Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| καλώς ήρθατε | kalós írthate | plural | |
| καλώς ορίσατε | kalós orísate | /kalosoˈɾisate/ | |
| καλώς όρισες | kalós órises | /kalosˈoɾises/ | |
| καλώς ήρθες | kalós írthes |
These phrases are used as a greeting when someone arrives. If you wish to describe the act of welcoming someone as a noun, you can use υποδοχή or καλωσόρισμα. To express the action of welcoming or greeting an arrival as a verb, use υποδέχομαι or καλωσορίζω.
What does it mean word for word?
The word καλώς in these expressions literally means 'well' or 'good'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on whether you are addressing one person or multiple people, and the level of formality. καλώς ήρθες is used for one person you know well. In contrast, καλώς ήρθατε is used when welcoming more than one person or one person you wish to address formally. While καλώς ήρθατε focuses on the act of 'coming', καλώς ορίσατε is a slightly more traditional or formal way to say 'welcome' upon arrival.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kalós írthate
Did you know?
- The phrase καλώς ορίσατε uses a verb that historically relates to setting boundaries or defining a place, suggesting the guest has now entered a defined home or space.
- In Greece, it is common to accompany a welcome greeting with a physical gesture such as a hug or a double kiss on the cheeks, regardless of whether καλώς ήρθατε or καλώς ήρθες is used.
- While καλώς ήρθατε is used for arrivals, Greeks often use the phrase καλή σας της ημέρα to welcome someone into a shop or office during the day, blending 'welcome' with 'good day'.
Examples in context
- Καλώς ήρθες στη Βοστώνη.Welcome to Boston.This sentence uses καλώς ήρθες to welcome someone to a city.Tatoeba #5607853 by Zeus, translation #1898041 by CK
- Καλώς όρισες στην Ιαπωνία.Welcome to Japan.This sentence uses καλώς όρισες to welcome someone to a country.Tatoeba #5487157 by Zeus, translation #281616 by CN
- Καλώς ήρθες στην Αυστραλία.Welcome to Australia.This sentence uses καλώς ήρθες to welcome someone to a country.Tatoeba #5604594 by Zeus, translation #2254495 by CK
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A host greets a group of friends at a housewarming party.
- Μαρία MariaΚαλώς ήρθατε στο σπίτι μου!Kalós írthate sto spíti mou!Welcome to my home!
- Κώστας KostasΕυχαριστούμε πολύ, Μαρία.Efcharistoúme polý, María.Thank you very much, Maria.
- Μαρία MariaΕίστε όλοι καλεσμένοι στο τραπέζι.Eíste óloi kalesménoi sto trapézi.You are all invited to the table.
- Κώστας KostasΕίσαι πολύ ευγενική, Μαρία.Eíse polý evgenikí, María.You are very kind, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “welcome” translations and entries καλώς ήρθατε, καλώς ορίσατε, καλώς όρισες, καλώς ήρθες, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
