Cyprus-Forum.com

[Gem80]

Any time I visit a foreign country, I always try to learn the very basics of the local language, otherwise I feel a bit ignorant. I suppose being a Languages student has something to do with it

Before I leave for Cyprus tomorrow morning, I'd like to find out if the local people would react positively to it or not. My knowledge of Greek extends only to yassas, adio and efharisto as I only plan on speaking to shop assistants and taxi drivers, etc. I ask this question because I've done the same thing in the past, in Spain, when ordering food, which seemed to cause annoyance to the waitress more than anything (although I was 14 years old at the time and had been learning Spanish for just under a year).

There's also the worry of making a fool of myself, as I know a lot of immigrants from other parts of Europe work in Coral Bay/Paphos. I don't know whether they'd even understand me, and I guess they'd speak English more strongly than Greek anyway.

Wow, I need to learn when to stop typing . If anyone has any advice on the matter, or any other basic words/phrases I should know, then please share.

[juliesewell]

They love it if you try to have a go at speaking in their local language. Although, they will probably not answer you in Greek. No idea why... it's just one of their little ways.

If you make a mistake with the language, the Cypriots will also tell you how to say it properly (particularly if you put the stress in the wrong place in a word). Don't be put off by this as they are not being rude, but merely trying to help.

Try www.byki.com for some of the basics in Greek. It's a very good site.

Good luck, although you may be hard pushed to find Cypriots working in restaurants - particularly waiting on. Most are eastern european. But hotel receptions and in "proper" Greek taverna's - you may just get the chance to practice!

[Get Real!]

And if things don't work out just speak in English!

[paliometoxo]

yes most people will understand the english but its nice that you like to learn

[bigdog]

Do the Cypriots and Greeks have different accents like the English , Irish , Scots & Welsh ?

[Svetlana]

Not only is the accent different, but many words are different. There are even differences in the dialect between the 'country boys' of Paphos and the more sophisticated parts of the island LOL.

I am sure someone will be able to give examples of the differences between Greek and Cypriot Greek.

Lana

[Catlover1964]

Definately try to learn a few words - especially important in the mountain villages where english is less widely spoken.
Try the basics at:
http://www.cyprus-travel-secrets.com/speak-Greek.html

And yes there are wide regional differences between Cypriot and Greek Greek!
eg. there are completely different words for here and there: In mainland Greek it's "etho" and "ekei" whereas in Cypriot it's "thameh" and "jameh"

Enjoy the confusion!

[raymanuva]

here u go: En - GR - CY

Lighter - Anaptiras - Tsakmatzi
I will shoot you - Na se pirovoliso - Na se pekso
Village - Horio - Horko
Wassup - Ti ginete (Ti kanete) - Inta haparka
To Masturbate - Na travas malakia - Na Pezeis Mutcho

i know lots, no time to write now

[kafenes]

One of my favourites. (I hope I spell it correctly).

Burno burno tin Jirkajin.

Translated: Early Sunday morning.

[greek.god]

Astievese = are you joking (you will use this when some snobby waiter or cashier brings you the bill and you almost faint from the price shock)

The one finger universal salute = you will use this daily driving to/from anywhere on the island as Cypriots ignore basic driving etiquette. You will also use the finger as people trample by you while queing.

Poso Kairo tha perimeno = How long will I have to wait: You will use this whenever you interact with the government bureacracy, land developers, or in case of any emergency.

Pou na parkaro sto aerodromio: Where will I park at the airport. Forget it, even if your lucky enough to find parking you'll pay 1.50 for half an hour and the flight will be delayed 2 hours, then you'll have some rent a cop yell at you and threaten bodily harm for stopping to offload passengers.

Tha emai eki sai mia ora = I'll be there in one hour: Like GMT time, anytime a Cypriot tell you he/she will be there in 1 hour, add 3 for Cypriot Arrival Time.

Eho ena ksadelfo i filo pou tha se voithisi = I have a cousin or a good friend who can help: Just found the sucker who will pay for my next Mercedes and the addition to my house.

I can keep going if you wish