Greek Doctor Phrases List for Clinic Visits

A medical appointment is not the moment to search for basic vocabulary. If you live in Greece or Cyprus, travel regularly, or support a family member who does, this Greek doctor phrases list gives you practical language for the moments when clarity matters most. You do not need perfect Greek to communicate effectively. A few prepared phrases, spoken calmly or shown on your phone, can help a doctor understand what you need.

Greek medical staff are used to helping people from different language backgrounds, particularly in Cyprus. Still, learning key phrases gives you more control: you can describe symptoms accurately, ask what a medicine does, and make sure you understand the next step.

Prepare before you need medical Greek

Save the most relevant phrases in your notes app before an appointment. Alongside them, keep a short record of allergies, regular medications, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. If you take medication prescribed in another country, write down its active ingredient as well as the brand name. Brand names can differ between countries.

At the clinic, polite Greek is your safest choice. When speaking to a doctor, nurse, or receptionist, use the formal form of “you,” which is already built into the phrases below. Do not worry if your pronunciation is not exact. Greek text can be especially useful when you need to point to a phrase rather than say it aloud.

Greek doctor phrases list for appointments

Start with the phrases that get you through the reception desk. These are useful for private clinics, public health centers, and pharmacies that can direct you to medical care.

I need to see a doctor.

Χρειάζομαι να δω γιατρό.

Hriázomai na do giatró.

I would like to make an appointment with a doctor.

Θα ήθελα να κλείσω ένα ραντεβού με γιατρό.

Tha íthela na klíso éna randevoú me giatró.

I have an appointment.

Έχω ραντεβού.

Ého randevoú.

Do you speak English?

Μιλάτε αγγλικά;

Miláte angliká?

Do you speak Russian?

Μιλάτε ρωσικά;

Miláte rosiká?

I do not speak Greek very well.

Δεν μιλάω καλά ελληνικά.

Den miláo kalá elliniká.

For Russian-speaking residents of Cyprus, asking whether someone speaks Russian may occasionally help, but English is more widely useful in medical settings. It is worth learning both questions. If neither language is available, ask the clinic whether you can bring an interpreter or trusted Greek-speaking person. Privacy rules and clinic policies may affect who can join the appointment, so check beforehand when possible.

Explain symptoms clearly

Doctors need specifics. Instead of saying only “I feel bad,” try to name the symptom, where it is located, when it began, and whether it is getting worse. You can combine simple phrases. For example: “I have pain in my stomach. It started yesterday.” Clear, short sentences are better than complicated explanations you are unsure about.

I do not feel well.

Δεν αισθάνομαι καλά.

Den esthánomai kalá.

I have pain here.

Πονάω εδώ.

Ponáo edó.

I have a headache.

Έχω πονοκέφαλο.

Ého ponokéfalo.

I have a fever.

Έχω πυρετό.

Ého piretó.

I have a cough.

Έχω βήχα.

Ého víha.

I have a sore throat.

Πονάει ο λαιμός μου.

Ponái o lemós mou.

I feel dizzy.

Ζαλίζομαι.

Zalízomai.

I feel nauseous.

Έχω ναυτία.

Ého naftía.

I have diarrhea.

Έχω διάρροια.

Ého diárria.

I cannot breathe well.

Δεν μπορώ να αναπνεύσω καλά.

Den boró na anapnéfso kalá.

The pain started yesterday.

Ο πόνος άρχισε χθες.

O pónos árhise hthes.

It is getting worse.

Χειροτερεύει.

Heiroterévi.

If you need to identify a body part, point to it while using “Πονάω εδώ” (It hurts here). This is often more reliable than trying to recall a long anatomical word. For recurring symptoms, add a time reference such as “from yesterday,” “for three days,” or “often.” Your doctor may ask follow-up questions, so it is also helpful to recognize “Πόσες μέρες;” meaning “For how many days?”

Allergies, medication, and pregnancy

These details can affect treatment, so say them early in the appointment rather than waiting until a prescription is offered.

I am allergic to ...

Είμαι αλλεργικός σε ... / Είμαι αλλεργική σε ...

Íme alleryikós se ... / Íme alleryikí se ...

Use αλλεργικός if you are male and αλλεργική if you are female. Then say or show the name of the medicine, food, or substance.

I take medication regularly.

Παίρνω φάρμακα τακτικά.

Pérno fármaka taktiká.

I am taking this medication.

Παίρνω αυτό το φάρμακο.

Pérno aftó to fármako.

I am pregnant.

Είμαι έγκυος.

Íme éngyos.

I might be pregnant.

Μπορεί να είμαι έγκυος.

Borí na íme éngyos.

Bring the medicine package or a clear photo of its label whenever possible. Translation apps can help with individual words, but they should not replace a medical professional’s explanation of dose, interactions, or side effects.

Ask the doctor to explain the plan

Understanding the diagnosis is only part of the visit. Before you leave, make sure you know what to do, how long to do it, and when to seek further help.

Please speak more slowly.

Παρακαλώ μιλήστε πιο αργά.

Parakaló milíste pio argá.

Can you explain it to me?

Μπορείτε να μου το εξηγήσετε;

Boríte na mou to exigísete?

Can you write it down for me?

Μπορείτε να μου το γράψετε;

Boríte na mou to grápsete?

Do I need tests?

Χρειάζεται να κάνω εξετάσεις;

Hriázetai na káno exetásis?

Do I need a prescription?

Χρειάζεται συνταγή;

Hriázetai sindayí?

How should I take it?

Πώς πρέπει να το πάρω;

Pos prépi na to páro?

Are there any side effects?

Υπάρχουν παρενέργειες;

Ipárhoun parenérgies?

When should I come back?

Πότε πρέπει να ξανάρθω;

Póte prépi na xanátho?

A doctor may use the word φαρμακείο (farmakío), meaning pharmacy. If you are unsure whether a medication is available without a prescription, ask directly. In Greece and Cyprus, rules for prescription medicines can differ from what you know at home, and pharmacists may provide practical guidance for minor concerns while referring more serious cases to a doctor.

Emergency phrases and local numbers

For severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, signs of stroke, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or a serious allergic reaction, do not spend time working through a phrase list. Call emergency services or ask someone nearby to call.

It is an emergency.

Είναι επείγον.

Íne epígon.

Call an ambulance.

Καλέστε ασθενοφόρο!

Kaléste asthenofóro!

I need help.

Χρειάζομαι βοήθεια.

Hriázomai voíthia.

In Greece, call 112 for emergency assistance or 166 for an ambulance. In Cyprus, call 112 or 199. State your location first, then describe the emergency in the simplest words you can. If you cannot speak easily, show your phone to someone nearby with the phrase “Καλέστε ασθενοφόρο.”

Learning medical Greek is not about sounding fluent under pressure. It is about being understood, asking the right questions, and protecting your health with more confidence. Practice five phrases aloud this week, save them where you can reach them quickly, and add new vocabulary after each real-life appointment.