goodbye
/aˈdio/
The word "αντίο" (antío) is the standard way to say goodbye in Greek. It carries a sense of finality or a formal farewell, though it is used frequently in daily life. Think of it as a respectful way to signal that you are parting ways with someone, whether for the rest of the day or for a longer period. While "αντίο" is universally understood, Greeks often use "γεια" (ya) for casual, everyday goodbyes among friends and family. "Αντίο" feels slightly more deliberate, making it perfect for when you want to be polite or when you are leaving a situation where a simple "hi/bye" (ya) might feel too informal.
In conversation
Leaving a shop
Ευχαριστώ πολύ, καλή συνέχεια!
Thank you very much, have a good day!
Παρακαλώ, αντίο σας!
You're welcome, goodbye!
'Αντίο σας' is the polite form used with strangers.
Parting at the station
Πρέπει να φύγω, το τρένο μου φεύγει σε λίγο.
I have to go, my train is leaving soon.
Κατάλαβα. Αντίο, τα λέμε σύντομα!
I understand. Goodbye, see you soon!
It is common to pair 'αντίο' with other phrases like 'see you soon'.
Examples
Αντίο, θα σε δω αύριο.
/aˈdio, θa se ðo avˈʝiro/
Goodbye, I will see you tomorrow.
Ήρθε η ώρα να πούμε αντίο.
/ˈirθe i ˈora na ˈpume aˈdio/
The time has come for us to say goodbye.
Ένα τελευταίο αντίο πριν το μεγάλο ταξίδι.
/ˈena teˈlevteo aˈdio prin to meˈɣalo taˈksiði/
One last goodbye before the big trip.
