What is the difference between καλά and καλώς?

Answer 1

The Fine Line Between "Well" and "Good": Understanding Καλά vs. Καλώς

In the Greek language, the distinction between καλά (kalá) and καλώς (kalós) can be subtle, yet it reflects a key grammatical difference and nuances in modern usage. While both can be translated as "well," they are not always interchangeable, with one being a versatile workhorse of everyday speech and the other a more formal and traditional term.

The primary grammatical difference lies in their origins:

1. Καλά is fundamentally the neuter plural form of the adjective καλός (kalós), which means "good." For instance, one would say "καλά βιβλία" (kalá vivlía) for "good books." However, in contemporary Greek, καλά is overwhelmingly used as the common, everyday adverb for "well."
2. Καλώς, on the other hand, is a pure adverb meaning "well," "rightly," or "commendably." It is considered a more formal and somewhat older form of the adverb.

Everyday vs. Formal: The Modern Usage

In modern spoken Greek, you will almost always hear καλά used to express "well" or "fine" in everyday conversations.

Examples of καλά:

1. When asked "Τι κάνεις;" (Ti káneis? - How are you?), the standard reply is "Καλά." (Kalá. - Well./Fine.)
2. To say someone speaks Greek well, you would say: "Μιλάει ελληνικά πολύ καλά." (Miláei elliniká polí kalá.)
3. "Όλα πήγαν καλά." (Óla pígan kalá.) - "Everything went well."

Καλώς is reserved for more formal contexts and specific expressions. Using it in casual conversation where καλά is expected can sound dated or overly formal.

Examples of καλώς:

1. You are most likely to encounter καλώς in greetings of welcome: "Καλώς ήρθατε!" (Kalós írthate! - Welcome!)
2. In more formal writing or speech, you might see it used to mean "rightly" or "properly": "Ενήργησε καλώς." (Enírgise kalós.) - "He/She acted rightly."
3. It can also be used to mean "very well" or "alright then" in a more formal sense of agreement: "Καλώς, θα το κάνω." (Kalós, tha to káno.) - "Very well, I will do it."

A Quick Guide to Usage:

Situation	More Common Choice	More Formal Choice
Answering "How are you?"	Καλά
Describing how an action is performed	Καλά	Καλώς (less common in speech)
Welcoming someone	Καλώς
Formal agreement or acknowledgment	Καλώς

In essence, while both words revolve around the concept of "goodness" or "wellness," their modern application has diverged. Καλά has become the go-to adverb for "well" in almost all informal and many formal situations, while καλώς has retained a more classic and formal flavor, primarily used in established phrases and more literary contexts.

Answer 2

«Καλώς» is an adverb and means "well". Although it's absolutely acceptable as a term, this way of writing and speaking refers to an older way of using the language. «Καλά» originally is an adjective (neutral, plural) and means "good" (e.g. Τα καλά παιδιά, the good kids). But, contemporary grammar accepts «καλά», and other words with this ending, as adverbs as well. So, it's absolutely correct, and in fact way more common, to use «καλά» as an adverb.

- Τι κάνεις; (How are you)

- Είμαι καλά. (I am well)