What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what are you doing?", but it is used as the standard greeting for asking about someone's well-being.
Which one should you use?
Πώς είστε is the standard way to ask how someone is in a formal context. Πώς πάτε literally means "How are you going?" and is a polite way to ask about someone's well-being. Τι λες literally means "What do you say?" and is a friendly equivalent of "How are you?" among peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural or formal version of the phrase is τι κάνετε. Use it when you address more than one person or someone you should speak to politely.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced ti kaneis?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid τι κάνεις with strangers or elders, where τι κάνετε is the polite choice.
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is Καλά, ευχαριστώ, which means "Fine, thank you."
Did you know?
- The word τι shares an ancient root with the English word 'who', a connection that traces back to the same Proto-Indo-European origins.
- Greek speakers often use the word καλά (well/fine) to answer almost any version of 'how are you?' This creates a social ritual where the actual state of being is less important than the polite acknowledgment of the greeting.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, τι κάνεις;Ya sou, ti kaneis;Hello, how are you?
- Πώς είσαι. Τι κάνεις;Pos eisai? Ti kaneis;How are you? How are things going?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- Ελένη EleniΓεια σου Κώστα, τι κάνεις;Ya sou Kosta, ti kanis?Hello Kostas, how are you?
- Κώστας KostasΕίμαι καλά, Ελένη. Εσύ;Eimai kala, Eleni. Esy?I am well, Eleni. And you?
- Ελένη EleniΚι εγώ είμαι πολύ καλά.Ki ego eimai poly kala.I am very well too.
- Κώστας KostasΧαίρομαι πολύ για αυτό.Heromai poly gia afto.I am very glad about that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries τι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
