If you're visiting Cyprus, here are some everyday phrases that will come in handy. When greeting someone, you can say “Γεια σου” (Ya sou) for hello or “Καλημέρα” (Kalimera) for good morning. If you need to ask for something politely, use “Μπορώ να έχω...;” (Boro na eho...?) meaning “Can I have…?”. When thanking someone, say “Ευχαριστώ” (Efharisto), and if someone thanks you, reply with “Παρακαλώ” (Parakalo), which also means "you're welcome" or "please," depending on the context. If you're in a café and want to order a coffee, you can say “Έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ” (Enan kafe, parakalo). If you’re lost and need help, try “Πού είναι...;” (Pou ine...?), meaning “Where is…?”. When paying, you can ask “Πόσο κάνει;” (Poso kani?) meaning “How much is it?”. And, of course, if you're enjoying the local food, a great phrase to know is “Νόστιμο!” (Nostimo!), meaning “Delicious!”.
Small Dialogue at a Café
Customer: Καλημέρα! Μπορώ να έχω έναν καφέ, παρακαλώ;
(Kalimera! Boro na eho enan kafe, parakalo?)
(Good morning! Can I have a coffee, please?)
Barista: Βεβαίως! Με ζάχαρη ή χωρίς;
(Veveos! Me zachari i horis?)
(Of course! With sugar or without?)
Customer: Με λίγη ζάχαρη, ευχαριστώ. Πόσο κάνει;
(Me lighi zachari, efharisto. Poso kani?)
(With a little sugar, thank you. How much is it?)
Barista: Δύο ευρώ, παρακαλώ.
(Dyo evro, parakalo.)
(Two euros, please.)
Customer: Ορίστε. Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
(Oriste. Efharisto poli!)
(Here you go. Thank you very much!)
Barista: Παρακαλώ! Καλή σας μέρα!
(Parakalo! Kali sas mera!)
(You're welcome! Have a nice day!)
Andriani, OLS Community Manager – Greek