Αντίο
antíoneutral, Cyprus
Greek Cypriots say Αντίο (antío) for "goodbye". Friends more often use Γεια σου (yia sou) or Τα λέμε (ta léme), "we will talk", and Στο καλό (sto kaló) wishes the person well.
Meaning: parting phrase (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Αντίο | antío | neutral, Cyprus |
| Γεια σου | yia sou | casual |
| Τα λέμε | ta léme | casual |
| Στο καλό | sto kaló | warm |
Αντίο is the clear neutral goodbye. Γεια σου is both hello and goodbye, so the situation shows which one is meant.
Which one should you use?
Τα λέμε (ta léme) means "see you" and suggests you will meet or speak again soon. Στο καλό (sto kaló) literally means "to the good" and is said to someone leaving.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To several people or politely, use Γεια σας (yia sas).
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.
Did you know?
- Αντίο comes from Italian addio and entered Greek in modern times.
Examples in context
- Αντίο και καλό βράδυ.Antío kai kaló vrády.Goodbye and good evening.
- Γεια σου, τα λέμε αύριο.Yia sou, ta léme aúrio.Bye, see you tomorrow.
- Στο καλό και στείλε μου μήνυμα.Sto kaló kai steíle mou mínyma.Take care and send me a message.
Example conversation
Marios and his friend Katerina part ways after an evening out in Nicosia.
- MariosΓεια σου, Κατερίνα. Τα λέμε αύριο.Yia sou, Katerína. Ta léme aúrio.Bye, Katerina. See you tomorrow.
- KaterinaΤα λέμε, Μάριε. Στο καλό.Ta léme, Márie. Sto kaló.See you, Marios. Take care.
- MariosΚαληνύχτα.Kalinýchta.Goodnight.
