γεια
geia/ˈʝa/
The Greek way to say 'hey' is γεια (geia).
γεια is used both for hello and for goodbye.
Meaning: informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word γεια is a shortened form of the word γεια σου (geia sou), which literally means 'health to you'.
Which one should you use?
Γεια σας is a formal way to say 'hello' or 'hi' in Greek used to greet people you don't know well, elders or in professional environments. Γεια σου is an informal way to say 'hey' or 'hi' used to greet friends, family or someone you have a close relationship with.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the greeting informally with one person, you add the pronoun σου (sou, 'to you') to make γεια σου.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is geia. The IPA is /ˈʝa/.
Did you know?
- The Greek goddess of health and sanitation was named Υγεία, which is the full form of the greeting γεια.
- In Greece, a common way to accompany an informal γεια among close friends is a light kiss on both cheeks, starting with the right.
- The greeting γεια shares its roots with the English word 'hygiene', as both stem from the concept of being healthy.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, φίλε μου. Τι κάνεις;Hey, my friend. How are you?This sentence shows how to use γεια as an informal greeting to a friend.Tatoeba #2051830 by Zeus, translation #2051836 by AlanF_US
- Γεια σου, φιλενάδα!Hey girlfriend!This sentence shows how to use γεια as an informal greeting to a girlfriend.Tatoeba #2684027 by Zeus, translation #9435746 by Nylez
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris meets Kyriaki on a street in Athens.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια, Κυριακή!Ya, Kyriaki!Hey, Kyriaki!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓεια σου, Δημήτρη.Ya sou, Dimitri.Hey there, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠώς είσαι;Pos eisai;How are you?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΚαλά, ευχαριστώ.Kala, efcharisto.Good, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry γεια, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
