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{{Modern-greek-1453-Page-Top}}
{{Modern-greek-1453-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Greek Letters and Pronunciation</div>
Welcome to your journey into the beautiful world of Modern Greek! In this lesson, we will explore an essential foundation of the language: the Greek alphabet. Understanding the Greek letters and their pronunciations is vital, as it opens the door to reading, writing, and speaking in Greek. This knowledge will serve as a stepping stone for you as you progress toward fluency.
The Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters, each with its own unique sound and character. By mastering these letters, you'll not only be able to pronounce words but also appreciate the beauty of Greek culture embedded within its language. We'll dive into each letter, discuss its pronunciation with examples, and provide exercises to reinforce your understanding.
== Lesson Structure ==


<div class="pg_page_title">Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Introduction to Greek Alphabet → Greek Letters and Pronunciation</div>
1. '''Introduction to Greek Letters'''
 
2. '''Pronunciation Guide'''
 
3. '''Examples of Greek Letters in Use'''
 
4. '''Exercises and Practice Scenarios'''
 
5. '''Conclusion'''


__TOC__
__TOC__


As a Modern Greek (1453-) language teacher with 20 years of experience, I am excited to introduce students to the Greek alphabet and pronunciation. This lesson is a vital foundation for your journey towards becoming proficient in Modern Greek.
=== Introduction to Greek Letters ===
 
The Greek alphabet has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and it has played a significant role in the development of various languages, including English. Learning the Greek letters is not just about memorizing shapes; it’s about connecting with a culture steeped in history and tradition. Each letter has its own story, and together they form the backbone of the language.
 
To kick things off, let’s take a look at the Greek letters and their corresponding pronunciations.
 
=== Pronunciation Guide ===
 
Here’s a comprehensive table that features each of the 24 Greek letters, their pronunciation in Modern Greek (including IPA), and their English translations:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Modern Greek (1453-) !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Α, α || /a/ || Alpha
 
|-
 
| Β, β || /v/ || Beta
 
|-


The Greek alphabet has played a significant role in shaping the world with its contributions to literature, science, mathematics, and more. It comprises 24 letters, including both consonants and vowels, each with its sound and unique pronunciation. In this lesson, we will cover all the 24 Greek letters and their corresponding pronunciation in Modern Greek.
| Γ, γ || /ɣ/ || Gamma


|-


<span link>Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: [[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/The-degrees-of-the-adjective|The degrees of the adjective]] & [[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Greek-voices-verbs-Φωνή-και-συζυγίες-ρημάτων|Greek voices verbs Φωνή και συζυγίες ρημάτων]].</span>
| Δ, δ || /ð/ || Delta
== Greek Alphabet and Pronunciation ==


The Greek alphabet is the ancestor of the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets and is still widely used today. As a complete beginner in Modern Greek, learning the Greek alphabet is crucial before anything else. Knowing the Greek letters and pronunciation is fundamental to learning to read, speak, and write the language properly.
|-


Below is a table of the Greek alphabet showing each letter, its uppercase and lowercase forms, pronunciation, and an example of an English word that has that sound.
| Ε, ε || /e/ || Epsilon
 
|-
 
| Ζ, ζ || /z/ || Zeta
 
|-
 
| Η, η || /i/ || Eta
 
|-
 
| Θ, θ || /θ/ || Theta
 
|-
 
| Ι, ι || /i/ || Iota
 
|-
 
| Κ, κ || /k/ || Kappa
 
|-
 
| Λ, λ || /l/ || Lambda
 
|-
 
| Μ, μ || /m/ || Mu
 
|-
 
| Ν, ν || /n/ || Nu
 
|-
 
| Ξ, ξ || /ks/ || Xi
 
|-
 
| Ο, ο || /o/ || Omicron
 
|-
 
| Π, π || /p/ || Pi
 
|-
 
| Ρ, ρ || /r/ || Rho
 
|-
 
| Σ, σ/ς || /s/ || Sigma
 
|-
 
| Τ, τ || /t/ || Tau
 
|-
 
| Υ, υ || /i/ || Upsilon
 
|-
 
| Φ, φ || /f/ || Phi
 
|-
 
| Χ, χ || /x/ || Chi
 
|-
 
| Ψ, ψ || /ps/ || Psi
 
|-
 
| Ω, ω || /o/ || Omega
 
|}
 
Each letter has its own charm, and understanding their sounds will help you pronounce Greek words correctly. Let’s break down the pronunciation a bit further.
 
=== Detailed Pronunciation Insights ===
 
1. '''Alpha (Α, α)''' - Pronounced like 'a' in "father." It's a straightforward sound and a great starting point.
 
2. '''Beta (Β, β)''' - This letter sounds like 'v.' Yes, it’s not the same as the English 'b!'
 
3. '''Gamma (Γ, γ)''' - Sounds like 'y' when preceding ε or ι, otherwise like 'g.' It’s a unique sound that takes practice!
 
4. '''Delta (Δ, δ)''' - Similar to the 'th' in "this." Remember, it’s softer compared to English.
 
5. '''Epsilon (Ε, ε)''' - Pronounced like 'e' in "met." Simple, but essential.
 
6. '''Zeta (Ζ, ζ)''' - Sounds like 'z' in "zebra." A smooth transition to the next letter.
 
7. '''Eta (Η, η)''' - A long 'i' sound, like in "see."
 
8. '''Theta (Θ, θ)''' - This is the 'th' in "think." A bit of a tongue twister!
 
9. '''Iota (Ι, ι)''' - Similar to the 'ee' in "see."
 
10. '''Kappa (Κ, κ)''' - Just like the 'k' in "kite." Straightforward and clear.
 
11. '''Lambda (Λ, λ)''' - Sounds like the 'l' in "lamp."
 
12. '''Mu (Μ, μ)''' - An easy 'm' sound.
 
13. '''Nu (Ν, ν)''' - Like 'n' in "night."
 
14. '''Xi (Ξ, ξ)''' - A bit tricky; it’s pronounced 'ks' like in "box."
 
15. '''Omicron (Ο, ο)''' - Similar to 'o' in "pot."
 
16. '''Pi (Π, π)''' - Just like the 'p' in "pot."
 
17. '''Rho (Ρ, ρ)''' - An 'r' sound that’s rolled, similar to Spanish.
 
18. '''Sigma (Σ, σ/ς)''' - This can be pronounced as 's' in "snake."
 
19. '''Tau (Τ, τ)''' - Like 't' in "top."
 
20. '''Upsilon (Υ, υ)''' - Similar to 'i' in "machine."
 
21. '''Phi (Φ, φ)''' - Sounds like 'f.'
 
22. '''Chi (Χ, χ)''' - A unique sound made from the back of the throat, somewhat like 'h.'
 
23. '''Psi (Ψ, ψ)''' - Pronounced like 'ps' in "lapse."
 
24. '''Omega (Ω, ω)''' - Long 'o' sound, similar to 'o' in "home."
 
=== Examples of Greek Letters in Use ===
 
Now, let's see how these letters come together in actual Greek words. Below is a table with examples of words that incorporate each letter, showcasing their pronunciation and meaning.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Greek Letter !! Uppercase !! Lowercase !! Pronunciation !! English Example
 
! Modern Greek (1453-) !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| Alpha || Α || α || ah || father
 
| Άνθρωπος || /ˈan.θro.pos/ || Human
 
|-
|-
| Beta || Β || β || vee || love
 
| Βιβλίο || /viˈv.lio/ || Book
 
|-
|-
| Gamma || Γ || γ || gh || goat
 
| Γάτα || /ˈɣa.ta/ || Cat
 
|-
|-
| Delta || Δ || δ || dh || this
 
| Δέντρο || /ˈðen.dro/ || Tree
 
|-
|-
| Epsilon || Ε || ε || eh || pen
 
| Ελπίδα || /elˈpi.ða/ || Hope
 
|-
|-
| Zeta || Ζ || ζ || zee || zoo
 
| Ζωή || /zoˈi/ || Life
 
|-
|-
| Eta || Η || η || ee || feet
 
| Ημέρα || /iˈme.ra/ || Day
 
|-
|-
| Theta || Θ || θ || th || think
 
| Θάλασσα || /ˈθa.la.ssa/ || Sea
 
|-
|-
| Iota || Ι || ι || ee-oh-tah || ski
 
| Ιδέα || /iˈðe.a/ || Idea
 
|-
|-
| Kappa || Κ || κ || kah || keep
 
| Καρδιά || /karˈðja/ || Heart
 
|-
|-
| Lambda || Λ || λ || lah || love
 
| Λάδι || /ˈla.ði/ || Oil
 
|-
|-
| Mu || Μ || μ || mee || man
 
| Μάθημα || /ˈma.θi.ma/ || Lesson
 
|-
|-
| Nu || Ν || ν || nee || now
 
| Νερό || /neˈro/ || Water
 
|-
|-
| Xi || Ξ || ξ || xee || six
 
| Ξύλο || /ˈksi.lo/ || Wood
 
|-
|-
| Omicron || Ο || ο || oh || go
 
| Όνειρο || /ˈo.ni.ro/ || Dream
 
|-
|-
| Pi || Π || π || pee || peace
 
| Πόλη || /ˈpo.li/ || City
 
|-
|-
| Rho || Ρ || ρ || ree || roll
 
| Ρόδι || /ˈro.ði/ || Pomegranate
 
|-
|-
| Sigma || Σ || σ/ς || see || sign (σ) or dessert (ς)
 
| Σπίτι || /ˈspi.ti/ || House
 
|-
|-
| Tau || Τ || τ || tah || time
 
| Τραγούδι || /traˈɣu.ði/ || Song
 
|-
|-
| Upsilon || Υ || υ || ee-oo || blue
 
| Υγεία || /iˈɣi.a/ || Health
 
|-
|-
| Phi || Φ || φ || fee || phone
 
| Φεγγάρι || /feˈɣa.ri/ || Moon
 
|-
|-
| Chi || Χ || χ || hee || hat
 
| Χρόνος || /ˈxro.nos/ || Time
 
|-
|-
| Psi || Ψ || ψ || psee || lips
 
| Ψάρι || /ˈpsa.ri/ || Fish
 
|-
|-
| Omega || Ω || ω || oh-meh-gah || so
 
| Ωκεανός || /o.ke.aˈnos/ || Ocean
 
|}
|}


Note that Sigma has three forms: uppercase (Σ), lowercase (σ), and final form (ς). The final form appears only at the end of a word.
These examples illustrate how the letters function within words, providing you with a practical understanding of their applications.
 
=== Exercises and Practice Scenarios ===
 
To solidify your understanding, let’s dive into some exercises. These will help you practice both recognizing the letters and their sounds.
 
==== Exercise 1: Letter Identification ====
 
Identify the Greek letter based on the pronunciation given.
 
1. /k/ - What is the Greek letter?
 
2. /o/ - What is the Greek letter?
 
3. /z/ - What is the Greek letter?
 
4. /θ/ - What is the Greek letter?
 
5. /i/ - What is the Greek letter?
 
''Answers''
 
1. Κ (Kappa)
 
2. Ο (Omicron)
 
3. Ζ (Zeta)
 
4. Θ (Theta)
 
5. Ι (Iota)
 
==== Exercise 2: Pronunciation Match ====
 
Match the Greek letter with its correct pronunciation.
 
1. Β
 
2. Ξ
 
3. Δ
 
4. Φ
 
5. Χ
 
a. /ks/
 
b. /v/
 
c. /f/
 
d. /ð/
 
e. /x/
 
''Answers''
 
1. Β - b
 
2. Ξ - a
 
3. Δ - d
 
4. Φ - c
 
5. Χ - e
 
==== Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks ====
 
Complete the word with the correct Greek letters.
 
1. Ά__α (____) – Hint: 'a' in "father."
 
2. Β__ι__ί__ (____) – Hint: 'v' in "vase."
 
3. Γ__ά__α (____) – Hint: 'g.'
 
4. Δ__ό__ (____) – Hint: 'd.'
 
5. Σ__ί__ (____) – Hint: 's.'
 
''Answers''
 
1. Άνθρωπος
 
2. Βιβλίο
 
3. Γάτα
 
4. Δέντρο and δένδρο
 
5. Σπίτι
 
==== Exercise 4: Word Creation ====
 
Using the letters provided, create three words.
 
1. Α, Β, Γ
 
2. Δ, Ε, Ζ
 
3. Η, Θ, Ι
 
''Example Answers''
 
1. Α, Β, Γ → Άγαλμα (agálma)
 
2. Δ, Ε, Ζ → Δέντρο/δένδρο  (déndro)
 
3. Η, Θ, Ι → Ιλιάδα (iiáda)
 
==== Exercise 5: Listening Practice ====
 
Listen to the pronunciation of the following letters and write them down.
 
1. /e/
 
2. /m/
 
3. /p/
 
4. /r/
 
5. /o/
 
''Answers''
 
1. Ε (Epsilon)
 
2. Μ (Mu)
 
3. Π (Pi)
 
4. Ρ (Rho)
 
5. Ο (Omicron)
 
==== Exercise 6: Translation Challenge ====
 
Translate the following words into Greek.
 
1. Life
 
2. Water
 
3. Book
 
4. Song
 
5. Heart
 
''Answers''
 
1. Ζωή
 
2. Νερό
 
3. Βιβλίο
 
4. Τραγούδι
 
5. Καρδιά
 
==== Exercise 7: Letter Sound Quiz ====
 
Identify the sound that corresponds to the following letters:
 
1. Ψ
 
2. Γ
 
3. Κ
 
4. Λ
 
5. Σ
 
''Answers''
 
1. /ps/
 
2. /ɣ/
 
3. /k/
 
4. /l/
 
5. /s/
 
==== Exercise 8: Create Sentences ====
 
Using the words you’ve learned, create three simple sentences in Greek (with English translations).
 
''Example Answers''
 
1. Η ζωή είναι ωραία. (Life is beautiful.)
 
2. Το νερό είναι κρύο. (The water is cold.)
 
3. Το βιβλίο είναι ενδιαφέρον. (The book is interesting.)
 
==== Exercise 9: Alphabetical Order ====
 
Put the following Greek words in alphabetical order:


Please practice pronouncing the Greek letters correctly. It is vital to get comfortable with the Greek alphabet and pronunciation to progress in Modern Greek.
1. Καρδιά


As we move forward in this course, you will realize how significant the Greek alphabet is to the language's rules and structures. It is the key to understanding not just the spoken Greek language, but also the written language.
2. Βιβλίο


Now that you have familiarized yourself with the Greek alphabet and pronunciation, you are ready to proceed to the next lesson. I hope you continue on this amazing journey and be proud of each step you take towards learning Modern Greek.
3. Δέντρο/δένδρο
 
4. Ζωή
 
5. Αύριο
 
''Answers''
 
1. Αύριο
 
2. Βιβλίο
 
3. Δέντρο
 
4. Ζωή
 
5. Καρδιά
 
==== Exercise 10: Letter Scramble ====
 
Unscramble the following letters to form a Greek word:
 
1. νέρο
 
2. τραγούδι
 
3. καρδιά
 
''Answers''
 
1. νερό (water)
 
2. τραγούδι (song)
 
3. καρδιά (heart)
 
=== Conclusion ===
 
Congratulations on completing this lesson on Greek letters and their pronunciation! You’ve taken your first steps into the Greek language, and with practice, you’ll continue to grow. Remember, the alphabet is the key to unlocking the beauty of Greek words, sentences, and ultimately, conversations.
 
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to read and write in Greek with confidence. In the next lesson, we’ll explore diphthongs and special combinations that will further enhance your understanding of the language. Until then, καλό ταξίδι (safe travels) on your language journey!


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==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Discours-direct-indirect|Discours direct indirect]]
* [[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Discours-direct-indirect|Discours direct indirect]]
* [[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Various-Greek-linguistic-terms|Various Greek linguistic terms]]
* [[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Various-Greek-linguistic-terms|Various Greek linguistic terms]]


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|[[Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Diphthongs-and-Special-Combinations|Next Lesson — Diphthongs and Special Combinations ▶️]]
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Latest revision as of 07:04, 1 December 2024

Next Lesson — Diphthongs and Special Combinations ▶️

Greek-Language-PolyglotClub.png
Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Greek Letters and Pronunciation

Welcome to your journey into the beautiful world of Modern Greek! In this lesson, we will explore an essential foundation of the language: the Greek alphabet. Understanding the Greek letters and their pronunciations is vital, as it opens the door to reading, writing, and speaking in Greek. This knowledge will serve as a stepping stone for you as you progress toward fluency.

The Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters, each with its own unique sound and character. By mastering these letters, you'll not only be able to pronounce words but also appreciate the beauty of Greek culture embedded within its language. We'll dive into each letter, discuss its pronunciation with examples, and provide exercises to reinforce your understanding.

Lesson Structure[edit | edit source]

1. Introduction to Greek Letters

2. Pronunciation Guide

3. Examples of Greek Letters in Use

4. Exercises and Practice Scenarios

5. Conclusion

Introduction to Greek Letters[edit | edit source]

The Greek alphabet has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and it has played a significant role in the development of various languages, including English. Learning the Greek letters is not just about memorizing shapes; it’s about connecting with a culture steeped in history and tradition. Each letter has its own story, and together they form the backbone of the language.

To kick things off, let’s take a look at the Greek letters and their corresponding pronunciations.

Pronunciation Guide[edit | edit source]

Here’s a comprehensive table that features each of the 24 Greek letters, their pronunciation in Modern Greek (including IPA), and their English translations:

Modern Greek (1453-) Pronunciation English
Α, α /a/ Alpha
Β, β /v/ Beta
Γ, γ /ɣ/ Gamma
Δ, δ /ð/ Delta
Ε, ε /e/ Epsilon
Ζ, ζ /z/ Zeta
Η, η /i/ Eta
Θ, θ /θ/ Theta
Ι, ι /i/ Iota
Κ, κ /k/ Kappa
Λ, λ /l/ Lambda
Μ, μ /m/ Mu
Ν, ν /n/ Nu
Ξ, ξ /ks/ Xi
Ο, ο /o/ Omicron
Π, π /p/ Pi
Ρ, ρ /r/ Rho
Σ, σ/ς /s/ Sigma
Τ, τ /t/ Tau
Υ, υ /i/ Upsilon
Φ, φ /f/ Phi
Χ, χ /x/ Chi
Ψ, ψ /ps/ Psi
Ω, ω /o/ Omega

Each letter has its own charm, and understanding their sounds will help you pronounce Greek words correctly. Let’s break down the pronunciation a bit further.

Detailed Pronunciation Insights[edit | edit source]

1. Alpha (Α, α) - Pronounced like 'a' in "father." It's a straightforward sound and a great starting point.

2. Beta (Β, β) - This letter sounds like 'v.' Yes, it’s not the same as the English 'b!'

3. Gamma (Γ, γ) - Sounds like 'y' when preceding ε or ι, otherwise like 'g.' It’s a unique sound that takes practice!

4. Delta (Δ, δ) - Similar to the 'th' in "this." Remember, it’s softer compared to English.

5. Epsilon (Ε, ε) - Pronounced like 'e' in "met." Simple, but essential.

6. Zeta (Ζ, ζ) - Sounds like 'z' in "zebra." A smooth transition to the next letter.

7. Eta (Η, η) - A long 'i' sound, like in "see."

8. Theta (Θ, θ) - This is the 'th' in "think." A bit of a tongue twister!

9. Iota (Ι, ι) - Similar to the 'ee' in "see."

10. Kappa (Κ, κ) - Just like the 'k' in "kite." Straightforward and clear.

11. Lambda (Λ, λ) - Sounds like the 'l' in "lamp."

12. Mu (Μ, μ) - An easy 'm' sound.

13. Nu (Ν, ν) - Like 'n' in "night."

14. Xi (Ξ, ξ) - A bit tricky; it’s pronounced 'ks' like in "box."

15. Omicron (Ο, ο) - Similar to 'o' in "pot."

16. Pi (Π, π) - Just like the 'p' in "pot."

17. Rho (Ρ, ρ) - An 'r' sound that’s rolled, similar to Spanish.

18. Sigma (Σ, σ/ς) - This can be pronounced as 's' in "snake."

19. Tau (Τ, τ) - Like 't' in "top."

20. Upsilon (Υ, υ) - Similar to 'i' in "machine."

21. Phi (Φ, φ) - Sounds like 'f.'

22. Chi (Χ, χ) - A unique sound made from the back of the throat, somewhat like 'h.'

23. Psi (Ψ, ψ) - Pronounced like 'ps' in "lapse."

24. Omega (Ω, ω) - Long 'o' sound, similar to 'o' in "home."

Examples of Greek Letters in Use[edit | edit source]

Now, let's see how these letters come together in actual Greek words. Below is a table with examples of words that incorporate each letter, showcasing their pronunciation and meaning.

Modern Greek (1453-) Pronunciation English
Άνθρωπος /ˈan.θro.pos/ Human
Βιβλίο /viˈv.lio/ Book
Γάτα /ˈɣa.ta/ Cat
Δέντρο /ˈðen.dro/ Tree
Ελπίδα /elˈpi.ða/ Hope
Ζωή /zoˈi/ Life
Ημέρα /iˈme.ra/ Day
Θάλασσα /ˈθa.la.ssa/ Sea
Ιδέα /iˈðe.a/ Idea
Καρδιά /karˈðja/ Heart
Λάδι /ˈla.ði/ Oil
Μάθημα /ˈma.θi.ma/ Lesson
Νερό /neˈro/ Water
Ξύλο /ˈksi.lo/ Wood
Όνειρο /ˈo.ni.ro/ Dream
Πόλη /ˈpo.li/ City
Ρόδι /ˈro.ði/ Pomegranate
Σπίτι /ˈspi.ti/ House
Τραγούδι /traˈɣu.ði/ Song
Υγεία /iˈɣi.a/ Health
Φεγγάρι /feˈɣa.ri/ Moon
Χρόνος /ˈxro.nos/ Time
Ψάρι /ˈpsa.ri/ Fish
Ωκεανός /o.ke.aˈnos/ Ocean

These examples illustrate how the letters function within words, providing you with a practical understanding of their applications.

Exercises and Practice Scenarios[edit | edit source]

To solidify your understanding, let’s dive into some exercises. These will help you practice both recognizing the letters and their sounds.

Exercise 1: Letter Identification[edit | edit source]

Identify the Greek letter based on the pronunciation given.

1. /k/ - What is the Greek letter?

2. /o/ - What is the Greek letter?

3. /z/ - What is the Greek letter?

4. /θ/ - What is the Greek letter?

5. /i/ - What is the Greek letter?

Answers

1. Κ (Kappa)

2. Ο (Omicron)

3. Ζ (Zeta)

4. Θ (Theta)

5. Ι (Iota)

Exercise 2: Pronunciation Match[edit | edit source]

Match the Greek letter with its correct pronunciation.

1. Β

2. Ξ

3. Δ

4. Φ

5. Χ

a. /ks/

b. /v/

c. /f/

d. /ð/

e. /x/

Answers

1. Β - b

2. Ξ - a

3. Δ - d

4. Φ - c

5. Χ - e

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Complete the word with the correct Greek letters.

1. Ά__α (____) – Hint: 'a' in "father."

2. Β__ι__ί__ (____) – Hint: 'v' in "vase."

3. Γ__ά__α (____) – Hint: 'g.'

4. Δ__ό__ (____) – Hint: 'd.'

5. Σ__ί__ (____) – Hint: 's.'

Answers

1. Άνθρωπος

2. Βιβλίο

3. Γάτα

4. Δέντρο and δένδρο

5. Σπίτι

Exercise 4: Word Creation[edit | edit source]

Using the letters provided, create three words.

1. Α, Β, Γ

2. Δ, Ε, Ζ

3. Η, Θ, Ι

Example Answers

1. Α, Β, Γ → Άγαλμα (agálma)

2. Δ, Ε, Ζ → Δέντρο/δένδρο (déndro)

3. Η, Θ, Ι → Ιλιάδα (iiáda)

Exercise 5: Listening Practice[edit | edit source]

Listen to the pronunciation of the following letters and write them down.

1. /e/

2. /m/

3. /p/

4. /r/

5. /o/

Answers

1. Ε (Epsilon)

2. Μ (Mu)

3. Π (Pi)

4. Ρ (Rho)

5. Ο (Omicron)

Exercise 6: Translation Challenge[edit | edit source]

Translate the following words into Greek.

1. Life

2. Water

3. Book

4. Song

5. Heart

Answers

1. Ζωή

2. Νερό

3. Βιβλίο

4. Τραγούδι

5. Καρδιά

Exercise 7: Letter Sound Quiz[edit | edit source]

Identify the sound that corresponds to the following letters:

1. Ψ

2. Γ

3. Κ

4. Λ

5. Σ

Answers

1. /ps/

2. /ɣ/

3. /k/

4. /l/

5. /s/

Exercise 8: Create Sentences[edit | edit source]

Using the words you’ve learned, create three simple sentences in Greek (with English translations).

Example Answers

1. Η ζωή είναι ωραία. (Life is beautiful.)

2. Το νερό είναι κρύο. (The water is cold.)

3. Το βιβλίο είναι ενδιαφέρον. (The book is interesting.)

Exercise 9: Alphabetical Order[edit | edit source]

Put the following Greek words in alphabetical order:

1. Καρδιά

2. Βιβλίο

3. Δέντρο/δένδρο

4. Ζωή

5. Αύριο

Answers

1. Αύριο

2. Βιβλίο

3. Δέντρο

4. Ζωή

5. Καρδιά

Exercise 10: Letter Scramble[edit | edit source]

Unscramble the following letters to form a Greek word:

1. νέρο

2. τραγούδι

3. καρδιά

Answers

1. νερό (water)

2. τραγούδι (song)

3. καρδιά (heart)

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations on completing this lesson on Greek letters and their pronunciation! You’ve taken your first steps into the Greek language, and with practice, you’ll continue to grow. Remember, the alphabet is the key to unlocking the beauty of Greek words, sentences, and ultimately, conversations.

Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to read and write in Greek with confidence. In the next lesson, we’ll explore diphthongs and special combinations that will further enhance your understanding of the language. Until then, καλό ταξίδι (safe travels) on your language journey!

Table of Contents - Modern Greek (1453-) Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Greek Alphabet


Basic Greetings and Phrases


Nouns and Articles


Numbers and Time


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Dining


Verbs and Tenses


Travel and Transportation


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Family and Relationships


Greek Traditions and Customs


Greek History and Geography


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



Next Lesson — Diphthongs and Special Combinations ▶️

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