21 Essential Phrases You'll Need In Cyprus

Though many islanders speak English, a few phrases of the local language can go a long way in Cyprus. The official language is modern Greek, yet the locals have a heavy Cypriot dialect that’s spoken daily. This dialect is an amalgamation of Ancient Greek and modern Greek that also includes words from Latin and Turkish. In order to get by, check out our 21 essential phrases you’ll need while there.

Greetings and essentials

Ya sas (Γεία σας) or Ya sou (Γεία Σου)

Meaning: Hello

Both phrases mean ‘hello’. The first one is used when addressing many people, when being polite, or when talking to someone in plural. ‘Ya sou‘ is more informal and is commonly used between friends.

Kalimera (Καλημέρα)

Meaning: Good morning

This is one of the best known Greek words that is usually used in Cyprus up until noon. It literally translates to ‘good day’, though is said in the morning wishing others to have a great day.

Kalinichta (Καληνύχτα)

Meaning: Good night

This is what’s used before going to bed or when leaving a place at night. It’s also often heard by those preparing to leave – saying “Tha sas kalinichtiso” translates as ‘I’m going to wish you good night’, hinting towards a departure.

Ne (Ναί) / Ohi (Όχι)

Meaning: Yes / No

Two vital words any traveller will need on a daily basis. The Cypriot dialect has a habit of shortening words and the case of ‘ohi‘ is no different, as people in Cyprus pronounce it as ‘oi‘.

Efharisto (Eυχαριστώ)

Meaning: Thank you

Everyone knows being polite goes a long way, especially when visitors try to express it in the local language. This word might be tricky for those who are not used to such sounds, yet the effort will be appreciated.

Parakalo (Παρακαλώ)

Meaning: Please / You’re welcome

This simple word has a double meaning and is understood depending on the context. If someone thanks you, you reply with “parakalo” meaning ‘you’re welcome’. If you want to ask for something such as “Can I have a Cypriot coffee please?”, you’d say “Mboro na eho ena kafe, parakalo?”.

Directions

Pou ine to…? (Που είναι το…?)

Meaning: Where is the…?

Essential when asking for directions, especially if you’re exploring a city’s Old Town where perhaps some of the old people you’ll come across might not speak good English. Use this short phrase and add where you want to go to complete the question.

Aristera (Αριστερά) / Dexia (Δεξιά)

Meaning: Left / Right

This will come in handy when receiving directions, as well as when you’re telling your taxi driver where to head to.

At the restaurant / bar

Try some of Cyprus local dishes at one of its many taverns

Pinao (Πεινάω)

Meaning: I’m hungry

After exploring the wonders of the island, you might want to indulge in some delicious Cypriot cuisine. If you want to let the waiters know you’re dying to taste the dishes, try this phrase. And if you’re really hungry, add ‘poli‘ at the end, meaning ‘I’m very hungry’.

Ton logariasmo parakalo (Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ)

Meaning: The bill please

‘Logariasmos‘ is a tricky word for many, but do give it try. Keep in mind that no service charge is added on bills in Cyprus, so it’s customary to leave a tip.

Mporo na eho ligo nero (Μπορώ να έχω λίγο νερό?)

Meaning: Can I have some water?

Stay hydrated during your travels. The months between May and September see some very high, humid temperatures, so it’s vital to consume lots of water. Grab a bottle from a kiosk found on every corner, or from a restaurant or tavern.

At the market

A street market in Omodos selling traditional Cypriot lace

Posa ine? (Πόσα είναι?)

Meaning: How much is it?

There are various ways to ask about pricing, depending on whether the items follows a masculine or feminine ending in Greek grammar. But this can get quite complicated, so stick to this simple phrase and the message will be clear.

Ine akrivo (Είναι ακριβό)

Meaning: It’s expensive

If something seems pricey, you can haggle for a better price. This is more common at open-air markets and streets sellers however, shopping establishments are not likely to accept a bargain.

Ine fthino (Eίναι φθηνό)

Meaning: It’s cheap

Shopping at the local markets and vintage shops, you can find real gems for low prices. Express your enthusiasm with this straightforward sentence.

Numbers

Ena (ένα) – One

Dio (δύο) – Two

Tria (τρία) – Three

Tessera (τέσσερα) – Four

Pende (πέντε) – Five

Exi (έξι) – Six

Efta (εφτά) – Seven

Okto (οκτώ)- Eight

Enia (εννία) – Nine

Deka (δέκα)- Ten

Making friends

Ouzo is a Greek dry anise-flavoured aperitif mixed with water

Pame yia kafe? (Πάμε για καφέ?)

Meaning: Shall we go for a coffee?

The coffee culture is very big in Cyprus, and it’s a drink that’s consumed hot or cold,at all hours of the day. People will meet for coffee to catch up or while playing a traditional game of tavli.

Me lene… (Με λένε)

Meaning: My name is…

It’s important to know how to introduce yourself when meeting people, so say “hello” (see above) first, and you have a complete sentence: “Ya su, me lene…”

Pos ise? (Πως είσαι?)

Meaning: How are you?

This can actually be asked in two ways, either with the phrase shown above or by asking “Ti kanis?” which literally means ‘What are you doing?’, though it’s used as an alternative for saying “How are you?”.

For everything else

Polli zesti (Πολλή ζέστη)

Meaning: Very hot/warm

This refers to the weather and not spiciness of food. If visiting during the summer heatwave, this is something you’ll find yourself saying often.

Ime apo… (Είμαι από…)

Meaning: I am from…

As you chat to locals, they’ll often ask where you’re from, so have this short phrase ready. Asking how to say your country can be a great conversation starter as Cypriots usually enjoy teaching travellers their language.

Mou aresi (Μου αρέσει) / Den mou aresi (Δεν μου αρέσει)

Meaning: I like it / I don’t like it

Street sellers may often offer you a taste of their products. Give them some feedback by saying whether you like it or not. Most of the time they’ll offer you something else until something you enjoy is found.

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