Meaning
Polite social enquiry.
Cultural Background
Family is the cornerstone of Greek life. Asking about it is not just small talk; it's a sign of respect and 'filotimo'. Similar to Greece, but family ties can be even more extended. Asking about the family might lead to a long list of updates about cousins and aunts. The phrase is used as a linguistic 'handshake' to maintain cultural identity among second and third-generation Greeks. In villages, 'family' often includes the whole neighborhood. Asking this might prompt the person to tell you about their neighbor's health too.
The 'Your' Addition
Adding 'σου' (your) makes it feel more personal: 'Πώς είναι η οικογένειά σου;'.
Be Prepared for a Long Answer
Greeks might actually tell you how their family is! Don't just walk away after asking.
Meaning
Polite social enquiry.
The 'Your' Addition
Adding 'σου' (your) makes it feel more personal: 'Πώς είναι η οικογένειά σου;'.
Be Prepared for a Long Answer
Greeks might actually tell you how their family is! Don't just walk away after asking.
Singular vs Plural
Remember: 'οικογένεια' is singular. Don't use 'είναι' as a plural verb here.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the phrase.
Πώς ______ η οικογένεια;
In Greek, we use the verb 'είναι' (is) to ask how someone or something is.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask about a friend's family?
Select the correct phrase:
You need the article 'η' and the verb 'είναι'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Α: Γεια σου! Πώς είναι η οικογένεια; Β: ___________
The standard response to 'How is the family?' is 'They are well, thank you.'
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. Πώς είναι η οικογένειά σας; 2. Πώς είναι οι δικοί σου;
The use of 'σας' (your - plural/formal) makes the first one formal, while 'οι δικοί σου' is a warm, informal idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who is included in 'Η Οικογένεια'?
Πυρηνική (Nuclear)
- • Μαμά
- • Μπαμπάς
- • Αδέρφια
Ευρύτερη (Extended)
- • Γιαγιά
- • Παππούς
- • Θείοι
- • Ξαδέρφια
Practice Bank
4 exercisesΠώς ______ η οικογένεια;
In Greek, we use the verb 'είναι' (is) to ask how someone or something is.
Select the correct phrase:
You need the article 'η' and the verb 'είναι'.
Α: Γεια σου! Πώς είναι η οικογένεια; Β: ___________
The standard response to 'How is the family?' is 'They are well, thank you.'
1. Πώς είναι η οικογένειά σας; 2. Πώς είναι οι δικοί σου;
The use of 'σας' (your - plural/formal) makes the first one formal, while 'οι δικοί σου' is a warm, informal idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, usually. Wait until the second or third time you meet someone, or use it if they mention their family first.
The most common answer is 'Καλά είναι, ευχαριστώ' (They are well, thank you).
Yes, it refers to their parents, siblings, or spouse/children.
'Είναι' is the standard. 'Κάνει' is also used (Τι κάνει η οικογένεια;) and means the same thing socially.
Yes, 'Πώς είναι η οικογένειά σας;' is safer and more professional.
Yes, it is always 'η οικογένεια'.
Yes, it's a very sweet way to ask a child about their parents and siblings.
In modern urban Greece, yes, pets are often considered part of the 'οικογένεια'.
It's safer to ask 'Πώς είσαι;' (How are you?) first.
You can just say 'Η οικογένεια;' with a rising intonation.
Related Phrases
Τι κάνει η οικογένεια;
synonymWhat is the family doing? (How is the family?)
Πώς είναι οι δικοί σου;
similarHow are your people?
Χαιρετίσματα στην οικογένεια
builds onRegards to the family.
Είναι καλά οι δικοί σου;
similarAre your people well?
