Learn Greek for beginners

A simple first foundation

Start with useful building blocks

GreekMate’s Sand stage does not expect you to jump straight into a long conversation. It begins with recognition: common sounds and letters, a compact group of high-value words, numbers, and tiny exchanges you can understand in context.

First words

A beginner starter set

These eight entries come directly from GreekMate’s approved Sand lessons. Read the Greek first, then use the pronunciation line as a learner cue rather than a substitute for listening.

• γειαya
  hi / bye
• ναιnai
  yes
• όχιóchi
  no
• ευχαριστώefcharistó
  thank you
• παρακαλώparakaló
  please / you’re welcome
• πούpoú
  where
• καφέςkafés
  coffee
• νερόneró
  water

Curated from GreekMate’s approved Sand beginner lessons.

Train your ear

Why listening belongs at the start

A written pronunciation cue can help you remember a word, but it cannot carry the full timing and rhythm of speech. GreekMate’s Clear and Natural approach lets you identify an item first, then hear how the same Greek settles into a more everyday delivery.

Try the free Clear and Natural listening samples after you have read the starter phrases below.

Try these first

Five small Greek phrases

Aim to recognise the whole phrase. You do not need to analyse every ending before the phrase can help you.

• Ναι, παρακαλώ.

  Nai, parakaló.Yes, please.Accepting something politely.

• Όχι, ευχαριστώ.

  Óchi, efcharistó.No, thank you.A warm way to decline.

• Δεν καταλαβαίνω.

  Den katalavéno.I don’t understand.Direct, normal, and useful.

• Πιο αργά, παρακαλώ.

  Pio argá, parakaló.More slowly, please.When the conversation is moving too quickly.

• Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;

  Poú íne i tualéta?Where is the toilet?A complete essential question.

What comes next

A beginner path you can repeat

1. Spend a short session recognising several letters or words.
2. Listen to the same small set until the meanings feel familiar.
3. Say one or two complete phrases if you feel comfortable.
4. Return later and retrieve them without looking.
5. Place them in a practical situation, such as greeting someone or ordering a drink.

This loop gives you a foundation you can use, revisit, and gradually expand instead of a disconnected list to memorise once.