να 'σαι καλά
na 'sai kala
To say be well in Greek, use να 'σαι καλά (na 'sai kala), a warm wish often said when parting.
να 'σαι καλά can be a sincere wish for good health, and it is very often used as a parting phrase, much like take care.
What does it mean word for word?
It is a spoken contraction of να είσαι καλά, which literally means to be well.
Which one should you use?
Καλά να είσαι puts the words in another order and is used among friends and family. Καλή συνέχεια wishes someone a good continuation when saying goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The uncontracted να είσαι καλά suits formal writing or very deliberate speech, while να 'σαι καλά is the standard in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To one person you address politely or to more than one person, say να είστε καλά.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized as na 'sai kala.
Did you know?
- While 'να 'σαι καλά' is a sincere wish for well-being, if said with a specific sarcastic tone or heavy emphasis, it can actually function as a way to tell someone 'go away' or 'get lost'.
- In Greek culture, wishing someone to be 'well' often encompasses a spiritual or holistic sense of peace and prosperity rather than just a lack of physical illness.
- The particle να in this phrase traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek word ἵνα, which was used to introduce subordinate clauses and express purpose.
Examples in context
- Πήγαινε σπίτι και να 'σαι καλά.Pigenai spiti kai na 'se kala.Go home and be well.
Example conversation
Maria and Giorgos are saying goodbye after a coffee.
- Μαρία MariaΉταν πολύ ευχάριστο να σε δω, Γιώργο.Ita poly efcharisto na se do, Giorgo.It was very nice to see you, Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚι εμένα επίσης, Μαρία. Πρέπει να φύγω τώρα.Ki emena episis, Maria. Prepei na fygo tora.Me too, Maria. I have to go now.
- Μαρία MariaΕντάξει, να 'σαι καλά!Entaxei, na 'sai kala!Alright, be well!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, και εσύ επίσης!Efcharisto, kai esy episis!Thank you, you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries να, CC BY-SA 4.0.
