πολύ καλά
polý kalá/poˈli kaˈla/word by word
The English phrase "very good" is translated into Greek as πολύ καλά (polý kalá).
πολύ καλά is an expression used to describe a high quality or to indicate that something is going well. It can also be used as an exclamation to express approval or to signal that a task has been completed successfully.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between using the phrase to describe an action versus describing a noun. Use πολύ καλά to describe how an action is performed (the adverbial use), whereas the neuter form πολύ καλό is used to describe the quality of a thing or a situation (the adjectival use).
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a thing or a situation (such as saying "It is very good"), use the neuter form πολύ καλό instead of the adverbial πολύ καλά.
How do you pronounce it?
polý kalá (/poˈli kaˈla/)
When do people say it?
When someone says Πολύ καλά!, they are often expressing approval or acknowledging that a task has been done successfully.
Did you know?
- Greek has a distinct way of expressing 'very good' through the phrase πολύ ωραία, which literally means 'very beautiful' but is used to agree with a plan.
- The root of πολύ is found in English words like 'polyglot' or 'polygon', which both use the Greek prefix for 'many'.
- Using πολύ καλά with a descending intonation can sometimes signal sarcasm, effectively meaning the opposite of 'very good'.
Examples in context
- Αυτός μιλά πολύ καλά κρεολικά.He speaks very good Creole.This sentence shows how to use πολύ καλά to describe how someone speaks a language.Tatoeba #3040148 by glavkos, translation #9341954 by Nylez
- Ο Τομ μιλάει πολύ καλά Γαλλικά.Tom speaks very good French.Tatoeba #5607070 by Zeus, translation #2451545 by CK
- Πολύ καλά!Very good!This sentence demonstrates using πολύ καλά as an exclamation of approval.Tatoeba #11136925 by carlosalberto, translation #5248433 by Jesse
- Το έργο που παρουσίασες ήταν πολύ καλό!The work you presented was very good!
- Έχεις εξαιρετικές ικανότητες στο πιάνο.You have excellent skills in playing the piano.
- Η συναυλία ήταν γαμάτη, καταπληκτικά περάσαμε!The concert was awesome, we had an amazing time!
- Το φαγητό σε αυτό το εστιατόριο είναι κορυφαίο!The food at this restaurant is top-notch!
Example conversation
Giorgos and Anastasia are discussing his recent performance at work.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠώς πήγε η παρουσίαση σήμερα;Pos pige i parousiasi simera;How did the presentation go today?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠήγε πολύ καλά, ο διευθυντής ήταν ευχαριστημένος.Pige poly kala, o diefthinis itan efcharistimenos.It went very good, the manager was pleased.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΜπράβο σου, σε συγχαρίνω.Bravo sou, se sincharino.Well done, I congratulate you.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Γιώργο.Efcharisto poly, Giorgo.Thank you very much, Giorgos.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (πολύ, καλά) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
