καλά να περάσεις
kala na peraseis
To say 'have a great time' in Greek, you use καλά να περάσεις (kala na peraseis).
This phrase is used to express a wish for someone to enjoy themselves during a future event or trip. Other ways to express similar sentiments include Καλή διασκέδαση for a general wish to have a great time, or Να περάσετε υπέροχα to wish someone a wonderful time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase καλά να περάσεις literally translates to 'well to you pass' or 'may you pass well'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In tourist destinations in Greece, you may hear Καλές διακοπές to mean 'have a great vacation'. Additionally, in some regions, Καλή βόλτα is used to wish someone a great stroll or walk.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person informally, use καλά να περάσεις. If you are addressing more than one person, or if you are being formal with a single person, use the plural/polite form καλά να περάσετε.
How do you pronounce it?
kala na peraseis
When do people say it?
When someone offers you these wishes, a common response is Ευχαριστώ! (Thank you!).
Did you know?
- In Greek, the concept of 'spending' time is expressed using the same root as περάσεις, which means 'to cross' or 'to pass over'.
- The particle να has roots in Ancient Greek, evolving from the conjunction ἵνα which was used to express purpose.
- The phrase καλά να περάσεις uses the subjunctive mood to express a wish, a grammatical feature that is much more prominent in Greek than in modern English.
Examples in context
- Καλή διασκέδαση! Απολαύστε τη βραδιά!Have a great time! Enjoy the evening!
- Καλά να περάσεις στο πάρτι!Kalá na perásis sto párti!Have a great time at the party!
- Πήγαινε και καλά να περάσεις!Pígene kai kalá na perásis!Go and have a great time!
Example conversation
Giorgos is leaving for a weekend trip.
- Ελένη EleniΦεύγεις για το Σαββατοκύριακο, Γιώργο;Févgeis gia to Savvatokýriako, Giórgo?Are you leaving for the weekend, Giorgos?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, φεύγω σε μία ώρα.Nai, févgo se mía óra.Yes, I'm leaving in one hour.
- Ελένη EleniΤέλεια! Καλά να περάσεις!Télia! Kalá na perásis!Great! Have a great time!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕυχαριστώ, Ελένη!Efcharistó, Eléni!Thank you, Eleni!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries να, CC BY-SA 4.0.
