καλησπέρα
kalispéra/kaliˈspera/
good evening in Greek is καλησπέρα (kalispéra). Wiktionary also lists καλό βράδυ (kaló vrády).
Meaning: greeting said in the evening (intj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| καλησπέρα | kalispéra | /kaliˈspera/ |
| καλό βράδυ | kaló vrády |
The most common way to say "good evening" in Greek is by using the word καλησπέρα. When addressing a group of friends or family members, you can use Καλησπέρα σε όλους σας. In email correspondence or when addressing a group of people, you can use Καλησπέρα σας όλους.
What does it mean word for word?
The word καλησπέρα is a compound of καλή (good) and σπέρα (evening/afternoon).
Which one should you use?
While καλησπέρα is used as a greeting when arriving, καλό βράδυ is used as a parting wish when leaving or going to bed.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaliˈspera/
Did you know?
- The word καλησπέρα is formed using εσπέρα, a word that shares a root with the English word 'vespers', referring to evening prayer services.
- The word βράδυ (evening/night) is etymologically linked to the word 'slow' in Ancient Greek. It implies a time of the day that felt particularly long or slow to arrive.
- Using καλό βράδυ when arriving at a dinner party can be confusing because it functions as a farewell. It tells the host you are ready to leave or go to sleep.
Examples in context
- Καλησπέρα.Good evening.This example shows a simple greeting using καλησπέρα.Tatoeba #1370117 by glavkos, translation #333156 by Aurix
- Καλησπέρα!Good evening!This example shows an enthusiastic greeting using καλησπέρα.Tatoeba #4731998 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #2265983 by _undertoad
- Καλησπέρα, τι κάνεις;Good evening, how are you?This example shows how to use καλησπέρα when asking how someone is doing.Tatoeba #1370120 by Zeus, translation #413820 by Dorenda
- Καλησπέρα σε όλουςGood evening to everyone
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Giorgos meet at a cafe in the evening.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚαλησπέρα, Γιώργο!Kalispera, Giorgo!Good evening, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚαλησπέρα, Κυριακή. Πώς είσαι;Kalispera, Kyriaki. Pos ise?Good evening, Kyriaki. How are you?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ.Eimai kala, efcharisto.I am well, thank you.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧαίρομαι πολύ.Charomai poly.I am very glad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good evening” translations and entries καλησπέρα, καλό βράδυ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries βράδυ, καλησπέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
