Γεια σου
yia soueveryday, Cyprus
In Cyprus the everyday "hi" is Γεια σου (yia sou), the same standard Greek greeting used elsewhere. Γεια σας (yia sas) is the polite version and Γεια χαρά (yia chará) is very casual.
Meaning: informal greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Γεια σου | yia sou | everyday, Cyprus |
| Γεια σας | yia sas | polite |
| Γεια χαρά | yia chará | casual |
Γεια σου is for one person you know well. It works for hello and also for goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use Γεια σας for older people, strangers and groups.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cypriot Greek is a spoken dialect, and in writing Cypriots use standard Greek, so the spelling is the same in Cyprus and in Athens. A typical Cypriot follow-up is Τι κάμνεις (ti kámneis), where mainland Greeks say Τι κάνεις (ti káneis).
How do you pronounce it?
Γεια is pronounced like "yah", and σου like "soo".
Did you know?
- Γεια comes from υγεία (ygeía), "health", so Γεια σου is a wish for your health.
Examples in context
- Γεια σας, κύριε Νίκο.Yia sas, kýrie Níko.Hello, Mr Nikos.
- Γεια χαρά, χαίρομαι που σε βλέπω.Yia chará, chaíromai pou se vlépo.Hi, I am happy to see you.
Example conversation
Giorgos runs into his old classmate Sofia at a café in Larnaca.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΓεια σου, Σοφία.Yia sou, Sofía.Hi, Sofia.
- SofiaΓεια σου, Γιώργο. Χαίρομαι που σε βλέπω.Yia sou, Giórgo. Chaíromai pou se vlépo.Hi, Giorgos. I am happy to see you.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΚι εγώ. Κάτσε να πάρουμε καφέ.Ki egó. Kátse na pároume kafé.Me too. Sit down and let us have a coffee.
