Sofia Ps.
2 mins read
Greek Greetings and Wishes; A Collection of useful Greek Phrases
Whether you’re planning a trip to Greece, living in Greece and learning Greek, connecting with Greek friends and family, or simply fascinated by the rich tapestry of Greek language and culture, this small collection of useful Greek Greetings is here to help you expand your linguistic skills and gain deeper insights into Greek customs.
In Greece, language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a vibrant expression of warmth, hospitality, and tradition. From morning greetings to holiday well-wishes, each phrase is infused with heartfelt sentiment and cultural significance. So, without further ado, let’s embark on a journey through the delightful world of Greek Greetings and Wishes.
Daily Greetings
- Hello = Ya sou; pronounced: yah-soo (GR: γεια σου)
- Hi = Ya; pronounced: yah (GR: γεια)
- Good morning = Kalimera; pronounced: kah-lee-MEH-rah (GR: καλημέρα)
- Good evening = Kalispera; pronounced: kah-lee-SPAY-rah (GR: καλησπέρα)
- Have a pleasant noon/early afternoon = Kalo mesimeri; pronounced: kah-LOH meh-see-MEH-ree (GR: καλό μεσημέρι)
- Good afternoon = Kalo apogevma; pronounced: kah-LOH ah-poh-YEHV-mah (GR: καλό απόγευμα)
- Good night = Kalinychta; pronounced: kah-lee-NEE-htah (GR: καληνύχτα)
- Goodbye = Antio; pronounced: ah-dee-OH (GR: αντίο)
Social Greetings
- How are you? = Ti kaneis; pronounced: tee kah-NEHS (GR: τι κάνεις;)
- How have you been? = Pos eise; pronounced: pos EE-seh (GR: πώς είσαι;)
- I’m fine, thank you = Eimai kala, efharisto; pronounced: EH-meh KAH-lah, ef-hah-REE-stoh (GR: είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ)
- See you later (casual) = Ta leme; pronounced: Tah-LEH-meh (GR: τα λέμε)
- See you tomorrow = Tha ta poume avrio; pronounced: THAH tah POO-meh av-REE-oh (GR: θα τα πούμε αύριο)
- Please = Parakalo; pronounced: pah-rah-KAH-loh (GR: παρακαλώ)
- Thank you = Efharisto; pronounced: ef-hah-REE-stoh (GR: ευχαριστώ)
- You’re welcome = Parakalo; pronounced: pah-rah-KAH-loh (GR: παρακαλώ)
- You’re welcome (casual) = Tipota; pronounced: TEE-poh-tah (GR: τίποτα), literally means “nothing”
Weekends and Seasonal wishes
- Have a great week = Kali evdomada; pronounced: kah-LEE ev-thoh-MAH-thah (GR: καλή εβδομάδα)
- Have a nice month = Kalo mina; pronounced: kah-LOH MEE-nah (GR: καλό μήνα)
- Have a wonderful weekend = Kalo savvatokyriako; pronounced: kah-LEE sah-vah-toh-KEER-ee-ah-koh (GR: καλό σαββατοκύριακο)
- Happy long weekend = Καλό τριήμερο; pronounced: kah-LOH tree-EE-meh-roh (GR: καλό τριήμερο)
- Happy Spring = kali anoixi; pronounced: kah-LEE AH-nee-khsee (GR: καλή άνοιξη)
- Happy Summer = kalo kalokairi; pronounced: kah-LOH kah-loh-KAH-ree (GR: καλό καλοκαίρι)
- Happy Autumn = kalo fthinoporo; pronounced: kah-LOH fthee-NOH-poh-ro (GR: καλό φθινόπωρο)
- Happy Winter = kalo chimona; pronounced: kah-LOH hee-MOH-nah (GR: καλό χειμώνα)
Holidays
- Happy holidays = Kales diakopes; pronounced: kah-LEHS dhya-koh-PEHS (GR: καλές διακοπές)
- Happy Easter = Kalo Pascha; pronounced: kah-LOH PAHS-hah (GR: καλό Πάσχα)
- Merry Christmas = Kala Christougenna; pronounced: kah-LAH khrees-TOO-yeh-nah (GR: καλά Χριστούγεννα)
- Happy new year = Kali chronia; pronounced: kah-LEE khroh-NYAH (GR: καλή χρονιά)
- Safe travels = Kalo taxidi; pronounced: kah-LOH tah-KSEE-thee (GR: καλό ταξίδι)
Bonus Wishes and Blessings
- Bon appétit! = Kali orexi; pronounced: ka-LI o-RE-xi (GR: καλή όρεξη)
- Cheers! = Ygeia; pronounced: i-YEH-a (GR: υγεία) or Geia mas; pronounced: Yeeh-ah-mas (GR: γεια μας)
- Congratulations! = Syncharitiria; pronounced: si-nha-ri-TI-ri-ah (GR: συγχαρητήρια)
- Good luck! = Kali tyhi; pronounced: ka-LI TI-hi (GR: καλή τύχη)
- Happy birthday! = Chronia polla; pronounced: hro-NIA pol-LA (GR: χρόνια πολλά)
- Enjoy your new… = Me geia to…; pronounced: meh YEH-ah toh… (GR: με γεια το…)
- May you live a happy married life = Na zisete; pronounced: nah ZEE-seh-the) (GR: να ζήσετε) Used in weddings and also said to newlyweds.
- May your child live a long life = Na sas zisi; pronounced: nah sahs ZEE-see (GR: να σας ζήσει) Used when someone had a baby!
- Take heart = Kalo kouragio; pronounced: kah-loh koo-RAH-yoh (GR: καλό κουράγιο)
I hope this quick list of Greek Wishes and Greetings comes in handy during your travels. And hey, if you find it weird to have all these wishes in one language, check out more weird things Greeks do. And to all you language learners out there, tackling Greek? You’ve got this! Kalo kouragio!
What is your favourite Greek wish? Which phrase would you add to the list? Let me know!
[Greek:
Ελληνικοί χαιρετισμοί και ευχές! Μια μικρή συλλογή με χρήσιμες ελληνικές φράσεις
]
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