γεια σου
geia sou/ˈʝasu/
yassou is the Greek way to say hello or goodbye to one person.
This phrase is a versatile greeting used both when arriving to say hello and when leaving to say goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase γεια σου is a contraction that literally means health to you.
Which one should you use?
While γεια σου is the singular form used for one person, γεια σας is the version used when addressing multiple people or when you need to be formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, or when addressing a single person in a formal manner, you should use the plural or polite form γεια σας.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝasu/
Did you know?
- The greeting γεια σου shares its DNA with the English word 'hygiene'. Both stem from the same Ancient Greek root for health and well-being.
- In Greece, it is common to accompany γεια σου with a light kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left, when greeting friends or family.
- The word γεια is so versatile that it can function as a greeting, a farewell, and a way to get a stranger's attention, similar to 'excuse me'.
Examples in context
- Γεια σου, πώς είσαι;Ya sou, pos eisai;Hello, how are you?
- Γεια σου, θα τα πούμε!Ya sou, tha ta poume!Goodbye, see you later!
Example conversation
Nikos meets Kyriaki on the street.
- Νίκος NikosΓεια σου, Κυριακή!Ya sou, Kyriaki!Hello, Kyriaki!
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓεια σου, Νίκο!Ya sou, Niko!Hello, Nikos!
- Νίκος NikosΠώς είσαι σήμερα;Pos eisai simera;How are you today?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίμαι πολύ καλά, ευχαριστώ.Eimai poly kala, efcharisto.I am very well, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry γεια σου, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γεια, σου, CC BY-SA 4.0.
