Greek Introductions
Introducing yourself in Greek (ελληνικά) is often the first step toward meaningful connections. Whether you’re traveling in Greece, meeting Greek-speaking friends, or exploring a local community, knowing how to say who you are—and ask someone’s name—instantly makes interactions more personal and memorable. In this lesson, we’ll focus on key phrases for informal and formal situations, so you can jump into conversations with ease.
In Greek, as with many languages, you have more casual ways to ask someone’s name for friends or peers, and more respectful forms when speaking to strangers, elders, or professionals.
- Informal: Πώς σε λένε; → What’s your name? (literally, “How do they call you?”)
- Formal: Πώς σας λένε; → What’s your name? (politely addressing one person or a group)
Quick Tip
If you’re unsure which form to use, remember: “σε” (informal) is used with friends, family, or peers, while “σας” (formal) is used for strangers, elders, or respected individuals. For more on this, revisit our Greek greetings lesson.
Informal and Formal Introductions
Here’s how you can introduce yourself in both informal and formal scenarios:
Informal Introduction:
A: Γεια! Είμαι η Μαρία (Maria). Εσένα πώς σε λένε; → Hi! I’m Maria (Maria). What do they call you?
B: Με λένε Κώστα (Kosta). Χαίρω πολύ. → My name is Kostas (Kosta). Nice to meet you.
A: Κι εγώ. → Likewise.
Formal Introduction:
A: Καλημέρα σας! Πώς σας λένε; → Good morning! What’s your name?
B: Καλημέρα σας! Με λένε Γιάννη Παπαδόπουλο (Gianni Papadopoulo), κι εσάς; → Good morning! My name is Giάννη Papadopoulo (Gianni Papadopoulo), and yours?
A: Είμαι ο Σπύρος Αναγνώστου (Spyros Anagnostou). → I am Spyros Anagnostou.
B: Χαίρω πολύ. → Nice to meet you.
A: Κι εγώ. → Likewise.
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Key Phrases for Introductions
Πώς σε λένε; → What’s your name? (informal)
Πώς σας λένε; → What’s your name? (formal)
Με λένε… → My name is… (literally “They call me…”)
Είμαι… → I am…
Χαίρω πολύ. → Nice to meet you.
Κι εγώ. → Me too (Likewise).
Ονοματεπώνυμο → full name
Επίθετο → surname
Όνομα → name
Introducing Yourself: More Examples
Informal:
A: Γεια σου! Είμαι η Ελένη (Eleni), εσύ; → Hi, I’m Eleni (Eleni), and you?
B: Με λένε Νίκο (Niko). → I’m Niko (Niko).
A: Χαίρω πολύ, Νίκο (Niko). → Nice to meet you, Niko (Niko).
B: Κι εγώ. → Me too.
Formal:
A: Καλησπέρα σας. Πώς σας λένε; → Good evening! What’s your name?
B: Καλησπέρα σας! Με λένε Κατερίνα Παπαδάκη (Katerina Papadaki). Εσάς; → Good evening! My name is Katerina Papadaki (Katerina Papadaki), and you?
A: Είμαι ο Δημήτρης (Dimitris). → I am Dimitris (Dimitris).
B: Χαίρω πολύ. → Nice to meet you.
A: Κι εγώ. → Likewise.
Learning how to introduce yourself and ask for someone’s name in Greek is a key skill. It helps you build rapport and instantly sets a friendly tone. Keep practicing these dialogues, and soon you’ll feel at ease starting conversations with any Greek speaker.
Language guide
Explore grammar and learning tips in our Greek language guide.
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Pronunciation & Writing
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Conversation Basics
Learn how to easily say “How are you?” in Greek, plus useful responses for both formal and informal situations.
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Conversation Basics
Master essential Greek greetings! Learn how to say hello, good evening, and more for everyday conversations.
