Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| γεια σου | geia sou | /ˈʝasu/ | singular |
| γεια | geia | /ˈʝa/ | |
| γεια σας | geia sas | /ˈʝasas/ | plural |
| χαίρε | chaíre | /ˈçe.ɾe/ | archaic, formal, singular |
| χαίρετε | chaírete | /ˈçe.re.te/ | archaic, formal, plural |
The expressions provided are used as greetings. You may use the shortened form γεια for a very casual hi, the standard informal γεια σου for friends and family or the plural/polite γεια σας for groups or to show respect.
What does it mean word for word?
The word γεια literally means health.
Which one should you use?
Use γεια σου when speaking to one person you know well. Use γεια σας when speaking to multiple people or when you wish to use the polite form to address one person. The form γεια is a shortened, informal version of γεια σου.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
γεια and γεια σου are informal ways to say hello, used among friends, family, peers and acquaintances. γεια σας is the standard way to greet a group or to show respect to a stranger or an elder. Additionally, the archaic forms χαίρε (singular) and χαίρετε (plural) are formal.
How do you pronounce it?
geia sou [ˈʝasu]
Did you know?
- The English word 'hygiene' shares the same Ancient Greek root as γεια, coming from ὑγίεια.
- In many Greek contexts, γεια is used as a multipurpose tool that can serve as both a 'hello' when arriving and a 'goodbye' when leaving.
- If you use the formal χαίρετε in a modern café, you will sound like a character from an ancient Greek tragedy or a classical poem.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, Τομ. Καλημέρα.Hello, Tom. Good morning.This sentence uses γεια to greet Tom.Tatoeba #5535552 by Zeus, translation #30314 by CM
- Γεια! Μπορείς να με ακούσεις;Hello! Can you hear me?This sentence uses γεια to check if someone can hear you.Tatoeba #4653434 by pinkmpnster, translation #4644966 by ProfessorGiraffe
- Γεια σου, φίλε μου. Τι κάνεις;Hello my friend. How are you?This sentence uses γεια to greet a friend and ask how they are.Tatoeba #2051830 by Zeus, translation #8981485 by Nylez
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris meet by chance on the street.
- Μαρία MariaΓεια σου, Δημήτρη! Τι νέα;Geia sou, Dimitri! Ti nea?Hello, Dimitris! What's new?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σου, Μαρία! Όλα καλά.Geia sou, Maria! Ola kala.Hello, Maria! Everything is good.
- Μαρία MariaΠού πηγαίνεις τώρα;Pou pigaineis tora?Where are you going now?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠηγαίνω στη δουλειά.Pigaino sti douleia.I am going to work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries γεια σου, γεια, γεια σας, 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.
