How to Say “How Old Are You” in Greek: Formal and Informal Ways

Greek, the language of ancient civilization and rich cultural heritage, is spoken by millions of people worldwide. If you find yourself in Greece or interacting with Greek speakers, it’s always helpful to know how to ask someone’s age. This guide will walk you through the formal and informal ways to ask “How old are you?” in Greek, providing examples, regional variations (if applicable), and some useful tips along the way.

Formal Way: “Poso chronon echeis;”

In formal situations, such as speaking with someone older, in a professional environment, or as a mark of respect, you can use the expression “Poso chronon echeis.” Let’s break it down:

Poso – How

Chronon – Years

Echeis – Do you have?

When you put it all together, “Poso chronon echeis” essentially translates to “How many years do you have?” in English.

Here are a few examples of using the formal phrase:

Example 1:

You: Καλησπέρα! Πόσο χρόνων έχετε;
English: Good evening! How old are you?

Other person: Καλησπέρα! Έχω ενενήντα έξι χρόνια.
English: Good evening! I am ninety-six years old.

Example 2:

You: Γεια σας! Πόσο χρονών είναι ο παππούς;
English: Hello! How old is grandpa?

Other person: Γεια σας! Ο παππούς είναι εκατόν έξη χρονών.
English: Hello! Grandpa is one hundred and six years old.

Informal Way: “Posa chronia eisai;”

For more casual or friendly conversations, you may choose to use the informal phrase “Posa chronia eisai.” Here’s the breakdown:

Posa – How many

Chronia – Years

Eisai – Are you

When combined, “Posa chronia eisai” means “How old are you?” in an informal context.

Let’s look at a couple of examples using the informal expression:

Example 1:

You: Γεια! Πόσα χρόνια είσαι;
English: Hi! How old are you?

Other person: Γεια! Είμαι είκοσι τρία χρονών.
English: Hi! I am twenty-three years old.

Example 2:

You: Καλημέρα! Πόσα χρόνια είσαι εσύ;
English: Good morning! How old are you?

Other person: Καλημέρα! Είμαι τριάντα επτά χρονών.
English: Good morning! I am thirty-seven years old.

Tips and Cultural Considerations

When asking about someone’s age in Greek, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Avoid explicitly asking for the age of elders unless you are on close terms with them.
2. It’s common for Greeks to ask for your zodiac sign instead of age, especially in more casual conversations. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you, “Ti zo̱diakó ḗnglan ḗste?,” which means “What is your zodiac sign?”
3. Social norms tend to favor youthfulness, so some people may not be comfortable answering the question directly or revealing their age.
4. Always use appropriate greetings like “kalimera” (good morning), “kalispera” (good evening), or “yasou” (hello) to initiate the conversation respectfully.
5. When someone shares their age, it is customary to respond with “kalo̱ chro̱nio̱” (happy birthday), as a form of well-wishing.

Remember, polite and considerate communication plays a crucial role in any culture, and Greek culture is no exception.

In conclusion, now you’re equipped with the formal and informal phrases to ask “How old are you?” in Greek. Whether you’re engaging in a formal or casual setting, you can confidently start conversations and deepen your connections with Greek speakers. Enjoy your language journey and embrace the cultural beauty of Greece!