Signification
Polite evening greeting.
Contexte culturel
The 'evening' (vradi) in Greece starts much later than in Northern Europe. Saying 'Καλό βράδυ' at 5:00 PM in winter might be okay, but in summer, people might still say 'Καλό απόγευμα' until 8:00 PM. Cypriot Greek uses the phrase similarly, but you might hear local dialect variations in the surrounding conversation. The politeness level remains high. Second-generation Greeks often use 'Καλό βράδυ' as a way to maintain cultural connection, even if the rest of the conversation is in English. In Greek business, ending an email with 'Καλό σας βράδυ' is considered very professional and warmer than a simple 'Sincerely'.
The 'Sas' Rule
When in doubt, use 'Καλό σας βράδυ'. It is never wrong and always sounds polite to native speakers.
Arrival vs Departure
Remember: Kalispera = Hello, Kalo vradi = Goodbye. Mixing them up is the #1 sign of a beginner.
Signification
Polite evening greeting.
The 'Sas' Rule
When in doubt, use 'Καλό σας βράδυ'. It is never wrong and always sounds polite to native speakers.
Arrival vs Departure
Remember: Kalispera = Hello, Kalo vradi = Goodbye. Mixing them up is the #1 sign of a beginner.
Seasonal Timing
In summer, wait until the sun is actually setting before switching from 'Kalo apogevma' to 'Kalo vradi'.
Diminutives
Use 'Καλό βραδάκι' with friends to sound more natural and warm.
Teste-toi
You are leaving a restaurant at 9:00 PM. What do you say to the waiter?
Φεύγετε από το εστιατόριο. Τι λέτε;
Καλό βράδυ is the correct parting wish for the evening.
Complete the formal parting wish.
Καλό ____ βράδυ, κυρία Μαρία.
Using 'σας' makes the phrase formal and respectful for an elder.
Match the phrase to the correct time and action.
1. 8:00 AM Arrival, 2. 8:00 PM Arrival, 3. 8:00 PM Departure
Morning arrival is Καλημέρα, evening arrival is Καλησπέρα, and evening departure is Καλό βράδυ.
Finish the phone conversation.
Κώστας: 'Θα τα πούμε αύριο.' Ελένη: 'Ναι, ____ ____!'
Since they are saying 'see you tomorrow', an evening sign-off is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Greek Time-Based Partings
Morning
- • Καλημέρα (Departure/Arrival)
Afternoon
- • Καλό μεσημέρι (Departure)
Evening
- • Καλό βράδυ (Departure)
Bedtime
- • Καληνύχτα (Departure)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΦεύγετε από το εστιατόριο. Τι λέτε;
Καλό βράδυ is the correct parting wish for the evening.
Καλό ____ βράδυ, κυρία Μαρία.
Using 'σας' makes the phrase formal and respectful for an elder.
1. 8:00 AM Arrival, 2. 8:00 PM Arrival, 3. 8:00 PM Departure
Morning arrival is Καλημέρα, evening arrival is Καλησπέρα, and evening departure is Καλό βράδυ.
Κώστας: 'Θα τα πούμε αύριο.' Ελένη: 'Ναι, ____ ____!'
Since they are saying 'see you tomorrow', an evening sign-off is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn winter, yes, because it's dark. In summer, it's better to wait until 7 or 8 PM.
It is always two separate words: Καλό (adjective) and βράδυ (noun).
The most common response is 'Επίσης!' (Likewise!) or 'Καλό βράδυ και σε εσάς!'
Yes, it is a very common and polite way to end an email sent in the late afternoon or evening.
It is neutral. Adding 'σου' makes it informal, and 'σας' makes it formal.
'Γεια' is fine, but 'Καλό βράδυ' is more polite and socially expected in many situations.
People will understand you, but they might be confused and think you are leaving immediately.
It is neuter, which is why we use 'Καλό' and not 'Καλός'.
Yes, but use 'Καλό σας βράδυ' to be safe and respectful.
'Βράδυ' is the social evening; 'νύχτα' is the late night when people sleep.
Expressions liées
Καλησπέρα
similarGood evening (Arrival)
Καληνύχτα
similarGoodnight
Καλό απόγευμα
similarHave a good afternoon
Καλό ξημέρωμα
specialized formHave a good dawn
Τα λέμε
builds onTalk later
