γείτσες
geítses/ˈʝitses/
The English phrase "bless you after a sneeze" is translated into Greek as γείτσες (geítses).
This phrase is a polite expression used immediately after someone has sneezed.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈʝitses/ (geítses).
When do people say it?
When you say γείτσες to someone, the person who sneezed may respond with Efcharisto to say "Thank you".
Did you know?
- The concept of health found in γείτσες is tied to the same linguistic root as the Greek goddess Hygieia, who was the personification of health and cleanliness.
- The root word υγεία is the origin of the English word 'hygiene'.
- While γείτσες is common, Greeks also use υγεία to wish someone health when they sneeze or even when clinking glasses during a toast.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Kyriaki are sitting in a living room.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΑτσοί!Atsoi!*Sneeze*!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓείτσες, Δημήτρη!Geitses, Dimitri!Bless you, Dimitris!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕυχαριστώ, Κυριακή.Efcharisto, Kyriaki.Thank you, Kyriaki.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠαρακαλώ.Parakalo.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry γείτσες, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
