Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| τα λέμε | ta léme | /ta‿ˈleme/ |
| γεια χαρά | geia chará | /ˈʝa xaˈɾa/ (word by word) |
Τα λέμε is an informal way to say goodbye when you expect to see or speak to the person again soon. It conveys the sense of "we'll talk" or "we'll see each other."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase τα λέμε literally translates to "we say them" or "we'll say them", implying that you will speak or discuss things at a later time.
Which one should you use?
Τα λέμε is specifically used when you intend to talk or meet again soon. In contrast, γεια χαρά is a more general and often more cheerful greeting or farewell.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Τα λέμε is a colloquial phrase used among friends or acquaintances. It is considered an informal way to say goodbye.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to specify that you will see someone later, you can add the adverb αργότερα to the phrase to form τα λέμε αργότερα.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ta léme and the IPA is /ta‿ˈleme/.
Did you know?
- The word γεια in the farewell γεια χαρά shares a root with the English word 'hygiene'. It stems from the Ancient Greek word for 'health', making your goodbye a wish for the other person's well-being.
- While τα λέμε is a farewell, the word λέμε comes from the verb λέω, which is the same root used for the English word 'lexicon'.
- The phrase γεια χαρά combines two positive concepts: 'health' and 'joy'. It is an exceptionally upbeat way to part ways compared to the more neutral τα λέμε.
Examples in context
- Τα λέμε αργότερα, αλιγάτορα.See you later, alligator.The example shows how to use τα λέμε in a playful way.Tatoeba #11507879 by carlosalberto, translation #1324326 by Scott
- Τα λέμε μετά!See you later!This example demonstrates adding an adverb to τα λέμε to specify a time.Tatoeba #9213242 by Nylez, translation #360558 by Kazune
- Οκέι, τα λέμε αύριο στο σχολείο!Okay, see you tomorrow at school!
- Τα λέμε την επόμενη φορά.Ta leme tin epomeni fora.See you next time.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Dimitris are leaving a coffee shop.
- Μαρία MariaΜε πήρε ο χρόνος, τα λέμε!Me pire o chronos, ta leme!I'm out of time, see you later!
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕντάξει, Μαρία, τα λέμε.Entaxei, Maria, ta leme.Okay, Maria, see you.
- Μαρία MariaΓεια σου, Δημήτρη.Geia sou, Dimitri.Bye, Dimitris.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΓεια σου!Geia sou!Bye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “see you later” translations and entries τα λέμε, γεια χαρά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (γεια, χαρά) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, τα, τα λέμε, χαρά, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
