Είσαι καλά;
Eisai kala?
Are you ok? In Greek is Είσαι καλά, the informal way to ask one person you know well.
Είσαι καλά can ask about someone's physical or emotional state. Said in a certain tone it can also be sarcastic, meaning are you out of your mind.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of Είσαι, you are and the adverb καλά, meaning well or OK. Literally it asks are you well.
Which one should you use?
When addressing someone formally or more than one person, say Είστε καλά.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized as Eisai kala?
When do people say it?
A simple answer is Καλά είμαι, I am fine. A related everyday question is Τι κάνεις, how are you.
Did you know?
- While καλά means 'well', it shares a root with the word καλό, which describes something 'good' or 'virtuous', linking physical wellness to moral goodness in the language's history.
- Greek speakers often answer Καλά είμαι (I am well) even when they are not, as the phrase functions more as a social lubricant than a medical report.
- If you answer Είμαι καλά (I am well) with a rising intonation, it can sound like you are questioning your own state of being or expressing doubt about your recovery.
Examples in context
- Είσαι καλά;Eísai kalá;Are you ok?
- Δεν απαντάς, είσαι καλά;Den apantás, eísai kalá;You are not answering, are you ok?
Example conversation
Kostas sees Kyriaki looking pale at a cafe.
- Κώστας KostasΚυριακή, είσαι καλά;Kyriakí, eísai kalá;Kyriaki, are you ok?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, απλώς νιώθω λίγο ζάλη.Ne, aplós niótho lígo záli.Yes, I just feel a bit dizzy.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλεις λίγο νερό;Thélis lígo neró;Do you want some water?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ, θα βοηθούσε πολύ.Efcharistó, tha voithoúse polý.Thank you, that would help a lot.
