Imagine this: You’re wandering through the bustling streets of Athens, and suddenly, you find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Maybe you’ve taken a wrong turn, or perhaps the heat is getting to you. Your heart’s racing, and you’re feeling a little frazzled. But wait! There’s no need to panic. The Greeks have a treasure trove of calming phrases that can help you—and those around you—chill out and regain that sense of Mediterranean serenity.

Let’s dive into some of these simple yet powerful phrases that can help you navigate any situation with grace, whether you’re traveling through Greece or just dealing with everyday stress.

1. “Ηρέμησε” (Irémise) – Calm Down

Our journey begins with the simplest of phrases: “Ηρέμησε.” Picture this: You’re in a crowded Greek market, and you’ve just seen a vendor mistakenly charge you twice for those delicious olives. Instead of panicking, you calmly say, “Ηρέμησε.” This word is your best friend when you need to remind yourself—or others—to take a deep breath and relax. It’s the Greek equivalent of a soothing cup of chamomile tea.

2. “Μην ανησυχείς” (Min anisihís) – Don’t Worry

Let’s say you’ve just missed the last ferry to your idyllic Greek island destination. The sun is setting, and you’re feeling the pressure. But then you hear a kind local saying, “Μην ανησυχείς.” This phrase is like a gentle pat on the back, reminding you that everything will be okay. It’s a reassuring phrase that Greeks often use to calm their friends and loved ones in times of stress.

3. “Όλα θα πάνε καλά” (Óla tha páne kalá) – Everything Will Be Fine

You’re sitting in a taverna, watching the waves crash against the shore, but something’s bothering you. Maybe you’re worried about a delayed flight or an upcoming meeting. Your Greek friend looks you in the eye and says, “Όλα θα πάνε καλά.” It’s like a warm embrace, assuring you that no matter what happens, things will work out. This phrase is perfect for those moments when you need a reminder that life has a way of sorting itself out.

4. “Πάρε μια ανάσα” (Páre mia anása) – Take a Breath

Sometimes, all it takes to calm down is a single breath. Imagine you’re navigating the winding roads of the Greek countryside, and the twists and turns are making you a little dizzy. A quick “Πάρε μια ανάσα” will help you slow down, take a moment, and find your center. It’s a simple yet effective way to remind yourself to pause and breathe, especially when things start to feel overwhelming.

5. “Δεν είναι τίποτα” (Den íne típota) – It’s Nothing

You’ve just spilled your coffee on your brand-new shirt. Before you can start panicking, a nearby Greek casually says, “Δεν είναι τίποτα.” It’s nothing! This phrase is the perfect antidote to overreacting. It’s a gentle reminder that most things in life aren’t worth getting worked up over. When you hear this phrase, you can’t help but shrug and move on with your day.

6. “Άραξε”, “τσίλαρε”, “κούλαρε” – slang phrases

If you want to take an extra step and use some authentic slang vocabulary then check this out:

1. Άραξε /araxe/ = literally it means to relax
2. Τσίλαρε /tsilare/ = chill [out] + ending άρω = to calm down
3. Κούλαρε /kulare/ = cool + ending άρω = to calm down

Check the video below to see those in action:

The Power of Calm in Greek Culture

In Greece, life moves at a different pace. There’s a deep-seated belief in not sweating the small stuff, and these calming phrases are a testament to that. Whether you’re dealing with a minor inconvenience or a major setback, these words of wisdom can help you keep your cool. They’re more than just phrases—they’re a way of life.

So, next time you find yourself feeling a little stressed, remember these simple Greek phrases. They might just be the key to finding your inner Zen, no matter where you are in the world.

And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you’ll start to see the world through the laid-back lens of the Greeks. Because in the end, όπως λένε και οι Έλληνες (as the Greeks say), “Όλα θα πάνε καλά.”

You can find all the phrases in a printable format here.

Ta leme! (see you!)