Essential Georgian phrases

Hello — literally 'victory'; the universal greeting. Locals light up when a foreigner uses it.

Thank you (formal). 'Madloba' (MAD-lo-ba) is the casual version. Worth learning — English is far from universal.

Cheers! — the toast at every supra (feast). Expect to hear it many times in an evening; raise your glass and drink.

The traditional Georgian feast — a ritual of endless food, wine and structured toasting led by a 'tamada' (toastmaster). The heart of Georgian social life; being invited is an honour.

Sorry / excuse me — useful for squeezing through the metro or apologising. 'Ukatsravad' is the more formal 'excuse me'.

Yes ('diakh' is the formal version). 'Ara' (AH-rah) = no. Georgians often gesture as well — a head nod and 'ki' confirm.

How much does it cost? Essential at the bazaar (bazroba) and markets, where bargaining is normal.

Where is...? e.g. 'Sad aris metro?' (Where is the metro?). Pair with pointing and you'll get there.

I don't understand. Add 'inglisuri?' (English?) to ask if someone speaks English — younger Georgians often do; older generations speak Russian.

Wine — Georgia is the 8,000-year-old birthplace of wine, fermented in clay qvevri. Ordering the house amber/orange wine is a rite of passage.

Soup dumplings — grab by the twisted top knot, bite a hole, slurp the broth, then eat. Never eat the doughy top knot; locals count them on the plate.

Help! The single emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 112 (operators speak English).