καλά ευχαριστώ
kala efcharisto/kaˈla ef.xa.ɾiˈsto/word by word
καλά ευχαριστώ (kala efcharisto) is the Greek phrase for "good thanks".
This phrase is a polite response used to tell someone that you are doing well after they ask how you are. You can make the response sound more enthusiastic or slightly more formal by adding πολύ before the word καλά, resulting in πολύ καλά, ευχαριστώ (very well, thank you). If you wish to say "thank you very much" in a formal way, you can use Σας ευχαριστώ πολύ. Note that adding πολύ after ευχαριστώ means "thank you very much".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb καλά (well) and the verb ευχαριστώ (I thank).
Which one should you use?
While καλά ευχαριστώ is a complete polite response, it is very common to follow it with καλά, εσύ. (well, you?) to return the question.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Greek, a comma is typically placed between καλά and ευχαριστώ to separate the state of being from the expression of gratitude.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /kaˈla ef.xa.ɾiˈsto/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ευχαριστώ is an ancestor of the English word 'eucharist'. Both words share a root that relates to expressing gratitude or giving thanks.
- The word καλά is used not just for 'well' but can also mean 'okay' or 'fine' to signal agreement or acceptance of a situation.
- The verb ευχαριστώ is used as a standalone phrase for 'thank you' in Greek, whereas in English 'I thank' would require an object to be grammatically complete.
Examples in context
- Καλά ευχαριστώ, και εσείς;Kalá efcharistó, kai esís;Good thanks, and you?
- Είμαι καλά ευχαριστώ πολύ.Eímai kalá efcharistó polý.I am good, thanks a lot.
- Όλα καλά ευχαριστώ.Óla kalá efcharistó.Everything is good, thanks.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σου Κυριακή, τι κάνεις;Geia sou Kyriakí, ti káneis?Hello Kyriaki, how are you?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚαλά ευχαριστώ, Γιώργο. Εσύ;Kalá efcharistó, Giórgo. Esý?Good thanks, Giorgos. And you?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚι εγώ καλά είμαι.Ki egó kalá eímai.I am doing well too.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΧαίρομαι πολύ για αυτό.Chaíromai polý gia aftó.I am very glad to hear that.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (καλά, ευχαριστώ) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ευχαριστώ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
