Τι κάμνεις
Ti kámneisCypriot, everyday
In Cyprus people often ask Τι κάμνεις (Ti kámneis), literally "what are you doing". Standard Greek says Τι κάνεις (Ti káneis) and Cypriots understand it perfectly. It is also called Πώς είσαι (Pós eísai).
Meaning: greeting asking about someone's well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Τι κάμνεις | Ti kámneis | Cypriot, everyday |
| Πώς είσαι | Pós eísai | neutral |
| Τι κάνεις | Ti káneis | standard Greek |
The question works as a hello between friends, relatives and neighbors. A short answer is Καλά (Kalá), meaning "fine", often followed by asking back.
Which one should you use?
The Cypriot form keeps the older verb κάμνω (kámno) where mainland Greek has κάνω (káno). With more than one person or someone you address politely, the form becomes Τι κάμνετε (Ti kámnete).
Did you know?
- The verb κάμνω (kámno) also exists in Ancient Greek, where it meant to toil or grow weary.
Examples in context
- Τι κάμνετε, κύριε ΓιώργοTi kámnete, kýrie GiórgoHow are you, Mr. George
- Πώς είσαι σήμεραPós eísai símeraHow are you today
Example conversation
Andreas meets his neighbor Maria outside a bakery in Limassol.
- AndreasΓεια σου Μαρία, τι κάμνειςYa sou María, ti kámneisHello Maria, how are you
- MariaΚαλά, εσύKalá, esýFine, and you
- AndreasΚαλά κι εγώ, ευχαριστώKalá ki egó, efcharistóFine too, thank you
