When visiting Cyprus, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the local language and culture. This Mediterranean island is home to a rich and diverse history, and its people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Familiarising yourself with essential Cypriot phrases and etiquette will help you connect with locals and make your experience more enjoyable and authentic.
Languages Spoken in Cyprus
Cyprus is a melting pot of languages, with Greek, Turkish, and English being the most widely spoken. In the southern part of the island, Greek is the predominant language, while Turkish is more common in the north. However, English is widely spoken throughout Cyprus, especially in tourist areas, making it easy for visitors to communicate.
Useful Cypriot Greek Phrases
| English | Greek | Sounds like | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greetings & farewells | |||
| Good morning | Καλημέρα | Kaliméra | kah-lee-MEH-rah |
| Good afternoon/evening | Καλησπέρα | Kalispéra | kah-lee-SPEH-rah |
| Goodnight | Καληνύχτα | Kaliníhta | kah-lee-NEE-h-tah |
| Hello/Goodbye | Γεια σας | Yia sas | YAH-sahs |
| See you / Talk to you later | Τα λέμε | Ta léme | Ta leh-meh |
| What is your name | Πως σε λένε | Pos se léne | Pos se leh-ne |
| How are you | Τι κάνεις | Ti kánis | Ti ka-nees |
| Polite expressions | |||
| Please | Παρακαλώ | Parakaló | pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | Efharistó | ef-hah-ree-STOH |
| You’re welcome | Παρακαλώ | Parakaló | pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| Excuse me | Συγνώμη | Signómi | see-GHNO-mee |
| Asking for directions | |||
| Where is…? | Πού είναι…? | Poú íne…? | poo EE-neh |
| How can I get to…? | Πώς μπορώ να πάω στο…? | Pós mporó na páo sto…? | pos mbo-ROH nah PAH-oh stoh |
| Can you help me? | Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε? | Boreíte na me voithísete? | bo-REE-teh nah meh voh-ee-THEE-seh-teh |
| Dining out | |||
| I would like… | Θα ήθελα… | Tha íthela… | tha EE-theh-lah |
| The bill, please | Το λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ | To logariasmó, parakaló | toh loh-gah-ree-as-MOH, pah-rah-kah-LOH |
| I would like the bill, please | Το λογαριασμό παρακαλώ | To logariasmó parakaló | To lo-ga-ri-as-mo pa-ra-ka-lo |
| Do you have…? | Έχετε…? | Éhete…? | EH-heh-teh |
| Where is the toilet, please | Πού είναι η τουαλέτα παρακαλώ | Pou íne i tualéta parakaló | Pou ee-ne i tua-le-ta pa-ra-ka-lo |
| How much is this | Πόσο κάνει | Póso káni | Po-so ka-nee |
| Emergency Situations | |||
| Help | Βοήθεια | Voítheia | voh-EE-they-yah |
| Call the police | Κλήστε την αστυνομία | Klíste ti astinomía | KLEE-steh teen as-tee-no-MEE-ah |
| I need a doctor | Χρειάζομαι ένα γιατρό | Hriázome éna giatró | hree-AH-zo-meh EH-nah yah-TROH |
| I do not understand | Δεν καταλαβαίνω | Den katalavéno | Den kata-la-vee-no |
| Food-related words | |||
| Bread | Ψωμί | Psomi | psoh-mee |
| Cheese | Τυρί | Tyri | tee-ree |
| Meat | Κρέας | Kreas | kreh-as |
| Fish | Ψάρι | Psari | psah-ree |
| Vegetables | Λαχανικά | Lahanika | lah-hah-nee-kah |
| Fruit | Φρούτα | Fruta | froo-tah |
| Dessert | Γλυκό | Gliko | ghlee-ko |
| Drink-related words | |||
| Water | Νερό | Nero | neh-roh |
| Coffee | Καφές | Kafes | kah-fes |
| Tea | Τσάι | Tsai | tsah-ee |
| Wine | Κρασί | Krasi | krah-see |
| Beer | Μπύρα | Bira | bee-rah |
| Soft drink | Αναψυκτικό | Anapsiktiko | ah-nahp-see-kee-koh |
| Juice | Χυμός | Himos | hee-mos |
Etiquette Tips for Visiting Cyprus
Greetings and introductions
- Shake hands and maintain eye contact when meeting someone for the first time
- Use titles and surnames until invited to use first names
Social customs
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Show respect for elders and authority figures
- Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home
Table manners
- Wait to be seated by your host
- Always use utensils, not fingers, to eat
- Offer to help clean up after a meal
Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory
- In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary for good service
- For taxi drivers, round up to the nearest euro or give a small tip
General courtesy
- Be punctual for social engagements
- Show gratitude when offered assistance or hospitality
- Be aware of local customs and traditions to avoid accidentally offending anyone
Understanding Cypriot language and culture is essential for a more authentic and enjoyable experience on this beautiful island. By learning some essential phrases and following local etiquette, you’ll be able to better connect with the people of Cyprus and create lasting memories during your visit.