🧑🤝🧑 Formal vs Informal Greek: When to Use “εσύ” and “εσείς”

If you’ve started learning Greek, you’ve probably noticed that there are two ways to say “you”:

• εσύ (esý) – informal
• εσείς (eseís) – formal or plural

But when exactly should you use each one? Using the right level of formality is essential in Greek culture — it shows respect, friendliness, or familiarity depending on the situation.

Let’s break it down:

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✅ 1. Use “εσύ” (informal) when...

This is the singular and casual “you,” used with:

• Friends
• Family members
• Children
• Pets
• People your own age (especially if you've met before)
• In relaxed settings (cafés, bars, social media)

🗣️ Example:
Εσύ πώς σε λένε;
(Esý pós se léne?) – What’s your name?

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👔 2. Use “εσείς” (formal or plural) when...

a) Talking to more than one person

Just like English “you” can mean one person or many, Greek makes this clear:

• Εσείς = you (plural)

🗣️ Example:
Εσείς είστε Έλληνες;
(Eseís eíste Éllines?) – Are you Greeks?

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b) Showing respect or politeness

Use εσείς (formal) in these situations:

• With strangers
• With older people
• With professionals (doctors, teachers, police, etc.)
• In business or official settings
• When you want to be extra respectful
• 🗣️ Example:
  Πώς λέγεστε;
  (Pós légeste?) – What is your name? (formal)

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⚠️ What happens if you get it wrong?

Don’t worry — most Greeks are forgiving if you're learning.
But using “εσύ” with someone older or in a formal situation might come off as too casual or even rude.
When in doubt, start formal (εσείς) — and if the person tells you “Μπορούμε να μιλάμε στον ενικό” (We can speak informally), you can switch to “εσύ.”

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🧠 Pro Tip: Watch the verb endings!

“Εσύ” and “εσείς” need different verb forms:

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🎯 Final Tip:

When you meet someone new, especially if they’re older or in a professional role, start with εσείς. It’s safer and more respectful. Let them guide the tone from there.