γεια σας
geia sas/ˈʝasas/plural
In Greek, the English phrase "hello" is expressed as γεια σας (geia sas). Wiktionary also lists γεια (geia) and γεια σου (geia sou).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| γεια σας | geia sas | /ˈʝasas/ | plural |
| γεια | geia | /ˈʝa/ | |
| γεια σου | geia sou | /ˈʝasu/ | singular |
| χαίρε | chaíre | /ˈçe.ɾe/ | archaic, formal, singular |
| χαίρετε | chaírete | /ˈçe.re.te/ | archaic, formal, plural |
The phrase is used as a greeting to say hello to others.
Which one should you use?
The form γεια σου is used when addressing one person you know well or a child, whereas γεια σας is used for multiple people or to show respect to one person. The shortened form γεια is even more casual than γεια σου.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For common formal contexts, use γεια σας. For informal situations with one person, use γεια σου or the very casual γεια. The forms χαίρε and χαίρετε are formal and considered archaic or old-fashioned.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form γεια σας uses the second-person plural pronoun σας to express politeness toward a single stranger or to address a group.
How do you pronounce it?
geia sas (/ˈʝasas/)
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, Τομ. Καλημέρα.Hello, Tom. Good morning.This sentence shows how to use γεια to greet someone.Tatoeba #5535552 by Zeus, translation #30314 by CM
- Γεια! Μπορείς να με ακούσεις;Hello! Can you hear me?This sentence shows how to use γεια in a casual greeting.Tatoeba #4653434 by pinkmpnster, translation #4644966 by ProfessorGiraffe
- Γεια σου, φίλε μου. Τι κάνεις;Hello my friend. How are you?This sentence shows how to use γεια when speaking to a friend.Tatoeba #2051830 by Zeus, translation #8981485 by Nylez
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki enters a small shop and greets the owner.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓεια σας, κύριε Γιώργο.Geia sas, kyrie Giorgo.Hello, Mr. Giorgos.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σας, Κυριακή! Τι θέλετε;Geia sas, Kyriaki! Ti thelete?Hello, Kyriaki! What would you like?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΘέλω δύο κιλά μήλα, παρακαλώ.Thelo dyo kila mila, parakalo.I would like two kilos of apples, please.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΟρίστε τα μήλα σας.Oriste ta mila sas.Here are your apples.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries γεια σας, γεια, γεια σου, χαίρε, χαίρετε, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, σου, χαίρε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
