it the more it made sense. The more everything clicked into place she was absolutely right.
The Foundation Most People Never Think About
Most people avoid it because it looks hard. And honestly it is harder than Spanish. That is the truth.
However here is what nobody tells you. It is not just a language. It is the foundation that most modern languages are built on. When you learn it you are not just learning one language, you are learning the root of language itself.
For example consider these English words that come directly from ancient Greek:
English Word
Greek Root Meaning
Democracy
Demos + Kratos, People + Power
Alphabet
Alpha + Beta, First two Greek letters
Philosophy
Philos + Sophia, Love + Wisdom
Geography
Geo + Graphia, Earth + Writing
Photography
Photos + Graphia, Light + Writing
Telephone
Tele + Phone, Far + Voice
Biology
Bios + Logos, Life + Study
Psychology
Psyche + Logos, Mind + Study
Therefore when you start learning it something magical happens. You start seeing words you already know. In English, in Spanish and in French. It feels like coming home.
The Alphabet Secret Nobody Talks About
The Greeks took the Phoenician alphabet, which had no vowels, and made a gripping history changing upgrade. They added explicit symbols for vowels, making it the first true alphabet in the modern sense. A writing system with both consonants AND vowels.⁴
The ancient Etruscans who lived in early Italy before the rise of Rome then borrowed this script and adapted it for their own language. From there the Romans took it directly. Starting with just 21 letters, eventually standardizing to 23 during the Roman Empire, and finally becoming the 26 letter alphabet you are reading right now.
In other words English. Spanish. French. German. Italian. Every language that uses these letters exists because of what the ancient Greeks did thousands of years ago.
Every vowel you write today exists because the Greeks added them first!
How Starting Here Trains Your Brain for Every Language After
Here is something compelling about how the brain learns languages.
The first new language is always the hardest. Not because of the language itself. But because your brain is building a completely new set of skills it has never needed before.
For example your brain has to learn how to listen for sounds it has never heard. Store new words in long term memory. Switch between two different grammar systems. Think in a completely different structure.
Starting with the most demanding option forces your brain to develop ALL of these skills at the highest level. Therefore when you move to Spanish your brain already has these skills. It just feels easier because your brain already knows HOW to learn a language.
It is like training for a marathon and then running a 5K. The 5K feels easy because you trained for something harder.
Train hard first. Every language after feels like a 5K.
What These Two Languages Actually Have in Common
You might be surprised to learn how much the two share:
Similarity
What It Means
Both have gendered nouns
Masculine and feminine words
Both use similar sentence structure
Subject verb object patterns
Both share hundreds of root words
Through Latin connections
Both have formal and informal forms
Different ways to say you
Both are phonetic languages
Words sound like they are spelled
In addition many Spanish words that came through Latin originally started in ancient Greek. So when you learn the vocabulary you are often learning the ancestor of the Spanish word at the same time!
Once you understand those roots Spanish vocabulary starts to click in a completely new way.
The Practical Benefits Worth Knowing
Beyond the brain training and the roots there are very practical reasons to start here:
Benefit
Why It Matters
You stand out
Almost nobody else does this, locals are genuinely touched when you try
You travel better
Greece is one of the most visited countries in the world
You sound educated
These roots make you sound more intelligent in ANY language
You learn faster later
Every language after comes more easily
You connect deeper
Speaking even basic phrases opens doors no tourist ever sees
Furthermore speakers of this ancient language are among the most welcoming people on earth when they hear a foreigner attempt their words. Even a simple Yia sou or Efharisto will earn you a smile that no amount of money can buy.
Practical Phrases to Begin Your Journey Today
Here are real phrases from a typical SpeakGreek session:
Greek
Sounds Like
English
Γεια σου!
Yia sou!
Hello!
Ευχαριστώ!
Ef-ha-ri-STO!
Thank you!
Παρακαλώ!
Pa-ra-ka-LO!
Please! / You are welcome!
Συγγνώμη!
Si-GNO-mi!
Excuse me! / Sorry!
Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
Mi-LA-te Ang-gli-KA?
Do you speak English?
Δεν καταλαβαίνω
Den ka-ta-la-VE-no
I do not understand
Πού είναι;
Pou I-ne?
Where is it?
Πόσο κάνει;
PO-so KA-ni?
How much does it cost?
Learn these eight phrases and you already have the foundation of real communication in Greece. In addition every one of them will make a local smile and treat you like a friend rather than just another tourist.
So Where Do You Start?
My friend was right.
Start with the harder one. Build the foundation. Train your brain with the most demanding alphabet. Learn the roots of the language that built the modern world.
After that every language that comes after, including Spanish, feels like a walk in the park.
However you do not need to become fluent to experience these benefits. Even learning the basics, the alphabet, a few hundred words, some practical phrases, gives your brain the foundation it needs to move faster through any language that comes after.
Above all you do not need months of study or expensive classes. You just need one focused daily session and a little curiosity is enough to start. You’ll be surprised how proud you feel with just a few words.
Learn Greek first. After that Spanish will feel like a walk in the park.
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Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
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¹ The Origins of the Alphabet — From Phoenicia to the World:
Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading. You can learn Greek in 30 minutes a day, and this is exactly how.
But first let me tell you about the myth that stops most people before they even start.
For instance many folks believe learning a language takes hours every single day. Therefore they never start. They wait for a big block of free time that never comes.
However, many say: I would love to learn Greek, but I just do not have the time.
The truth is you do not need more time. You need quality time. One focused daily session beats three distracted hours every single time.
The Myth That Is Keeping You Stuck or Spinning
Here is something most language courses will never tell you. The alphabet and the grammar are not the problem. The real obstacle is the belief that you need more time than you actually have.
The biggest obstacle to learning Greek is not the language.
For example, have you ever put off learning something because life got busy? Of course you have. We all have. However the people who actually learn Greek are not the ones with the most free time. They are the ones who showed up consistently with whatever time they had.
Consistency beats marathon sessions every single time.
Quality Time, That Is The Secret
So what does quality time actually look like?
In short, it looks like one focused daily session. Phone on Do Not Disturb. Headphones in. Notebook open. Timer set.
No distractions, and no multitasking. Just you and the language for one dedicated block of time each day.
As a result, that single daily commitment, done consistently, is more powerful than occasional long sessions that leave you exhausted and frustrated.
One focused daily session is all it takes!
What Science Says About Learning a Language
Here is something interesting about the human brain.
Research shows that shorter focused practice sessions lead to better memory and faster learning than long unfocused ones.¹ This is called spaced repetition. Instead of cramming everything into one long session your brain absorbs and retains information much better when it receives it in short regular doses.
For example think about how children learn their first language. Not in marathon sessions. In small moments throughout the day. Over and over. Until it sticks.
In addition science shows that when your brain looks forward to doing something meaningful it releases dopamine,² the chemical that sharpens your focus and helps you remember more.³ Therefore one quality session each day is not a compromise. It is actually the most effective way to learn a new language.
What One Session Actually Covers
More than you think! Here is what a typical SpeakGreek session covers:
Time
Activity
Why It Works
Minutes 1 to 5
Review yesterday
Your brain locks in what it learned
Minutes 6 to 15
Learn new vocabulary
Real life practical words, not textbook filler
Minutes 16 to 20
Listen and repeat
Train your ear and mouth at the same time
Minutes 21 to 25
Mini quiz
Test yourself while it is still fresh
Minutes 26 to 30
Practice out loud
Say the phrases. Own them. Make them yours
That is a complete learning cycle. Review. Learn. Listen. Test. Speak. Repeat.
Review. Learn. Listen. Test. Speak. That is how Greek gets learned.
What Consistent Practice Looks Like Over 30 Days
Here is what one month of daily practice looks like:
Week
What You Learn
Result
Week 1
Hello goodbye your name where you are from
Basic introductions covered!
Week 2
Body parts home rooms emergency phrases
Real life situations covered!
Week 3
Numbers money shopping street food
You can now order food and shop!
Week 4
Full conversations review and practice
You are having real conversations!
In just one month of consistent daily practice you go from zero Greek to having real conversations. However the key word is consistent. Every day. Not sometimes. Every day.
The Simple Math That Will Motivate You
Let us look at what one daily session actually adds up to over time:
Timeframe
Total Practice
What It Means
Every day
One session
Building the habit
Every week
3.5 hours total
More than most people study in a month!
Every month
15 hours total
A full college credit hour of study!
In 6 months
90 hours total
Enough to hold real conversations in Greek!
In 1 year
180 hours total
You are genuinely fluent in everyday Greek!
It does not sound like much. However it adds up to something special. Therefore the question is not about time at all. It is about showing up every single day.
Consistency adds up to fluency, one session at a time!
Greek Phrases You Can Learn Today
Practical phrases from a typical SpeakGreek session:
Greek
Sounds Like
English
Γεια σου!
Yia sou!
Hello!
Πώς σε λένε;
Pos se LE-ne?
What is your name?
Με λένε…
Me LE-ne…
My name is…
Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
Pou I-ne i tou-a-LE-ta?
Where is the bathroom?
Ένα σουβλάκι παρακαλώ!
E-na souv-LA-ki pa-ra-ka-LO!
One souvlaki please!
Πόσο κάνει;
PO-so KA-ni?
How much does it cost?
Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια!
Hri-A-zo-me vo-I-thi-a!
I need help!
Ευχαριστώ!
Ef-ha-ri-STO!
Thank you!
Καληνύχτα!
Ka-li-NYCH-ta!
Good night!
Αγαπώ την Ελλάδα!
A-ga-PO tin E-LA-da!
I love Greece!
Ten phrases. One session. These are not just random words. They are phrases you will actually use in Greek, words that make locals smile and could help you in an emergency. Consistency adds up to fluency, one session at a time!
So Is Learning Greek 30 Minutes a Day Enough?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
One distracted session is not enough. Half effort is not enough. Showing up on Monday and then nothing until Thursday is not enough.
However one focused quality session every single day? That changes everything.
Therefore the question is not really about the clock. It is about showing up. Every single day. With your phone on Do Not Disturb, your headphones in and your notebook open.
Can you do that?
Of course you can. You already proved it by reading this far.
One focused daily session. Every day. That is the whole secret.
Start Your First Session Today
You do not need a perfect schedule. No hours of free time required. You do not even need to be good at languages.
Above all you just need the decision.
SpeakGreek is built around exactly that, one focused daily session teaching you real practical Greek that you will actually use. Not textbook Greek, nor grammar drills. Greek for real life.
Want to know more about the Greek language? Read our post on 5 eye-opening Greek language facts before your trip to Greece.
In addition every lesson is designed to fit perfectly into your daily window. No more. No less.
So today, right now, make the decision. And take the first step toward speaking Greek.
Ας αρχίσουμε. Let us begin.
Get your FREE Greek Phrase Guide eBook.
Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
Enter your email address to receive your free eBook.
Follow us on TikTok, Threads and Instagram @speakgreek for daily Greek language tips!
The Reason Most People Fail Has Nothing to Do With Any Language
Nobody ever tells you this but… the most important language learning tips have nothing to do with the language itself.
It happens before they ever open the app.
Before they hear their first new word.
And before they say Yia sou for the very first time.
They sit down unprepared.
Their mind is scattered, someone needs to borrow the car, the phone is ringing, on and on… Totally distracted. And they wonder why nothing seems to stick.
Preparation is not something you do before learning. Preparation IS the learning.
Why Preparation Creates Motivation
Here is something interesting about the human brain.
When you prepare for a task, when you clear the space, gather the tools and set the intention, your brain releases a small amount of dopamine. The same chemical responsible for motivation, focus and satisfaction.
In other words, the act of preparing for your practice session actually makes you MORE motivated to do it.
Science backs this up. When your brain looks forward to doing something meaningful it releases dopamine, the chemical that sharpens your focus and helps you remember more.
But here is the key: it only works if you see your preparation as a positive step toward your goal. Not a chore. A choice.
This is one of the most powerful language learning tips you will ever receive.
Therefore you are not waiting to feel motivated before you prepare. The preparation creates the motivation. That is the secret most language learners never discover.
Prepare first. Motivation follows. Every single time.
7 Language Learning Tips for a Powerful 30 Minute Practice Session
These seven steps take less than 3 minutes to complete. But they transform your 30 minute practice session from scattered and forgettable to focused and powerful.
Step 1: Do Not Disturb
Your practice session is 30 minutes. The world can wait. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb before you begin, every single time. This is non negotiable. One notification can break your focus and cost you 10 minutes of recovery time.
Step 2: Clear Your Mind
Take 60 seconds to close your eyes and breathe. Slow down. Let the noise of the day soften, relax and find mental clarity. You are about to do some great work here.
Step 3: Use Headphones
Every pronunciation, every audio clip, every word you repeat lands deeper with headphones on. Language is meant to be heard. Give yourself every advantage of hearing it properly.
Step 4: Have a Notebook Ready
If you hear something that moves you in any way write it down. Feel free to take notes. Your reference notebook can come in handy long after your SpeakGreek lessons are over. It can also serve as your personal dictionary.
Step 5: Set a Timer for 30 Minutes
Set your timer for 30 minutes. When it goes off you are done. Simple as that.
Step 6: Have Water Nearby
Keep drinking water nearby. Speaking a new language out loud is thirsty work! Trust me your throat will thank you.
Step 7: Sitting in the Same Spot Every Day Can Make All the Difference
Something as simple as sitting in the same spot every day can make all the difference. Your brain will notice this is the learning place and automatically shift into focus mode.
Practice Your Preparation, Say These Out Loud!
Here are some powerful language learning tips you can use right now, say these phrases out loud as you prepare for your practice session. These happen to be in Greek, but the energy behind them works in any language!
Greek
Sounds Like
English
Είμαι έτοιμος/η!
I-me E-ti-mos/i!
I am ready!
Ας αρχίσουμε!
As ar-HI-sou-me!
Let us begin!
Μπορώ να το κάνω!
Bo-RO na to KA-no!
I can do this!
Τριάντα λεπτά!
Tri-AN-da lep-TA!
Thirty minutes!
Σήμερα μαθαίνω Ελληνικά!
SI-me-ra ma-THE-no E-li-ni-KA!
Today I learn Greek!
Say these out loud before every practice session. Your brain will start to associate these words with focus and readiness. Before long saying Ας αρχίσουμε will feel like flipping a switch!
Turn Preparation Into a Ritual
The best language learning tips are not about grammar or vocabulary. They are about ritual.
The most successful language learners do not treat practice as a task on a to do list. Instead they treat it as a ritual.
Same time every day. Follow the same preparation steps. And keep the same mindset.
After two weeks of consistent preparation your brain will start to crave the session before you even begin. That is not discipline. It is a habit. And habit is the most powerful force in language learning.
Discipline gets you started. Ritual keeps you going. Preparation makes it inevitable.
So What Does This Have to Do With Motivation?
Everything.
Most people wait to feel motivated before they start. They tell themselves they will practice when they feel like it. When inspiration strikes, and life calms down.
That day rarely comes.
However when you prepare, when you close the apps, put in the headphones, open the notebook and set the timer, something shifts. The act of preparation signals to your brain that something important is about to happen.
As a result your brain responds with exactly what you need.
Focus, energy and motivation.
Preparation is not what comes before motivation.
Preparation IS motivation.
Your Practice Starts Before the First Word
Tonight before your SpeakGreek session try this.
Close your other apps. Put on your headphones. Open your notebook. Set your timer for 30 minutes. Take one slow breath.
And say out loud:
Ας αρχίσουμε! As ar-HI-sou-me! Let us begin!
Notice what happens.
That feeling right there, that quiet readiness, that small surge of focus, that is preparation becoming motivation.
That is one of the best language learning tips working before you even start the first lesson.
Ας αρχίσουμε. Let us begin. 🇬🇷
Get your FREE Greek Phrase Guide eBook.
Practical Greek Phrases for travelers who want to speak the language.
Enter your email address to receive your free eBook.
Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @speakgreek for daily Greek language tips!
