How To Say Thank You In Greece

Greek is one of the oldest European languages. Being the linguistic communication of many foundational texts in science and philosophy, information technology holds a very important place in the history of Western civilization.

However, while a lot of inquiry has been defended to studying the history of this rich language, some confusion most its age and development over time persist. Is it actually the oldest language in the world? Is mod Greek the same as the ancient linguistic communication? What is its connectedness to Latin?

In this commodity, you volition find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Greek. And then y'all'll learn well-nigh the best ways of saying 'cheers' in the Greek language!

How old is the Greek language?

Greek has been spoken in the Balkans since the 3^rdmillennium B.C. The earliest written show of the existence of this language is a Linear B dirt tablet found in Messinia that dates back to between 1450 and 1350 B.C. This makes Greek the world's oldest recorded living linguistic communication.

Is Greek a romance language?

No. While the term "Classics" refers to the study of Latin and ancient Greek, it is of import to note that Greek is not a romance language – as opposed to Latin, which is the language origin of French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European linguistic communication family and its alphabet different from that of the romance languages. "Classics" is the written report of classical antiquity, which encompasses the study of Greco-Roman works that are considered to be the cornerstones of the humanities.

Are ancient Greek and modern Greek the same?

Not entirely. In ancient times, Greek was a widely spoken lingua franca in the Mediterranean, West Asia and beyond. Since then it has go bars to Greece and Cyprus, where information technology is used in its simplified, modern form.

Classical Greek refers to aboriginal Greek. Modern Greek is a simplified version of Classical Greek using the same alphabet. Learning the alphabet is primal if you want to speak and read Greek properly. Greek is often transcribed in Latin alphabet characters for practical reasons (e.one thousand. on maps and street signage). This language is informally called Greeklish. However, it has no fast-and-hard rules, which tin oft lead to confusion.

Now that we've covered the basics, you are set to move on to learn some useful expressions in Greek! Greece has a reputation for being a very hospitable country. The Greeks are known to get out of their way to help other people and to welcome tourists with open arms.

There is no doubt that during your time in Greece you volition find yourself eager to express your gratitude at some signal. There are many means to say "Thank you" in Greek. Keep reading to acquire the best phrases suitable for different situations and occasions!

The Basics

These are the near mutual expressions of gratitude in Greek that can exist applied to whatever situation.

ane. Thank y'all: Ευχαριστώ

Proverb "thank you lot" is, of class, the classic way of expressing gratitude in all languages and a safe bet in order to show one'southward appreciation. This translates to "Eυχαριστώ" (efharisto) in Greek.

If you are especially thankful, you lot can always say "Ευχαριστώ πολύ" (efharisto poli) significant "Thanks a lot" or "Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ" (efharisto para poli) pregnant "Thank you very much".

Some other variation, that is mayhap better reserved for a more formal setting, is "Θερμά ευχαριστώ" (therma efharisto) which translates to "Warm thanks" and expresses deep gratitude. In this spirit, yous can also say "Ευχαριστώ από τα βάθη της καρδιάς μου" (efharisto apo ta vathi tis kardias mou) meaning "Give thanks you from the lesser of my heart".

2. Be well: Να'σαι καλά

One of the most popular Greek phrases for gratitude is "Να'σαι καλά" (na se kala), meaning "Be well". In Greece, you will hear information technology everywhere and information technology is not uncommon to apply it as a substitute for "Cheers". Express your gratitude to someone by sending them positive wishes for their day using this simple phrase.

three. I am grateful: Είμαι ευγνώμων

Another straightforward way of expressing your gratitude is, naturally, to say that you are grateful to a person. "Είμαι ευγνώμων" (ime efgnomon) means exactly that ("I am grateful") and is a sure-fire way to bear witness your appreciation.

iv. I appreciate it: Το εκτιμώ

Expressing gratitude can also come in the form of expressing one's appreciation. Instead of saying y'all are grateful, yous can say "Το εκτιμώ" (to ektimo), which ways "I appreciate it". Yous can add the words πολύ (poli), i.e. a lot, or πάρα πολύ (para poli), i.e. very much, to this phrase to show that you are peculiarly beholden.

Formal Means

Whether you are talking to a boss or to an elderly person, some situations require a formal expression of gratitude. Here are some ideas for giving your 'thanks' a more formal tone.

five. I remain obliged: Μένω υπόχρεος/η

A polite way of expressing gratitude in Greek is proverb "Μένω υπόχρεος" (meno ipohreos) (if yous're male) or "Μένω υπόχρεη" (meno ipohrei) (if you're female).

This indicates to the people that you are very beholden of their actions and that you at present accept a feeling of obligation towards them. This is a way to let them know that y'all will be at their disposal if they need your help in the future.

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vi. Thank you: Ευχαριστίες

The word "Ευχαριστίες" (efharisties) means "thanks" and it is considered to be a rather formal expression in Greek. It is all-time used within a phrase, such as "Θα ήθελα να εκφράσω τις ευχαριστίες μου" (tha ithela na ekfraso tis efharisties mou), significant "I would like to limited my thanks" and is platonic for navigating a formal state of affairs. Alternatively, information technology can be used on its own, particularly in writing, as a way to sign off a polite and formal e-mail.

7. Gratitude: Ευγνωμοσύνη

While the Greek word for gratitude, i.e. ευγνωμοσύνη (evgnomosini), cannot be used on its own to express thank you, it can be used within a phrase in a similar way to "ευχαριστίες". Maxim "Θα ήθελα να εκφράσω την ευγνωμοσύνη μου" (tha ithela na ekfraso can evgnomosini mou) means "I would like to express my gratitude" and information technology is the virtually polite and straight-forward way to say thank you lot in a formal setting.

8. Very kind of you: Πολύ ευγενικό εκ μέρους σας

Another simple, still polite, manner to express one's gratitude is to simply point out the kindness of someone's actions. "Πολύ ευγενικό εκ μέρους σας" (poli evgeniko ek merous sas) ways "Very kind of you".

The particularity of this phrase lies in the word "sas" which indicates the so-called "polite plural". This class is generally used when addressing strangers, elderly individuals or figures of authority with politeness and respect.

If you lot are addressing someone yous know well, you can use the singular form and say "Πολύ ευγενικό εκ μέρους σου" (poli evgeniko ek merous sou) instead.

Colloquialisms

Are y'all looking for a more memorable and genuine mode to thank someone in Greek? These colloquial phrases express gratitude in a warm and personal way that has a stronger touch than your traditional "cheers".

nine. I owe you a big favor: Σου χρωστάω μεγάλη χάρη

If y'all want to let someone know that "you owe them one", you tin can say "Σου χρωστάω μεγάλη χάρη" (sou hrostao megali hari). This literally means "I owe y'all a big favor" and shows people in no uncertain terms that you will exist at their disposal if they always need you in the future.

10. Y'all're enslaving me: Με σκλαβώνεις

A phrase that is often used to express gratitude in Greek is "Με σκλαβώνεις" (me sklavonis), literally translating to "Yous're enslaving me". This colloquialism is used endearingly to evidence that yous are very grateful to someone, to the point that you are willing to deed as their "slave", fulfilling all of their wishes every bit their command.

11. How can I repay you lot? – Πώς μπορώ να σου το ανταποδώσω?

When words are not enough and you feel that y'all need to repay someone'due south kindness in actions, try directly request them what they would like to make it return. Ask them "Πώς μπορώ να σου το ανταποδώσω?" (pos boro na sou to adapodoso?) and find out if there is anything y'all can do for them to tangibly limited your gratitude.

12. Yous're the best: Είσαι ο καλύτερος/η

Is there a better way to show you're thankful to someone other than telling them excitedly they're the best? This genuine compliment can convey gratitude with warmth and amore. Who doesn't like hearing they are the best, later on all? If you are talking to a male, say "Είσαι ο καλύτερος" (ise o kaliteros). And if you are talking to a female, say "Είσαι η καλύτερη" (ise I kaliteri) and brighten up their day!

A girl kissing her granny and giving her a bunch of flowers

thirteen. What would I practice without y'all? – Τι θα έκανα χωρίς εσένα?

In the same vein, yous can express your gratitude by asking the rhetorical question "Τι θα έκανα χωρίς εσένα?" (ti tha ekana horis esena?). Let people know they are indispensable to you past suggesting life would not exist the same without them!

14. You made my twenty-four hour period: Μου έφτιαξες τη μέρα

Whether you received a physical gift or some kind words, let people know they have pleased you by telling them they fabricated your 24-hour interval: "Μου έφτιαξες τη μέρα" (mou eftiakses ti mera). Information technology is a no-fail way to bring a grin to someone'south face up and make them feel special!

15. Information technology means a lot to me: Σημαίνει πολλά για εμένα

Some other way to express your gratitude is to tell people how much their kind actions meant to you lot. "Σημαίνει πολλά για εμένα" (simeni pola gia emena) translates to "It means a lot me" and is guaranteed to make your thankfulness come up across.

16. I accept no words: Δεν έχω λόγια

Sometimes people's kindness can be overwhelming, and nosotros notice ourselves at a loss for words because all the existing ways of saying "thanks" are not enough. For these occasions, y'all can simply say you have no words. "Δεν έχω λόγια" (den eho logia) is a phrase which conveys the magnitude of your gratitude by expressing that you are unable to find the right words!

Greece: Where Thank you Goes a Long Style

Finally: whatever your choice of words is, y'all can be sure that your expression of gratitude will be appreciated and go a long fashion in Hellenic republic. This is especially true if you make an effort to speak the language when talking to locals.

English is taught in schools and is widely-spoken throughout Hellenic republic since the state'southward economic system largely relies on tourism. But your efforts to learn a niggling bit of Greek and to speak the local language will not go unnoticed. Your polite words pronounced in Greek will undoubtedly come across a lot of friendly smiles… even if your emphasis is not totally on bespeak!

Source: https://www.eurekly.com/blog/16-ways-to-express-gratitude-in-greek/