καλώς όρισες σπίτι
kalos orises spiti
The English phrase "welcome home" is translated into Greek as καλώς όρισες σπίτι (kalos orises spiti).
While καλώς όρισες σπίτι is an idiomatic way to welcome someone, you can also use other forms depending on the level of formality or the number of people you are addressing. If the context of arriving home is already understood, you can simply say καλώς όρισες to mean "welcome".
Meaning: welcome home (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase καλώς όρισες literally translates to "well you have appeared" or "it is good that you have arrived".
Which one should you use?
The phrase καλώς όρισες σπίτι is a specific idiomatic way to welcome someone, but καλώς ήρθες σπίτι is a more common, general way to say "welcome home" in an informal setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Greek verbs change based on who you are addressing. To say "welcome home" to more than one person or to use a polite/formal tone, you use καλώς ήρθατε σπίτι. For a single person in an informal setting, the common form is καλώς ήρθες σπίτι.
How do you pronounce it?
kalos orises spiti
Did you know?
- In Greece, welcoming someone is often accompanied by a kiss on both cheeks, starting with the right side.
- The Ancient Greek word οἶκος which was replaced by σπίτι survives today in English words like 'economy' and 'ecology'.
- The word σπίτι shares a common ancestor with the English word 'hospital' and the Latin 'hospitium', which originally related to the concept of providing lodgings or hospitality.
Examples in context
- Καλωσορίστε στο σπίτι σας! Φέραμε μια μικρή έκπληξη για να γιορτάσουμε την επιστροφή σαςWelcome home! We brought a little surprise to celebrate your return.
Example conversation
Kyriaki arrives home after a long day of work.
- Νίκος NikosΚαλώς όρισες σπίτι, Κυριακή!Kalós órises spíti, Kyriakí!Welcome home, Kyriaki!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ, Νίκο. Είμαι πολύ κουρασμένη.Efcharistó, Níko. Eímai polý kourasméni.Thank you, Nikos. I am very tired.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλεις ένα ποτήρι νερό;Thélis éna potíri neró?Do you want a glass of water?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, παρακαλώ.Nai, parakaló.Yes, please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καλώς, σπίτι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
