Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Diphthongs-and-Special-Combinations

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Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Introduction to Greek Alphabet → Diphthongs and Special Combinations

As a Modern Greek (1453-) language teacher, I am excited to introduce you to the beauty of the Greek language. Greek is rich in tradition, culture, and literature, and it is also an important language in the fields of science, mathematics, and philosophy. In this lesson, we will focus on diphthongs and special letter combinations, which are an essential factor in mastering the pronunciation of the Greek language.


Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: The use of uppercase and lowercase & The Greek sentence types.

Diphthongs, two-letter vowels : Pronunciation and Examples[edit | edit source]

Diphthongs are two vowel sounds pronounced within one syllable. The combination of the two vowels creates a unique sound. In Greek, there are four diphthongs:

Greek Alphabet Pronunciation English
αι [e] eight
ει [i] tree
οι [i] coin
υι (obsolete) [i] ski
ου [οu] loot or school.
  • "ai" pronounced [e] sounds like the "e" in "eight."
  • "ei" pronounced [i] sounds like the "ee" in "tree."
  • "oi" pronounced [i] sounds like the "oi" in "coin."
  • "yi" pronounced [i] sounds like the "ee" in "ski."

It is important to remember that when the letters "αι" and "οι" are stressed, they are pronounced as separate syllables. For example, αυτοκίνητο (car) is pronounced as "af-to-ki-ni-to," and not "af-tok-nee-to."

Special Letter Combinations: Pronunciation and Examples[edit | edit source]

Greek is a language with a rich history, and throughout the years, its alphabet has undergone several transformations. As a result, some Greek letters are pronounced similarly to two or more Latin letters or have their unique pronunciation, making it different from modern English or other languages.

Here are the most common examples of special letter combinations in Modern Greek (1453-):

Γγ:[edit | edit source]

In Modern Greek, the letter Γ (γάμμα) is pronounced like "g" in "gorilla." However, when Γ is followed by specific vowels, it is pronounced differently.

  • Γγ before ε, η, ι, ϋ or υ is pronounced like "y" in "yes."

Example: μέγιστος (greatest) is pronounced as "mé-gi-stos."

  • Γγ before α, ο, ω, or ου is pronounced like "g" in "go."

Example: αγόρι (boy) is pronounced as "a-gó-ri."

Ξξ:[edit | edit source]

The letter Ξ (ξι) stands for the sound similar to "ks" in "box." It is always pronounced this way, no matter what kind of sound follows it in the word.

Example: ξοδεύω (to spend) is pronounced as "xodé-vo."

Ζζ:[edit | edit source]

The letter Ζ (ζήτα) is pronounced like "z" in "zoo."

Example: ζήτησα (I asked) is pronounced as "zítissa."

Ψψ

Example: ψιθύρισα (I whispered) is pronounced as "psy-thî-ri-ssa"

Χχ:[edit | edit source]

The letter Χ (χι) is pronounced like "ch" in "church," but when it is followed ι, η or υ, it is pronounced more like "sh" in "shell."

Example: ήχος (sound) is pronounced as "ée-shos."

It takes time and dedication to familiarize oneself with the sound and pronunciation of diphthongs and special letter combinations in the Greek language. However, with patience and practice, you can master it.

Practice Time[edit | edit source]

Now that we have reviewed the pronunciation of diphthongs and special letter combinations let's put it into practice. Listen and repeat the following words:

  • μαιευτήρας (midwife) - pronounced "me-e-f-tír"
  • βοηθός (helper) - pronounced "vo-í-thos"
  • κλειδί (key) - pronounced "klí-thi"
  • καλημέρα (good morning) - pronounced "ka-li-mé-ra"
  • Μάιος (May) - pronounced "má-ιos"
  • λαϊκή αγορά (farmer's market ) - pronounced "la-í-ki a-go-rà "

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we have explored the pronunciation of diphthongs and special letter combinations in Modern Greek (1453-). We have seen how four diphthongs and four special letter combinations used in the Greek language create sounds unique to the language. Now that you have a good understanding of these concepts, you can use them with confidence in your own speech and take the first step in your journey to mastering the Greek language.


Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Verbs Conjugation Groups & Personal Pronouns.

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]


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