Signification
A polite greeting used in the evening.
Contexte culturel
The 'Evening' in Greece starts late. Because of the afternoon nap (siesta), saying 'Καλησπέρα' at 3 PM might get you a strange look. Wait until the shops reopen after their break. Usage is identical to Greece, but the accent will differ. It remains the standard polite evening greeting in all formal Cypriot contexts. Second-generation Greeks often use 'Καλησπέρα' more loosely, sometimes even as a goodbye, influenced by the English 'Good evening'. News anchors always use 'Καλησπέρα σας' to address the nation. It is a symbol of authority and professional friendliness.
The 5 PM Rule
In Greece, the greeting changes from 'Kalimera' to 'Kalispera' around 5:00 PM. If you're unsure, check if the sun is starting to set.
Avoid 'Kalispera' at 1 PM
Even though it's technically 'after noon', Greeks still say 'Kalimera' or 'Yia sas' until the late afternoon.
Signification
A polite greeting used in the evening.
The 5 PM Rule
In Greece, the greeting changes from 'Kalimera' to 'Kalispera' around 5:00 PM. If you're unsure, check if the sun is starting to set.
Avoid 'Kalispera' at 1 PM
Even though it's technically 'after noon', Greeks still say 'Kalimera' or 'Yia sas' until the late afternoon.
The Plural of Politeness
Always use the 'σας' version with people you don't know. It makes you sound much more educated and respectful.
Mirroring
If someone says 'Kalispera' to you, the best response is simply to repeat 'Kalispera' or 'Kalispera sas' back to them.
Teste-toi
You enter a pharmacy at 7:00 PM. What do you say?
_______, θα ήθελα μια ασπιρίνη.
7:00 PM is evening, so 'Καλησπέρα σας' is the correct polite greeting.
Complete the formal greeting.
Καλησπέρα _____, πώς μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω;
The formal/plural pronoun 'σας' is used for politeness.
Match the greeting to the time of day.
1. 09:00 | 2. 19:00 | 3. 23:00 (Leaving)
Morning is Καλημέρα, evening is Καλησπέρα, and leaving at night is Καληνύχτα.
Complete the dialogue between a guest and a receptionist.
Guest: Καλησπέρα σας. Receptionist: _________! Έχετε κράτηση;
In a formal setting like a hotel, the receptionist would mirror the polite greeting.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Greek Time-Based Greetings
Morning (06:00-12:00)
- • Καλημέρα (σας)
Evening (17:00-21:00)
- • Καλησπέρα (σας)
Goodbye (Night)
- • Καληνύχτα
- • Καλό βράδυ
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______, θα ήθελα μια ασπιρίνη.
7:00 PM is evening, so 'Καλησπέρα σας' is the correct polite greeting.
Καλησπέρα _____, πώς μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω;
The formal/plural pronoun 'σας' is used for politeness.
1. 09:00 | 2. 19:00 | 3. 23:00 (Leaving)
Morning is Καλημέρα, evening is Καλησπέρα, and leaving at night is Καληνύχτα.
Guest: Καλησπέρα σας. Receptionist: _________! Έχετε κράτηση;
In a formal setting like a hotel, the receptionist would mirror the polite greeting.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYou can use 'Καλησπέρα', but adding 'σας' makes it too formal for close friends. It would sound like a joke.
It is always written as one word: Καλησπέρα.
'Vradi' is the common word for night/evening. 'Espera' is a more formal/ancient root used mainly in this greeting.
It's a bit early. Most Greeks would still use 'Yia sas' or even 'Kalimera' (if they haven't had lunch yet!).
No, a simple nod or a smile is enough. Greeks are warm but not overly formal with gestures.
Not exactly for 'Kalispera', but 'Πού είσαι ρε;' is a very casual way to greet someone in the evening.
Yes, it is a perfect opening for a formal email sent in the evening.
Just say 'Καλησπέρα' or 'Γεια σου'. 'Σας' is for adults or groups.
In English terms, it covers both 'Late Afternoon' and 'Evening'.
Yes, it is the standard greeting there as well.
Simply 'Καλησπέρα σας' or 'Καλησπέρα'.
'Sas' is the formal/plural pronoun. 'Sou' is informal/singular and is rarely used with this greeting.
Expressions liées
Καλημέρα σας
contrastGood morning (formal)
Καλό απόγευμα
similarGood afternoon
Καλό βράδυ
builds onHave a good evening
Καληνύχτα
contrastGoodnight
Χαίρετε
synonymGreetings / Hello
