γεια σας και καλωσήρθατε
geia sas kai kalosirthate
The English phrase "hello and welcome" is translated into Greek as γεια σας και καλωσήρθατε (geia sas kai kalosirthate).
This phrase is a polite greeting used to welcome people to a place or an event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of γεια σας (hello to you), και (and) and καλωσήρθατε (welcome/you arrived well).
Which one should you use?
The default form γεια σας και καλωσήρθατε is the plural or formal version, whereas γεια σου και καλωσήρθες is the singular or informal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular, informal version of the phrase uses the singular pronouns and verb endings: γεια σου και καλωσήρθες.
How do you pronounce it?
geia sas kai kalosirthate
When do people say it?
During the evening hours, especially after sunset, the appropriate formal greeting is Καλησπέρα (Good Evening).
Did you know?
- The word γεια is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'hygiene', as both stem from the same ancient Greek root for health.
- Greek hospitality, known as 'philoxenia', translates to 'love of strangers', making the phrase καλωσήρθατε a cultural cornerstone of Greek identity.
- In Greece, a common gesture accompanying a greeting is a slight nod or a kiss on both cheeks, starting with the right side.
Examples in context
- Γεια σας και καλωσήρθατε στο σπίτι μας.Geia sas kai kalosirthete sto spiti mas.Hello and welcome to our home.
- Γεια σας και καλωσήρθατε στην παρέα μας!Geia sas kai kalosirthete stin pareia mas!Hello and welcome to our group!
- Γεια σας και καλωσήρθατε στο νέο μας κατάστημα.Geia sas kai kalosirthete sto neo mas katastima.Hello and welcome to our new shop.
Example conversation
George welcomes Elena to his new office.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σας και καλωσήρθατε στο γραφείο μου, Ελένη.Geia sas kai kalosírtate sto grafeío mou, Eléni.Hello and welcome to my office, Elena.
- Ελένη EleniΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Γιώργο!Efcharistó polý, Giórgo!Thank you very much, George!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠαρακαλώ, περάστε μέσα.Parakaló, peráste mésa.You're welcome, please come in.
- Ελένη EleniΟ χώρος είναι υπέροχος.O chóros eínai ypérochos.The space is wonderful.
