A1 Expression Informal

Τι κάνεις;

How are you?

Significado

Asking about someone's well-being.

🌍

Contexto cultural

Greetings are often loud and accompanied by a 'filaki' (little kiss) on both cheeks or a strong handshake. 'Τι κάνεις;' is the verbal signal that the social interaction has officially begun. In smaller island communities, you might hear 'Τι κάνεις;' shouted from balconies or across narrow streets. It's a way of maintaining the 'parea' even from a distance. Second and third-generation Greeks often use 'Τι κάνεις;' as one of the few phrases they retain, sometimes mixing it with English (e.g., 'Ti kaneis, cousin?'). In Cyprus, the dialect is different, and you might hear 'Ήντα κάμνεις;' (Inta kamneis?) instead of 'Τι κάνεις;'. It means the exact same thing but has a distinct local flavor.

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The 'Esi' Rule

Always follow up your answer with 'εσύ;' (and you?). It's the polite way to keep the conversation going.

⚠️

Watch the Plural

Don't forget to use 'Τι κάνετε;' if there is more than one person in front of you.

Significado

Asking about someone's well-being.

💡

The 'Esi' Rule

Always follow up your answer with 'εσύ;' (and you?). It's the polite way to keep the conversation going.

⚠️

Watch the Plural

Don't forget to use 'Τι κάνετε;' if there is more than one person in front of you.

🎯

Shorten it

In Greek texting, you can just write 'Τκ;' and everyone will understand you.

💬

Don't be too brief

Greeks love to talk. If you just say 'Fine' and stop, they might think you are upset.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing word to ask a friend how they are.

Γεια σου Νίκο, ___ κάνεις;

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι

In Greek, we use 'Τι' (What) with 'κάνεις' to ask 'How are you?'.

You are meeting your professor. Which greeting is most appropriate?

Greeting your professor:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι κάνετε;

The plural/formal form 'Τι κάνετε;' is necessary for showing respect to a professor.

Match the question with the most logical answer.

Questions and Answers

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι κάνεις? - Καλά, εσύ?

The standard response to 'How are you?' is 'Fine, and you?'.

Complete the phone conversation.

A: Ναι, παρακαλώ; B: Έλα Μαρία, ο Γιάννης είμαι. A: Α, γεια σου Γιάννη! ___ ___ ;

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι κάνεις

'Τι κάνεις' is the most natural follow-up once the caller is identified.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Singular vs Plural

Informal (Singular)
Τι κάνεις; To a friend
Formal (Plural)
Τι κάνετε; To a group/boss

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the missing word to ask a friend how they are. Fill Blank A1

Γεια σου Νίκο, ___ κάνεις;

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι

In Greek, we use 'Τι' (What) with 'κάνεις' to ask 'How are you?'.

You are meeting your professor. Which greeting is most appropriate? Choose A1

Greeting your professor:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι κάνετε;

The plural/formal form 'Τι κάνετε;' is necessary for showing respect to a professor.

Match the question with the most logical answer. Match A1

Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι κάνεις? - Καλά, εσύ?

The standard response to 'How are you?' is 'Fine, and you?'.

Complete the phone conversation. dialogue_completion A1

A: Ναι, παρακαλώ; B: Έλα Μαρία, ο Γιάννης είμαι. A: Α, γεια σου Γιάννη! ___ ___ ;

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Τι κάνεις

'Τι κάνεις' is the most natural follow-up once the caller is identified.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Mostly, yes. But it can also literally mean 'What are you doing?' if the context suggests an action is being performed.

The most common answer is 'Καλά, εσύ;' (Fine, and you?) or 'Μια χαρά!' (Great!).

No, it's better to use the formal 'Τι κάνετε;' to show respect.

'Τι κάνεις;' is more about your general 'doing' and life flow, while 'Πώς είσαι;' is more about your internal state or health.

It's better to use 'Τι κάνετε;' with strangers unless they are your age or younger in a very casual setting.

Yes, 'Τι λέει;' (Ti leei) is a very common slang alternative among young people.

It's a cultural way of maintaining social bonds and showing interest in others' lives.

Yes, it's used at any time of day.

You can say 'Έτσι κι έτσι' (So and so) or 'Όχι και πολύ καλά' (Not very well).

In a casual office, yes. In a formal meeting, use 'Τι κάνετε;'.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Πώς είσαι;

similar

How are you?

🔗

Τι γίνεται;

similar

What's happening?

🔗

Τι κάνετε;

specialized form

How are you? (Formal/Plural)

🔗

Καλά είμαι

builds on

I am well

🔄

Τι λέει;

synonym

What's the word?

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