In Greek, you should talk formally when you are speaking to:

• People of authority (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.)
• Workers (at a store, for example)
• Older people
• Your boss
• greek people you meet for the 1st time

It’s important to know a few Greek words and phrases that you can use in formal contexts.

Here are the 4 most important.

1. Γεια σας (yia sas)

If you want to sound formal, the keyword is “σας” (sas).

Instead of “γεια σου”, say “γεια σας” (yia sas). 

Replace “σου” with “σας”!

For example 

– Γεια σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε. – Hello, Mr Papadopulos.

2. καλημέρα σας (kalimera sas)

Instead of “καλημέρα” say “καλημέρα σας” (kalimera sas). Add the word “σας”.

It means “good morning” (formal)

For example

– Καλημέρα σας, κύριε Κώστα. – Good morning, Mr Kosta.

Check here how the word Mr. is used with a first name in Greek.This is because we already know the person, but he’s older. So we keep the formal way of talking. We want to sound polite and respectful.

3. Τι κάνετε; (ti kanete?)

Τι κάνετε; is the formal version of Τι κάνεις;

It means “how are you?”(formally)

For example

– Γεια σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε. Τι κάνετε; 

Hello, Mr Papadopulos. How are you?

4.Πώς είστε; (pos iste?)

Πώς είστε; (pos iste?) is the formal version of Πώς είσαι;

It means “how are you?”(formally)

For example

– Καλημέρα σας, κύριε Κώστα. Πώς είστε; 

Good morning, Mr Kosta. How are you?

Note that the formal way of talking is used

• when you addressone person formally 
• or many people (plural). 

Formal and plural use the same form in Greek. 

If, for example, you meet your friends at a café and you say 

Γεια σου, 

that means that you address only one of them.

In that case, you need to say 

Γεια σας! Hello (you all!) (plural).

For example

– Γεια σας, παιδιά! Τι κάνετε; 

Hello, guys! How are you?