“Kalimera” and “Koukla mou” – Greek greetings you’re sure to hear when you visit

but what does koukla mou mean in Greek, or the koukla mou meaning?

I find it a lovely phrase.  The koukla translation and koukla mou meaning in English means “my doll” and is said (usually) by old women to little children, or by old women to me as they grab my cheek and affectionately pull it – I don’t know why I seem to invite old women into my personal space to touch and prod me, but they do and actually, it’s kinda nice.

Sometimes, men use it when trying to let you know they think a lot of you.  It’s the mou at the end of the sentence that does it – it personalises it to my.

In the Greek language, when mou is used at the end of any sentence ie: personalising anything to ‘my’ is a huge compliment.

And even when men use it, it doesn’t sound sleazy or flirty, just really, really nice.   The kouklamou meaning in Greek is a term of endearment.  And besides, despite the language differences, you can usually tell when someone’s using a sleazy tone and trying to pick you up.

An example of the use of koukla mou in Greek: As I exit a taxi ride, I pay my fair, thank the man in Greek  – Efaristou and I may receive a “Parakalo, koukla mou” (“You are welcome, my doll”).
So in summary, the koukla translation is ‘doll’ and koukla mou meaning in English is ‘my doll’.  It’s not considered sleazy, it is a term of endearment.

Kalimera meaning

Kalimera (pronounced as it is literally spelt: Kali mera) means Good morning and is heartily bestowed upon anybody who is walking past (obviously at the correct time of day).  Even in the centre of Athens, you can leave your flat and be Kalimera’d at least 3 or 4 times by strangers – so imagine how many times you have to repeat it as you walk past your neighbourhood bakery, hairdressers, man at the bottom of the street selling flowers, the people sitting outside the kafenion, etc.

Personally, I love this start to the day. It makes such a change from the unspoken no eye contact rule in bigger cities.  It doesn’t mean people will stop and have a full blown conversation with you, so if you’re not a morning person, don’t worry, you don’t have to avoid all human contact in Greece in the mornings, just know that people will smile and probably wish you a “kalimera”.

Visiting Athens and want to know some alternative places to visit beyond the tourist traps? Read my:

• Insiders Guide to Visiting Athens to help you
• Greek Island all round packing list (also suitable for Athens) to help you decide what to pack for visiting any time of the year
• If you’re heading off to the islands and want some advice as to which ones to visit, my Insider’s Guide to the Greek Islands will help.

Next time you’re visiting Greece, listen out for these phrases.

Other lovely phrases include: