hello
/ʝaˈsas/
"Γεια σας" is the standard way to greet people in Greek. It is a contraction of "υγεία σε σας," which literally translates to "health to you." When you use this phrase, imagine you are wishing someone well-being and vitality as a way of opening a conversation. This version is the plural or formal form, used when addressing a group of people, an elder, or someone you do not know well. If you are speaking to a friend or a peer, you would use the singular "γεια σου" instead. It is appropriate for both morning and evening interactions.
In conversation
Entering a shop
Γεια σας!
Hello!
Γεια σας, πώς μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω;
Hello, how can I help you?
A polite and common way to initiate a transaction.
Meeting colleagues
Γεια σας παιδιά!
Hello guys!
Γεια σας! Έτοιμοι για τη συνάντηση;
Hello! Ready for the meeting?
Even among colleagues, the plural form is used to address the group.
Examples
Γεια σας, τι κάνετε;
/ʝaˈsas, ti ˈkanete/
Hello, how are you?
Γεια σας, ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη βοήθεια.
/ʝaˈsas, efxaˈristo poˈli ʝa ti voˈiθia/
Hello, thank you very much for the help.
Καλημέρα, γεια σας σε όλους τους παρευρισκόμενους.
/kaˈlimera, ʝaˈsas se ˈolous tus parevrisˈkomenus/
Good morning, hello to all those present.
