Log inSign up

Καλημέρα!

Καλημέρα!
Good morning!
FromLesson 2inHardcore Greek
…

Breakdown of Καλημέρα!

καλημέρα
good morning

Questions & Answers about Καλημέρα!

How do I pronounce Καλημέρα?
  • IPA: /ka.liˈme.ɾa/ (roughly: ka-lee-MÉ-ra). The ρ is a quick tapped r [ɾ].
  • Romanization: kaliméra.
  • Sounds:
    • η is pronounced like English ee.
    • έ shows the stressed syllable (μέ).
    • Vowel values are pure: α = a (as in father), ε ≈ e (close-mid).
What time of day is Καλημέρα used?
  • Use it in the morning, up to about noon. Many Greeks still use it until early afternoon (≈1–2 pm).
  • After that, switch to καλησπέρα (good evening), often from late afternoon onward. Locally, people may start using it right after lunch.
  • At night, greet with καλησπέρα; say καληνύχτα when leaving or going to bed.
Is Καλημέρα formal or informal?
  • It’s neutral and fits any context.
  • More polite or to address several people: Καλημέρα σας.
  • With friends: plain Καλημέρα (you may hear Καλημέρα σου, but plain Καλημέρα or Γεια is more common).
  • Add titles for extra politeness: Καλημέρα σας, κύριε/κυρία.
Do I need to use the article (like η) with it?
  • As a greeting, no article: just Καλημέρα.
  • In ordinary sentences about a day, you can use the article: Η καλή μέρα φαίνεται από το πρωί (proverb: The good day shows from the morning).
Why is it written as one word (Καλημέρα) and not two (Καλή μέρα)?
  • The greeting is a fixed compound, so it’s written as one word: Καλημέρα.
  • As two words (καλή μέρα) it means a good day (literally) and is used in sentences or wishes (e.g., Να έχεις καλή μέρα), not as the standard greeting.
What does the accent mark in Καλημέρα do?
  • The accent (τόνος) shows which syllable is stressed; here it’s on μέ (the έ).
  • Modern Greek uses one accent per word (monotonic orthography).
  • In ALL CAPS, the accent is often omitted (ΚΑΛΗΜΕΡΑ), though ΚΑΛΗΜΈΡΑ is also acceptable.
Can I use Καλημέρα to say goodbye?
  • Not usually. Use it when meeting someone.
  • For parting in the morning, try Καλή συνέχεια, Καλό μεσημέρι, or a wish like Καλή μέρα.
How do people reply to Καλημέρα?
  • The standard reply is the same: Καλημέρα!
  • More polite: Καλημέρα σας!
  • You can add reciprocity: Επίσης! (You too!)
  • With small talk: Καλημέρα, τι κάνετε; / …τι κάνεις;
Can I add a name or a title after it?
  • Yes: Καλημέρα, Γιάννη! (name in the vocative)
  • With titles: Καλημέρα σας, κύριε Παπαδόπουλε.
  • To a group: Καλημέρα σε όλους! or Καλημέρα σας, παιδιά!
What’s the difference between μέρα and ημέρα?
  • μέρα = the everyday word for day.
  • ημέρα = more formal/literary; common in official contexts.
  • The greeting is Καλημέρα, not Καλή ημέρα (though Καλή ημέρα can appear as a formal wish in writing).
Is Καλό πρωί a valid alternative to Καλημέρα?
  • No. Greek doesn’t say Καλό πρωί for Good morning.
  • Use Καλημέρα. Note: Καλό πρωινό means Have a good breakfast.
What punctuation should I use with it?
  • Standalone greeting: Καλημέρα!
  • Email or message opener: Καλημέρα,
    • name/text.
  • Greek uses the same exclamation mark as English. The Greek question mark looks like a semicolon (;)—irrelevant here.
How is Καλημέρα romanized?
  • Standard: kalimera. To show stress, many write kaliméra.
  • Reminder: η represents the i sound; Greek has several spellings for /i/ (η, ι, υ, ει, οι, υι).
Are there playful or related forms I might hear?
  • Cute/colloquial: καλημερούδια!
  • As a noun meaning greetings: καλημέρες (e.g., Στείλε τις καλημέρες μου = Send my greetings).
  • Verb: καλημερίζω = to say good morning to.

More from this lesson

καλημέραΚαλημέρα, πώς είστε;συγγνώμηΣυγγνώμη, μιλάτε αγγλικά;δενΣυγγνώμη, δεν μιλάω καλά ελληνικά.εσείςΕσείς μιλάτε ελληνικά πολύ καλά.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Greek grammar?”
Greek grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Greek

Master Greek — from Καλημέρα to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.

  • ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Greek freeBrowse the full course