γεια σου, τι κάνεις;
geia sou, ti kaneis?
Hello, how are you? In Greek is γεια σου, τι κάνεις, the informal version for one person you know well.
What does it mean word for word?
γεια σου literally means health to you. τι κάνεις literally means what are you doing, but it is used to ask how are you.
Which one should you use?
Use γεια σας, τι κάνετε when speaking to more than one person or addressing someone formally. In the morning a formal alternative is Kalimera, ti kanete, usually used until noon and Kalispera, ti kanete means good afternoon or evening, how are you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form uses the singular you, εσύ, so it suits friends, family or children.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized as geia sou, ti kaneis?
When do people say it?
The greeting works at any time of day. A common reply is καλά, ευχαριστώ, fine, thank you.
Did you know?
- In Greece, a greeting like γεια σου is often accompanied by a light kiss on both cheeks, starting with the right side.
- The word for 'health' in the greeting, γεια, shares a linguistic root with the English word 'hygiene'.
- The word γεια is versatile enough to be used for both 'hello' and 'goodbye'. Depending on the context, it can either start or end a conversation.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σου, τι κάνεις;Geia sou, ti kaneis?Hello, how are you?
- Μαρία MariaΕίμαι καλά, εσύ;Eimai kala, esy?I am well, and you?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚι εγώ καλά, ευχαριστώ.Ki ego kala, efcharisto.I am well too, thank you.
- Μαρία MariaΧαίρομαι πολύ!Charomai poly!I am very glad!
