If you're learning Greek or planning to visit Greece, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how to say hello in Greek.

Greek greetings are simple, friendly, and used frequently in everyday life. Whether you're walking into a café, meeting someone for the first time, or greeting friends, knowing the right greeting can make a great first impression.

Let’s look at the most common ways Greeks say hello.

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1. Γεια (Geia) – Hello

Γεια is the simplest and most casual way to say hello in Greek. It’s similar to saying “hi” in English.

You will hear this everywhere in Greece — between friends, in shops, or even when answering the phone.

Example:
Γεια! Πώς είσαι;
(Geia! Pos ise?)
Hello! How are you?

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2. Γεια σου (Geia sou) – Hello (to one person)

Γεια σου is used when speaking to one person in an informal way.

You would typically say this to:

• Friends
• Family
• Someone your age
• People you know well

Example:
Γεια σου Μαρία!
(Geia sou Maria!)
Hello Maria!

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3. Γεια σας (Geia sas) – Hello (formal or plural)

Γεια σας is used when:

• Speaking to multiple people
• Being polite or formal
• Greeks often use this in professional situations or when speaking to someone older.

Example:
Γεια σας κύριε Νίκο.
(Geia sas kirie Niko)
Hello Mr. Nikos.

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4. Καλημέρα (Kalimera) – Good morning

Καλημέρα literally means “good day.”

It’s used from morning until around noon or early afternoon.

Greeks commonly say this when entering shops, cafés, offices, or greeting people during the day.

Example:
Καλημέρα! Τι κάνετε;
(Kalimera! Ti kanete?)
Good morning! How are you?

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5. Καλησπέρα (Kalispera) – Good evening

Καλησπέρα means good evening and is used from the late afternoon until nighttime.

You’ll hear this greeting often when arriving somewhere in the evening.

Example:
Καλησπέρα!
(Kalispera!)
Good evening!

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6. Χαίρετε (Herete) – Formal hello

Χαίρετε is a very polite and formal greeting.

You may hear it in:

• Formal situations
• Customer service
• News broadcasts
• Professional conversations

It’s not used as often in casual conversations, but it’s good to recognize it.

Example:
Χαίρετε, καλώς ήρθατε.
(Herete, kalos irthate.)
Hello, welcome.

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Want to Learn Greek Faster?

If you want to go beyond simple greetings and actually start speaking Greek, check out the Greek Mastercourse.

It’s a structured program designed to help you speak Greek confidently in real-life situations — even if you’re starting from zero.

👉 Learn more here:
https://prepareforgreece.com

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