Greek — The Most Important Phrases
In the south, Cypriot Greek is spoken — a dialect that differs from standard Greek. Almost all Cypriots under 50 speak good English. Nevertheless, locals appreciate a few words of Greek:
| German | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Γεια σου (Geia sou) | JA su |
| Good morning | Καλημέρα (Kalimera) | kali-ME-ra |
| Good evening | Καλησπέρα (Kalispera) | kali-SPE-ra |
| Thank you | Ευχαριστώ (Efcharisto) | ef-cha-ri-STO |
| Please | Παρακαλώ (Parakalo) | para-ka-LO |
| Yes | Ναι (Nai) | NE |
| No | Όχι (Ochi) | O-chi |
| Sorry | Συγγνώμη (Signomi) | sig-NO-mi |
| How much is this? | Πόσο κάνει; (Poso kani?) | PO-so KA-ni? |
| The bill, please | Τον λογαριασμό (Ton logariasmo) | ton lo-ga-rias-MO |
| Water | Νερό (Nero) | ne-RO |
| Beer | Μπύρα (Bira) | BI-ra |
| Wine | Κρασί (Krasi) | kra-SI |
| Delicious! | Νόστιμο! (Nostimo!) | NO-sti-mo! |
| Cheers! | Γεια μας! (Geia mas!) | JA mas! |
| Where is...? | Πού είναι...; | PU I-ne...? |
| Help! | Βοήθεια! (Voitheia!) | vo-I-thia! |
| I don't understand | Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Den katalaveno) | den ka-ta-la-VE-no |
💡 Tipp
Caution: "Nai" (Yes) sounds like "Nein" (No) to German ears! However, Greeks nod at the same time. And "Ochi" (No) is often accompanied by a nod UPWARDS — also confusing.
