
The phrase 'how are you' can be translated to greek in two different ways. The most common way to say it is Πώς είσαι; which translates to “How are you?” Alternatively, you could say Τι πάει; which is informal and literally means "What's going on?"
In Greece, the primary language used for polite conversation or formal introductions is Greek. If you're trying to converse with someone in a friendly setting or start a polite conversation, using the former translation of “How are you?” would be best. On the other hand, if someone starts off by saying “Τι πάει;” then feel free to respond in kind with an informal reply like "Good, how about yourself?".
Using either phrase will ensure that people understand your efforts to speak Greek and welcome your attempts at conversing with them. In Greek culture, politeness and etiquette come first so any effort made towards speaking their language will be appreciated!
How do you say good morning in Greek?
Good morning in Greek is translated to Kalimera. This phrase is used across the modern Greek language and can be used both formally and informally, just like how we use “good morning” in English. It is an expression of joy and gratitude that people say to each other when they first see each other in the morning or at any time during the day.
Another version of ‘good morning’ that can be used interchangeably with Kalimera in Greek is kali mera sas (καλημέρα σας). This version has a slightly more formal tone than just saying Kalimera alone—it literally translates to “Good Morning To You.” It grants more respect than saying just good morning, making it appropriate for use among strangers or from a child addressing their elders as well as friends you wish to greet courteously.
When someone wishes you a good morning in Greece, it isn't necessarily an invitation for conversation—more likely, a polite way for someone to acknowledge your presence; but if you are feeling chatty, simply return the greeting with an equally cheerful response! Saying "Kalimera!" back will let whoever greeted you know that you appreciate them sharing such pleasant words with you!
Here's an interesting read: When I Say I Love You More?
How do you say thank you in Greek?
If you want to say “thank you” in Greek, the phrase you'll want to use is "Efcharistó." It literally translates to “I am grateful," but is used as a way of expressing appreciation and gratitude. This phrase can be used anytime someone does something nice for us or we are simply thankful for something. It doesn’t necessarily have to be spoken after a favor has been done either - it can also be used just out of courtesy or politeness!
In addition, if you are looking for more ways to express your gratitude in Greek, there are several phrases that may be more appropriate than "Efharistó" depending on the situation. For example:
• One of the most commonly used alternative phrases towards someone we care about is "Kali Chara" which translates to something like “good luck with joy.”
• If you want to emphasize the fact that what has been done really means a lot, try saying "Parakalo efxaristo," which literally means “please thank you” or “with pleasure thank you".
• Another useful phrase can also be said when receiving thanks from another person – Ευχαριστώ σας --this literally translates into ‘Thank You To You.' PLUS this typically denotes respect and deep gratitude towards someone else's kind gestures.
If this caught your attention, see: How Do You Say Thank You in Greek?
How do you say please in Greek?
If you’re looking for a polite way to get someone’s attention or ask for something in Greek, the word you should use is “parakalo.” It literally translates to “I implore (or beg) you,” which expresses politeness while also conveying that you really do need the person’s cooperation. This can be used when asking questions and making requests, so drop it into any sentence that would normally include “please.”
For example, if we wanted to say "Can you please help me?" in Greek it would be: "Parakalo voithisame?"
When used as a response or exclamation of approval such as "Yes please!" or "Thank you very much!", Greeks might say: "Nai parakaló" ("Yes [I beg/implore]") or "Efxaristo poli parakaló" ("Thank you very much [I implore]"). And finally, if someone is politely declining an offer with expressions like “No thank-you," they might use: Ochi efcharisto poli para kalo ("No thank [I implore]").
Now that we know how to say please in Greek – Parákalo!
How do you say goodbye in Greek?
If you are looking to say goodbye in Greek, you have come to the right place. The traditional way of saying goodbye in Greek is "Ya’sou" which translates directly to “be well” or "farewell" and can be used interchangeably. This phrase is very commonly used between close relatives and friends when parting ways, and many Greeks perceive it as a sign of caring for the person they are talking to.
It is also common for Greeks to use the word “Adio” when saying goodbye. It might be considered a more casual way of departing than ‘ya'sou', but still conveys affection for the other person. For example, if two people are close friends or family members, they could say either ‘ya'sou' or 'adio' on their way out- but because there is such a strong emphasis placed on being polite and respectful in Greek culture; it would not be unusual if one replies with 'ya'sou' while the other says 'adio'.
Another popular farewell expression in Greece is ‘Ta leme’ which literally translates as "let us go". Though this phrase has its roots deeply embedded within ancient Greek culture (the term was first documented in classic tragedies like Achilles Expressing his Leave Taking by Euripides), it remains to this day one of the most widely used expressions among modern Greeks when parting ways with someone they care about.
Finally, if you happen to live near an area where Cretan-style Greek is spoken you may hear people saying “ta herizo bori mas," which translates directly into English as "may we part well." This might seem like an oddly formal expression at first glance - however depending upon how close others are with whom you're speaking too; this could easily be seen as another warm gesture that reflects your good nature towards them!
How do you say my name is in Greek?
My name is, or Greek “Το ονομα μου ειναι”. The literal translation of this phrase is “the name of me is”. This phrase can be used both when introducing yourself to someone and telling them your name, as well as when simply referring to yourself in third person. For example, if your name was Mary you could say “Το ονομα μου ειναι Maria” which would mean “my name is Mary”.
In addition to using “Το ονομα μου ειναι” for introducing yourself or referring to yourself, there are other ways you can ask or answer the question about one's own name in Greek. Instead of saying the full phrase, you could also just say:
"τι τ' onoma sou?", which can mean "what is your (Greek)name?". To respond you would then say "to onoma mou einai +[name], and it translates directly in English to "my name is....."
It's important to note that Greeks often use the inflectional form τω instead of τo so the phrase could also be said as ''τω onomati mou einai +[name]''. Other use variations such as ''πως se lene"'for 'what people call you?' and ''me lene.. +[name]" for 'I'm called....'. All these variations are generally accepted across Greek-speaking populations and can come in handy if ever visiting Greece!
How do you say excuse me in Greek?
If you're traveling to Greece, you might need to ask someone for help and want to be polite. How do you say “excuse me” in Greek?
The two most common ways of saying "Excuse me" in Greek are "Parakaló" and "Signomi".
Parakaló is the polite way of asking for assistance, as it denotes respect for the person being addressed. It comes from the verb parakalein, which means ‘to ask’ or ‘to beg’. It can also be used when interrupting someone or getting their attention. For example: Parakaló, mou lete pou eine i átopos diatirisi? (Excuse me, can you tell me where is the nearest ATM?)
Signomi is a more casual way of asking for help and carries less politeness than Parakaló. However, it is still used mainly in hospitality settings like restaurants or hotels when addressing an employee or getting their attention. For example: Signomi pou sas kani tin paraitisis? (Excuse me can I have a receipt please?)
It's important to note that these words are gender-specific in Ancient Greek - Paracalo was masculine and Signomon was feminine - so if your gender isn't known then default to Paracalo which works regardless of who you're addressing!
Sources
- https://www.arnabee.com/how-to-say-good-morning-in-greek/
- https://hinative.com/questions/2572292
- https://www.650.org/en/how-to/how-to-say-thank-you-in-greek
- https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the/greek-word-for-4bfe46a79d38aba1480cd5d9466beb9111895bf2.html
- https://hinative.com/questions/14495326
- https://www.greekpod101.com/blog/2021/01/08/goodbye-in-greek/
- https://greecetravelideas.com/basic-greek-phrases-for-tourists/
- http://www.languages-of-the-world.org/YourNameIn/Greek.html
- https://www.tripsavvy.com/kalimera-good-morning-in-greece-1525966
- https://hinative.com/questions/3009364
- https://www.lingalot.com/how-are-you-in-greek/
- https://hinative.com/questions/7238264
- https://learngreekwithme.com/how-to-say-excuse-me-in-greek/
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