γεια σου μαμά
geia sou mama
The phrase "hi mom" in Greek is γεια σου μαμά (geia sou mama).
This phrase is an informal greeting used when speaking to one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase γεια σου μαμά literally translates to "health to you mom".
Which one should you use?
The greeting γεια σου used here is the singular/informal form, while γεια σας is the plural or formal form.
How do you pronounce it?
geia sou mama
Did you know?
- English speakers may recognize the root of γεια in the English word 'hygiene', which comes from the same Ancient Greek word hugíeia.
- While γεια σου μαμά is common, Greeks often use the term μανουλά as an affectionate, diminutive version of 'mom' to show extra tenderness.
- Using the formal γεια σας instead of γεια σου when speaking to one's own mother would be seen as incredibly cold or sarcastic in Greek culture.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου μαμά, πώς είσαι;Geia sou mama, pos eisai;Hi mom, how are you?
- Γεια σου μαμά, ήρθα σπίτι.Geia sou mama, irtha spiti.Hi mom, I'm home.
- Γεια σου μαμά, σε αγαπώ.Geia sou mama, se agapo.Hi mom, I love you.
Example conversation
Kostas arrives at his mother Kyriaki's house.
- Κώστας KostasΓεια σου μαμά!Geia sou mama!Hi mom!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓεια σου Κώστα, έλα μέσα.Geia sou Kosta, ela mesa.Hi Kostas, come inside.
- Κώστας KostasΠώς είσαι, μαμά;Pos eisai, mama;How are you, mom?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΠολύ καλά, γλυκό μου παιδί.Poly kala, glyko mou paidi.Very well, my sweet child.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, μαμά, σου, CC BY-SA 4.0.
