είσαι καλά
eisai kala
The English phrase "are you okay" is translated into Greek as είσαι καλά (eisai kala).
This phrase is used to ask a question about someone's general well-being or health.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase είσαι καλά literally translates to "you are well".
Which one should you use?
In Greek, the question is formed using the same word order as a statement, but you change the intonation and add a question mark.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask the question to more than one person or to use a polite/formal tone, use the plural/polite form είστε καλά instead of the singular είσαι καλά.
How do you pronounce it?
eisai kala
When do people say it?
A standard response to this question is Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ (I am well, thank you).
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, είσαι καλά can be used sarcastically to ask if someone is crazy or out of their mind.
- The root of καλά comes from the ancient Greek καλός, which originally meant 'beautiful' or 'noble' rather than just 'well'.
- The word καλά is so versatile that Greeks often use it as a filler word or a way to signal agreement during a conversation, similar to 'okay' in English.
Examples in context
- Είσαι καλά σήμερα;Eisai kala simera;Are you okay today?
Example conversation
Maria notices George looks upset at home.
- Μαρία MariaΓιώργο, είσαι καλά;Giorgo, eisai kala?George, are you okay?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΌχι, έχω έναν δυνατό πονοκέφαλο.Ochi, echo enan dynato ponokefalo.No, I have a strong headache.
- Μαρία MariaΘέλεις ένα φάρμακο;Thelis ena farmako?Do you want some medicine?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, σε παρακαλώ.Nai, se parakalo.Yes, please.
