Goodbye in Greek

αντίο

antio — goodbye

interjection

Hear αντίο

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The dictionary word for goodbye is αντίο (antio), stressed an-TI-o — but here is the useful secret: Greeks rarely say it. Αντίο leans formal and a little final, the goodbye of ending a phone call with a stranger or leaving for a long time.

What you will actually hear when people part is γεια or γεια σας again (hello and goodbye share a word), or τα λέμε — "we’ll talk", the everyday "see you". Leaving a shop, a γεια σας or ευχαριστώ, γεια on your way out the door is the natural move.

There is also a whole family of situational partings built on καλός (good): καλό ταξίδι (have a good trip), καλό βράδυ (have a good evening), καλή συνέχεια (roughly "enjoy the rest" — of your day, meal, or work). Greeks reach for these constantly; borrowing even one makes your goodbyes sound local.

Example sentences

  • Αντίο και καλό ταξίδι!

    Antio kai kalo taxidi!

    Goodbye, and have a good trip!

  • Γεια σας, τα λέμε αύριο.

    Ya sas, ta leme avrio.

    Bye, see you tomorrow.

Related forms

  • γεια / γεια σας (ya / ya sas) — the everyday goodbye — same word as hello
  • τα λέμε (ta leme) — "see you" — informal, very common
  • καλό βράδυ (kalo vradi) — have a good evening — when parting at night

Quick check

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How do you say "goodbye" in Greek?

Related words

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