χαιρετισμός
chairetismós/çe.ɾe.tiˈzmos/
The English phrase 'salutation' is translated into Greek as χαιρετισμός (chairetismós).
χαιρετισμός refers to the act of greeting.
Meaning: act of greeting (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /çe.ɾe.tiˈzmos/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: chairetismós.
When do people say it?
For instance, one would use Καλημέρα in the morning and transition to Καλησπέρα in the afternoon or evening. When saying goodnight, particularly when parting ways at night, the phrase Καληνύχτα is used.
Did you know?
- The word χαιρετισμός is the linguistic foundation for the 'Hail Mary' prayer, as the opening word Χαῖρε is a direct form of this greeting.
- In many Greek social settings, a verbal χαιρετισμός is often accompanied by the specific gesture of kissing on both cheeks, though the number of kisses can vary by region.
- In Greek, the concept of a χαιρετισμός is closely linked to the word χαρίσμα, as both stem from the same root associated with grace and joy.
Examples in context
- Ο χαιρετισμός είναι πολύ σημαντικός.O chairetismós eínai polý simantikós.The greeting is very important.
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki are discussing etiquette before a formal meeting.
- Νίκος NikosΠοιος είναι ο σωστός χαιρετισμός εδώ;Poíos eínai o sostós chairetismós edó?What is the correct greeting here?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΈνα απλό «καλημέρα» είναι αρκετό, Νίκο.Éna apló "kaliméra" eínai arketó, Níko.A simple 'good morning' is enough, Nikos.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλω να κάνω έναν επίσημο χαιρετισμό.Thélo na káno énan epísimo chairetismó.I want to give a formal greeting.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΤότε πες «καλησπέρα» στην κυρία.Tóte pes "kalispéra" stin kyría.Then say 'good evening' to the lady.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry χαιρετισμός, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
