Καλημέρα
kaliméraeveryday, Cyprus
In Cyprus people say Καλημέρα (kaliméra) for "good morning". It is the same word used across the Greek-speaking world, and it fits friends, neighbors and shop staff alike. It is also called Καλημέρα σας (kaliméra sas).
Meaning: greeting used in the morning (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Καλημέρα | kaliméra | everyday, Cyprus |
| Καλημέρα σας | kaliméra sas | polite |
Use Καλημέρα from the moment you wake up until around midday. After that people switch to Καλησπέρα (kalispéra).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Καλημέρα σας (kaliméra sas) adds politeness and suits older people, officials and groups.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cypriot Greek is a spoken dialect, and in writing Cypriots use standard Greek, so the spelling is the same in Cyprus and in Athens. The differences show up in speech and in other phrases. For example Cypriots say Τι κάμνεις (ti kámneis) for "how are you" where mainland speakers say Τι κάνεις (ti káneis).
How do you pronounce it?
The stress falls on the third syllable, ka-li-MÉ-ra.
Did you know?
- Καλημέρα is built from καλή (kalí), "good", and ημέρα (iméra), "day".
Examples in context
- Καλημέρα, κυρία Ελένη.Kaliméra, kyría Eléni.Good morning, Mrs Eleni.
- Καλημέρα σας, έχουμε ωραίο καιρό σήμερα.Kaliméra sas, échoume oraío kairó símera.Good morning, we have lovely weather today.
- Καλημέρα, έφερα φρέσκο ψωμί.Kaliméra, éfera frésko psomí.Good morning, I brought fresh bread.
Example conversation
Andreas and his neighbor Maria meet in the street in Limassol on a sunny morning.
- AndreasΚαλημέρα, Μαρία.Kaliméra, María.Good morning, Maria.
- MariaΚαλημέρα, Ανδρέα. Ωραίος ο καιρός σήμερα.Kaliméra, Andréa. Oraíos o kairós símera.Good morning, Andreas. Lovely weather today.
- AndreasΝαι, ο ήλιος είναι υπέροχος.Nai, o ílios eínai ypérochos.Yes, the sun is wonderful.
