Signification
Asking about someone's well-being.
Contexte culturel
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.
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.
Signification
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.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask a friend how they are.
Γεια σου Νίκο, ___ κάνεις;
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:
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
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! ___ ___ ;
'Τι κάνεις' is the most natural follow-up once the caller is identified.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΓεια σου Νίκο, ___ κάνεις;
In Greek, we use 'Τι' (What) with 'κάνεις' to ask 'How are you?'.
Greeting your professor:
The plural/formal form 'Τι κάνετε;' is necessary for showing respect to a professor.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The standard response to 'How are you?' is 'Fine, and you?'.
A: Ναι, παρακαλώ; B: Έλα Μαρία, ο Γιάννης είμαι. A: Α, γεια σου Γιάννη! ___ ___ ;
'Τι κάνεις' is the most natural follow-up once the caller is identified.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, 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;'.
Expressions liées
Πώς είσαι;
similarHow are you?
Τι γίνεται;
similarWhat's happening?
Τι κάνετε;
specialized formHow are you? (Formal/Plural)
Καλά είμαι
builds onI am well
Τι λέει;
synonymWhat's the word?
