καλό απόγευμα
kaló apógevma
The English phrase "good afternoon" is translated into Greek as καλό απόγευμα (kaló apógevma). Wiktionary also lists καλημέρα (kaliméra).
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| καλό απόγευμα | kaló apógevma | |
| καλημέρα | kaliméra | /kaliˈmera/ |
In Greek, καλό απόγευμα is often used more as a wish for someone to have a good afternoon (like 'have a good afternoon') rather than just a greeting upon arrival.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective καλό (good) and the noun απόγευμα (afternoon).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Thessaloniki, the phrase Καλησπέρα σας is used as a polite way to say good afternoon formally.
How do you pronounce it?
kaló apógevma
Did you know?
- The word απόγευμα literally means 'from the meal', as it traces back to the time of day following the midday meal.
- In many parts of Greece, you might hear people use καλημέρα (good morning) well into the afternoon if they are greeting someone they haven't seen all day.
- If you are in a formal setting in Greece, the transition from καλημέρα to an afternoon greeting is often marked by the shift to καλησπέρα (good evening) much earlier than an English speaker would transition to 'good evening'.
Examples in context
- Καλό απόγευμα.Good afternoon.This sentence is useful for seeing the standard use of καλό απόγευμα.Tatoeba #2844876 by glavkos, translation #499689 by CK
- Καλό απόγευμα!Good afternoon!This sentence shows the use of καλό απόγευμα with an exclamation mark.Tatoeba #3002923 by glavkos, translation #3552554 by Meruert
- Καλησπέρα! Χαίρομαι που σας βλέπω.Good afternoon! Nice to see you.
- Σας εύχομαι ένα καλό απόγευμα.Sas efhomai ena kalo apogevma.I wish you a good afternoon.
Example conversation
Eleni is leaving a shop where Kostas works.
- Ελένη EleniΚαλό απόγευμα, Κώστα!Kalo apogevma, Kosta!Good afternoon, Kostas!
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστώ, Ελένη. Εσένα επίσης!Efcharisto, Eleni. Esena episis!Thank you, Eleni. You too!
- Ελένη EleniΘα τα πούμε αύριο.Tha ta poume avrio.I will see you tomorrow.
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, καλό απόγευμα!Ne, kalo apogevma!Yes, good afternoon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good afternoon” translations and entries καλημέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries απόγευμα, καλημέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
