γεια σου, τι κάνεις;
geia sou, ti kaneis?
Hey, how are you? In Greek is γεια σου, τι κάνεις, the casual greeting for one person you know well.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally the phrase reads hello to you, what are you doing.
Which one should you use?
To a group or politely to one person, use γεια σας, τι κάνετε. Καλημέρα, πώς είστε is a formal greeting suited to the morning and daytime.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized as geia sou, ti kaneis?
When do people say it?
A common answer is Καλά, ευχαριστώ. Εσύ, fine, thank you and you?
Did you know?
- English speakers may recognize the root of γεια in the word 'hygiene'. Both words trace back to the same ancient Greek concept of health.
- Greeks often accompany the greeting γεια σου with a light kiss on each cheek or a hug, depending on the closeness of the relationship.
- In Greece, you might hear people use the word γεια as a way to say both 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Nikos meet by chance on the street.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓεια σου, τι κάνεις;Geia sou, ti kaneis;Hey, how are you?
- Νίκος NikosΚαλά είμαι, εσύ τι κάνεις;Kala eimai, esy ti kaneis;I'm good, how about you?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΚι εγώ καλά, χαίρομαι που σε είδα!Ki ego kala, heromai pou se eida!I'm good too, glad to see you!
- Νίκος NikosΚι εγώ επίσης, τα λέμε σύντομα.Ki ego episis, ta leme syntoma.Me too, talk to you soon.
