Athens City Guide - Language

In addition to Greek, people employed in the tourist trade generally speak some English, French or German and it is relatively easy to get by in Athens without attempting to say anything more complicated than moussaka or retsina. However, anyone who wishes to elevate him- or herself above the humble tourísta should attempt to learn at least a few basic phrases in Greek. The language itself deserves this mark of respect; not only is it beautiful, but it is also one of the foundation stones of almost all other European languages. Moreover, getting around the city is much easier once the Greek alphabet has been mastered.

In the twentieth century, Greek suffered from a bitter struggle between Dhimotikí (popular Greek) and Katharévoussa (cleansed Greek). The latter was introduced by the first rulers of independent Greece, who sought to recreate the purity of their classical past by reinstating long-defunct vocabulary and grammar. Dhimotikí, the form of the language that had naturally evolved over Greece's long history was repressed and Katharévoussa became the official language of government, business and the professions. In recent years, however, Dhimotikí has reasserted itself as the national language and is used in all forms of life with the exceptions of the church and the legal profession.

Phrases

Yes - Néh
No - Óhi
Hello - Giásou
Goodbye - Andío sas
Please - Parakaló
Thank you - Efharistó
My name is … - Meh léne …
How are you? - Ti kánis / ti kánete?
I'm very well - Kalá ímeh
I feel ill - Ímeh arostos
How much does it cost? - Póso káni?
Do you speak English? - Miláte anglika?
I don't understand - Dhen katalavéno
Cheers - Giamas
Where is …? - Pou ine …?
Entrance - Issodos
Exit - Exodos
Open - Aniktó
Closed - Klistó
Toilets - Toualétes
Doctor - Iatrós
Hotel - Ksenodhohío
Restaurant - Estiatorio/ taverna
Beer - Bira
Wine - Krasi
Menu - Kataloghos
Today - Símera
Tomorrow - Ávrio
Monday - Deftéra
Tuesday - Tríti
Wednesday - Tetárti
Thursday - Pémpti
Friday - Paraskebí
Saturday - Sábato
Sunday - Kiriakí
One - Éna
Two - Dhío
Three - Trís/tria
Four - Téseres /tésera
Five - Pénde
Six - Éksi
Seven - Eftá
Eight - Okhtó
Nine - Enyá
Ten - Dhéka
Twenty - Íkosi
Thirty - Triánda
Forty - Saránda
Fifty - Penínda
Sixty - Eksínda
Seventy - Evdhomínda
Eighty - Ogdhónda
Ninety - Enenínda
One Hundred - Ekató
One Thousand - Hílies

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