What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how goes your day?" πάει means "goes", η is the feminine definite article "the", μέρα means "day" and σου means "your".
Which one should you use?
Πώς είναι η μέρα σου is an informal expression with the same meaning, built with είναι, meaning "is". While πώς πάει η μέρα σου asks specifically about the progress of the day, τι κάνεις is a more general greeting meaning "how are you" or "what are you doing".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase formal or plural, change σου (your, singular informal) to σας (your, formal or plural). The word ημέρα can replace μέρα and means the same thing.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced pōs páei i méra sou.
When do people say it?
A common natural response is Πάει καλά, which means "It's going well". You can also answer Καλή, ευχαριστώ, meaning "Good, thank you".
Did you know?
- The word μέρα is the ancestor of the English word 'meridian', which marks the peak of the sun's daily path.
- While an English speaker might use 'How is your day?' to a shopkeeper or stranger, doing so in Greek could feel too intimate or overly personal.
- If you respond Καλή, ευχαριστώ to this question, you are using the feminine form of 'good' because the word μέρα is a feminine noun.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, πώς πάει η μέρα σου;Yia sou, pós pái i méra sou;Hello, how is your day?
Example conversation
Two colleagues meet in the office kitchen.
- Νίκος NikosΚαλημέρα Αναστασία, πώς πάει η μέρα σου;Kaliméra Anastasía, pós páei i méra sou;Good morning Anastasia, how is your day going?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠάει πολύ καλά, Νίκο. Εσένα;Páei polý kalá, Níko. Eséna;It's going very well, Nikos. And yours?
- Νίκος NikosΚι εμένα πολύ καλά, ευχαριστώ.Ki eména polý kalá, efharistó.Mine is going very well too, thank you.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΧαίρομαι πολύ για αυτό!Haíromai polý gia aftó!I am very glad to hear that!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries η, πώς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
