Πώς σε λένε;
Pos se lene?
To ask "what is your name?" in Greek, say Πώς σε λένε.
Πώς σε λένε is the usual way to ask someone their name when speaking to a child, a peer or anyone in a casual setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "How do they call you?"
Which one should you use?
Πώς σας λένε is the version for formal situations or for asking a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask politely or to ask more than one person, change the pronoun σε to σας.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced Pos se lene?
When do people say it?
To answer, say Με λένε… followed by your name. It literally means "They call me…"
Did you know?
- In Greek, your identity is not something you 'possess' like a name, but something 'done' to you. By using the verb 'call' instead of 'to be', you are saying your name is a label others use to identify you.
- The pronoun σε is a linguistic descendant of the Ancient Greek word εἰς, which originally meant 'into' or 'towards'.
- In very formal or traditional settings, such as meeting a high-ranking official, Greeks may avoid asking for a name directly and instead use a title and surname to maintain social distance.
Examples in context
- Καλημέρα! Πως σας λένε;Good morning! What is your name?
- Συγχαρητήρια για τη δουλειά σας. Πως σας λένε;Congratulations on your work. What is your name?
- Γεια σου! Πως σε λένε;Hi! What is your name?
- Έχω ακούσει πολλά για σένα. Πως σε λένε;I've heard a lot about you. What is your name?
- Έχεις το ίδιο όνομα με τον φίλο μου. Πως σε λέγουν;You have the same name as my friend. What is your name?
- Πώς σε λένε;Pós se léne;What is your name?
- Με συγχωρείς, πώς σε λένε;Me sinchoreís, pós se léne;Excuse me, what is your name?
Example conversation
Maria and Giorgos meet for the first time at a party.
- Μαρία MariaΓεια! Πώς σε λένε;Geia! Pos se lene?Hi! What is your name?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΜε λένε Γιώργο. Εσένα;Me lene Giorgo. Esena?My name is Giorgos. And you?
- Μαρία MariaΕίμαι η Μαρία. Χάρηκα!Eimai i Maria. Harika!I am Maria. Nice to meet you!
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕπίσης, Μαρία!Episis, Maria!Likewise, Maria!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries πώς, σε, CC BY-SA 4.0.
