How to Say Hello in Greek? 

Hello, Gei sou! Do you want to know how to say hello in Greek? Learning a few simple sentences in Greek is a great way to begin learning the language.

It can also be useful when traveling around Greece or interacting with native speakers. Knowing even a few words can make a big difference and help you get the most out of your experience. 

This article will explain how to say hello in Greek and some other useful phrases for you to learn. We will also present some tips on pronunciation and culture that may be helpful when speaking with native Greeks. 

Following this guide, you should have all the knowledge necessary for confidently greeting somebody in Greek! So, let’s start learning how to say “hello” in one of the world’s oldest languages -Gei sou!

Hello (In Greek)

• In Greek – Γειά σου
• Pronunciation In English – Geiá sou.

Let’s break down the Greek greeting “Γειά σου” (Geiá sou) in more detail:

• Γειά (Geiá): This word means “hello” or “hi” in Greek. It’s a friendly and common way to greet someone.
• σου (sou): This is the Greek word for “your” or “yours.” When combined with “Γειά,” it forms the phrase “Γειά σου,” which translates to “Hello” or “Hi” in English.

Pronunciation in English:

• “Γειά” (Geiá) is pronounced like “yeh-ah,” with a stress on the first syllable. The “γ” (gamma) is pronounced as a soft “y” sound.
• “σου” (sou) is pronounced like “soo,” similar to the English word “sue” but with a shorter “oo” sound.

So, when you put it all together, “Γειά σου” (Geiá sou) is a friendly way to say “Hello” or “Hi” in Greek, with the pronunciation as described above. It’s a common and polite greeting when addressing someone casually or in a familiar context.

Hello, how are you?

• In Greek – γεια πώς είσαι?
• Pronunciation In English – geia pós eísai?

Here’s a breakdown of the Greek phrase “γεια πώς είσαι?” (geia pós eísai?) along with its English pronunciation:

• γεια (geia): This is the Greek word for “hello” or “hi,” just like we discussed earlier.
• πώς (pós): This word means “how” in Greek.
• είσαι (eísai): This is the Greek word for “are you.” It’s the second-person singular form of the verb “είμαι” (eimai), which means “to be.”

Pronunciation in English:

• “γεια” (geia) is pronounced as “yeh-ah,” with a stress on the first syllable, as mentioned earlier.
• “πώς” (pós) is pronounced like “pohs,” with the “o” sounding like the “o” in “pot.”
• “είσαι” (eísai) is pronounced as “ee-say,” with the “ei” making a sound similar to the English “ee” in “see.”

So, “γεια πώς είσαι?” (geia pós eísai?) translates to “Hello, how are you?” in English, with the pronunciation as described above. It’s a common and polite way to inquire about someone’s well-being in Greek.

Hello, how are you doing?

• In Greek – Γεια σου. Τι κάνεις?
• Pronunciation In English – Geia sou. Ti káneis?

Here’s a breakdown of the phrase and its English pronunciation:

• Γεια σου (Geia sou): As mentioned earlier, “Γεια σου” (Geia sou) means “Hello” or “Hi,” with “σου” (sou) meaning “your” or “yours.”
• Τι κάνεις? (Ti káneis?): This part of the phrase translates to “How are you doing?” in English.

Pronunciation in English:

• “Γεια σου” (Geia sou) retains the same pronunciation as before: “yeh-ah soo” for “Γεια σου” and “sou” sounding like “soo.”
• “Τι κάνεις?” (Ti káneis?) is pronounced as follows:
• “Τι” (Ti) is pronounced like “tee,” with a short “i” sound.
• “κάνεις” (káneis) is pronounced like “kah-nees,” with the “á” sounding like the “a” in “father” and “ei” making an “ee” sound.

So, when you put it all together, “Γεια σου. Τι κάνεις?” (Geia sou. Ti káneis?) is a polite way to say “Hello, how are you doing?” in Greek, with the pronunciation as described above. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations to inquire about someone’s well-being.

Hello dear

• In Greek – Γεια σου αγαπητέ
• Pronunciation In English – Geia sou agapité.Γεια σου (Geia sou): As previously mentioned, “Γεια σου” (Geia sou) means “Hello” or “Hi,” with “σου” (sou) meaning “your” or “yours.”
• αγαπητέ (agapité): This word means “dear” or “beloved” in Greek.

Pronunciation in English:

• “Γεια σου” (Geia sou) retains the same pronunciation as before: “yeh-ah soo” for “Γεια σου,” and “sou” sounds like “soo.”
• “αγαπητέ” (agapité) is pronounced as “ah-gah-pee-tay,” with the “ah” sounding like the “a” in “father” and the “é” sounding like the “ay” in “say.”

So, “Γεια σου αγαπητέ” (Geia sou agapité) is a warm and affectionate way to say “Hello dear” in Greek, with the pronunciation as described above. It’s a friendly greeting often used between close friends or loved ones.

What are some other common phrases used in Greek greetings?

In addition to “Πώς είσαι;” (How are you?), there are several common Greek greetings and phrases that you might find useful:

• Καλημέρα (Kaliméra) – Good morning.
• Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra) – Good evening.
• Καληνύχτα (Kaliníkhta) – Goodnight.
• Γειά σας (Yia sas) – Hello (formal, when addressing multiple people or showing respect).
• Γειά σου (Yia sou) – Hello (informal, when addressing one person).
• Χαίρετε (Chaírete) – Greetings (formal).
• Γεια σας/σας καλώ (Yia sas/sas kaló) – Greetings/Hello (formal).
• Γεια (Yia) – Hi/Hello (informal).
• Καλώς ήρθατε (Kalós írthate) – Welcome (formal, when addressing multiple people).
• Καλώς ήρθες (Kalós írthes) – Welcome (informal, when addressing one person).
• Πώς πάει; (Pos pái?) – How’s it going?
• Τι κάνετε; (Ti kánate?) – What are you doing? (formal, when addressing multiple people).
• Τι κάνεις; (Ti kánis?) – What are you doing? (informal, when addressing one person).
• Καλά πάω (Kalá pao) – I’m doing well.
• Καλώς ή κακώς (Kalós í kakós) – So-so, neither good nor bad.

These phrases will help you initiate conversations and greet people in various situations, formally or informally, throughout the day. Remember that the level of formality in Greek greetings can vary, so it’s important to choose the appropriate expression based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing.

Conclusion Points 

In conclusion, learning to say hello in Greek is essential when visiting the country. Regardless of where you are, it is important to show respect and honor the language and customs of the local people. 

So the next time you plan to visit Greece, practice “Gei sou” and use it regularly during your stay there. It’s a basic phrase that can make a big difference in creating positive experiences with locals.

FAQs

Is it important to learn basic Greek greetings before visiting Greece?

Learning basic Greek greetings is highly appreciated by locals and shows respect for their language and culture. It can also enhance your overall travel experience.

Are there any regional variations in Greek greetings?

While the basic greetings are widely used throughout Greece, there may be slight regional variations in pronunciation or additional local phrases. However, these variations are generally minor and not a cause for concern.