How to Say “Who Are You?” in Greek: Formal and Informal

Learning how to say “Who are you?” is one of the fundamental phrases you should have in your Greek language repertoire. Whether you’re planning a trip to Greece, want to connect with Greek speakers, or simply have an interest in the language, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to ask this question in Greek, along with some tips, examples, and even a sprinkle of regional variations.

1. Formal Ways to Say “Who Are You?” in Greek

When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as in business or to show respect to an elder or authority figure, you can use the following phrases to ask “Who are you?”:

• Ποιος είστε; (Poios eíste?)
• Ποιά είστε; (Poia eíste?) (used when addressing a woman)

The phrase “Ποιος είστε;” is the most common and straightforward way to ask “Who are you?” in a formal manner. The verb “είστε” (eíste) is the second-person plural form of the verb “είμαι” (eímai), meaning “to be.” Remember, when speaking formally, use the plural form of the verb.

Here’s an example of using the formal phrase:

Τουρίστας: Καλημέρα, ποιος είστε εσείς;
(Tourístas: Kaliméra, poios eíste esís?)
(Tourist: Good morning, who are you?)

Ξενοδόχος: Είμαι ο διευθυντής του ξενοδοχείου.
(Xenodóchos: Eímai o diethýntis tou xenodoxeíou.)
(Hotel Manager: I am the hotel manager.)

Remember to listen attentively and respond accordingly when someone addresses you formally.

2. Informal Ways to Say “Who Are You?” in Greek

In informal contexts, such as when talking to friends, family, or peers, you can use the following expressions to ask “Who are you?”:

• Ποιος είσαι; (Poios eísai?)
• Ποια είσαι; (Poia eísai?) (used when addressing a woman)

The phrases “Ποιος είσαι;” and “Ποια είσαι;” are the informal versions of the question. Use them when speaking to friends, family, or in casual situations.

Let’s see an example of using the informal phrasing:

Φίλος: Χαίρετε, ποιος είσαι;
(Fílos: Chaírete, poios eísai?)
(Friend: Hello, who are you?)

Εγώ: Είμαι η Μαρία, η φίλη του Παύλου.
(Egó: Eímai i María, i fíli tou Pávlou.)
(Me: I am Maria, Paul’s friend.)

While the aforementioned phrases cover the standard ways to ask “Who are you?” in Greek, it’s worth noting that the variations across different regions of Greece exist. However, these variations are not commonly used and tend to differ more in pronunciation and accent than in terms of the actual question asked.

3. Additional Tips for Asking “Who Are You?” in Greek

Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when using these phrases:

• Pay attention to formal vs. informal situations: Always assess the context to determine whether to use formal or informal language.
• Use the appropriate form of the verb: When speaking formally, use the second-person plural form “είστε” (eíste). In informal situations, switch to the second-person singular form “είσαι” (eísai).
• Differentiate gender: When addressing a woman, use the feminine form of the verb, typically ending in -α (-a), as shown in “Ποια είσαι;” (Poia eísai?).

By following these tips, you’ll be able to confidently ask “Who are you?” in Greek while respecting the cultural and formal conventions.

4. Conclusion

Learning how to ask “Who are you?” in Greek is an essential step in your language journey. Whether you’re communicating formally or informally, now you have the tools to navigate various situations. Remember to adapt your language based on the context and be mindful of regional variations in pronunciation and accent.

So go ahead and confidently ask “Ποιος είστε;” or “Ποιος είσαι;” next time you find yourself in need of knowing someone’s identity in Greece!