γεια σας, καλησπέρα
geia sas, kalispera
The English phrase "hello, good afternoon" is translated into Greek as γεια σας, καλησπέρα (geia sas, kalispera).
γεια σας, καλησπέρα is a polite greeting used to welcome someone during the afternoon or evening. The term καλησπέρα is typically used as a greeting from the late afternoon until the evening, whereas καλημέρα is used in the morning.
What does it mean word for word?
The greeting γεια σας literally translates to "health to you". The word καλησπέρα is a compound of καλή (good) and σπέρα (evening/afternoon).
Which one should you use?
While καλησπέρα is used to greet someone in the afternoon, καληνύχτα is used specifically when saying goodbye for the night.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to one person you know well, you can replace γεια σας with the singular γεια σου.
How do you pronounce it?
geia sas, kalispera
Did you know?
- The word καλησπέρα comes from καλή and εσπέρα, with the latter sharing the same root as the English word 'vespers', referring to evening prayers.
- In Greek culture, the greeting γεια σας is often accompanied by a slight nod or a hand gesture, but a double kiss on the cheeks is the standard for friends and family upon arriving.
- The use of καλησπέρα begins the moment the sun starts to dip, meaning the transition from καλημέρα to καλησπέρα shifts throughout the year based on the season.
Examples in context
- Γεια σας, καλησπέρα σε όλους.Geia sas, kalispera se olous.Hello, good afternoon to everyone.
- Γεια σας, καλησπέρα, πώς είστε;Geia sas, kalispera, pos iste;Hello, good afternoon, how are you?
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni meet at a cafe in the late afternoon.
- Κώστας KostasΓεια σας, καλησπέρα, Ελένη!Geia sas, kalispéra, Eléni!Hello, good afternoon, Eleni!
- Ελένη EleniΓεια σου, Κώστα, καλησπέρα!Geia sou, Kósta, kalispéra!Hello, Kostas, good afternoon!
- Κώστας KostasΤι νέα έχετε;Ti néa échete?What's your news?
- Ελένη EleniΌλα καλά, ευχαριστώ.Óla kalá, efcharistó.Everything is fine, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, καλησπέρα, CC BY-SA 4.0.
