Καλησπέρα, κύρια.

Sentence Discussions Greek
#1

Non-native speaker here. I believe the accent is incorrect. This would be the correct accent for the feminine adjective, but when used as a noun (‘ma’am’) it should be κυρία.

#2
English Translation

Good evening, Madam.

The sentence “Καλησπέρα, κύρια.” translates to “Good evening, madam.” in English.

Breakdown of the Sentence

Καλησπέρα

  • Meaning: This means “Good evening.”
  • Usage: It’s a common greeting in the evening.

Κύρια

  • Meaning: In this context, it refers to “madam” or “lady.”
  • Accent: The accent on ύ indicates it’s the correct form for addressing someone respectfully.

Clarification

In your earlier example, Κυρία refers to the noun in a general sense, while κύρια is the vocative form used specifically when directly addressing someone. This is a typical feature in Greek where the form changes based on its grammatical function in a sentence.

This distinction is essential for proper usage in conversation.

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#3
English Translation

Good evening, Madam.

The vocative form is a grammatical case used to directly address someone or something. In many languages, including Greek, the vocative is distinct from other cases like nominative, accusative, or genitive, which serve different grammatical functions.

Key Features of the Vocative Form

Definition

  • Vocative Case: It indicates the noun or pronoun that someone is directly calling upon or speaking to.

Usage

  • Direct Address: This form is employed when greeting, ordering, or speaking directly to someone.
  • Examples:
    • “Καλησπέρα, κύρια.” (Good evening, madam.)
    • “Γεια σου, Άννα!” (Hello, Anna!)

Characteristics

  • Changes in Form: Many words will have a distinct form in the vocative. For example, in the case of κύρια, it is used when addressing a lady, while Κυρία is the noun form.
  • Tone: Using the vocative can indicate respect or familiarity, depending on the form used.

Conclusion

The vocative is essential for polite conversation in Greek, as it specifies how we address others based on the relationship and context. Understanding this form helps convey the right tone and respect in dialogue.

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