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 primary way to say hello is through the word γεια and its variations. While primarily a greeting, the shortened form γεια is also used informally to say goodbye. The phrase γεια σου serves as an informal way to say 'Hi' or 'Hey' to a single person.
What does it mean word for word?
The word γεια is a shortened form of γεια σου or γεια σας and literally means 'health'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of form depends on how many people you are addressing and your relationship with them. Use γεια σου when speaking to one person you know well or a child. Use γεια σας when speaking to multiple people or when you wish to show respect to a single person. The short form γεια is used in informal contexts for both hello and goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, you can use γεια or γεια σου. For highly formal or archaic situations, you may encounter χαίρε (singular) or χαίρετε (plural). The form χαίρετε is more formal than γεια σας, though it may feel slightly stiff or old-fashioned in casual settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The greeting changes based on number. γεια σου is the singular form, while γεια σας is the plural form. The archaic forms follow this pattern with χαίρε being singular and χαίρετε being plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is geia sas and the IPA is /ˈʝasas/.
Did you know?
- The word γεια is a direct relative of the English word 'hygiene'. Both derive from the same Ancient Greek root referring to health.
- Using γεια σας to a single stranger is not just about politeness, but a necessary social boundary to avoid appearing overly familiar.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, Τομ. Καλημέρα.Hello, Tom. Good morning.This sentence shows how to use γεια in a greeting.Tatoeba #5535552 by Zeus, translation #30314 by CM
- Γεια! Μπορείς να με ακούσεις;Hello! Can you hear me?This sentence shows an informal use of γεια to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #4653434 by pinkmpnster, translation #4644966 by ProfessorGiraffe
- Γεια σου, φίλε μου. Τι κάνεις;Hello my friend. How are you?This sentence demonstrates an informal greeting to a friend using γεια.Tatoeba #2051830 by Zeus, translation #8981485 by Nylez
- Γεια σου! Χάρηκα.Hi! Nice to meet you.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Anastasia meet their friends at a cafe.
- Νίκος NikosΓεια σας! Τι νέα έχετε;Geia sas! Ti nea ekhete?Hello! What's your news?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓεια σας, Νίκο! Όλα καλά.Geia sas, Niko! Ola kala.Hello, Nikos! Everything is fine.
- Νίκος NikosΧαίρομαι που σας είδα.Hairomai pou sas eida.I am glad I saw you.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚι εμείς επίσης, Αναστασία.Ki emis episis, Anastasia.We are too, Anastasia.
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.
