Γεια μας
yia maseveryday
Written in Greek letters, "cheers" is Γεια μας, pronounced "yia mas". The letters mean "health to us", and Greeks say it as they clink glasses. It is also called Εις υγείαν (eis ygeían) and Στην υγειά μας (stin ygiá mas).
Meaning: toast when drinking (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Γεια μας | yia mas | everyday |
| Εις υγείαν | eis ygeían | formal |
| Στην υγειά μας | stin ygiá mas | warm |
What does it mean word for word?
Γεια (yia) means "health" and μας (mas) means "to us" or "our". Together the toast wishes good health to everyone at the table.
Which one should you use?
Στην υγειά μας (stin ygiá mas) is the longer "to our health". Εις υγείαν (eis ygeían) is an older, formal version for speeches.
How do you pronounce it?
The letter γ (gamma) sounds like an English "y" before ε or ι, so Γεια starts with a "y" sound and not a "g" sound.
Did you know?
- The Greek alphabet has 24 letters, and Γ (gamma) is the third one.
Examples in context
- Στην υγειά σου, φίλε.Stin ygiá sou, fíle.To your health, my friend.
- Εις υγείαν όλων μας.Eis ygeían ólon mas.To the health of us all.
Example conversation
Giorgos, Maria and Nikos clink glasses at a dinner in Thessaloniki.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια μας, παιδιά.Yia mas, paidiá.Cheers, everyone.
- MariaΓεια μας.Yia mas.Cheers.
- NikosΣτην υγειά μας.Stin ygiá mas.To our health.
