Greek Words for Business: Essential Vocabulary Guide
Whether you're conducting business in Athens, negotiating with Greek partners, or simply expanding your professional vocabulary, mastering Greek words for business is essential. This comprehensive guide covers the most important terms and phrases you'll encounter in the Greek business world.
Essential Business Vocabulary
These core Greek words for business form the foundation of professional communication. Learn these first to navigate any business situation with confidence.
| Word | Pronunciation | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| η επιχείρηση | ee eh-pee-KHEE-ree-see | business, company | Η επιχείρησή μας είναι στην Αθήνα. (Our business is in Athens.) |
| η εταιρεία | ee eh-teh-REE-ah | company, corporation | Δουλεύω σε μια μεγάλη εταιρεία. (I work at a large company.) |
| το γραφείο | to ghra-FEE-oh | office | Το γραφείο μου είναι στον τρίτο όροφο. (My office is on the third floor.) |
| ο πελάτης | o peh-LA-tees | client, customer (m.) | Ο πελάτης θέλει να μιλήσει με τον διευθυντή. (The client wants to speak with the manager.) |
| η σύμβαση | ee SEEM-va-see | contract | Πρέπει να υπογράψουμε τη σύμβαση αύριο. (We need to sign the contract tomorrow.) |
| η συνάντηση | ee see-NAN-dee-see | meeting | Έχω μια συνάντηση στις 10. (I have a meeting at 10.) |
| το τιμολόγιο | to tee-mo-LO-ghee-o | invoice | Θα σας στείλω το τιμολόγιο αύριο. (I'll send you the invoice tomorrow.) |
| η πώληση | ee PO-lee-see | sale | Η πώληση ολοκληρώθηκε επιτυχώς. (The sale was completed successfully.) |
| το κέρδος | to KEHR-thos | profit | Το κέρδος αυξήθηκε κατά 20%. (Profit increased by 20%.) |
| ο προϋπολογισμός | o pro-ee-po-lo-ghees-MOS | budget | Πρέπει να μείνουμε μέσα στον προϋπολογισμό. (We need to stay within budget.) |
| η διαπραγμάτευση | ee thee-a-pragh-MA-tef-see | negotiation | Η διαπραγμάτευση ήταν δύσκολη. (The negotiation was difficult.) |
| ο συνεργάτης | o see-nehr-GHA-tees | partner, collaborator | Είναι ο κύριος συνεργάτης μας. (He is our main partner.) |
| η επένδυση | ee eh-PEN-thee-see | investment | Αυτή είναι μια καλή επένδυση. (This is a good investment.) |
| ο μισθός | o mees-THOS | salary | Ο μισθός καταβάλλεται στις 30 του μήνα. (Salary is paid on the 30th of the month.) |
| η απόδειξη | ee a-PO-theek-see | receipt | Μπορώ να έχω μια απόδειξη, παρακαλώ; (Can I have a receipt, please?) |
Common Phrases
Beyond individual vocabulary, these common business phrases will help you communicate effectively in professional settings. These expressions are used daily in Greek workplaces.
| Phrase | Pronunciation | English | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Θα ήθελα να κλείσω ραντεβού | tha EE-theh-la na KLEE-so ran-de-VOO | I would like to make an appointment | Used when scheduling meetings |
| Ποια είναι η τιμή; | PYA EE-neh ee tee-MEE | What is the price? | Negotiating or inquiring about costs |
| Μπορούμε να συζητήσουμε; | bo-ROO-meh na see-zee-TEE-soo-meh | Can we discuss? | Opening a negotiation |
| Συμφωνούμε; | seem-fo-NOO-meh | Do we agree? / Deal? | Closing a negotiation |
| Θα επικοινωνήσω μαζί σας | tha eh-pee-kee-no-NEE-so ma-ZEE sas | I will contact you | Following up after meetings |
| Είναι επείγον | EE-neh eh-PEE-ghon | It's urgent | Expressing urgency |
| Ποια είναι η προθεσμία; | PYA EE-neh ee pro-thes-MEE-a | What is the deadline? | Project management |
| Έχετε την κάρτα σας; | EH-kheh-teh teen KAR-ta sas | Do you have your (business) card? | Networking events |
Usage Notes
Understanding cultural context is just as important as learning Greek words for business. Here are key points to keep in mind:
- Formality matters: In Greek business settings, always use the formal "εσείς" (you-plural/formal) when addressing colleagues, clients, or superiors until invited to use the informal "εσύ."
- Greetings: Begin business interactions with "Καλημέρα" (Good morning) or "Καλησπέρα" (Good afternoon/evening). A handshake is standard.
- Name day celebrations: Greeks often celebrate their "name day" (ονομαστική γιορτή) more than their birthday. Acknowledging a colleague's name day shows cultural awareness.
- Punctuality: While Greeks are generally more relaxed about time socially, business meetings should be treated with punctuality, especially with international partners.
- Relationship building: Greek business culture values personal relationships. Don't be surprised if meetings include extensive small talk before getting to business matters.
- Gender agreement: Remember that many business terms have both masculine and feminine forms. For example: ο πελάτης (male client) / η πελάτισσα (female client), ο διευθυντής (male director) / η διευθύντρια (female director).
Practice Sentences
Put your knowledge of Greek business vocabulary into practice with these example sentences. Try reading them aloud to improve your pronunciation.
- Η εταιρεία μας ειδικεύεται στην τεχνολογία.
Ee eh-teh-REE-a mas ee-thee-KEV-eh-teh steen tekh-no-lo-GHEE-a.
Our company specializes in technology. - Θέλουμε να επεκτείνουμε την επιχείρησή μας στην Ελλάδα.
THEH-loo-meh na eh-pek-TEE-noo-meh teen eh-pee-KHEE-ree-see mas steen eh-LA-tha.
We want to expand our business to Greece. - Μπορείτε να μου στείλετε μια προσφορά;
bo-REE-teh na moo STEE-leh-teh mya pros-fo-RA?
Can you send me a quote? - Η συνάντηση θα γίνει μέσω τηλεδιάσκεψης.
Ee see-NAN-dee-see tha GHEE-nee MEH-so tee-leh-thee-AS-kep-sees.
The meeting will be held via video conference. - Χρειαζόμαστε περισσότερο χρόνο για να εξετάσουμε την πρόταση.
khree-a-ZO-ma-steh peh-ree-SO-teh-ro KHRO-no ya na ek-seh-TA-soo-meh teen PRO-ta-see.
We need more time to review the proposal. - Το τμήμα πωλήσεων θα επικοινωνήσει μαζί σας σύντομα.
To TMEE-ma po-LEE-see-on tha eh-pee-kee-no-NEE-see ma-ZEE sas SEEN-to-ma.
The sales department will contact you soon. - Πρέπει να αναθεωρήσουμε τον προϋπολογισμό για το επόμενο τρίμηνο.
PREH-pee na a-na-theh-o-REE-soo-meh ton pro-ee-po-lo-ghees-MO ya to eh-PO-meh-no TREE-mee-no.
We need to revise the budget for the next quarter. - Ευχαριστώ για την επαγγελματική σας συνεργασία.
ef-kha-ree-STO ya teen eh-pan-ghel-ma-tee-KEE sas see-nehr-gha-SEE-a.
Thank you for your professional cooperation.
Mastering these Greek words for business will give you the foundation you need to communicate confidently in professional settings. Practice regularly, and don't hesitate to use these phrases in real conversations to reinforce your learning.