γεια
geia/ˈʝa/
In Greek, the way to say hi is γεια (geia).
γεια is an informal, friendly greeting used with friends or peers.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word γεια is a shortened form of the noun γεια, which means 'health'.
Which one should you use?
While γεια can stand alone, it is most commonly used in the phrases γεια σου or γεια σας when addressing someone directly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the greeting with one person informally, you add the singular pronoun σου to form γεια σου. To use the greeting with a group of people or to show respect to one person, you add the plural/polite pronoun σας to form γεια σας.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is geia and the IPA is /ˈʝa/.
Did you know?
- The root of γεια is the same as the name of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health, who was the daughter of Asclepius.
- In Greece, a common gesture accompanying a friendly γεια among close friends is a double kiss on the cheeks, usually starting with the right side.
- The word γεια is a direct relative of the English word 'hygiene'. Both derive from the same Ancient Greek root meaning 'health'.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, φίλε!Hi, friend!This sentence uses γεια to greet a friend.Tatoeba #2684025 by Zeus, translation #1635231 by Amastan
- Γεια σας, παιδιά.Hi, guys.This sentence uses γεια to greet a group of people.Tatoeba #5485752 by Zeus, translation #2561375 by Hybrid
- "Γεια, Τόμ!" "Γεια, Μαιρη!""Hi, Tom!" "Hi, Mary!"These sentences use γεια to greet individuals by name.Tatoeba #2738749 by Ricardo14, translation #2738724 by Hybrid
- Γεια σας! Έχετε αυτό που ψάχνω;Hello! Do you have what I'm looking for?
- Καλημέρα! Πώς είστε σήμερα;Good morning! How are you today?
- Γεια! Τι κάνεις;Hi! How are you?
- Γεια χαρά! Τι νέα;Hi! What's up?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two neighbors meeting on the street in the morning.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια, Κυριακή!Ya, Kyriaki!Hi, Kyriaki!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓεια σου, Γιώργο.Ya sou, Giorgo.Hi, George.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠώς είσαι σήμερα;Pos eisai simera;How are you today?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠολύ καλά, ευχαριστώ.Poly kala, efcharisto.Very well, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries 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.
