COMMUNICATING IN ATHENS

Athens, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, welcomes visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. While the official language is Greek, communication in Athens is not a barrier for those who may not be fluent in the language. Here’s a guide to navigating communication in Athens:

Language:

  • Overview: The official language is Greek, but many Athenians in the tourism and service industries speak English. It’s helpful to learn a few basic Greek phrases as a sign of respect, but English is widely understood in popular tourist areas.

Basic Phrases:

Greeks value polite greetings. “Kalimera” means “Good morning,” “Kalispera” means “Good evening,” and “Kalinihta” means “Good night.” Handshakes are common in formal situations, and cheek-kissing is a common greeting among friends and family.

Learning a few basic Greek phrases can enhance your experience. For example:

  • “Efharisto” (Thank you)
  • “Parakalo” (Please/You’re welcome)
  • “Ne” (Yes) and “Ochi” (No)

Shops / Καταστήματα:

  • Hello/Hi! / Γεια σας! (Yia sas!)
  • How much does this cost? / Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό; (Poso kostizei afto?)
  • Can I pay with a credit card? / Μπορώ να πληρώσω με πιστωτική κάρτα; (Boro na pliroso me pistotiki karta?)
  • Where is the nearest ATM? / Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο ΑΤΜ; (Pou ine to plisiotero ATM?)
  • Thank you, goodbye! / Ευχαριστώ, αντίο! (Efharisto, adio!)

Airport / Αεροδρόμιο:

  • Where is the baggage claim? / Πού είναι το ταμείο αποσκευών; (Pou ine to tameio aposkevon?)
  • Can you help me find my gate? / Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε να βρω την πύλη μου; (Borite na me voithisete na vro tin pili mou?)
  • Is there a currency exchange? / Υπάρχει ανταλλακτήριο νομισμάτων; (Iparhi antallaxtirio nomismaton?)
  • Where is the nearest taxi stand? / Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο περίπτερο ταξί; (Pou ine to plisiotero periptero taxi?)
  • Thank you, have a good day! / Ευχαριστώ, καλή σας μέρα! (Efharisto, kali sas mera!)

Hospital / Νοσοκομείο:

  • I need a doctor. / Χρειάζομαι έναν γιατρό. (Hriazome enan giatro.)
  • Where is the nearest pharmacy? / Πού είναι η πλησιέστερη φαρμακείο; (Pou ine i plisioteri farmakio?)
  • I have an allergy to… / Έχω αλλεργία στο… (Eho alergia sto…)
  • Can you help me find the emergency room? / Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε να βρω το τμήμα επειγόντων; (Borite na me voithisete na vro to tmima epigonon?)
  • Thank you for your assistance. / Σας ευχαριστώ για τη βοήθειά σας. (Sas efharisto gia ti voithia sas.)

Police / Αστυνομία:

  • I need to report a lost item. / Χρειάζομαι να αναφέρω ένα χαμένο αντικείμενο. (Hriazome na anafero ena hameno antikimeno.)
  • Where is the nearest police station? / Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο αστυνομικό τμήμα; (Pou ine to plisiotero astinomiko tmima?)
  • I have an emergency. / Έχω μια έκτακτη ανάγκη. (Eho mia ektakti anagi.)
  • Can you help me find a translator? / Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε να βρω ένα μεταφραστή; (Borite na me voithisete na vro ena metafrasti?)
  • Thank you for your assistance. / Σας ευχαριστώ για τη βοήθειά σας. (Sas efharisto gia ti voithia sas.)

Hotel / Ξενοδοχείο:

  • I have a reservation. / Έχω κράτηση. (Eho kratisi.)
  • Can you help me with my luggage? / Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε με τις αποσκευές μου; (Borite na me voithisete me tis aposkeves mou?)
  • Is breakfast included? / Περιλαμβάνεται πρωινό; (Perilavnete prwino?)
  • What time is check-out? / Σε ποιά ώρα είναι ο έλεγχος εξόδου; (Se pia ora ine o eleghos exodou?)
  • Thank you for your hospitality. / Σας ευχαριστώ για τη φιλοξενία σας. (Sas efharisto gia ti filoxenia sas.)

Street/Public Transportation / Οδός/Δημόσια Μεταφορά:

  • Where is the bus/metro stop? / Πού είναι η στάση λεωφορείου/μετρό; (Pou ine i stasi leoforeiou/metro?)
  • Which bus/metro goes to…? / Ποιο λεωφορείο/μετρό πάει προς τα…; (Pio leoforeio/metro pai pros ta…?)
  • How much is a ticket? / Πόσο κοστίζει ένα εισιτήριο; (Poso kostizei ena eisitirio?)
  • Is there a taxi stand nearby? / Υπάρχει περίπτερο ταξί κοντά; (Iparhi periptero taxi konta?)
  • Thank you for your help. / Σας ευχαριστώ για τη βοήθειά σας. (Sas efharisto gia ti voithia sas.)

English-Friendly Establishments:

  • Overview: Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas have English-speaking staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or recommendations.

Public Transportation:

  • Overview: Signs and announcements in the metro, buses, and trams are often in both Greek and English. Ticket machines also offer instructions in multiple languages.

Tourist Information Centers:

  • Overview: Located in key areas like Syntagma Square, tourist information centers provide maps, brochures, and assistance in multiple languages.

Translation Apps:

  • Overview: Utilize translation apps on your smartphone for on-the-go assistance. Google Translate is widely used and supports offline translation.

Emergency Services:

  • Overview: In case of emergency, the European emergency number 112 is operational in Athens. English-speaking operators are available.

Cultural Sensitivity:

  • Overview: Greeks appreciate visitors who show respect for their culture. Politeness, friendliness, and a willingness to embrace local customs go a long way in communication.

Local Etiquette:

  • Overview: Greeks often engage in lively conversations. It’s common to interrupt and speak passionately. Don’t be surprised by gestures or animated expressions—they’re part of the vibrant Greek communication style.