If you plan to meet or talk to Greek people, you need to know some basic expressions to greet them in their language. This knowledge concerns both the words to be pronounced and the behavior to be held to interact with individuals of Greek culture and are useful both when traveling abroad and when you have to talk to Greeks who live in your city. Generally speaking, these are outgoing and warm people who reserve generous hospitality for visitors and travelers.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Give a Greeting in Greek
Step 1. Say hello to friends or strangers
When addressing a person you do not know or older than you, you can use the expression "yassas", which is pronounced exactly as it is written. If you already know the other person or it is a child, you can opt for "yassou", which is pronounced "yassu".
- However, don't worry too much about this difference; unlike other cultures (especially Romance-speaking cultures), the formal distinction is not very important and native speakers use "yassas" and "yassou" indifferently without problems.
- "Yassas" is also used in the farewell phase, so it is a term you will often hear in Greece.
Step 2. Use the correct expressions in the morning, afternoon or evening
To greet in a more formal way, just like in Italian, you can use terms that match the time of day you are introduced. You can accompany the terms with "yassas" or say them yourself.
- Wish "good morning" until 1:00 pm by saying the word "kalimera";
- In the afternoon he uses the expression "kalispera" which means "good evening";
- When the sun goes down, go to "kalinikta" to say goodnight.
Step 3. Use an informal expression
In Greek, you can use the term "ya" to greet someone with a friendly "hello", but you can also say it at the farewell stage; it is used between friends or when an adult speaks to a child. To greet in a formal way when you go away from strangers, we say "adío".
Method 2 of 3: Using Body Language
Step 1. Shake everyone's hand
Greek culture involves an intense use of body language during greetings, and the handshake plays an important role. You should reach out to every person you are introduced to, be it men, women or children; maintain a firm grip and short contact.
It is quite common to shake hands at the farewell stage when you walk away from someone who has just been introduced to you
Step 2. If the other person shows signs of wanting to hug or kiss you on the cheek, reciprocate
Although not common at the first meeting, Greek close friends (men and women) greet each other with a hug and the classic kiss on both cheeks. If someone hugs you, return the gesture and turn your cheek when they want to kiss you; among men, a pat on the shoulder or back is more common instead of a kiss.
Generally speaking, expect strong physical proximity; it is not about intrusiveness or aggression, but it is normal for the Greek culture to keep small spaces between people
Step 3. To indicate "ok" raise your thumb
For the Greeks, the classic American gesture of putting the index finger on the thumb while the other fingers remain raised is very rude. To avoid being subconsciously vulgar (the equivalent of a raised middle finger) use your thumbs up to give your approval.
The raised thumb conveys the same message as in Italy, the United States, Great Britain and many other countries
Step 4. Distinguish the nod that means "yes" from the nod that means "no"
While the Italians move their heads vertically to assent and horizontally to say "no", the Greeks limit themselves to the vertical gesture only; to indicate consent they carry their heads slightly downwards, to deny they carry it slightly upwards.
Do not confuse these two gestures. Vigorous swaying up and down doesn't make any sense in Greek culture and could lead to misunderstandings
Method 3 of 3: Behave Appropriately During Encounters
Step 1. Know that you will be asked personal questions
Greek culture is largely informal and people get to know new individuals (men and women) asking for a lot of personal details. While it may seem intrusive, offensive or rude to a foreign traveler, this curiosity is not driven by disrespect. It is a simple, effective and culturally appropriate way to get to know someone quickly; moreover, these questions make a "clean sweep" of the formal atmosphere that is often generated during presentations in other countries. For example, they may ask you:
- If you are married;
- If you have children.
Step 2. If you are invited to a Greek's house, arrive late
Punctuality is not a very important detail; if a Greek person invites you to their house, they usually give you an approximate time, for example "around 20". If so, show up at 8:30 pm or even later; arriving exactly at 20:00, although it is a manifestation of education in Italy, is considered too formal and premature.
- The atmosphere around the table is informal and relaxed. The moments of meals are considered occasions of social gathering, during which long conversations develop.
- Refusing food at another person's home is considered rude. You are expected to eat everything on your plate and you can compliment the host by asking for another portion; if you have to partially or completely reject a dish, explain the reasons politely.
Step 3. Wear casual clothes
In Greece the dress code varies according to the occasion, although formal dress is never required. If you are invited for a coffee, the usual clothes are fine; if you are attending a dinner with a family or in the home of a person of Greek descent, dress neatly but not formally. Men and women can wear a jacket and trousers or a dress shirt.
The women of the Greek culture generally wear a dress even during the most elegant occasions; consequently, if you prefer this kind of garment, you can use it safely, even if it is not mandatory
Step 4. Bring a gift to the guest
If a Greek person or family invites you to their home, it is customary to bring a small gift to show appreciation; for example, you can give away a bottle of wine, a small bottle of whiskey or a cake or pastries bought at the local bakery. Regardless of what you decide, don't bring something that is clearly inexpensive; avoid bouquets or cheap bottles of wine.
