7 Phrases Every Tourist Should Know While Visiting Georgia

1. გამარჯობა [Gamarjoba] - Hello

Starting from the basics, whenever you are walking on the street in Georgia or visiting a restaurant, greet people with a smile and “hello” in their native language. As you may have heard, Georgians are extremely open-minded and hospitable to visitors, so a little knowledge about our country is going to get you a long way!

“Gamarjoba” (გამარჯობა) is a formal way of greeting someone and comes from the word victory, “Gamarjveba” (გამარჯვება) in Georgian. So, essentially every time Georgians greet someone, we wish them luck and success in any battles they are currently facing. Surprised? If you have heard anything about Georgia’s history and culture, you wouldn’t be. This is a country of natural-born leaders and warriors, after all!

2. მადლობა [Madloba] - Thank you

Expressing gratitude is important everywhere you go. With the simple word “Madloba,” you will be winning the heart of every Georgian you meet during your trip. And don’t be surprised to hear the words “Arafris” (არაფრის) or “Ra problemaa” (რა პრობლემაა) afterward as they welcome you back!

3. როგორ ხარ? [Rogor khar] - How are you? / How do you do?

Georgians are known for being talkative. So, when they meet their friends or acquaintances on the street, they do not simply smile and walk away, they stop to kiss on the cheeks, hug, and ask each other how it is going. This phrase is essential to show that you care about someone’s well-being. And their reply really depends on the mood. Georgians can be very direct and introspective about how they are feeling and straight up tell you that they are having a bad day. Or they can simply smile and quickly reply with “Kargad, shen?” (კარგად, შენ?) meaning “I’m fine, and you?” to continue the conversation.

4. ნახვამდის OR კარგად [Nakhvamdis / Kargad] - Goodbye

There are two ways to say goodbye to someone in Georgia. Both of them can be used in formal settings, but if you translate directly the second one, it would mean to wish someone positivity, such as “Have a good day” in English.

5. რა ღირს? [Ra ghirs] - How much does it cost?

Browsing the street markets in Georgia and coming across something you like? Use this phrase with the seller to ask for the price of an item. However, be aware that your lack of pronunciation skills can be detected easily if you are just starting to learn the language...and if you are in a tourist area, someone will scam you and charge for more :)

6. ჩემი სახელია [Chemi sakhelia] - My name is...

Planning on meeting new people? Well, then, you should definitely have this phrase under your belt! Simply say “Gamarjoba, chemi sakhelia” followed by your name, and shake their hand confidently!

7. შეგიძლიათ მითხრათ სად არის [Shegidzliat mitkhrat sad aris] Can you tell me where is...

Unsure of where you are going? Stop someone walking by and ask for directions! Any Georgian would be willing to help a stranger as long as they are polite. If you take a photo of the place you are going to or copy the address, and ask “sad aris?” meaning where it is located, they will probably direct you to the nearest public transportation or show you where to head on by hand movements. Don't forget to say “Madloba, nakhvamdis” when you are done talking :)