Χρόνια Πολλά
Chronia Polla/ˈxɾoɲa poˈla/
Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Polla) is the Greek phrase for "happy name day".
The phrase is the standard greeting used to wish someone a long and happy life on their name day, birthdays and other name-day celebrations.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Χρόνια Πολλά literally translates to "many years".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxɾoɲa poˈla/
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is Ευχαριστώ, επίσης Χρόνια Πολλά, which means "Thank you, many years to you too". You might use this response if the person you are speaking to also has a celebration nearby.
Did you know?
- In Greece, the name day is often more important than the birthday. This is because most people are named after a saint, and the celebration is tied to that saint's feast day on the religious calendar.
- The word χρόνος in the phrase shares the same Greek root as the English word 'chronology', which tracks the passage of time.
- You can use Χρόνια Πολλά for almost any repetitive celebration, including Christmas and Easter, making it a versatile 'all-purpose' festive greeting.
Examples in context
- Χρόνια Πολλά σε όλους!Chronia Polla se olous!Happy name day to everyone!
Example conversation
Giorgos is visiting Anastasia on her name day.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓεια σου, Γιώργο!Geia sou, Giorgo!Hello, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧρόνια Πολλά, Αναστασία!Chronia Polla, Anastasia!Happy name day, Anastasia!
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕυχαριστώ πολύ!Efcharisto poli!Thank you very much!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝα είσαι πάντα καλά.Na eisai panda kala.May you always be well.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry χρόνια πολλά.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries χρόνια, χρόνια πολλά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
