BEFORE WE DIVE IN
Part 2 of our Still, Yet, Already & Anymore breakdown
This may surprise you, but in Cyprus people are loud.
In large groups people talk over each other and it is difficult to get a word in.
To make it clear that you have something important to say you will often hear:
“έλα να σου πω.”
That sounds like: “Ela na su po.”
Yes, that ν sounds like an “n”, and the σ is an “s”, and can you believe the "ω”, the one that looks like a W, is actually pronounced as “o” and…
Deeeeeeep breath.
Anyway, “ela na su po”, literally means: Come here so I can tell you…
It’s a way of saying: “Hang on, I’ve got something to say.”
Not necessarily aggressive, but - please be quiet for a second and listen.
English has similar phrases:
“Listen to me” is usually too direct. It can sound parental, angry, or confrontational. You say it when someone is not listening, or when you are about to be serious.
“Let me tell you something” can be warm, dramatic, funny, intimate, or slightly confrontational depending on tone. It has that “I’m about to give you the truth” feeling.
“I’ll tell you what” is very British and conversational. It often introduces a suggestion or solution: I’ll tell you what — let’s leave it until Monday.
“You know what?” is a softer attention-grabber. It often introduces an opinion, realisation, or change of direction: You know what? I actually think you’re right.
“Here’s the thing” is probably one of the best modern English equivalents. It gets attention without sounding aggressive. It says: this is the important point.
“Can I just say something?” is polite, but also slightly defensive. It suggests the speaker is asking permission to enter the conversation.
“Hear me out” is useful when you know the listener might disagree. It means: don’t reject this immediately — listen first.
Here in Cyprus, έλα να σου πω is part of the rhythm of lively conversation, with many talking, interrupting, overlapping and reacting.
As an Englishman, I feel that taking the floor too directly could come across as rude.
But in Cypriot conversation, not taking the floor strongly enough means mean you never get a word in.
Gather round, let me tell you something
This week’s three tips:
SOMETHING TO AVOID 🫣
🤦🏻♀️ “Listen to me”
“Escúchame” often sounds totally normal in Spanish, but “listen to me” in English can sound too direct, parental, aggressive, or dramatic, depending on tone.
✅ “Let me tell you something”
A natural English way to grab someone’s attention without sounding too aggressive.
It’s softer than “Listen to me”, but stronger than just starting a sentence normally. It suggests: “Pay attention — I’m about to say something important, honest, or useful.”
Let me tell you about what happened the other day
SOMETHING TO SOUND CONFIDENT 🧐
👔 Business expressions
“To get a word in edgeways”
To manage to speak when other people are dominating the conversation.
In yesterday’s strategy meeting, everyone had strong opinions, and I could barely get a word in edgeways
Useful phrases for business meetings
Can I jump in here?
Good for meetings. Direct but acceptable.
Can I come in on that?
Very natural in British/professional English.
Can I just add something?
Softer and more polite.
Let me stop you there for a second.
More assertive. Useful when you need to control the discussion.
Before we move on, can I say something?
Very useful when the conversation is changing direction too quickly.
Another possible business expression:
to take the floor
Meaning: to begin speaking formally in a meeting, debate, or presentation.
Example:
After everyone had shared their concerns, Marta took the floor and explained the next steps.
SOMETHING TO WATCH 📺
NEXT STEPS ➡️
Keep learning,
Jack & Krystallo
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