Greek Language Guide
Worried about not being understood? Nervous about finding your way around? Not sure about the food? Just flick through the page to find the information you need .Or print this quick-reference guide that will help you make the most of your stay in Cyprus.
The word for Cyprus is Keepros – ΚΥΠΡΟΣ
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Everyday Cyprus: ΑΝΟΙΚΤΟ – aneekto – Open ΚΛΕΙΣΤΟ – kleesto – Closed Είσοδος – eesodhos - Entrance ΕΧΟΔΟΣ – eksodhos – Exit The Greek alphabet can seem daunting. Capital letters are written differently from lower case letters. ΟΘΗΣΑΤΕ – otheesate - push ΕΛΞΑΤΕ – alksate - pull |
Opening Hours
Δευτ (Monday)– Τεταρ (Wednesday) – Σαββατο (Saturday)
Τριτη (Tuesday)– Πεμπτη (Thursday) – Παρακευη (Friday)
Shops generally open in the morning (8 am until 2 pm) and again in the evening (5-8 pm). They close in the evening and all day on Sunday. However, in busy tourist areas they usually open all day every day.
| A kiosk (pereeptero). These kiosk sell all kinds of things including maps, postcards, stamps, cigarettes, snacks and drinks. They often have a payphone and will give directions |  |
ΤΑΜΕΙΟ – tameeo – Pay Here
TIMH – Teemee – Price
ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΙΟ – farmakeio – Pharmacy
ΝΟΣΟΚΟΜΕΙΟ – Hospital
The Greek for hotel is ksenodhokheeo. A guest house is panseeon.
ΤΟΥΑΛΕΤΕΣ – Toilets
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Key Talk
Cypriot people frequently say ‘hello’ and ‘how are you?’. Γεία σου (ya sou), means ‘hi’ and ‘bye’, among friends and young people. The formal or plural ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ is γεία (ya sas). When entering shops etc its rude not to first greet the owner.
Good morning , Καλημέρα , kalee mera
Good night, Καλή νύχτα, kalee neekhta
Good evening, Καλησπέρα, kalee spera
Excuse me/sorry!, Συγνώμη, seeghnomee
Hello/goodbye, Γεία σας, ya sas
Hello, Χαίρετε, kherete
Don’t mention it/please, Παρακαλώ, parakalo
Thank you, Ευχαριστώ , efkhareesto
Tip: always try to speak greek, if only ‘hello/bye’ + ‘thanks’. It will be much appreciated. An easy way to shop is to name what you want and add ‘please’ (parakalo). To attract someone’s attention say (seeghnomee) – excuse me! Don’t be shy about talking to Cypriots if you want to find out something. They love to communicate. Use this guide to learn some basic Greek words and phrases before your trip.
Yes, Ne, Ναι
No, Okhee, Όχι
That’s fine/ok, Endaksee, Εντάξει
Do you have…?, Ekhete…?, Έχετε…;
Do you have any milk?, Ekhete ghala?, Έχετε γάλα;
Do you have fuits?, Ekhete froota?, Έχετε φρούτα;
How much is it?, Poso kanee?, Πόσο κάνει;
Where is/are…?, Poo eene…?, Πού είναι;
Where is the toilet?, Poo eene ee tooaleta?, Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
I need a taxi, Khreeazome taksee, Χρειάζομαι ταξί
Tip: If you ask a question and the person speaks too fast for you to understand, try πιο σιγά παρακαλώ (pyo seegha parakalo). A young person may well reply in English!!
Can I…?, Boro na…, When?
Pote, How are you?, Tee kanete
Fine, thanks, and you?, Kala, efhkareesto, esees
My name is…, Me lene
What is your name?, Pos sas lene
Do you speak English?, Meelate angleeka
Thank you very much, Sas efkhareesto polee
yesterday, khtes, χτες
today, seemera, σήμερα
tomorrow, avreeo, αύριο
this morning, seemera to proee, σήμερα το πρωί
this afternoon, seemera to apoyevma, σήμερα το απόγευμα
tonight, apopse, απόψε
Tip: It will always be appreciated if you learn even a few phrases of Greek to show goodwill. Most Cypriots will be friendly and patient, and will try to help you even more.
