Γεια σας, φίλοι μου!
Geia sas, filoi mou!
Γεια σας, φίλοι μου! (Geia sas, filoi mou!) is the Greek way to say 'hello, my friends!'
This phrase is a friendly greeting used when addressing a group of people whom the speaker knows well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Health to you, friends of mine!'
Which one should you use?
While Γεια σας (Geia sas) is the standard way to address a group and can also function as a polite or formal singular form, when it is paired with φίλοι μου (my friends), it is almost always used informally to address a group of peers.
How do you pronounce it?
Geia sas, filoi mou!
Did you know?
- The root of Γεια is the same as the English word 'hygiene', connecting your morning greeting directly to the concept of cleanliness and health.
- Because Γεια σας means 'health to you', it is used for both 'hello' and 'goodbye'. The same phrase greets your friends and bids them farewell.
- In Greek culture, the concept of 'philoxenia' (love of strangers) means that the spirit of φίλοι μου is often extended to guests and newcomers immediately.
Example conversation
Elena walks into a room where Nikos and their other friends are gathered.
- Ελένη EleniΓεια σας, φίλοι μου!Geia sas, filoi mou!Hello, my friends!
- Νίκος NikosΓεια σου, Ελένη!Geia sou, Eleni!Hello, Elena!
- Ελένη EleniΠός οι ολοι οι σιμορα?Pos oi oloi oi simera?How is everyone today?
- Νίκος NikosΕίμαστε καλαιμενα!Eimaste kalimena!We are doing great!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, μου, CC BY-SA 4.0.
