εσύ τι λέει
esy ti leei
The English phrase "what about you" can be translated into Greek as εσύ τι λέει (esy ti leei).
This phrase is used to ask for another person's opinion or current status after answering a similar question.
Which one should you use?
While εσύ τι λέει is a full phrase for "what about you", you can also use the single word Εσείς. for a formal "you?" or the informal Εσύ. for "you?" to achieve a similar effect in conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
esy ti leei
Did you know?
- The phrase τι λέει literally translates to 'what does it say', treating the current situation or the other person's status as a story that is being told.
- The word εσύ is a distant relative of the English word 'thou', as both can be traced back to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- If you use the phrase to ask for news, τι λέει functions almost like the English slang 'what's up' or 'what's the word'.
Examples in context
- Καλά ευχαριστώ! Εσείς;I'm fine, thank you! And you?
- Πολύ καλά, εσύ;Very well, what about you?
Example conversation
Nikos and Kyriaki meet on the street.
- Νίκος NikosΓεια σου Κυριακή! Εσύ τι λέει;Geia sou Kyriáki! Esý ti léei;Hello Kyriaki! What about you (how are you)?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΌλα καλά, Νίκο. Εσύ τι λέει;Óla kalá, Níko. Esý ti léei;All good, Nikos. What about you?
- Νίκος NikosΕίμαι κουρασμένος από τη δουλειά.Eímai kourasménos apó ti douleiá.I am tired from work.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΛυπάμαι πολύ για αυτό.Lypámai polý gia aftó.I am very sorry about that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries εσύ, τι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
