Learning how to say hello in Greek is the first step to connecting with locals and experiencing the country’s warm, welcoming culture. From the bustling streets of Athens to the peaceful islands, greetings in Greek can vary depending on the time of day, level of formality, and who you’re speaking to.
Whether you’re planning a trip, making Greek friends, or simply exploring a new language, knowing the right greeting will help you make a great first impression and sound more authentic.
Say Hello in Greek
Let’s explore 15 different ways to say hello in Greek, complete with simple dialogues and cultural context, so you’ll sound both respectful and authentic.
15 phrases table for How to Say Hello in Greek
| Greek Greeting | Pronunciation | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Γειά σου | Ya sou | Hello (informal) | Used with friends, family, or people your age |
| Γειά σας | Ya sas | Hello (formal/plural) | Used in formal situations or when addressing multiple people |
| Καλημέρα | Kaliméra | Good morning | Morning greeting until noon |
| Καλησπέρα | Kalispéra | Good afternoon/evening | Used from afternoon until evening |
| Καληνύχτα | Kaliníkhta | Good night | Said before going to bed or leaving at night |
| Χαίρετε | Hérête | Greetings | Formal, polite hello |
| Τι κάνεις; | Ti káneis? | How are you? (informal) | Friendly greeting with inquiry |
| Τι κάνετε; | Ti kánete? | How are you? (formal) | Polite greeting in formal contexts |
| Όλα καλά; | Óla kalá? | Everything good? | Casual, friendly greeting |
| Χαρά μου | Hará mou | My joy | Very warm, affectionate greeting |
| Έλα | Éla | Come / Hi | Very casual, used among close friends |
| Καλώς ήρθες | Kalós írthes | Welcome (singular) | Greeting someone arriving |
| Καλώς ήρθατε | Kalós írthate | Welcome (plural/formal) | Formal welcome |
| Χρόνια και ζαμάνια | Hróniá kai zamánia | Long time no see | Friendly, for someone you haven’t met in a while |
| Καλό απόγευμα | Kaló apóyevma | Good afternoon | Wishing someone a pleasant afternoon |
1. Γειά σου (Yia sou) – “Hello” (informal)
Origin:
“Γειά” (Yia) comes from the word “υγεία” (ygeía), meaning “health.” It’s a wish for good health.
Example:
👤 User A: Γειά σου, Μαρία!
👤 User B: Γειά σου, Νίκο! Τι κάνεις;
Use: Informal; for friends, peers, or people your age.
2. Γειά σας (Yia sas) – “Hello” (formal or plural)
Origin:
This is the polite or plural version of “Yia sou.” “Sas” means “your” in a formal or plural way.
Example:
👤 User A: Γειά σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.
👤 User B: Γειά σας. Πώς είστε;
Use: Formal or when addressing more than one person.
3. Χαίρετε (Cherete) – “Greetings” or “Be well”
Origin:
Comes from the Greek word “χαρά” (chara), meaning “joy.” It’s like saying “be joyful.”
Example:
👤 User A: Χαίρετε! Είμαι ο Ανδρέας.
👤 User B: Χαίρετε! Χάρηκα πολύ.
Use: Formal or polite; often used in shops or professional settings.
4. Καλημέρα (Kalimera) – “Good morning”
Origin:
From “καλός” (good) + “ημέρα” (day). Used to wish someone a good day in the morning hours.
Example:
👤 User A: Καλημέρα, Άννα!
👤 User B: Καλημέρα! Ξύπνησες νωρίς σήμερα.
Use: Used until about noon.
5. Καλησπέρα (Kalispera) – “Good evening”
Origin:
“Καλή” (good) + “σπέρα” (evening). A greeting for the late afternoon and evening hours.
Example:
👤 User A: Καλησπέρα, παιδιά!
👤 User B: Καλησπέρα! Τι κάνετε;
Use: From late afternoon to nightfall.
6. Καληνύχτα (Kalinikhta) – “Good night” (as a goodbye)
Origin:
Used to wish someone a good night, mostly when parting ways in the evening.
Example:
👤 User A: Καληνύχτα, μαμά.
👤 User B: Καληνύχτα, παιδί μου. Όνειρα γλυκά.
Use: As a farewell at night.
7. Έλα (Ela) – “Hey” or “Come here”
Origin:
Literally means “come,” but used like “Hey!” or “What’s up?” among close friends.
Example:
👤 User A: Έλα ρε! Πού χάθηκες;
👤 User B: Έλα! Εδώ είμαι!
Use: Informal and friendly; common in casual speech.
8. Τι κάνεις; (Ti kaneis?) – “How are you?” (informal greeting)
Origin:
Literally means “What are you doing?” but used as a greeting.
Example:
👤 User A: Γειά σου, Γιώργο! Τι κάνεις;
👤 User B: Καλά, εσύ;
Use: Friendly and informal; part of everyday conversation.
9. Τι κάνετε; (Ti kanete?) – “How are you?” (formal)
Origin:
The polite version of “Ti kaneis?”
Example:
👤 User A: Καλημέρα, γιατρέ! Τι κάνετε;
👤 User B: Πολύ καλά, ευχαριστώ.
Use: Formal and respectful.
10. Πώς πάει; (Pos paei?) – “How’s it going?”
Origin:
Slang or casual phrase literally asking “How is it going?”
Example:
👤 User A: Πώς πάει, φίλε;
👤 User B: Όλα καλά, εσύ;
Use: Informal; great among friends or younger people.
11. Όλα καλά; (Ola kala?) – “All good?”
Origin:
A quick check-in greeting meaning “Everything good?”
Example:
👤 User A: Όλα καλά;
👤 User B: Ναι, μια χαρά!
Use: Casual and conversational.
12. Καλώς ήρθες (Kalos irthes) – “Welcome” (singular)
Origin:
Means “You came well.” Used when someone arrives.
Example:
👤 User A: Καλώς ήρθες στο σπίτι μου!
👤 User B: Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Use: When greeting someone who just arrived.
13. Καλώς ήρθατε (Kalos irthate) – “Welcome” (plural or formal)
Origin:
Formal version of “Kalos irthes.”
Example:
👤 User A: Καλώς ήρθατε, κύριοι.
👤 User B: Ευχαριστούμε πολύ!
Use: Formal or used for a group of people.
14. Χαιρετίσματα (Cheretísmata) – “Greetings” (literally)
Origin:
From the word “χαίρετε,” often used to pass on greetings.
Example:
👤 User A: Χαιρετίσματα στην οικογένεια!
👤 User B: Θα τους τα δώσω! Ευχαριστώ!
Use: Polite, used when leaving or sending regards.
15. Αλό (Alo) – “Hello” on the phone
Origin:
Borrowed from the international phone greeting “Allo,” often used when answering calls.
Example:
👤 User A: Αλό; Ποιος είναι;
👤 User B: Εγώ είμαι, ο Κώστας!
Use: Only used when answering the phone.
FAQs:
1. What is the most common way to say hello in Greek?
The most common greeting is “Γειά σου” (Ya sou) for informal situations and “Γειά σας” (Ya sas) for formal or plural situations.
2. What is the difference between “Ya sou” and “Ya sas”?
“Ya sou” is used with friends, family, or peers, while “Ya sas” is polite and used with strangers, elders, or multiple people.
3. Are there other ways to say hello in Greek?
Yes! You can also say “Καλημέρα” (Kalimera – Good morning), “Καλησπέρα” (Kalispera – Good evening), or “Χαίρετε” (Chaírete – Formal hello).
4. Can I use “Ya sou” in text messages?
Absolutely! “Ya sou” is casual and commonly used in texting, chatting, and informal online conversations.
5. How do Greeks greet someone politely in formal situations?
Use “Γειά σας” (Ya sas) or “Χαίρετε” (Chaírete) to show respect and politeness.
6. Can I use gestures when saying hello in Greek?
Yes! A smile, handshake, or cheek kiss (depending on context) is often added when greeting someone.
7. Is “Kalimera” used all day in Greece?
No. “Kalimera” is typically used in the morning, while “Kalispera” is used in the evening.
8. Can I combine English and Greek when saying hello?
Yes! Saying “Hi! Ya sou!” is casual and friendly among bilingual speakers.
9. How do I greet multiple people at once?
Use “Ya sas” when greeting a group of people to be polite and inclusive.
10. Are there regional variations in greetings across Greece?
Minor differences exist, but “Ya sou” and “Ya sas” are universally understood throughout Greece.
Conclusion:
Mastering how to say hello in Greek is more than just learning a phrase—it’s about embracing a culture known for its warmth, hospitality, and genuine connections. Whether you greet someone with a casual “Γεια σου” (Yia sou) or a more formal “Καλημέρα” (Kaliméra), your effort will be appreciated and remembered. Start practicing today, and you’ll find that even a simple hello can open doors to conversations, friendships, and unforgettable experiences in Greece.
