Γεια σας
yia saspolite
The polite way to say "hello" in Greek is Γεια σας (yia sas). In very formal settings you may also hear Χαίρετε (chaírete), and by time of day Καλημέρα σας or Καλησπέρα σας.
Meaning: polite greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Γεια σας | yia sas | polite |
| Χαίρετε | chaírete | formal |
| Καλησπέρα σας | kalispéra sas | polite, evening |
Γεια σας uses the plural σας (sas), "you all", as a sign of respect, in the same way as the formal "you" in many European languages.
Which one should you use?
Χαίρετε is more official and a little old-fashioned. Greeks hear it in speeches, announcements and some formal meetings, while Καλημέρα σας (kaliméra sas) and Καλησπέρα σας (kalispéra sas) are used every day.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Γεια σου (yia sou) is for friends and family. With older people, officials, customers and strangers, Greeks switch to σας forms.
Did you know?
- Χαίρετε is the plural command of χαίρω (chaíro), "to rejoice", so it literally means "rejoice".
Examples in context
- Γεια σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.Yia sas, kýrie Papadópoule.Hello, Mr Papadopoulos.
- Καλησπέρα σας, έχω ραντεβού.Kalispéra sas, écho randevoú.Good evening, I have an appointment.
- Χαίρετε, καλώς ήρθατε.Chaírete, kalós írthate.Hello, welcome.
Example conversation
Anna arrives for a job interview and greets the manager, Mr Papadopoulos, in Athens.
- AnnaΚαλημέρα σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.Kaliméra sas, kýrie Papadópoule.Good morning, Mr Papadopoulos.
- Mr PapadopoulosΚαλημέρα σας, καλώς ήρθατε.Kaliméra sas, kalós írthate.Good morning, welcome.
- AnnaΕυχαριστώ πολύ.Efcharistó polý.Thank you very much.
