χαιρετώ
chairetó/çe.ɾeˈto/
The Greek verb for to salute is χαιρετώ (chairetó).
To salute means to make a gesture. While χαιρετώ is the verb form, in casual conversation, people often use the informal expression Γεια to greet someone, which literally translates to 'health'. When addressing a group of children informally, you might say Γεια σας παιδιά.
Meaning: make a gesture (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced {chairetó}. It has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, a 'salute' or greeting among close friends often involves a kiss on both cheeks, starting with the right side.
- In Ancient Greece, Χαῖρε was used as a greeting, but it also functioned as a way to say 'farewell' depending on the context.
- In modern Greek, using χαιρετώ in a casual setting can sound unnervingly theatrical, almost as if you are an actor in a historical drama or a character in a formal poem.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου ΜάρκοHi Marco
- Καλησπέρα σας παιδιάGood evening, everyone
- Γεια σας κύριεSalutations, sir
Example conversation
Dimitris is explaining military customs to Maria.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠρέπει να χαιρετώ τον αξιωματικό;Prepei na chaireto ton axiomatiko?Should I salute the officer?
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, Δημήτρη, είναι απαραίτητο.Ne, Dimitri, einai aparaitito.Yes, Dimitris, it is necessary.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘα το κάνω τώρα.Tha to kano tora.I will do it now.
- Μαρία MariaΚάνε το σωστά, Μαρία σε βλέπει.Kane to sosta, Maria se vlepi.Do it correctly, Maria is watching you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry χαιρετώ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
