Καλά Χριστούγεννα
kalá Christoúgennaeveryday, Cyprus
In Cyprus the Christmas greeting is Καλά Χριστούγεννα (kalá Christoúgenna), literally "good Christmas". It is the standard Greek wish and Cypriots use it from late December. It is also called Χρόνια πολλά (chrónia pollá) and Καλές γιορτές (kalés giortés).
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Καλά Χριστούγεννα | kalá Christoúgenna | everyday, Cyprus |
| Χρόνια πολλά | chrónia pollá | warm |
| Καλές γιορτές | kalés giortés | general |
People say Καλά Χριστούγεννα on Christmas Eve, on the day and in cards. Many Greeks and Cypriots also say Χρόνια πολλά (chrónia pollá), "many years", as a general holiday wish.
Which one should you use?
Καλές γιορτές (kalés giortés) means "happy holidays" and covers Christmas and New Year together.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cypriot Greek is a spoken dialect, and in writing Cypriots use standard Greek, so the spelling is the same in Cyprus and in Athens.
Did you know?
- Χριστούγεννα (Christoúgenna) comes from Χριστός (Christós), "Christ", and γέννα (génna), "birth".
Examples in context
- Καλά Χριστούγεννα σε όλους.Kalá Christoúgenna se ólous.Merry Christmas to everyone.
- Καλά Χριστούγεννα και χαρούμενος ο καινούργιος χρόνος.Kalá Christoúgenna kai charoúmenos o kainoúrgios chrónos.Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
- Καλές γιορτές, φίλοι μου.Kalés giortés, fíloi mou.Happy holidays, my friends.
Example conversation
Maria greets her neighbor Mr Petros on Christmas morning in Paphos.
- MariaΚαλά Χριστούγεννα, κύριε Πέτρο.Kalá Christoúgenna, kýrie Pétro.Merry Christmas, Mr Petros.
- PetrosΚαλά Χριστούγεννα, Μαρία. Χρόνια πολλά στην οικογένεια.Kalá Christoúgenna, María. Chrónia pollá stin oikogéneia.Merry Christmas, Maria. Many years to your family.
- MariaΕυχαριστώ, και σε σας.Efcharistó, kai se sas.Thank you, and the same to you.
