If you’ve ever nodded your head in Greece and gotten a confused look in return—you’re not alone. While Greeks are famously warm and expressive, their body language often defies Western expectations. In fact, some gestures mean the exact opposite of what you might think.
Understanding Greek non-verbal communication isn’t just helpful—it can make your travels smoother, your interactions more meaningful, and might even help you avoid an awkward moment or two.
Let’s decode the most common and surprising Greek gestures.
The “No” That Looks Like a “Yes”
This is the most famous—and most confusing—gesture for first-time visitors.
What it looks like:
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A slight upward nod of the head
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Often accompanied by a raised eyebrow or clicking sound with the tongue
What it means:
No. Definitely no.
It’s firm, and it can feel sharp if you’re not expecting it—but it’s not rude.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t mistake this for friendliness or agreement. It’s a polite way to decline without saying a word.
“Nai” Means Yes—But Sounds Like “No”
Let’s clear this up fast:
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“Nai” (Ναι) = Yes
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“Ochi” (Όχι) = No
It can be confusing for English speakers because “nai” sounds like “nay”, which in English means no.
Combine that with the upward nod (which also means no), and you’ve got a recipe for miscommunication.
💡 Listen closely, and don’t rely only on gestures or assumptions.
The Moutza: A Gesture to Avoid
Stretching out your palm toward someone’s face with fingers spread wide might seem harmless—but in Greece, it’s a big no-no.
The “Moutza” (Μούτζα):
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Open palm, facing out
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Usually performed with one or both hands
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Historically linked to cursing or expressing strong insult
Avoid doing this:
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When waving to strangers
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When signaling “stop” in traffic or arguments
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During heated conversations or jokes
💡 To wave hello or goodbye, keep your palm angled upward and fingers together.
Greetings with a Touch of Warmth
Greeks are physically expressive:
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Expect firm handshakes in formal or first-time meetings
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Double kisses on the cheeks (starting on the right) among friends or family
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Touching arms or shoulders during conversation shows warmth—not intrusion
💡 These gestures often come with big smiles and lots of eye contact.
Tilting the Head, Shrugging, and More
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A sideways head tilt with a soft smile can mean “maybe” or “I’m not sure.”
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A shoulder shrug often means “what can you do?”—a common Greek expression of life’s unpredictability.
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A quick upward chin thrust, especially from older men, can be dismissive or signal irritation.
Body language in Greece is nuanced but expressive—and once you tune into it, you’ll feel more in sync with your surroundings.
Final Word: Watch, Learn, and Smile
Greek body language may take a little getting used to, but that’s part of the fun of traveling. Locals generally appreciate visitors who make an effort to understand and respect their ways—even if you get it wrong now and then.
💡 And when in doubt? A smile, a “yasas,” and a little laughter go a long way.
