How to Say Hello, Thank You, and Goodbye in Georgian
If you learn only three things in Georgian, make them "gamarjoba" (hello), "gmadlobt" (thank you), and "nakhvamdis" (goodbye). These three words will carry you through countless interactions in Georgia, from greeting your guesthouse host to thanking a taxi driver to waving farewell to new friends. This guide breaks down each word with pronunciation tips, cultural context, and variations you should know.
How to Say Hello in Georgian: გამარჯობა (Gamarjoba)
The standard Georgian greeting is "gamarjoba" (გამარჯობა), and it literally translates to "victory to you." This greeting has deep cultural roots tied to Georgia's long history of defending its land and identity. Today it is used casually in all situations, much like "hello" in English. You will hear it everywhere, from shops and restaurants to offices and homes.
- ga-mar-jo-ba: Four syllables, stress on the third syllable "jo"
- The "g" is hard, like "go"
- The "r" is lightly rolled
- The "j" sounds like the "j" in "jam"
For formal situations or when addressing elders, use "gamarjobat" (გამარჯობათ), which adds a polite suffix. You can also use time-specific greetings: "dila mshvidobisa" (good morning), "saghamo mshvidobisa" (good evening), and "ghame mshvidobisa" (good night). These literally mean "morning of peace," "evening of peace," and "night of peace," reflecting the Georgian love of peaceful well-wishing.
How to Say Thank You in Georgian: გმადლობთ (Gmadlobt)
Saying thank you in Georgian is "gmadlobt" (გმადლობთ) in the formal form, or "madloba" (მადლობა) in casual speech. The word comes from "madli," meaning grace or blessing, so thanking someone in Georgian literally means acknowledging their grace. The formal "gmadlobt" is safe to use in all situations and is the version you should learn first.
- gmad-lobt: Two syllables with a consonant cluster at the start
- The "gm" cluster may feel unusual; practice by saying "g" then immediately "m"
- Stress falls on the first syllable
- For extra emphasis, say "didi madloba" (დიდი მადლობა) meaning "big thanks" or "thank you very much"
The response to "gmadlobt" is "arapris" (არაფრის), meaning "you are welcome" (literally "for nothing"). Another common response is "ara ghirs" (არა ღირს), meaning "it is nothing" or "do not mention it." Both are polite and appropriate in any context.
How to Say Goodbye in Georgian: ნახვამდის (Nakhvamdis)
The standard Georgian goodbye is "nakhvamdis" (ნახვამდის), which literally means "until we see each other again." It is warm and hopeful, reflecting the Georgian value of connection and reunion. You can use it in any situation, formal or informal.
- nakh-vam-dis: Three syllables
- The "kh" is a throaty sound like the "ch" in Scottish "loch"
- Stress on the second syllable "vam"
For informal goodbyes among friends, you can also say "kargad" (კარგად), meaning "well" or "take care," or "kargad iqavi" (კარგად იყავი), meaning "be well." When leaving a group, "nakhvamdis" addressed to everyone is always appropriate. If you are leaving for a long time, you might hear "bednier iqavi" (ბედნიერი იყავი), meaning "be happy," as a heartfelt send-off.
Other Essential Georgian Expressions
Beyond hello, thank you, and goodbye, a few more expressions will make your interactions feel natural and earn you extra appreciation from Georgian speakers.
- კი (ki) - Yes
- არა (ara) - No
- ბოდიში (bodishi) - Sorry / Excuse me
- თუ შეიძლება (tu sheidzleba) - Please
- გაუმარჯოს! (gaumarjos!) - Cheers! (at toasts)
- სასიამოვნოა (sasiamovnoa) - Nice to meet you
- მოგესალმებით (mogesalmebit) - Greetings (formal)
Cultural Context for Georgian Greetings
In Georgian culture, greetings are never rushed. When entering a shop, it is normal to greet the owner before browsing. When meeting someone, a handshake is standard, and close friends often greet with a kiss on each cheek. The ritual of greeting at a supra (feast) is elaborate, with the tamada (toastmaster) leading structured toasts where "gaumarjos" is repeated after each one. Understanding these customs gives your phrases real depth and helps you connect authentically with Georgian people.
Memory trick: "Gamarjoba" sounds like "go march on, bro" which ties back to its meaning of "victory to you." Once you hear it this way, you will never forget it.