γεια σου μαμά
geia sou mama
The English phrase "hi mum" is translated into Greek as γεια σου μαμά (geia sou mama).
This phrase is an informal greeting used when speaking to one's mother. You can also use just γεια as a casual way to say "hi" or "hello" in Greek.
Which one should you use?
The phrase γεια σου μαμά uses the singular/informal σου, whereas γεια σας μαμά uses the plural/formal σας.
How do you pronounce it?
geia sou mama
Did you know?
- The word γεια shares the same root as the English word 'hygiene' through the concept of health.
- The word γεια is used for both 'hello' and 'goodbye', meaning you can use γεια σου μαμά when arriving or leaving.
- While γεια σου μαμά is informal, using the formal σας can occasionally be used by children in very traditional or aristocratic households to show extreme respect.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου μαμά, πώς είσαι;Geia sou mama, pos eisai;Hi mum, how are you?
- Γεια σου μαμά, ήρθα σπίτι.Geia sou mama, irtha spiti.Hi mum, I'm home.
- Γεια σου μαμά, σε αγαπώ.Geia sou mama, se agapo.Hi mum, I love you.
Example conversation
Anastasia walks into the kitchen to greet her mother.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΓεια σου μαμά, τι φτιάχνεις;Geia sou mama, ti ftiachneis?Hi mum, what are you making?
- Κώστας KostasΓεια σου, Αναστασία. Φτιάχνω καφέ.Geia sou, Anastasia. Ftiachno kafe.Hi, Anastasia. I am making coffee.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλω και εγώ έναν, παρακαλώ.Thelo kai ego enan, parakalo.I want one too, please.
- Κώστας KostasΒεβαίως, Κώστας θα έρθει σε λίγο.Vevaisos, Kostas tha erthei se ligo.Of course, Kostas will be here shortly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, μαμά, σου, CC BY-SA 4.0.
