Watch out for the "yes" that sounds like "no"
Greek "ναι" (yes) can genuinely mislead English speakers because it sounds closer to the English word "no" than to "yes." Travelers sometimes have to consciously unlearn the instinct to hear "neh" as a negative answer during their first few days.
Formality changes the greeting, not just the pronoun
Greek shifts between singular/informal and plural/formal address in a way similar to French "tu" and "vous," and this shows up directly in greetings — "Γεια σας" is the safer default with strangers, shopkeepers, or anyone clearly older than you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modern Greek very different from Ancient Greek?
Yes, considerably, after thousands of years of natural language change — though the same alphabet has stayed in continuous use, and many core, everyday words are still recognizably related to their ancient forms.
Can I get by with these phrases outside Greece itself?
Yes. Greek is also an official language of Cyprus, and these core phrases work the same way in both places.