How to say "Hello" in Greek

It is reasonable to consider Geia as a good translation for "Hi" and (singular) Geia sou (plural or formal) Geia sas as good translations for "Hello".

In this article we will explore all the common ways Greek speakers greet each other.

Generally

At the most fundamental level, "Hello" (or "Hi") in Greek is Geia / Γεια. Geia would typically be used in informal settings.

IBL Contributor, Ioanna T., speaks Geia:

Other phrases that directly translate into "Hello" and are commonly spoken amongst Greek speakers are:

Geia sou / Γεια σου — This greeting is used only in singular, informal settings.

Geia sas / Γεια σας — This greeting is used in plural or formal settings. E.g., You could use this greeting to a group of friends (informal setting) or towards one person in a formal setting.

In translating Greek, it is reasonable to consider Geia as a good translation for "Hi" and (singular) Geia sou (plural or formal) Geia sas as good translations for "Hello".

Ioanna pronounces Geia sou:

Ioanna pronounces Geia sas:

Very formally

In a more formal setting, where the speaker doesn't know the interlocutor or interlocutors well (this can include via email too), the word Xairetai / Χαίρεται is used. This word, Xairetai, is akin to the words Greetings or Salutations, that you may occasionally see in emails.

Ioanna pronounces Xairetai:

In the mornings

In the morning, the most common way that Greek speakers greet each other is with the word Kalimera / Καλημέρα. This greeting translates into English as "Good morning".

Technically, this greeting should be used until 12pm, but in practice, it's common to hear this greeting up until 1 or 2pm. And like in English, if someone gets out of bed late (like at 1:30pm) it can commonly be heard as a joke. (Referring that it's still morning for the person that just woke up)

Ioanna pronounces Kalimera:

In the afternoons

In the afternoons, the most common way that Greek speakers greet one another is with the word Kalispera / Καλησπέρα. This greeting translates into English as "Good evening".

This greeting can be spoken anytime in the afternoon or evening. (E.g., Arriving at an event or party at 11pm, this greeting can even be used)

Ioanna pronounces Kalispera:

As a joke

In Greek, there is a greeting Geia xarantan / Γεια χαραντάν. Culturally, Manges/ Μάγκες are what has been described by a Greek person as a "tough guy". It was common for this "tough guy" personality to use this phrase (Geia xarantan) as a greeting or farewell.  (There is the notion that Xarantan is a derivative of Turkish, and the word came into Greek during a period of previous population migration / immigration in western Anatolia and the eastern Greek islands) And overtime, it became common for Greek speakers to use this phrase if they are in a jubilant mood about something. (As in they want to voice what they are ecstatic about)

The phrase Geia xarantan is most often used as a farewell but is commonly used as a greeting as well.

Ioanna pronounces Geia xarantan:

In general

Above we've covered seven common greetings in Greek, covering general, time-specific and cultural-oriented greetings. Ithaca Bound Languages is actively documenting the Greek language. At the time of this writing the project has over 800 pages (with recordings) and over 4000 translated statements of Greek. Here is the full catalogue of Greek to assist you with learning this classic language—IBL: Greek.

Kali mera na exeis! (Have a good day!)

As always, we wish you a marvellous journey.