γεια
geia/ˈʝa/
In Greek, 'bye' can be expressed as γεια (geia) or αντίο.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| γεια | geia | /ˈʝa/ |
| αντίο | antío | /aˈdio/ |
Γεια is a common way to say goodbye among friends. It is a versatile word that can also be used to say hello. If you wish to be more specific when addressing a single person, you can use the informal phrase γεια σου. To address multiple people or to be polite, use γεια σας.
What does it mean word for word?
The word γεια is a shortened form of γεια σου and literally means 'health'.
Which one should you use?
While γεια can be used for both hello and goodbye, αντίο is used exclusively for parting and carries a more formal or permanent tone.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is geia and the IPA is /ˈʝa/.
When do people say it?
When parting with friends, you might hear the phrase Τα λέμε, which means 'We'll talk'.
Did you know?
- The root of the word γεια is the same as the English word 'hygiene', as both derive from the concept of being healthy.
- When you say αντίο to someone, you are using a word borrowed directly from the Italian 'addio'.
- While γεια is casual, αντίο can sound overly dramatic or final, as if the speakers may never see each other again.
Examples in context
- "Αντίο." "Τα λέμε σύντομα.""Bye." "See you soon."This sentence shows a way to respond to the word αντίο by saying 'See you soon'.Tatoeba #11650574 by carlosalberto, translation #11650540 by carlosalberto
- Γεια!Good-bye!This is a simple use of the word γεια to say goodbye.Tatoeba #1387564 by enteka, translation #64336 by Zifre
- Άντε γεια.Bye!This demonstrates an informal way to use γεια when parting.Tatoeba #1388452 by enteka, translation #647456 by Hans07
- Αντίο ρε! Τριγυρνάω λίγο και έρχομαι πάλι.Goodbye, mate! I'll roam around for a while and come back.
- Τα λέμε σύντομα!We'll talk soon!
Example conversation
Dimitris is leaving Anastasia's house after a visit.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓεια σου, Δημήτρη.Geia sou, Dimitri.Bye, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σου, Αναστασία.Geia sou, Anastasia.Bye, Anastasia.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤα λέμε αργότερα.Ta leme argotera.Talk to you later.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕντάξει, γεια!Entaxei, geia!Okay, bye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bye” translations and entries γεια, αντίο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αντίο, γεια, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
