Language

The main language spoken in Crete is Greek, however English is very well spoken throughout the island. In a majority of the Bars, Taverna and shops English is freely spoken. Cretans are great anglophiles, and they watch English television programmes, so almost everyone speaks basic English. Even so the ability to speak Greek will enrich your visit. Take care to get the stress right: every Greek word has an accent (') over the stressed syllable and if you get it wrong, you are not likely to be understood. You don’t need to speak Greek to make yourself understood totally in Crete, but try out a few words and phrases and the local people will appreciate your efforts. Basic courtesies are as follows:

	English	Greek	Phonetically
	Good morning	kalimera	kahleemehrah
	Good evening	kalispera	kahleespehrah
	Hello/goodbye	yassoo	yeeahsoo
	Yes/no	nai/ochi	neh/okhee
	Please	parakalo	pahrahkahlo
	Thank you	efkaristo	efkhahreesto
	OK	endaxi	endahxee
	Excuse me	syggnomee	seengnomee
	Toilets	toyalettez	tooahlehtess
	Do you speak English?	milate Agglika?	meelahtee ahngleekah?