Καληνύχτα
kalinykhta/ka.liˈni.xta/
The English phrase "have a good night" is translated into Greek as Καληνύχτα (kalinykhta).
Καληνύχτα is used to say goodbye to someone at the end of the evening or before going to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of καλή (kalí), meaning "good" and νύχτα (nýxta), meaning "night".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ka.liˈni.xta/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: kalinykhta.
Did you know?
- If you are leaving a dinner party but the night is still young, saying Καληνύχτα might signal to your host that you are going straight to bed. To avoid this misunderstanding, Greeks often prefer to say 'see you later' instead.
- While Καληνύχτα is used to say goodbye, Greeks use Καλησπέρα as a greeting when arriving somewhere in the evening.
- The word νύχτα (nýxta) shares an ancient root with the English word 'night', making them distant linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- Καληνύχτα! Περάστε καλά!Good night! Have a good time!
- Καλή συνέχεια, καληνύχτα! Κοιμήσου καλά!Take care, good night! Sleep well!
- Καληνύχτα σε όλους.Kalinyhta se olous.Good night to everyone.
- Καληνύχτα, μέχρι αύριο!Kalinyhta, mechri avrio!Good night, see you tomorrow!
- Καληνύχτα, θα σε περιμένω.Kalinyhta, tha se perimeno.Good night, I will wait for you.
Example conversation
Nikos and Maria are saying goodbye at a friend's house before going home.
- Νίκος NikosΠρέπει να φύγουμε τώρα.Prepei na fygoúme tóra.We have to leave now.
- Μαρία MariaΕντάξει, καληνύχτα σε όλους!Entáxei, kalinyhta se olous!Okay, good night to everyone!
- Νίκος NikosΚαληνύχτα, Μαρία.Kalinyhta, Maria.Good night, Maria.
- Μαρία MariaΚαληνύχτα, Νίκο.Kalinyhta, Niko.Good night, Nikos.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry καληνύχτα.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καληνύχτα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
