In Greek, the choice between formal and informal speech depends on the social context and the relationship between speakers. Understanding when and how to use these forms is essential for polite and effective communication. This lesson explains the differences and provides examples of formal and informal phrases.

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1. Key Differences Between Formal and Informal Speech

1. Pronouns:

   • Informal: Use εσύ (esý – you) for friends, family, or peers.
   • Formal: Use εσείς (esís – you, formal/plural) for strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

2. Verb Conjugation:

   • Informal: Verbs conjugate in the singular second-person form.
     Example: Πώς είσαι; (Pós íse? – How are you?)
   • Formal: Verbs conjugate in the plural second-person form.
     Example: Πώς είστε; (Pós íste? – How are you?)

3. Politeness:

   • Formal speech often includes titles like κύριε (kírie – Mr.) or κυρία (kiría – Mrs./Ms.).

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2. Common Formal and Informal Phrases

English	Informal	Formal
Hello	Γεια σου (Yiá sou)	Γεια σας (Yiá sas)
How are you?	Πώς είσαι; (Pós íse?)	Πώς είστε; (Pós íste?)
What is your name?	Πώς σε λένε; (Pós se léne?)	Πώς σας λένε; (Pós sas léne?)
Nice to meet you	Χάρηκα! (Chárika!)	Χάρηκα πολύ! (Chárika polí!)
Please	Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)	Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)
Thank you	Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)	Ευχαριστώ πολύ (Efcharistó polí)
Excuse me	Συγγνώμη (Signómi)	Συγγνώμη (Signómi)

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3. When to Use Formal or Informal Speech

1. Use Informal Speech:

   • With friends and family.
   • With children or people your age in casual settings.

2. Use Formal Speech:

   • When addressing elders or professionals.
   • In business, academic, or service-oriented situations.
   • When meeting someone for the first time, unless they indicate otherwise.

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4. Sample Conversations

Informal:

A: Γεια σου, Νίκο! Πώς είσαι;
(Yiá sou, Níko! Pós íse? – Hi, Niko! How are you?)

B: Καλά, ευχαριστώ! Εσύ;
(Kalá, efcharistó! Esý? – Fine, thank you! And you?)

A: Πολύ καλά, χάρηκα!
(Polý kalá, chárika! – Very well, nice to meet you!)

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Formal:

A: Καλημέρα σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε. Πώς είστε;
(Kaliméra sas, kírie Papadópoule. Pós íste? – Good morning, Mr. Papadopoulos. How are you?)

B: Είμαι καλά, ευχαριστώ πολύ. Εσείς;
(Íme kalá, efcharistó polí. Esís? – I’m fine, thank you very much. And you?)

A: Είμαι πολύ καλά, χάρηκα πολύ.
(Íme polý kalá, chárika polí. – I’m very well, very nice to meet you.)

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5. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the Phrases

Match the Greek phrases with their English translations:

1. Πώς είσαι;
2. Πώς είστε;
3. Γεια σας.
4. Χάρηκα πολύ.
   • a. How are you? (formal)
   • b. How are you? (informal)
   • c. Hello (formal)
   • d. Nice to meet you (formal)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct pronoun or verb:

1. ______ σας λένε; (What is your name? [formal])
2. Πώς ______; (How are you? [informal])

Exercise 3: Role Play

Practice introducing yourself in both formal and informal settings with a partner.

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6. Cultural Note

In Greek culture, people often start with formal speech when meeting someone new. If the conversation becomes friendly, it’s common to switch to informal speech, especially if the other person suggests it.