How do you say hello in Georgian?
Hello, good morning, good evening and goodbye.
Short answer
In Georgian, both 'hello' and 'hi' are gamarjoba (გამარჯობა), and the polite form for elders or groups is gamarjobat (გამარჯობათ). In the morning you can say dila mshvidobisa (დილა მშვიდობისა), good morning, and in the evening saghamo mshvidobisa (საღამო მშვიდობისა). Goodbye is nakhvamdis (ნახვამდის).
Why
- Gamarjoba comes from gamarjveba, victory, so the greeting wishes you victory.
- The ending -t makes an address polite or plural in Georgian.
- The reply is gagimarjos, or gagimarjot to be polite.
Details
Locals are delighted when visitors greet them in Georgian, even with an accent. Use the polite form in business settings and with older people.
Tip
Say gamarjoba with a smile when entering a shop or cafe, and you'll be greeted more warmly.
What may differ
Use the polite form with older people and strangers; the familiar form is fine with friends.
Common misconception
What actually happens
People also ask
- How do you say hello in Georgian?
The transliteration is approximate; the Georgian spelling gives the pronunciation most accurately.
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