Γεια μας
yia maseveryday
When Greeks raise a glass they say Γεια μας (yia mas), "health to us". To one person you can say Στην υγειά σου (stin ygiá sou), and Άσπρο πάτο (áspro páto) means "bottoms up".
Meaning: toast when drinking (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Γεια μας | yia mas | everyday |
| Στην υγειά σου | stin ygiá sou | to one person |
| Άσπρο πάτο | áspro páto | casual, bottoms up |
People clink glasses while looking at each other and say Γεια μας before the first sip. It fits wine, beer, ouzo or a coffee toast alike.
Which one should you use?
Στην υγειά σου is for one person and Στην υγειά σας (stin ygiá sas) is for several or for a polite toast. Άσπρο πάτο is playful and means emptying the glass, so use it with friends.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Εις υγείαν (eis ygeían) is the formal version heard at weddings or in speeches.
Did you know?
- Καλή όρεξη (kalí órexi), "good appetite", is what Greeks say at the start of a meal, often right after the toast.
Examples in context
- Γεια μας και καλή όρεξη.Yia mas kai kalí órexi.Cheers and enjoy your meal.
- Στην υγειά σου, Πέτρο.Stin ygiá sou, Pétro.To your health, Petros.
- Άσπρο πάτο, παιδιά.Áspro páto, paidiá.Bottoms up, everyone.
Example conversation
Nikos, Maria and Petros share a bottle of wine at a seaside taverna.
- NikosΓεια μας, παιδιά.Yia mas, paidiá.Cheers, everyone.
- MariaΣτην υγειά σου, Νίκο.Stin ygiá sou, Níko.To your health, Nikos.
- PetrosΚαι καλή όρεξη.Kai kalí órexi.And enjoy your meal.
