Moving to Greece is exciting, until you need to deal with your first official document, utility contract, bank appointment, or repair problem in Greek.

You may already know how to introduce yourself, order at a restaurant, or ask for directions. But everyday life in Greece requires a different kind of vocabulary. Residence permits, government paperwork, banking, healthcare, housing, phone contracts, and customer service all come with words and expressions that may never appear in a beginner textbook.

If you have ever looked at a Greek form and wondered what it says, or felt nervous about speaking Greek during an important appointment, you are not alone. The good news is that many of these situations are predictable, and you do not need perfect Greek to handle them.

This guide brings together 160+ essential Greek phrases organized around situations you are likely to encounter while living in Greece. Use it as a reference before an appointment, phone call, errand, or difficult conversation.

Table of Contents

What Greek Do You Need to Live in Greece?

To live more independently in Greece, you will need practical Greek for much more than shopping and socializing.

Situation	You’ll Use Greek For
Immigration and administration	Residence permits, applications, supporting documents
Government services	KEP visits, digital documents, certificates, tax and social security information
Moving and first setup	Address information, utilities, phone and internet
Banking	Accounts, cards, transfers, payments
Healthcare	Appointments, symptoms, prescriptions, pharmacies
Housing	Renting, repairs, landlords, neighbors
Emergencies	Medical help, police, lost or stolen belongings
Everyday services	Deliveries, postal services, returns, customer service

Greek administrative tasks may involve several different services rather than one central office. KEP (Κέντρα Εξυπηρέτησης Πολιτών) are Citizens’ Service Centres, gov.gr provides many government services and digital documents, and residence-permit, taxation, and social-security matters have their own online systems.

The goal is not to memorize every phrase at once. Start with the situations you expect to face soon and build from there.

Why Practical Greek Can Feel Different from Textbook Greek

Everyday conversational Greek and the Greek you encounter in paperwork or official situations can feel surprisingly different.

A textbook may teach you how to say where you are from or what food you like. Then an official asks for your δικαιολογητικά (dikaiologitiká, “supporting documents”), a bank asks for your ΑΦΜ (“Tax Identification Number”), or someone mentions your ΑΜΚΑ (“Social Security Registration Number”).

Formal situations also tend to use polite plural forms. For example:

Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις;
Borís na me voithísis?
Can you help me? – informal

Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
Boríte na me voithísete?
Can you help me? – polite/formal

The good news is that many official and service conversations rely on recurring patterns. Once you learn phrases such as θα ήθελα… (tha íthela…, “I would like…”), χρειάζομαι… (chriázome…, “I need…”), and πού μπορώ να…? (poú boró na…?, “Where can I…?”), you can reuse them in dozens of situations.

Essential Greek Survival Phrases

These twenty phrases form a useful foundation for almost any real-life interaction.

Greek	Romanization	English
Καλημέρα.	Kaliméra.	Good morning.
Καλησπέρα.	Kalispéra.	Good evening.
Γεια σας.	Yia sas.	Hello.
Ευχαριστώ πολύ.	Efcharistó polí.	Thank you very much.
Παρακαλώ.	Parakaló.	Please. / You’re welcome.
Συγγνώμη.	Signómi.	Excuse me. / I’m sorry.
Δεν καταλαβαίνω.	Den katalavéno.	I don’t understand.
Μπορείτε να το επαναλάβετε;	Boríte na to epanalávete?	Could you repeat that?
Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε πιο αργά;	Boríte na milísete pio argá?	Could you speak more slowly?
Μιλάτε αγγλικά;	Miláte angliká?	Do you speak English?
Υπάρχει κάποιος που μιλάει αγγλικά;	Ypárchi kápios pou milái angliká?	Is there someone who speaks English?
Τι σημαίνει αυτό;	Ti siméni aftó?	What does this mean?
Πώς λέγεται αυτό στα ελληνικά;	Pós légete aftó sta elliniká?	How do you say this in Greek?
Πού πρέπει να πάω;	Poú prépi na páo?	Where should I go?
Τι πρέπει να κάνω;	Ti prépi na káno?	What should I do?
Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια.	Chriázome voíthia.	I need help.
Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;	Boríte na me voithísete?	Can you help me?
Έχω ραντεβού.	Écho rantevoú.	I have an appointment.
Πρέπει να κλείσω ραντεβού;	Prépi na klíso rantevoú?	Do I need to make an appointment?
Είναι σωστό αυτό;	Íne sostó aftó?	Is this correct?

A few of these phrases can carry you surprisingly far. If you do not understand a question, do not panic. Asking someone to repeat themselves, speak more slowly, or explain something is a real communication skill.

Immigration and Administrative Greek

For non-EU residents in particular, άδεια διαμονής (ádeia diamonís, “residence permit”) is an important term. Greece provides electronic services for residence-permit applications and renewals for third-country nationals.

Other useful terms include:

Greek	Romanization	English
άδεια διαμονής	ádeia diamonís	residence permit
αίτηση	étisi	application
ανανέωση	ananéosi	renewal
δικαιολογητικά	dikaiologitiká	supporting documents
διαβατήριο	diavatírio	passport
έγγραφο	éngrafo	document
φωτοτυπία	fototypía	photocopy
πρωτότυπο	protótypo	original document
υπογραφή	ypografí	signature
ραντεβού	rantevoú	appointment
βεβαίωση	vevéosi	certificate / confirmation
ΚΕΠ	KEP	Citizens’ Service Centre
gov.gr	gov.gr	Greek government digital portal
υπεύθυνη δήλωση	ypéfthyni dílosi	solemn declaration / official declaration
ΑΦΜ	AFM	Tax Identification Number
ΑΜΚΑ	AMKA	Social Security Registration Number

A particularly useful term is υπεύθυνη δήλωση (ypéfthyni dílosi). This is a formal declaration used in many administrative procedures and can also be issued electronically through gov.gr.

Essential Immigration and Administrative Phrases

Greek	Romanization	English
Θα ήθελα πληροφορίες για την άδεια διαμονής μου.	Tha íthela pliroforíes gia tin ádeia diamonís mou.	I would like information about my residence permit.
Θέλω να ανανεώσω την άδεια διαμονής μου.	Thélo na ananeóso tin ádeia diamonís mou.	I want to renew my residence permit.
Θέλω να υποβάλω αίτηση.	Thélo na ypopálo étisi.	I want to submit an application.
Πού μπορώ να κάνω την αίτηση;	Poú boró na káno tin étisi?	Where can I submit the application?
Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται;	Pia dikaiologitiká chriázonte?	What supporting documents are required?
Έχω όλα τα απαραίτητα έγγραφα;	Écho óla ta aparétita éngrafa?	Do I have all the necessary documents?
Λείπει κάποιο έγγραφο;	Lípi kápio éngrafo?	Is any document missing?
Χρειάζεται φωτοτυπία;	Chriázete fototypía?	Is a photocopy required?
Χρειάζεται το πρωτότυπο;	Chriázete to protótypo?	Is the original required?
Χρειάζεται επίσημη μετάφραση;	Chriázete epísimi metáfrasi?	Is an official translation required?
Πρέπει να υπογράψω εδώ;	Prépi na ypográpso edó?	Should I sign here?
Πού γράφω τη διεύθυνσή μου;	Poú gráfo ti diéfthynsí mou?	Where do I write my address?
Χρειάζεται υπεύθυνη δήλωση;	Chriázete ypéfthyni dílosi?	Is a solemn declaration required?
Πού μπορώ να υποβάλω την υπεύθυνη δήλωση;	Poú boró na ypopálo tin ypéfthyni dílosi?	Where can I submit the solemn declaration?
Μπορώ να πάρω μια βεβαίωση;	Boró na páro mia vevéosi?	Can I get a certificate/confirmation?
Πότε θα είναι έτοιμο;	Póte tha íne étimo?	When will it be ready?
Πώς μπορώ να ελέγξω την πορεία της αίτησής μου;	Pós boró na elénxo tin poría tis étisís mou?	How can I check the status of my application?
Ήρθα για να παραλάβω την άδεια διαμονής μου.	Írtha gia na paralávo tin ádeia diamonís mou.	I came to collect my residence permit.
Σε ποιο γραφείο πρέπει να πάω;	Se pio grafío prépi na páo?	Which office should I go to?
Θα ήθελα να βγάλω ΑΦΜ.	Tha íthela na vgálo AFM.	I would like to get a Tax Identification Number.
Χρειάζομαι ΑΜΚΑ.	Chriázome AMKA.	I need a Social Security Registration Number.
Μπορείτε να μου πείτε ποιο είναι το επόμενο βήμα;	Boríte na mou píte pio íne to epómeno víma?	Can you tell me what the next step is?

Example Conversation About a Residence Permit

You: Καλημέρα. Θα ήθελα πληροφορίες για την άδεια διαμονής μου.
Kaliméra. Tha íthela pliroforíes gia tin ádeia diamonís mou.
Good morning. I would like information about my residence permit.

Staff: Βεβαίως. Τι θα θέλατε να κάνετε;
Vevéos. Ti tha thélate na kánete?
Of course. What would you like to do?

You: Θέλω να την ανανεώσω. Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται;
Thélo na tin ananeóso. Pia dikaiologitiká chriázonte?
I want to renew it. What supporting documents are required?

Staff: Εξαρτάται από την κατηγορία της άδειας. Έχετε το διαβατήριό σας;
Exartáte apó tin katigoría tis ádeias. Échete to diavatírió sas?
It depends on the type of permit. Do you have your passport?

You: Ναι. Μπορείτε να μου πείτε ποιο είναι το επόμενο βήμα;
Ne. Boríte na mou píte pio íne to epómeno víma?
Yes. Can you tell me what the next step is?

Knowing how to explain your purpose and ask about missing documents is more useful than trying to memorize an entire bureaucratic conversation.

Moving to Greece and Getting Settled

Your first weeks in Greece may involve several practical tasks at once: arranging utilities, updating your address, getting a phone number, handling paperwork, and understanding your rental agreement.

One Greek institution worth recognizing immediately is ΚΕΠ, short for Κέντρο Εξυπηρέτησης Πολιτών (Kéntro Exypirétisis Politón). KEP offices are Citizens’ Service Centres used for a range of public administrative services.

A few digital names are also useful to recognize:

Greek / Service	Romanization	What It Is
gov.gr	gov.gr	Central digital portal for many Greek government services
ΑΑΔΕ	AADE	Independent Authority for Public Revenue
myAADE	myAADE	AADE’s digital-services environment
κωδικοί Taxisnet	kodikoí Taxisnet	TAXISnet login credentials
μισθωτήριο	misthotírio	rental agreement / lease
υπεύθυνη δήλωση	ypéfthyni dílosi	solemn declaration / official declaration

AADE handles electronic property-lease declarations. For long-term rentals, property lease details are submitted electronically through AADE’s services, while TAXISnet credentials are commonly used to access Greek tax and government services.

Essential Moving and Setup Phrases

Greek	Romanization	English
Μόλις μετακόμισα στην Ελλάδα.	Mólis metakómisa stin Elláda.	I just moved to Greece.
Θέλω να δηλώσω τη νέα μου διεύθυνση.	Thélo na dilóso ti néa mou diéfthynsi.	I want to declare my new address.
Πού μπορώ να δηλώσω τη διεύθυνσή μου;	Poú boró na dilóso ti diéfthynsí mou?	Where can I declare my address?
Χρειάζομαι αποδεικτικό διεύθυνσης;	Chriázome apodiktikó diéfthynsis?	Do I need proof of address?
Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο ΚΕΠ;	Poú íne to plisiéstero KEP?	Where is the nearest KEP?
Πρέπει να πάω στον δήμο;	Prépi na páo ston dímo?	Do I need to go to the municipality?
Πρέπει να φέρω το διαβατήριό μου;	Prépi na féro to diavatírió mou?	Do I need to bring my passport?
Πρέπει να φέρω το μισθωτήριο;	Prépi na féro to misthotírio?	Do I need to bring my rental agreement?
Θα ήθελα ένα αντίγραφο του μισθωτηρίου.	Tha íthela éna antígrafo tou misthotiríou.	I would like a copy of the rental agreement.
Έχει δηλωθεί το μισθωτήριο στην ΑΑΔΕ;	Échi dilothí to misthotírio stin AADE?	Has the rental agreement been declared to AADE?
Θέλω να κάνω σύνδεση ρεύματος.	Thélo na káno síndesi révmátos.	I want to set up electricity service.
Θέλω να κάνω σύνδεση νερού.	Thélo na káno síndesi neroú.	I want to set up water service.
Θέλω να βάλω ίντερνετ.	Thélo na válo ínternet.	I want to get internet service.
Θέλω να βγάλω ελληνικό αριθμό τηλεφώνου.	Thélo na vgálo ellinikó arithmó tilefónou.	I want to get a Greek phone number.
Ποια έγγραφα χρειάζομαι για το συμβόλαιο;	Pia éngrafa chriázome gia to symvóleo?	What documents do I need for the contract?
Πότε ξεκινάει η παροχή;	Póte xekinái i parochí?	When does the service start?
Πόσο χρόνο χρειάζεται η ενεργοποίηση;	Póso chróno chriázete i energopoíisi?	How long does activation take?
Υπάρχει τέλος ενεργοποίησης;	Ypárchi télos energopoíisis?	Is there an activation fee?
Μπορείτε να μου γράψετε τις οδηγίες;	Boríte na mou grápsete tis odigíes?	Can you write down the instructions for me?
Πώς μπορώ να αλλάξω τα στοιχεία μου;	Pós boró na alláxo ta stichía mou?	How can I change my details?
Πού μπορώ να πάρω περισσότερες πληροφορίες;	Poú boró na páro perissóteres pliroforíes?	Where can I get more information?

Do not worry if you cannot explain everything perfectly. Bringing the relevant document and knowing a few phrases such as Ποια έγγραφα χρειάζομαι; (Pia éngrafa chriázome?, “What documents do I need?”) can make the conversation much easier.

Banking, Utilities, and Contracts

Banking and service contracts introduce another group of practical words:

Greek	Romanization	English
λογαριασμός	logariasmós	account / bill
κάρτα	kárta	card
μεταφορά	metaforá	transfer
χρέωση	chréosi	charge
συμβόλαιο	symvóleo	contract
πληρωμή	pliromí	payment
προμήθεια	promíthia	fee / commission
παροχή	parochí	service / supply

At the Bank and Managing Contracts

Greek	Romanization	English
Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό.	Tha íthela na anoíxo trapezikó logariasmó.	I would like to open a bank account.
Χρειάζομαι ραντεβού για να ανοίξω λογαριασμό;	Chriázome rantevoú gia na anoíxo logariasmó?	Do I need an appointment to open an account?
Θα ήθελα χρεωστική κάρτα.	Tha íthela chreostikí kárta.	I would like a debit card.
Πότε θα παραλάβω την κάρτα;	Póte tha paralávo tin kárta?	When will I receive the card?
Πώς ενεργοποιώ την κάρτα;	Pós energopoió tin kárta?	How do I activate the card?
Ξέχασα το PIN μου.	Xéchasa to PIN mou.	I forgot my PIN.
Η κάρτα μου δεν λειτουργεί.	I kárta mou den leitourgí.	My card is not working.
Έχασα την κάρτα μου.	Échasa tin kárta mou.	I lost my card.
Θέλω να μπλοκάρω την κάρτα μου.	Thélo na blokáro tin kárta mou.	I want to block my card.
Θέλω να κάνω μεταφορά χρημάτων.	Thélo na káno metaforá chrimáton.	I want to make a bank transfer.
Ποια είναι η προμήθεια;	Pia íne i promíthia?	What is the fee?
Υπάρχει μηνιαία χρέωση;	Ypárchi miniéa chréosi?	Is there a monthly fee?
Μπορώ να πληρώνω λογαριασμούς ηλεκτρονικά;	Boró na pliróno logariasmoús ilektroniká?	Can I pay bills online?
Θα ήθελα αντίγραφο κίνησης λογαριασμού.	Tha íthela antígrafo kínisis logariasmoú.	I would like a bank statement.
Θέλω να αλλάξω τον αριθμό τηλεφώνου μου.	Thélo na alláxo ton arithmó tilefónou mou.	I want to change my phone number.
Θα ήθελα να πληρώσω αυτόν τον λογαριασμό.	Tha íthela na pliróso aftón ton logariasmó.	I would like to pay this bill.
Ο λογαριασμός είναι πολύ υψηλός.	O logariasmós íne polí ypsilós.	The bill is very high.
Θέλω να αλλάξω πρόγραμμα.	Thélo na alláxo prógramma.	I want to change my plan.
Πότε λήγει το συμβόλαιο;	Póte lígi to symvóleo?	When does the contract expire?
Μπορείτε να μου εξηγήσετε αυτή τη χρέωση;	Boríte na mou exigísete aftí ti chréosi?	Can you explain this charge to me?

Example Conversation at the Bank

You: Καλημέρα. Θα ήθελα να ανοίξω τραπεζικό λογαριασμό.
Kaliméra. Tha íthela na anoíxo trapezikó logariasmó.
Good morning. I would like to open a bank account.

Employee: Βεβαίως. Έχετε ραντεβού;
Vevéos. Échete rantevoú?
Of course. Do you have an appointment?

You: Όχι. Χρειάζομαι ραντεβού για να ανοίξω λογαριασμό;
Óchi. Chriázome rantevoú gia na anoíxo logariasmó?
No. Do I need an appointment to open an account?

Employee: Θα σας εξηγήσω τη διαδικασία.
Tha sas exigíso ti diadikasía.
I’ll explain the process to you.

You: Ευχαριστώ. Ποια έγγραφα χρειάζομαι;
Efcharistó. Pia éngrafa chriázome?
Thank you. What documents do I need?

The exact documents and procedures can vary by institution, so learn the questions rather than memorizing one fixed answer.

Healthcare, AMKA, and Social Security

You do not need complicated medical vocabulary to begin communicating with a doctor or pharmacist. The most useful skills are explaining where something hurts, naming basic symptoms, describing medication, and understanding instructions.

Two terms residents may encounter frequently are ΑΜΚΑ and e-ΕΦΚΑ.

Greek / Term	Romanization	English
ΑΜΚΑ	AMKA	Social Security Registration Number
e-ΕΦΚΑ	e-EFKA	Electronic National Social Security Entity
γιατρός	giatrós	doctor
νοσοκομείο	nosokomío	hospital
φαρμακείο	farmakío	pharmacy
συνταγή	syntagí	prescription
φάρμακο	fármako	medicine
ραντεβού	rantevoú	appointment

AMKA is an identification number used for employment and social-insurance purposes, while e-EFKA is Greece’s national social-security institution.

Essential Healthcare Phrases

Greek	Romanization	English
Θα ήθελα να κλείσω ραντεβού με γιατρό.	Tha íthela na klíso rantevoú me giatró.	I would like to make a doctor’s appointment.
Έχω ραντεβού στις τρεις.	Écho rantevoú stis tris.	I have an appointment at three.
Δεν αισθάνομαι καλά.	Den esthánome kalá.	I don’t feel well.
Έχω πυρετό.	Écho pyretó.	I have a fever.
Έχω πονοκέφαλο.	Écho ponokéfalo.	I have a headache.
Με πονάει ο λαιμός.	Me ponái o lemós.	My throat hurts.
Πονάει εδώ.	Ponái edó.	It hurts here.
Έχω αλλεργία στην πενικιλίνη.	Écho allergía stin penikilíni.	I’m allergic to penicillin.
Παίρνω αυτό το φάρμακο.	Pérno aftó to fármako.	I take this medication.
Έχω πρόβλημα με το στομάχι μου.	Écho próvlima me to stomáchi mou.	I have a problem with my stomach.
Χρειάζομαι συνταγή;	Chriázome syntagí?	Do I need a prescription?
Μπορείτε να μου γράψετε συνταγή;	Boríte na mou grápsete syntagí?	Can you write me a prescription?
Πού είναι το κοντινότερο φαρμακείο;	Poú íne to kontinótero farmakío?	Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Έχετε κάτι για τον πόνο;	Échete káti gia ton póno?	Do you have something for pain?
Έχετε κάτι για τον βήχα;	Échete káti gia ton vícha?	Do you have something for a cough?
Πόσες φορές την ημέρα πρέπει να το πάρω;	Pósses forés tin iméra prépi na to páro?	How many times a day should I take it?
Πρέπει να το πάρω με φαγητό;	Prépi na to páro me fagitó?	Should I take it with food?
Υπάρχουν παρενέργειες;	Ypárchoun parenérgies?	Are there any side effects?
Χρειάζεστε τον ΑΜΚΑ μου;	Chriázeste ton AMKA mou?	Do you need my AMKA?
Χρειάζομαι πληροφορίες για την ασφάλισή μου στον e-ΕΦΚΑ.	Chriázome pliroforíes gia tin asfálisí mou ston e-EFKA.	I need information about my social insurance with e-EFKA.
Πότε πρέπει να ξανάρθω;	Póte prépi na xanártho?	When should I come back?

Example Conversation at a Doctor’s Office

Receptionist: Καλημέρα. Έχετε ραντεβού;
Kaliméra. Échete rantevoú?
Good morning. Do you have an appointment?

You: Ναι, έχω ραντεβού στις τρεις.
Ne, écho rantevoú stis tris.
Yes, I have an appointment at three.

Doctor: Τι πρόβλημα έχετε;
Ti próvlima échete?
What problem are you having?

You: Δεν αισθάνομαι καλά. Έχω πυρετό και με πονάει ο λαιμός.
Den esthánome kalá. Écho pyretó ke me ponái o lemós.
I don’t feel well. I have a fever and my throat hurts.

Doctor: Παίρνετε κάποιο φάρμακο;
Pérnete kápio fármako?
Are you taking any medication?

You: Ναι, παίρνω αυτό το φάρμακο.
Ne, pérno aftó to fármako.
Yes, I take this medication.

At the Pharmacy

Greek pharmacies are φαρμακεία (farmakía), and a pharmacist is a φαρμακοποιός (farmakopiós).

If you do not know the Greek name of a medicine, showing the packaging or active ingredient can make communication easier.

Useful patterns include:

Έχετε κάτι για…?
Échete káti gia…?
Do you have something for…?

Πόσες φορές την ημέρα;
Pósses forés tin iméra?
How many times a day?

Με φαγητό ή χωρίς;
Me fagitó í chorís?
With food or without?

Emergencies, Police, and Customer Service

In an emergency in Greece, 112 is the general European emergency number. Other national numbers include 100 for police, 166 for emergency medical services, and 199 for the fire service.

For a learner, 112 is the most important number to remember because it gives you one general number for urgent assistance.

Emergency and Police Phrases

Greek	Romanization	English
Βοήθεια!	Voíthia!	Help!
Καλέστε το 112.	Kaléste to 112.	Call 112.
Καλέστε ασθενοφόρο.	Kaléste asthenofóro.	Call an ambulance.
Καλέστε την αστυνομία.	Kaléste tin astynomía.	Call the police.
Υπάρχει φωτιά.	Ypárchi fotiá.	There’s a fire.
Κάποιος έχει τραυματιστεί.	Kápios échi travmatistí.	Someone has been injured.
Δεν μπορώ να αναπνεύσω.	Den boró na anapnéfso.	I can’t breathe.
Έχω έντονο πόνο.	Écho éntono póno.	I’m in severe pain.
Έχασα το πορτοφόλι μου.	Échasa to portofóli mou.	I lost my wallet.
Μου έκλεψαν το πορτοφόλι.	Mou éklepsan to portofóli.	My wallet was stolen.
Έχασα το διαβατήριό μου.	Échasa to diavatírió mou.	I lost my passport.
Θέλω να κάνω καταγγελία.	Thélo na káno katangelía.	I want to make a report.
Πού είναι το αστυνομικό τμήμα;	Poú íne to astynomikó tmíma?	Where is the police station?
Χρειάζομαι διερμηνέα.	Chriázome dierminéa.	I need an interpreter.
Δεν ξέρω πού βρίσκομαι.	Den xéro poú vrískome.	I don’t know where I am.
Έχασα το τηλέφωνό μου.	Échasa to tilefónó mou.	I lost my phone.
Μου έκλεψαν την τσάντα.	Mou éklepsan tin tsánta.	My bag was stolen.
Η παραγγελία μου δεν έφτασε.	I parangeliá mou den éftase.	My order didn’t arrive.
Το προϊόν είναι χαλασμένο.	To proïón íne chalasméno.	The product is damaged/broken.
Θέλω επιστροφή χρημάτων.	Thélo epistrofí chrimáton.	I want a refund.

If you are stressed, keep your sentences short. Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια (Chriázome voíthia, “I need help”) plus a key noun such as ασθενοφόρο (asthenofóro, “ambulance”), αστυνομία (astynomía, “police”), or διαβατήριο (diavatírio, “passport”) may be enough to start the conversation.

Housing, Repairs, and Neighbors

Finding an apartment is only the beginning. Once you have moved in, you may need Greek for rent, shared building expenses, heating, repairs, noise, keys, garbage, and the paperwork connected with your lease.

Essential Housing Vocabulary

Greek	Romanization	English
διαμέρισμα	diamérisma	apartment
ενοίκιο	eníkio	rent
εγγύηση	engýisi	deposit
μισθωτήριο	misthotírio	rental agreement
ιδιοκτήτης / ιδιοκτήτρια	idioktítis / idioktítria	landlord / property owner
κοινόχρηστα	kinóchrista	shared building expenses
επισκευή	episkeví	repair
τεχνικός	technikós	technician
διαρροή	diarroí	leak
κλειδί	klidí	key
ΑΑΔΕ	AADE	Independent Authority for Public Revenue
myAADE	myAADE	AADE digital-services portal

For long-term rentals, property lease details are submitted electronically through AADE. This makes μισθωτήριο (misthotírio), ΑΑΔΕ, and TAXISnet useful terms to recognize even if your landlord or accountant handles the actual filing.

Housing and Repair Phrases

Greek	Romanization	English
Ψάχνω διαμέρισμα.	Psáchno diamérisma.	I’m looking for an apartment.
Πόσο είναι το ενοίκιο;	Póso íne to eníkio?	How much is the rent?
Περιλαμβάνονται οι λογαριασμοί;	Perilamvánonte i logariasmoí?	Are the bills included?
Πόση είναι η εγγύηση;	Pósi íne i engýisi?	How much is the deposit?
Πότε είναι διαθέσιμο;	Póte íne diathésimo?	When is it available?
Πόσο διαρκεί το συμβόλαιο;	Póso diarkí to symvóleo?	How long is the contract?
Μπορώ να δω το διαμέρισμα;	Boró na do to diamérisma?	Can I see the apartment?
Υπάρχουν κοινόχρηστα;	Ypárchoun kinóchrista?	Are there shared building expenses?
Πόσα είναι τα κοινόχρηστα;	Pósa íne ta kinóchrista?	How much are the shared building expenses?
Έχει δηλωθεί το μισθωτήριο στην ΑΑΔΕ;	Échi dilothí to misthotírio stin AADE?	Has the rental agreement been declared to AADE?
Δεν έχω ζεστό νερό.	Den écho zestó neró.	I don’t have hot water.
Δεν έχουμε ρεύμα.	Den échoume révma.	We don’t have electricity.
Το καλοριφέρ δεν λειτουργεί.	To kalorifér den leitourgí.	The heating/radiator isn’t working.
Το κλιματιστικό δεν λειτουργεί.	To klimatistikó den leitourgí.	The air conditioner isn’t working.
Υπάρχει διαρροή στην κουζίνα.	Ypárchi diarroí stin kouzína.	There’s a leak in the kitchen.
Χρειάζεται επισκευή.	Chriázete episkeví.	It needs repair.
Μπορείτε να στείλετε τεχνικό;	Boríte na stílete technikó?	Can you send a technician?
Πότε μπορεί να έρθει ο τεχνικός;	Póte borí na érthi o technikós?	When can the technician come?
Έχασα τα κλειδιά μου.	Échasa ta klidiá mou.	I lost my keys.
Πού πετάμε τα σκουπίδια;	Poú petáme ta skoupídia?	Where do we throw away the garbage?
Συγγνώμη για τον θόρυβο.	Signómi gia ton thóryvo.	Sorry about the noise.

Example Conversation with a Landlord

You: Καλημέρα. Υπάρχει ένα πρόβλημα στο διαμέρισμα.
Kaliméra. Ypárchi éna próvlima sto diamérisma.
Good morning. There’s a problem in the apartment.

Landlord: Τι πρόβλημα;
Ti próvlima?
What problem?

You: Δεν έχω ζεστό νερό. Χρειάζεται επισκευή.
Den écho zestó neró. Chriázete episkeví.
I don’t have hot water. It needs repair.

Landlord: Θα στείλω έναν τεχνικό.
Tha stílo énan technikó.
I’ll send a technician.

You: Ευχαριστώ. Πότε μπορεί να έρθει;
Efcharistó. Póte borí na érthi?
Thank you. When can they come?

Short, clear sentences are often better than trying to explain the entire problem at once.

Post Office, Deliveries, and Everyday Services

Packages, registered mail, returns, bills, and delivery problems are not dramatic situations, but they are exactly where practical Greek starts saving you time.

Postal, Delivery, and Service Phrases

Greek	Romanization	English
Πού είναι το ταχυδρομείο;	Poú íne to tachydromío?	Where is the post office?
Θέλω να στείλω αυτό το δέμα.	Thélo na stílo aftó to déma.	I want to send this package.
Θέλω να στείλω αυτό το γράμμα.	Thélo na stílo aftó to grámma.	I want to send this letter.
Πόσο κοστίζει η αποστολή;	Póso kostízi i apostolí?	How much does shipping cost?
Πόσες μέρες θα κάνει;	Pósses méres tha káni?	How many days will it take?
Θέλω να το στείλω συστημένο.	Thélo na to stílo systiméno.	I want to send it by registered mail.
Θα ήθελα αριθμό αποστολής.	Tha íthela arithmó apostolís.	I would like a tracking number.
Χρειάζομαι έναν φάκελο.	Chriázome énan fákelo.	I need an envelope.
Χρειάζομαι ένα γραμματόσημο.	Chriázome éna grammatósimo.	I need a stamp.
Περιμένω ένα δέμα.	Periméno éna déma.	I’m expecting a package.
Το δέμα μου δεν έχει φτάσει.	To déma mou den échi ftási.	My package hasn’t arrived.
Έχω ειδοποίηση για δέμα.	Écho idopoíisi gia déma.	I have a notice for a package.
Πού μπορώ να παραλάβω το δέμα μου;	Poú boró na paralávo to déma mou?	Where can I collect my package?
Χρειάζομαι ταυτότητα για την παραλαβή;	Chriázome taftótita gia tin paralaví?	Do I need ID to collect it?
Μπορώ να αλλάξω την ημερομηνία παράδοσης;	Boró na alláxo tin imerominía parádosis?	Can I change the delivery date?
Μπορείτε να καλέσετε πριν έρθετε;	Boríte na kalésete prin érthete?	Can you call before you come?
Θέλω να επιστρέψω αυτό το προϊόν.	Thélo na epistrépso aftó to proïón.	I want to return this product.
Έχω την απόδειξη.	Écho tin apódixi.	I have the receipt.
Μπορώ να το αλλάξω;	Boró na to alláxo?	Can I exchange it?
Χρεώθηκα δύο φορές.	Chreóthika dýo forés.	I was charged twice.

These phrases are also useful online and over the phone. If you know the key noun and one reusable question pattern, you can adapt the sentence to many different services.

Greek Politeness and Formality in Everyday Life

Greek gives you a clear way to make requests more polite.

Compare:

Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις;
Borís na me voithísis?
Can you help me? – informal singular

Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
Boríte na me voithísete?
Can you help me? – polite or plural

With officials, bank employees, doctors, older strangers, or people you do not know, the polite plural form is usually the safer choice.

Other useful ways to soften a request include:

Θα ήθελα…
Tha íthela…
I would like…

Μπορείτε να μου πείτε…?
Boríte na mou píte…?
Can you tell me…?

Μπορείτε να μου εξηγήσετε…?
Boríte na mou exigísete…?
Can you explain…?

Συγγνώμη, μπορώ να κάνω μια ερώτηση;
Signómi, boró na káno mia erótisi?
Excuse me, can I ask a question?

Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη βοήθεια.
Efcharistó polí gia ti voíthia.
Thank you very much for your help.

Do not worry about sounding excessively formal. Being clear, polite, and patient is usually more useful than trying to produce a perfect sentence.

How to Learn Practical Greek Faster

Knowing 160+ phrases is useful, but memorizing a giant list from beginning to end is not the best way to learn them.

Study by Situation

Choose the situations you actually expect to face.

Situation	Focus On
Immigration	Residence permits, documents, applications
Government services	KEP, gov.gr, AFM, AMKA
Banking	Accounts, cards, payments
Healthcare	Symptoms, appointments, medication
Housing	Rent, contracts, repairs
Emergencies	Short requests for immediate help

If you have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, study the healthcare section tonight. If you are opening a bank account next week, focus on banking phrases.

Learn Reusable Sentence Patterns

Several structures appear repeatedly throughout this guide.

Θα ήθελα…
Tha íthela…
I would like…

Θέλω να…
Thélo na…
I want to…

Χρειάζομαι…
Chriázome…
I need…

Πού μπορώ να…?
Poú boró na…?
Where can I…?

Πρέπει να…?
Prépi na…?
Do I need to…?

Μπορείτε να…?
Boríte na…?
Can you…?

Πότε…?
Póte…?
When…?

Once these become automatic, you can replace one or two words and create dozens of new sentences.

Practice Complete Dialogues

Vocabulary is easier to remember when you connect it to an actual exchange.

Instead of memorizing:

άδεια διαμονής
ádeia diamonís
residence permit

δικαιολογητικά
dikaiologitiká
supporting documents

ανανέωση
ananéosi
renewal

practice:

Θέλω να ανανεώσω την άδεια διαμονής μου. Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται;
Thélo na ananeóso tin ádeia diamonís mou. Pia dikaiologitiká chriázonte?
I want to renew my residence permit. What supporting documents are required?

Now the vocabulary has a purpose.

Build Vocabulary from Word Families

As you move beyond survival Greek, noticing how related words are formed can help your vocabulary grow faster.

For an intermediate example, see the GreekPod101 lesson Living With Change in Greece. Its workplace conversation and focus on Greek word formation provide useful intermediate practice alongside the practical phrases in this guide.

Prepare Before Important Appointments

Before an appointment, choose five to ten phrases you are likely to need.

For example:

Θα ήθελα πληροφορίες για…
Tha íthela pliroforíes gia…
I would like information about…

Ποια δικαιολογητικά χρειάζονται;
Pia dikaiologitiká chriázonte?
What supporting documents are required?

Λείπει κάποιο έγγραφο;
Lípi kápio éngrafo?
Is any document missing?

Πρέπει να υπογράψω εδώ;
Prépi na ypográpso edó?
Should I sign here?

Χρειάζεται υπεύθυνη δήλωση;
Chriázete ypéfthyni dílosi?
Is a solemn declaration required?

Μπορείτε να μου πείτε ποιο είναι το επόμενο βήμα;
Boríte na mou píte pio íne to epómeno víma?
Can you tell me what the next step is?

You do not need to prepare for every possible sentence. Prepare enough language to explain your goal and ask for clarification.

Learn Real-Life Greek with GreekPod101

Knowing individual phrases is helpful. Knowing when and how to use them is what builds real confidence.

GreekPod101 can help you move from isolated vocabulary to complete conversations through Greek dialogues, listening practice, vocabulary lessons, and structured learning materials.

With GreekPod101, you can:

• Build vocabulary for everyday situations
• Hear Greek used in complete conversations
• Improve your listening comprehension
• Practice pronunciation with native-speaker audio
• Review vocabulary and grammar in context
• Study at your own pace
• Prepare for real conversations before you need them

The more often you encounter useful patterns in context, the easier they become to recognize and produce in real life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in Greece without speaking Greek?

It is possible to manage many situations with limited Greek, particularly when English-speaking help is available. However, practical Greek becomes much more valuable when dealing with paperwork, healthcare, housing, repairs, local services, or people who are not comfortable communicating in English.

You do not need to become fluent before you can benefit. Even a small group of well-chosen phrases can make everyday interactions easier.

What Greek should I learn first after moving to Greece?

Start with the language connected to your immediate needs:

• Greetings and clarification phrases
• Government and residence paperwork
• Banking
• Phone and utility contracts
• Healthcare
• Housing and repairs
• Emergencies
• Deliveries and customer service

Learning by situation is usually more useful than memorizing unrelated vocabulary.

Do I need advanced Greek for administrative appointments?

No. You can accomplish a lot with short, predictable sentences.

Focus on being able to:

• Explain why you are there
• Name the document or service you need
• Ask what documents are required
• Ask where to go
• Ask someone to repeat themselves
• Confirm what happens next

More advanced Greek will make these situations easier, but it is not necessary to wait until you are advanced before using the language.

What are ΑΦΜ, ΑΜΚΑ, and e-ΕΦΚΑ?

ΑΦΜ (AFM) stands for Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου (Arithmós Forologikoú Mitróou), Greece’s Tax Identification Number.

ΑΜΚΑ (AMKA) stands for Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης (Arithmós Mitróou Koinonikís Asfálisis), the Social Security Registration Number.

e-ΕΦΚΑ (e-EFKA) is the Electronic National Social Security Entity.

These abbreviations appear frequently in practical life, so learning to recognize them is useful even before you understand every detail of the systems behind them.

What are gov.gr and an υπεύθυνη δήλωση?

gov.gr is Greece’s central digital government portal, providing access to many public services and digital documents.

An υπεύθυνη δήλωση (ypéfthyni dílosi) is a formal declaration used in many administrative procedures. It can also be issued electronically through gov.gr.

What is TAXISnet?

TAXISnet credentials are login credentials used to access many Greek government and tax-related digital services. You may encounter them when using services such as gov.gr, myAADE, and e-EFKA.

What number should I call in an emergency in Greece?

The general European emergency number is 112, and it can be used in Greece for urgent assistance. Greece also has dedicated numbers including 100 for police, 166 for emergency medical services, and 199 for the fire service.

For a learner, remembering 112 gives you one simple number to use in an emergency.

Should I use εσύ or εσείς with officials and service staff?

When speaking to someone you do not know, especially an official or service employee, the polite εσείς (esís) forms are generally the safer choice.

For example:

Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε;
Boríte na me voithísete?
Can you help me? – polite

Μπορείς να με βοηθήσεις;
Borís na me voithísis?
Can you help me? – informal

As you spend more time in Greece, you will develop a better feel for when people naturally switch to informal language.

What’s the fastest way to learn survival Greek?

Prioritize phrases that solve actual problems.

Start with a situation you expect to face, learn the key nouns, memorize a few reusable sentence patterns, and practice them as a short dialogue. Listening to those patterns in natural Greek will also help you recognize them when someone answers you.

From Confusion to Confidence

Living in another country involves dozens of conversations you may never have practiced in a language course. You might need to ask about a residence permit in the morning, explain a billing problem in the afternoon, and call your landlord about a repair that evening.

You do not need perfect Greek for any of those situations.

Start with the phrases that solve the problems in front of you. Learn how to ask for help, explain what you need, understand the most important vocabulary, and request clarification when something is unclear.

Every successful interaction gives you another pattern you can reuse the next time.

When you are ready to keep building your practical Greek through vocabulary, dialogues, and listening practice, start learning real-life Greek with GreekPod101.