καλημέρα
kaliméra/kaliˈmera/
The Greek phrase for "good morning" is καλημέρα (kaliméra).
καλημέρα is used when seeing someone for the first time in the morning.
Meaning: when seeing someone for the first time in the morning (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of καλή (good) and μέρα (day).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kaliméra and the IPA is /kaliˈmera/.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone and context, καλημέρα can be used sarcastically to tell someone they are late or have finally woken up to a reality that everyone else already knows.
- The word καλή comes from the ancient Greek 'kalos', which is the same root found in the English word 'calligraphy', meaning 'beautiful writing'.
- The greeting καλημέρα is often accompanied by a slight nod or a kiss on both cheeks in close social settings, depending on the relationship between the speakers.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, Τομ. Καλημέρα.Hello, Tom. Good morning.This sentence shows how to use καλημέρα as a greeting after saying hello.Tatoeba #5535552 by Zeus, translation #30314 by CM
- Καλημέρα μωρό! Κοιμήθηκες καλά;Good morning, baby! Did you sleep well?This sentence shows an affectionate use of καλημέρα.Tatoeba #4704547 by chrysaarabatzi, translation #4701632 by Ricardo14
- Καλημέρα.Good morning!This sentence shows the use of καλημέρα as a standalone greeting.Tatoeba #1370108 by glavkos, translation #329713 by YURY0608
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Georgios and Anastasia meet at a sidewalk cafe in the morning.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚαλημέρα, Αναστασία!Kaliméra, Anastasía!Good morning, Anastasia!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚαλημέρα σου, Γιώργο.Kaliméra sou, Yiórgo.Good morning to you, Georgios.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠώς είσαι σήμερα;Pos íse símera;How are you today?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠολύ καλά, ευχαριστώ.Polý kalá, efcharistó.Very well, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good morning” translations and entries καλημέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καλημέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.