How to congratulate in Greek
Whether it’s a wedding, a new baby, or a graduation, the Greeks know how to celebrate important life events! And what better way to connect with Greek culture than by learning how to congratulate someone in Greek? In this post, we’ll explore common Greek phrases for different joyous occasions, so you’ll always know the right thing to say.
1. Congratulating on a Wedding
A wedding is one of the most significant events in someone’s life, and in Greece, it’s celebrated with lots of food, dancing, and love. Here are the phrases to use when you want to wish a newlywed couple well:
Συγχαρητήρια! (Sigcharitiria!) – Congratulations!
This is the most general phrase to use and works for any celebratory occasion.
Να ζήσετε! (Na zísete!) – May you live a long and happy life together!
This is a common phrase at weddings and is used to wish the couple a long and happy life together.
Με τις χαρές σας! (Me tis chares sas!) – May you have a life full of joy!
A lovely phrase that wishes the couple continued happiness throughout their lives.
Καλούς απογόνους! (Kalous apogónous!) – Wishing you good offspring!
In Greek culture, there’s a special phrase to wish a couple a happy family, hoping they have children in the future.
2. Congratulating on the Birth of a Baby
The arrival of a new baby is always a cause for celebration. Greeks have a special way of congratulating new parents and welcoming the new addition to the family:
Να σας ζήσει! (Na sas zísei!) – May your baby live a long life!
This is the most traditional phrase to congratulate parents on the birth of their child. It expresses the wish that the child will live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Συγχαρητήρια για το μωρό! (Sigcharitiria gia to moro!) – Congratulations on the baby!
A simple and heartfelt way to express your happiness for the new parents.
Καλή ανατροφή! (Kalí anatrofí!) – Wishing you a good upbringing!
This phrase is often used to wish the parents success and joy in raising their new child.
Να το καμαρώσετε! (Na to kamarósete!) – May you be proud of them!
This phrase conveys the hope that the parents will see their child grow into someone they can be proud of.
3. Congratulating on a Graduation
Whether it’s high school, university, or any other academic achievement, graduation is a proud moment. Here’s how to congratulate someone who has just graduated:
Συγχαρητήρια για την αποφοίτηση! (Sigcharitiria gia tin apofítisi!) – Congratulations on your graduation!
The most straightforward way to congratulate someone on their academic success.
Καλή σταδιοδρομία! (Kalí stadiodromía!) – Wishing you a successful career!
This phrase is ideal for graduates who are moving on to the next phase of their life, whether it's further studies or starting a job.
Καλή επιτυχία σε ό,τι κάνεις! (Kalí epitychía se óti kánis!) – Good luck in everything you do!
A great phrase to express your hopes for the person’s future endeavors.
Και εις ανώτερα! (Ke eis anótera!) – To greater things!
This phrase is perfect for encouraging someone to reach even higher goals in the future.
