Greetings are an essential part of communication in any language. In Greek, greetings vary depending on the time of day and the level of formality. This lesson introduces the most common Greek greetings, helping you start conversations with confidence.

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1. Common Greek Greetings

General Greetings:

• Γεια σου! (Yiá sou! – Hello! [informal])
• Γεια σας! (Yiá sas! – Hello! [formal or plural])
• Καλημέρα! (Kaliméra! – Good morning!)
• Καλησπέρα! (Kalispéra! – Good evening!)
• Καληνύχτα! (Kaliníhta! – Good night!)

Saying Goodbye:

• Αντίο! (Adío! – Goodbye!)
• Τα λέμε! (Ta léme! – See you!)

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2. Pronunciation Guide

• Γεια (Yiá): Pronounced like “yah,” a versatile word for both “Hi” and “Bye.”
• Καλημέρα (Kaliméra): Emphasize the third syllable, “mé.”
• Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra): Stress the “pé” syllable.
• Καληνύχτα (Kaliníhta): Stress the “ní” syllable.

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3. Formal vs. Informal Greetings

• Use Γεια σου for friends, family, and people your age.
• Use Γεια σας for strangers, elders, or groups to show respect.

Examples:

• Informal: Γεια σου, Νίκο! (Yiá sou, Níko! – Hi, Niko!)
• Formal: Καλημέρα σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε! (Kaliméra sas, kírie Papadópoule! – Good morning, Mr. Papadopoulos!)

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4. Cultural Note

Greeks often greet with a smile and, in informal settings, a light cheek kiss or handshake. Eye contact is appreciated in friendly interactions.

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5. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the Greeting

Match the following Greek greetings with their English meanings:

1. Καλημέρα
2. Γεια σου
3. Καληνύχτα
4. Αντίο
   • a. Good morning
   • b. Goodbye
   • c. Hello
   • d. Good night

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following greetings:

• Καλη________! (morning)
• ______ σας! (Hello, formal)

Exercise 3: Practice Dialogue

Practice saying hello and goodbye:

• A: Καλησπέρα! Πώς είσαι; (Kalispéra! Pós íse? – Good evening! How are you?)
• B: Καλά, ευχαριστώ! Αντίο! (Kalá, efcharistó! Adío! – Fine, thank you! Goodbye!)

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Fun Fact

The word Γεια (Yiá) comes from υγεία (ygeía), meaning “health.” It’s a wish for good health when you greet or bid farewell to someone.