Useful Greek words

There are some words in every language that are really useful not only for showing that you learned some words but also for achieving the sympathy and even the love of the locals.

Greek of course is not the exception. So here are some words or phrases that will make you more likeable in Greece!

1.      Naste kala. This phrase basically means thank you. But literally means be well. We use though for saying not only thank you but also you are welcome. So instead of remembering two words you remember one. But the magic in this phrase is that makes people smile. It shows politeness and kindness. It is more powerful than a simple thank you or you are welcome. You simply  show that you went one step forward in the greek language.

Its pronunciation is very similar to the famous “namaste”.  

2.      Herete. We use this word for saying hello. But the best thing with this word is that it covers every occasion, if we speak to a friend or a stranger, formal or informal,  to one or more persons and always being polite. We just use the word without thinking which word to use in each occasion like yasu or yasas.

Herete literally means be joyful, be happy. And that’s nice. Be happy is a nice wish indeed.

The h is pronounced like in the word hello.

3.      Aman. We use this word when we forgot something or to show our frustration or when our patience is over. Be careful not amen. Aman. Extra hint. AMAN was the most popular satiric show in the Greek Television in the 90s.

4.      Opa. Everyone knows this word abroad in the wrong way, because of movies like Zorba the Greek. They thing that we use this word when we break plates. That is half true. We use more often this word when we want to express surprise or when we want to warn someone to stop from doing something.

Try these words the next time you are among Greeks and you will see how amazed they ll be when they hear you saying them!

Herete!