Travel and tourism are some of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in a new culture and language. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, knowing some key Greek vocabulary related to travel and tourism can significantly enhance your experience. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Athens, exploring the ancient ruins of Delphi, or relaxing on the beaches of Santorini, having these words and phrases in your back pocket will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Basic Travel Vocabulary
Before diving into specific travel and tourism terms, it’s essential to get acquainted with some basic vocabulary that will help you navigate your way around Greece. Here are a few fundamental words and phrases:
– Ναι (Ne) – Yes
– Όχι (Ohi) – No
– Παρακαλώ (Parakalo) – Please
– Ευχαριστώ (Efharisto) – Thank you
– Συγγνώμη (Signomi) – Excuse me / Sorry
– Γειά σας (Yia sas) – Hello / Goodbye (formal)
– Γειά σου (Yia sou) – Hello / Goodbye (informal)
– Καλημέρα (Kalimera) – Good morning
– Καλησπέρα (Kalispera) – Good evening
– Καληνύχτα (Kalinikhta) – Good night
These basic phrases will be incredibly useful in everyday interactions, helping you to be polite and make a good impression on the locals.
At the Airport
Air travel is often the first step in any journey, and knowing some airport-related vocabulary can be extremely beneficial. Here are some terms you might encounter:
– Αεροδρόμιο (Aerodromio) – Airport
– Πτήση (Ptisi) – Flight
– Αναχώρηση (Anahorisi) – Departure
– Άφιξη (Afiksi) – Arrival
– Διαβατήριο (Diavatirio) – Passport
– Έλεγχος διαβατηρίων (Elenhos diavatirion) – Passport control
– Αποσκευές (Aposkeves) – Luggage
– Χάθηκε (Hatike) – Lost (as in lost luggage)
– Πύλη (Pili) – Gate
– Επιβίβαση (Epivivasi) – Boarding
– Απογείωση (Apoyiotsi) – Takeoff
– Προσγείωση (Prosgiotsi) – Landing
Transportation
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to navigate various forms of transportation to get around. Here are some key terms related to different modes of travel:
– Ταξί (Taksi) – Taxi
– Λεωφορείο (Leoforio) – Bus
– Τρένο (Treno) – Train
– Μετρό (Metro) – Metro
– Σταθμός (Stathmos) – Station
– Εισιτήριο (Isitirio) – Ticket
– Δρομολόγιο (Dromologio) – Schedule
– Στάση (Stasi) – Stop
– Ενοικίαση αυτοκινήτου (Enikiazi aftokinitou) – Car rental
– Πλοίο (Plio) – Ferry/Boat
Accommodation
Finding a place to stay is crucial, and knowing the right vocabulary can make the process much easier. Here are some terms related to accommodation:
– Ξενοδοχείο (Xenodohio) – Hotel
– Δωμάτιο (Domatio) – Room
– Κράτηση (Kratisi) – Reservation
– Υποδοχή (Ypodochi) – Reception
– Κλειδί (Kleidi) – Key
– Ασανσέρ (Asanser) – Elevator
– Σκάλες (Skales) – Stairs
– Πρωινό (Proino) – Breakfast
– Δίκλινο δωμάτιο (Diklino domatio) – Double room
– Μονόκλινο δωμάτιο (Monoklino domatio) – Single room
Dining and Food
Greek cuisine is renowned worldwide, and knowing some food-related vocabulary will help you enjoy it to the fullest. Here are some essential words and phrases:
– Εστιατόριο (Estiatorio) – Restaurant
– Ταβέρνα (Taverna) – Tavern (traditional Greek restaurant)
– Μενού (Menu) – Menu
– Φαγητό (Fagito) – Food
– Ποτό (Poto) – Drink
– Νερό (Nero) – Water
– Κρασί (Krasi) – Wine
– Μπύρα (Byra) – Beer
– Καφές (Kafes) – Coffee
– Γλυκό (Glyko) – Dessert
– Λογαριασμός (Logariasmos) – Bill/Check
– Σερβιτόρος (Servitoros) – Waiter
– Σερβιτόρα (Servitora) – Waitress
– Ψωμί (Psomi) – Bread
– Σαλάτα (Salata) – Salad
Sightseeing and Activities
Greece is rich in history and natural beauty, offering countless attractions and activities. Here are some useful terms:
– Μουσείο (Mouseio) – Museum
– Αρχαιολογικός χώρος (Archeologikos horos) – Archaeological site
– Ναός (Naos) – Temple
– Παραλία (Paralia) – Beach
– Θέατρο (Theatro) – Theater
– Πάρκο (Parko) – Park
– Πλατεία (Platia) – Square
– Εκκλησία (Eklisia) – Church
– Κάστρο (Kastro) – Castle
– Πεζοπορία (Pezoporia) – Hiking
– Κατάδυση (Katadysi) – Diving
– Ξενάγηση (Xenagisi) – Guided tour
Shopping
Shopping in Greece can be an exciting experience, especially if you know the right words. Here are some useful shopping-related terms:
– Κατάστημα (Katastima) – Store/Shop
– Αγορά (Agora) – Market
– Εμπορικό κέντρο (Emporiko kentro) – Shopping mall
– Τιμή (Timi) – Price
– Προσφορά (Prosfora) – Offer/Sale
– Μετρητά (Metrita) – Cash
– Πιστωτική κάρτα (Pistotiki karta) – Credit card
– Απόδειξη (Apodixi) – Receipt
– Δώρο (Doro) – Gift
– Ρούχα (Rouha) – Clothes
– Παπούτσια (Papoutsia) – Shoes
Emergency and Health
While we hope you never need to use them, knowing some emergency and health-related vocabulary can be crucial:
– Βοήθεια (Voithia) – Help
– Αστυνομία (Astynomia) – Police
– Νοσοκομείο (Nosokomeio) – Hospital
– Γιατρός (Giatrós) – Doctor
– Φαρμακείο (Farmakio) – Pharmacy
– Ασθένεια (Astheneia) – Illness
– Ατύχημα (Atyhima) – Accident
– Πυροσβεστική (Pyrosvestiki) – Fire department
– Τηλέφωνο έκτακτης ανάγκης (Tilefono ektaktis anagkis) – Emergency phone
Numbers and Time
Understanding numbers and time is essential for many aspects of travel. Here are some key terms:
– Ένα (Ena) – One
– Δύο (Dyo) – Two
– Τρία (Tria) – Three
– Τέσσερα (Tessera) – Four
– Πέντε (Pente) – Five
– Έξι (Exi) – Six
– Επτά (Epta) – Seven
– Οκτώ (Okto) – Eight
– Εννέα (Ennea) – Nine
– Δέκα (Deka) – Ten
– Ώρα (Ora) – Hour
– Λεπτό (Lepto) – Minute
– Ημέρα (Imera) – Day
– Εβδομάδα (Evdomada) – Week
– Μήνας (Minas) – Month
– Έτος (Etos) – Year
Common Phrases
Finally, here are some common phrases that can be very useful in various situations:
– Πού είναι …; (Pou einai …?) – Where is …?
– Πόσο κοστίζει; (Poso kostizei?) – How much does it cost?
– Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε; (Boreite na me voithisete?) – Can you help me?
– Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Den katalaveno) – I don’t understand
– Μιλάτε αγγλικά; (Milate anglika?) – Do you speak English?
– Θα ήθελα … (Tha ithela …) – I would like …
– Είμαι χαμένος/χαμένη (Eimai chamenos/chameni) – I am lost (male/female)
By familiarizing yourself with these travel and tourism vocabulary terms, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your way through Greece with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re enjoying the rich history, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply soaking in the beautiful landscapes, these words and phrases will help you make the most of your Greek adventure. Happy travels!
