Χρόνια πολλά
Chronia polla/ˈxɾoɲa poˈla/
The Greek phrase for "happy ohi day" is Χρόνια πολλά (Chronia polla).
Χρόνια πολλά is a versatile greeting used for birthdays, name days and national holidays like Ohi Day.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "many years".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Chronia polla. The IPA is /ˈxɾoɲa poˈla/.
Did you know?
- While used for 'Happy Ohi Day', Χρόνια πολλά is also the standard greeting for 'Name Days', which in Greece are often celebrated more significantly than actual birthdays.
- The word χρόνος in the phrase shares its ancient roots with the English word 'chronology', meaning the same concept of time.
- In Greek, the phrase functions as a way to wish for long life and longevity rather than just a pleasant day.
Examples in context
- Χαρούμενη Ημέρα του Όχι, φίλε μου!Happy Ohi Day, my friend!
Example conversation
Giorgos and Eleni meet during a parade on Ohi Day.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΧρόνια πολλά, Ελένη!Chrónia pollá, Eléni!Happy Ohi Day, Eleni!
- Ελένη EleniΧρόνια πολλά σε σένα, Γιώργο!Chrónia pollá se séna, Giórgo!Happy Ohi Day to you too, Giorgos!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠώς πάει η γιορτή σου;Pos pai i giortí sou;How is your celebration going?
- Ελένη EleniΠολύ ωραία, χαιρόμαστε πολύ!Polý oraía, chairómaste polý!Very well, we are very happy!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry χρόνια πολλά.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries χρόνια, χρόνια πολλά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
