9+ Ways How to Say Hello in Greek | Polite and Casual Greetings Explained

Have you ever wanted to greet someone in Greek but weren’t sure where to start? 

Learning how to say hello in Greek is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to make new friends or show respect to locals when traveling. 

Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Athens or chatting with a Greek friend online, knowing the right greetings can open doors. 

In this guide, we’ll cover formal and informal ways to say hello, give you pronunciation tips, and even introduce some follow-up phrases so you can sound natural and confident. 

Let’s dive in and make your Greek greetings shine! ✨

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Basic Ways to Say Hello in Greek

The most common greeting in Greek is simple yet versatile:

Γειά σου | Pronunciation: Ya sou
Use this for informal situations, like greeting a friend or someone younger than you.

Γειά σας | Pronunciation: Ya sas
This is the formal version or when addressing a group. Think of it like saying “hello” politely to strangers or elders.

Just like in English, you pick your greeting depending on who you’re talking to. Using the wrong level of formality might feel awkward, so it’s good to know both!

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Fun Variations for Different Times of Day

Greek has some time-specific greetings too:

• Καλημέρα | Pronunciation: Kali-mera 🌞
  Meaning “Good morning.” Use it until around noon.
  
• Καλησπέρα | Pronunciation: Kali-spera 🌆
  “Good evening.” Perfect for afternoon or evening encounters.
  
• Καληνύχτα | Pronunciation: Kali-nih-ta 🌙
  “Good night.” Typically said when leaving someone at night or going to bed.
  

These greetings show that you’re paying attention to context, which Greeks really appreciate.

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How to Use Greetings Naturally

When greeting someone in Greek, it’s common to add a smile or a nod. For friends or family, a light cheek kiss is often used in social situations. Remember, tone and body language matter as much as words!

Let’s look at another example:

• Γειά σου Μαρία! (Ya sou Maria!) – “Hello, Maria!”
  Adding a name makes it feel warmer and more personal.
  

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Common Follow Up Phrases

After saying hello, you might want to keep the conversation going. Here are a few essentials:

Greek Phrase	Pronunciation	Meaning
Τι κάνεις;	Ti kanees?	How are you? (informal)
Τι κάνετε;	Ti kanete?	How are you? (formal/plural)
Αντίο	Adio	Goodbye
Τα λέμε	Ta leme	See you later / Talk to you soon

Using these phrases will make your greetings feel complete and authentic.

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Cultural Notes

• Greeks love using gestures alongside greetings. A friendly smile or slight nod often accompanies Γειά σου / Γειά σας.
  
• Time of day matters: using Καλημέρα at 9 PM might confuse locals, so stick to morning or evening rules.
  
• Informal greetings are very common among young people, while older generations usually appreciate the formal Γειά σας.
  

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Quick Mini Vocabulary Recap

• Γειά σου (Ya sou) – Hello (informal)
  
• Γειά σας (Ya sas) – Hello (formal/plural)
  
• Καλημέρα (Kali-mera) – Good morning
  
• Καλησπέρα (Kali-spera) – Good evening
  
• Καληνύχτα (Kali-nih-ta) – Good night
  

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to say hello in Greek, practice these phrases daily. Try greeting friends, family, or even yourself in the mirror 😄. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel. Remember, a smile goes a long way with any greeting. Soon you’ll be chatting like a local and impressing everyone with your Greek skills!