Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| αντίο | antío | /aˈdio/ | neuter |
| γεια | geia | /ˈʝa/ | |
| τα λέμε | ta léme | /ta‿ˈleme/ |
The standard way to say farewell is αντίο. However, if you are in a casual setting, you can use γεια, which serves as both a hello and a goodbye. Another common informal way to part ways is τα λέμε, which is used when you intend to speak to the person again soon, similar to saying "see you" or "talk to you later". Additionally, you may encounter Τσαο, an informal borrowed word from Italian meaning "bye".
What does it mean word for word?
The word γεια is a shortened form of γεια σου, which literally means "health to you".
Which one should you use?
While αντίο is the standard term for goodbye, γεια is more commonly used for both greetings and farewells in casual situations. Τα λέμε is a common way to say goodbye when you intend to speak to the person again soon.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To direct a goodbye at a specific person, you can add pronouns: αντίο σου means goodbye to you (singular), while αντίο σας means goodbye to you (plural or polite).
How do you pronounce it?
antío (aˈdio)
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, a goodbye is often accompanied by a 'kiss on the cheek'. Depending on the region, people may exchange two or three kisses, alternating sides.
- The word 'hygiene' in English shares the same ancient roots as the Greek goodbye γεια, as both stem from the concept of 'health'.
- The standard farewell αντίο is actually a linguistic guest from Italy, as it was borrowed directly from the Italian word addio.
Examples in context
- Αντίο.Goodbye!This example shows a standard use of αντίο.Tatoeba #1123847 by Zeus, translation #516745 by minshirui
- αντίο σουGoodbye to you (singular) ^†This example shows how to use αντίο when addressing a single person.
- αντίο σαςGoodbye to you (plural) ^†This example shows how to use αντίο when addressing multiple people or using a polite form.
- Αντίο, κύριε Σμίθ. Ήταν χαρά μου να γνωριστούμε.Goodbye, Mr. Smith. It was nice to meet you.
- Γεια, Άννα! Τα λέμε αύριο;Hi, Anna! See you tomorrow?
- Ναι, σίγουρα! Τσαο!Yes, definitely! Bye!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giorgos and Maria are finishing a meeting at a cafe.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΉταν χαρά που σε είδα, Μαρία.Ítan chará pou se eída, María.It was a pleasure seeing you, Maria.
- Μαρία MariaΚι εμένα επίσης, Γιώργο. Αντίο!Ki eména epísis, Giórgo. Antío!Me too, Giorgos. Goodbye!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑντίο, καλό ταξίδι!Antío, kaló taxídi!Goodbye, have a safe trip!
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ, τα λέμε σύντομα.Efcharistó, ta léme sýntoma.Thank you, see you soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries αντίο, γεια, τα λέμε, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries αντίο, γεια, τα, τα λέμε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
