καλές γιορτές
kalés giortés
The Greek phrase for happy holidays is καλές γιορτές (kalés giortés).
καλές γιορτές is used as a general seasonal greeting during the winter holiday period, covering both Christmas and New Year.
Meaning: holiday greeting (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective καλές (good) and the noun γιορτές (holidays/festivities).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective καλές is in the feminine plural form to agree with the feminine plural noun γιορτές.
How do you pronounce it?
kalés giortés
Did you know?
- The word γιορτή is used not only for public holidays but also to refer to a person's 'name day', which is often celebrated more prominently than a birthday in Greece.
- Because the Orthodox Church follows a different calendar, some Greeks may use καλές γιορτές in early January to celebrate Christmas on January 7th.
- Unlike English, which uses 'happy', the Greek καλές literally means 'good', reflecting a cultural preference for wishing someone a 'good' experience rather than an 'emotional' state.
Examples in context
- Σου εύχομαι καλές γιορτές.Sou éfchome kalés giortés.I wish you happy holidays.
Example conversation
Dimitris and Maria meet at a cafe before the winter break.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σου Μαρία, καλές γιορτές!Ya sou María, kalés giortés!Hello Maria, happy holidays!
- Μαρία MariaΓεια σου Δημήτρη, και σε εσένα!Ya sou Dímitri, kai se eséna!Hello Dimitris, and to you too!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕυχαριστώ, θα τα πούμε σύντομα.Efcharistó, tha ta poúme sýntoma.Thank you, we will talk soon.
- Μαρία MariaΦυσικά, καλή συνέχεια!Fisiká, kalí synéchia!Of course, have a good one!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy holidays” translations and entries καλές γιορτές, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
