Entáxi
Εντάξει
Say it: en-DAK-see
Okay / all right
A useful way to agree, reassure someone or say that everything is fine.
A little local language
Words & Phrases
16 useful Greek words and expressions: what they mean, how to say them, and when to use them.
Capitals show the stressed syllable. These English sound guides are approximate; Cypriot pronunciation and spelling vary. “Kh” sounds like the “ch” in Scottish “loch”; the “g” in “sigá” is softer than an English hard g.
Re
Ρε
Say it: reh
Mate / hey
A very informal way to address someone. Keep it for friendly conversation; tone can make it sound sharp.
Éla
Έλα
Say it: EH-la
Come / come on
An invitation, encouragement or a way to catch someone’s attention. You may also hear it when someone answers the phone.
Oi
Όι
Say it: OH-ee
No
A Cypriot alternative to the standard Greek “óchi.” Its tone can turn a simple refusal into surprise or disbelief.
Mána mou
Μάνα μου
Say it: MAH-na moo
My dear / an affectionate exclamation
Literally “my mother,” but often said with tenderness, sympathy or admiration.
Áte
Άτε
Say it: AH-teh
Come on / let’s go
Use it to get things moving, encourage someone or signal that it is time to leave.
Kóri
Κόρη
Say it: KOH-ree
Girl / my girl
Literally “daughter.” You may hear it between close friends addressing a woman. It can sound overfamiliar with strangers, so this is one to recognise first.
Pollá
Πολλά
Say it: pol-LAH
Many / a lot; very in Cypriot speech
A small word that adds emphasis. In Cypriot speech, you will hear it used where English uses “very.”
Koumbáre
Κουμπάρε
Say it: koom-BAH-reh
Mate / buddy
An informal way to address a male friend. It also refers to a wedding sponsor or a godparent relationship; save the casual “mate” use for people you know.
Éshei
Έσιει
Say it: EH-shee
He or she has / there is
A common Cypriot form corresponding to standard Greek “échi.” The meaning depends on the sentence.
Sigá sigá
Σιγά σιγά
Say it: see-GAH see-GAH
Slowly, slowly
Also “little by little.” Use it when taking something slowly or making gradual progress.
Kaliméra
Καλημέρα
Say it: ka-lee-MEH-ra
Good morning
The everyday greeting to start the day, whether you are buying bread or arriving for breakfast.
Kalispéra
Καλησπέρα
Say it: ka-lee-SPEH-ra
Good evening
A greeting for later in the day, such as arriving at a restaurant for dinner.
Kalinýchta
Καληνύχτα
Say it: ka-lee-NEEKH-ta
Good night
Say this when parting for the night or heading to bed, rather than when arriving for the evening.
Efcharistó
Ευχαριστώ
Say it: ef-kha-ree-STOH
Thank you
Useful everywhere—from receiving your coffee to thanking someone for directions.
Parakaló
Παρακαλώ
Say it: pa-ra-ka-LOH
Please / you’re welcome
Use it to make a polite request or respond when someone thanks you.